Customer Reviews

Ambicom Compact Flash GPS Receiver

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The product package includes

1. CF GPS receiver.
2. PocketMap Navigator Software 30 days trial version.
3. Antenna booster for in car use (it does not require any power from car)

I am using it with my Dell AXIM 5, PPC Windows 2002 system. Once it is up it tracks on average 6 satellites (maximum display limit is 12 and the maximum i have seen it track is 8) with a CEP of 17' on average. On a overcast day antenna is must otherwise it doesn't track any satellites on my system. On a clear day it works well out doors without the antenna.

What I like about it:
1. It doesn't drain too much power (I don't have to recharge my PPC more often)
2. Its easy to install and use.
3. Reasonably accuracy (25 CEP per specs - in most cases its better than that)
4. Navigation software comes with voice navigation (voice itself is digitally synthesized - so its little bit hard to understand). The software has nice list of POI's (grocery stores, motels, fitness clubs etc)

What I don't like about it:
1. Map software is 30-day trial version. At the time of writing this review its price is $...
2. Navigator software doesn't give you route optimization options (e.g. you will prefer using highways/interstates or other road ... etc)

Note: For Dell Axim 5 users - it takes up the CF slot and you can't use CF slot for map storage.

I got this for Christmas for use with a Cassiopeia E125. The software loaded fine, but the receiver did not appear to get a signal. The Ambicom office was closed during Christmas break, so I put it aside. This week I e-mailed Ambicom. Their response is as follows:
"Unfortunately, the software is not compatible with PDA OS. It's only for Pocket PC 2002 and 2003. Sorry for this incovenient caused."
Amazon's product description and the (sparse) Ambicom documentation did not reveal this detail. Now I'm stuck with something I probably can't use.

Unit is not the most accurate on the market. Averages 30 feet from location. Tends to "wander" when at a stop.