The coming challenge for GPS users

[yarcraft91]

Looks like we face some problems in the not-too-distant future, when sunspot activity will interfere with our GPS equipment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8494225.stm

Like Roseann Roseannadanna used to say "There's always somethin'. If it's not one thing, it's somethin' else."

[Raybob]

Uncle Sam's Boomer boat sins input have survived such since the early 60's...

[Raybob]

The tightly-coupled GPS/SINS integrated navigation system based on the adaptive multi-sensor track fusion algorithm utilizes the adaptive track fusion algorithm to fuse the output of the GPS/SINS Kalman filter and GPS Kalman filter. In case the GPS outages occur, accuracy of the system will be degraded rapidly due to the lack of measurements of the two Kalman filters. An algorithm of bridging GPS outages using radial basis function neural network is presented to improve accuracy of the navigation system during the GPS outages. This method uses radial basis function neural network to predict measurement of GPS/SINS Kalman filter during GPS outages in order to ensure the regular operation of the filter, resulting in reliable performance of the system. The performance of the method proposed is examined using intentionally introduced GPS outages and the mathematic simulation results have shown that the method proposed outperforms the navigation system without the neural network.

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?reload=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F5197 533%2F5213059%2F05222600.pdf%3Farnumber%3D5222600&authDecision=-203

Also land based systems (non-gps) maybe be used for fixes...

[yarcraft91]

Thanks for the link. My boat does not have the SINS navigation system to integrate with GPS. It looks like SINS is for big commercial or military ships, not pleasure boats.
http://www.kearfott.com/images/stories/pdf/DATASHEETS_KGN_NJ/SEA/kn-6000_ship_integrated_navigation_system_(sins).pdf
I hope we will not kick ourselves for turning off the US LORAN-C system last week. It would probably have been impacted by sunspots, too.

[ffishman]

Looks like I may be back to using landmarks to find my spots.

[VernH]

Looks like the Chinese have already harnessed the power of the sunspots....

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8758

Think any guides run one of these in their boats????:stirthepot:

[yarcraft91]

Good item to own if the government has planted a GPS tracking chip in your head or clamped one on your ankle.

[VernH]

Good item to own if the government has planted a GPS tracking chip in your head or clamped one on your ankle.

Or once you found the "spot on a spot" with your GPS, dropped your anchor and shut your GPS off. When the other boats come and try to set a waypoint.....

[chitterchad]

If you listen to some people, after 12-21- 2012 we won't need are GPS's or anything. Will all be turned to ash by the sun.:stirthepot:Plus there was a movie about it so it must be true.:boozer::)

[yarcraft91]

If you listen to some people, after 12-21- 2012 we won't need are GPS's or anything. Will all be turned to ash by the sun.:stirthepot:Plus there was a movie about it so it must be true.:boozer::)


Good point, Chad. Since you won't need your stuff after 12/21/2012, do you mind if I drive up there on 12/20/2012 and help myself to a few things? :)

[VernH]

If you listen to some people, after 12-21- 2012 we won't need are GPS's or anything. Will all be turned to ash by the sun.:stirthepot:Plus there was a movie about it so it must be true.:boozer::)

I have a solarflare proof pole barn that you can store you stuff in. Don't read the fine print on the storage contract....

Vern

P.S. Look for the grand opening of my new business, Solar Marine on 1/2/2013.

[chitterchad]

Good point, Chad. Since you won't need your stuff after 12/21/2012, do you mind if I drive up there on 12/20/2012 and help myself to a few things?

I'm LMAO, I knew that was coming. I've always wanted a new Ranger with all the bells and whistle, maybe I should go borrow to the hilt. :bangin: Not make any payments like some:cookoo:, and hope for the worse :stick: and if it don't happen the goverment can help me out with food, housing, car, cell phone, etc. :boozer:

[chitterchad]

I have a solarflare proof pole barn that you can store you stuff in. Don't read the fine print on the storage contract....

Vern

P.S. Look for the grand opening of Solar Marine on 1/2/2013.

If you were only a little closer, I could bring the 12-22- 2012 :) is it heated.;)

[VernH]

If you were only a little closer, I could bring the 12-22- 2012 :) is it heated.;)

It will be solar heated on 12/21/2012....

Vern

[Nimstug]

The tightly-coupled GPS/SINS integrated navigation system based on the adaptive multi-sensor track fusion algorithm utilizes the adaptive track fusion algorithm to fuse the output.........

I was told there wasn't going to be any math. :D

[Raybob]

I was told there wasn't going to be any math. :D

Heheh, good one :D ~ A/N 'puters were around long before me in 1962 to take care of the deep math n' formulas. :)

[WARRIOR]

Global warming is my first concern, followed by Warrior boat company, olympic hockey (go USA) and ended by what am I having for supper?