An even smaller keychain GPS receiver
Posted by Tim Hillebrand on 02/15/08 in GPS
A while back I was awed and wrote about what I thought was a miniscule GPS receiver that fit on a keychain. Well, I just received an even smaller one from Proporta.com that is even more awesome.
The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 comes in black with a rubberized coating, weighs 0.77 ounces, and measures 1.81 x 1.26 x 0.58 inches with a swivel detachable hook on one end. On one side is a slider power switch and a mini-USB port for charging.
In the box, you get a power charger for your car and a USB cable for charging from a computer. There is also a small printed user’s manual with instructions offered in ten languages.
Some of the important technical data are as follows:
· Bluetooth v 2.0
· 10 meter range
· MTK chipset
· 51 channels “all-in-view” tracking
· ARM7EJ-S processor
· Protocol: NMEA 0183/ V3.01, GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC
· Baud rate 115,200
· Frequency L1, 1,575.42 Mhz
· Tracking Sensitivity 158dBM
· WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS enabled
· P:osition deviation: 10 meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 meters
· Velocity: 0.1 m/sec
· Cold/warm/hot start: 36/33/1 sec
· Rechargeable 350 mAh Lithium polymer battery
Operation is simple and straight forward. After charging the device, switch the power on and pair it with your GPS navigation device via Bluetooth using the normal procedure.
On the end opposite the keyring hole are a series of LED lights that glow blue for Bluetooth connection, orange for GPS, red for battery, and green for charging.
Once you are paired with a navigation device, you are good to go. This miniscule signal grabber is a powerful little fellow. You don’t even have to have it in plain view of the satellites in your windshield. You can keep it hooked to your ignition key while navigating, and it will receive the signal just fine. You can also put it in your pocket, backpack or purse.
I’m not certain how long the battery lasts. The longest I have used it so far was about four hours, and it was still going strong. It has a power feature that allows the device to go into hibernation mode when there is no activity from your handheld device, and the lights stop flashing. It will wake up instantly with any signal from your navigation device.
You are probably wondering how much this little guy costs, and the answer is $129.95. You can get one from www.proporta.com. Shipping is an extra $4.95, by the way.
If you do not already have GPS software for your pocket pal, I recommend OCN from buy www.buygpsnow.com, Co-Pilot 7 from www.alk,com, and Ostia from www.pharosgps.com. Be sure to get the version that comes on an SD card that will also accommodate micro and mini SD slots. Prices start at $79 for the navigation software.
With this powerful GPSer on your keychain, you will never have to ask for directions again, and you can be a real man.
Written by Tim Hillebrand · Filed Under GPS
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Can you leave it on your keychain while driving or do you need to put it on your dash?
Should be able to leave it on your key chain but that might make charging more difficult. I leave my dell hidden near the floor in a console without issue & never have it on the dash.
I leave mine on my carkeys while driving and don’t have a problem. I’ve even charged it while still on the keys ;)
Reception hasn’t been a problem with it there with either Windows Live or Navizon
BTW I got mine from CrackBerry.com … less than $90