GPS work on a plane?
Dec 14, 2009 | 8:11 pm
#2
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If you search (put GPS in double quotes - "GPS") you will find many threads about it.
Depends on the airline if they allow it or not, some do and some don't. None allow it at takeoff and landing.
You need to be up against the window for it to work, and even then I'm probably less then 1 in five times that it works. But yes, there is a chance you will lock onto a signal if you keep trying.
Depends on the airline if they allow it or not, some do and some don't. None allow it at takeoff and landing.
You need to be up against the window for it to work, and even then I'm probably less then 1 in five times that it works. But yes, there is a chance you will lock onto a signal if you keep trying.
Dec 14, 2009 | 8:24 pm
#3
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Dec 14, 2009 | 10:05 pm
#5
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My iPhone 3G did not get a fix even when held up against the window for 30 sec. My guess is that maybe the algorithm couldn't do the math calculations fast enough to keep up with the high rate of travel, or the multiple layered window and frame obstructed the view too much.
Dec 15, 2009 | 4:25 am
#6
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GPSs work, but you must have a window seat and hold the antenna/device up against the window. My GPS with the SiRF II chipset took over a minute to get a position lock.
Some airlines permit GPS. Check the back of the in-flight magazine on which electronic devices are permitted and when.
Some airlines permit GPS. Check the back of the in-flight magazine on which electronic devices are permitted and when.
Dec 15, 2009 | 4:51 am
#7
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Coming back from Cairns last week in a DJ 738 - we were doing 873 km/hr @ 12,315 m - height accuracy around 40m, speed accuracy was around 20 km/hr.
According to "GPS Position" on my Nokia E71. Takes about 1-2 minutes for a good fix...
According to "GPS Position" on my Nokia E71. Takes about 1-2 minutes for a good fix...
Dec 15, 2009 | 7:02 am
#8
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My iPhone 3G did not get a fix even when held up against the window for 30 sec. My guess is that maybe the algorithm couldn't do the math calculations fast enough to keep up with the high rate of travel, or the multiple layered window and frame obstructed the view too much.
Should be no issue due to speed or the a/c windows, have had this working on many GPS devices over the years.
Dec 15, 2009 | 7:16 am
#9
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My iPhone 3G did not get a fix even when held up against the window for 30 sec. My guess is that maybe the algorithm couldn't do the math calculations fast enough to keep up with the high rate of travel, or the multiple layered window and frame obstructed the view too much.
Dec 15, 2009 | 8:00 am
#10
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CO allows GPS use. Due to the limited number of satellites that can be seen from one side of the aircraft, it often takes a minute or two for my unit to actually figure out where I am. This is particularly true if it's been turned off for a while and moved significantly from where it was last turned on. It does need to be near a window, however, as the GPS signals don't go through aluminum.
Dec 15, 2009 | 9:13 am
#12
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My iPhone 3G did not get a fix even when held up against the window for 30 sec. My guess is that maybe the algorithm couldn't do the math calculations fast enough to keep up with the high rate of travel, or the multiple layered window and frame obstructed the view too much.
Dec 15, 2009 | 10:11 am
#13
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As per my above comment - this is why it can get a real GPS fix quickly when on the ground - the mobile towers provide an approximate location, and the GPS uses that data to "look" for the satellite signal more quickly. Without a mobile signal it will take longer, but it will work. As an example - you can use the GPS on the iPhone when the mobile radio is switched off.
Dec 15, 2009 | 10:13 am
#14
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As per my above comment - this is why it can get a real GPS fix quickly when on the ground - the mobile towers provide an approximate location, and the GPS uses that data to "look" for the satellite signal more quickly. Without a mobile signal it will take longer, but it will work. As an example - you can use the GPS on the iPhone when the mobile radio is switched off.
Thanks
Dec 15, 2009 | 10:29 am
#15
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I think the iphone 3g and 3gs will indeed get gps without a cell tower. I have had perfect gps in the mountains, where the is no signal listed at all. Only iphones with built in gps though, not the original iphone which only had skyhook "gps" approximation.
that being said, I have had only hit and miss sucess with gps on a plane. My iphone didn't get it, although I wasn't at the window.
My htc mogul didn't get it, even when I was AT the window. My garmin colorado DID get it. And my garmin xy400 watch, which was on my arm at the time and up against the window GOT a signal. Fun to watch my running speed at 400 mph
that being said, I have had only hit and miss sucess with gps on a plane. My iphone didn't get it, although I wasn't at the window.
My htc mogul didn't get it, even when I was AT the window. My garmin colorado DID get it. And my garmin xy400 watch, which was on my arm at the time and up against the window GOT a signal. Fun to watch my running speed at 400 mph