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Tom Gourley writes:
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The Nav42x series has an integrated
WAAS compatible GPS.
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Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) uses a series of strategically
placed ground stations that receive the GPS signal from the GPS
constellation, compare the reported position to the known position and
calculate the difference. This difference between the two is used to
infer the signal propagation delay through the ionosphere. The
ionosphere is very dynamic and not very predictable. The delay
"coefficients" are then transmitted to three (two currently in service)
specialized WAAS satellites that then transmit the correction data back
to earth. (simplified explanation).
"WAAS Compatibility" simply means that the GPS receiver can receive the
signals from the three WAAS satellites. Most GPS receiver can do this.
The trick comes in being able to process the WAAS data and use it to
correct your position information. There is a lot of math involved and
it must be done in real time so it requires a beefy Digital Signal
Processor (DSP).
Think of it this way, your telephone is "FAX Compatible" just like most
GPS receivers are "WAAS Compatible". You telephone can dial a FAX
number and receive the pops and screeches but it has no way to process
the data into a facsimile of a document.
WAAS Capable GPS receivers (like the FreeFlight) have an internal DSP
in addition to the receiver to make use of the WAAS data.
Do not confuse "WAAS Compatible" or "WAAS Enabled", the ability to
receive WAAS data (easy), with "WAAS Capable", the ability to receive
AND process the WAAS data (hard).
Caveat Emptor
Regards
Brent Regan
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