Posts Tagged ‘satellites’
What is Cell Phone Tracking
Most new phones are equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) to be able to be tracked by the provider. These type of phones can be tracked by satellites that are orbiting the earth. These satellites used to only be used by the government to help during warfare, but over the past several years, this technology has been put to use in many new different ways.
The basic principle behind the GPS technology that makes this work is the ancient practice of triangulation. If you’re not familiar about this practice, it basically works like this. You use two very distinctive landmarks to mark the center position.
The thing is you have to know the exact distance between the two landmarks in order to make this practice become accurate. Once you know the exact distance between the two landmarks, you make your self become the third vector to complete the triangle.
GPS uses your cell phone with the GPS system inside it, and uses the satellite as its two basic landmarks. Based on how far the signal is away from the satellite’s relative position in the sky, a computer can figure the location of the device giving off the signal to within a few feet.
Filed under General
Tags:basic principle, cell phone, center position, distinctive landmarks, global positioning system, gps, gps system, GPS Technology, orbiting the earth, relative position, satellite, satellites, triangulation, vector, What is Cell Phone Tracking
Technology behind satellite radio
Any song you hear on satellite radio stars as a recording in a specific format on different recording mediums. In most cases, the recording quality has to be maintained fairly high, usually around 384kb/s, while also being reasonably small enough to be transported on CDs and DVDs.
The music tracks used in satellite radio are cataloged using a similar system to the MP3 cataloging criteria, the ID3 tags. The choice for the music tracks that will be played is made by each channel individually. The DJ selecting the tracks usually chooses about 20-30 minutes worth of music.
The DJ has to listen to the tracks to make sure they are in proper condition and then simply lets the computer decode the original file. The same thing is repeated once the initial 20-30 minutes are exhausted and the music playing cycle repeats itself.
Sound encoding in satellite radio
Encoding is one of the key elements of digital radio. Each channel is handled by a different encoder. The encoder basically takes the analog file and turns it into a digital one. The digitalization process is made in real time and the music files are transformed into 1′s and 0′s.
This process is carried out by powerful computers that analyze sound waves and frequency and break them into binary code. The encoding process is carried out at 128kb/s, 44.1Kh which is actually CD quality.
After the song is encoded, it is transmitted to a multiplexer where other channels are also present – the multiplexer basically takes all the channels of the satellite radio provider and combines them into a single broadcast transmission.
The data is then sent to a satellite modem device which modulates the data and sends it to the broadcaster’s satellites, using unique transmission frequencies.
What happens above the Earth
Here is where the satellites are located. They receive the transmission and transmit it to the receivers we have in our homes and cars. The satellites are located at 23,000 miles above us – both Sirius and XM Radio use satellites located at this distance from the Earth.
The satellites are located in geo-sync, which means that hey orbit above the location they are designated to service at all times. When the satellite receives the transmission encoded at 128kb/s, 44.1 khz it rebroadcasts it to the geographical area it covers. Both Sirius and XM Radio use satellites that cover certain areas of the United states – mostly the East and West coasts.
For example, one of XM Radio’s satellites covers the western part of USA, probably an area located roughly from Seattle to San Diego on the West and Minneapolis to Houston on the east. The increased sound quality is possible because the broadcasted data (music tracks, news, sports transmission) don’t get sliced up too many times in the decoding process.
The antenna
The antenna connected to your satellite radio receiver picks up the transmission on L-Band. The recent technological advances have allowed digital radio broadcasters to create receivers small enough to fit mobile locations. In the early days of satellite radio, a large parabolic dish would have to be mounted on the car in order to receive signal.
Also, before the more compact receivers were created, the early satellite radio receivers needed electronic movements that directed the dish towards the satellite line of sight. Modern flat panel receivers have eliminated all the problems of their predecessors and can be fitted almost anywhere without taking up too much space.
The receiver and the output
The receiver is the device that decodes the data, basically doing the exact opposite of what the encoding process was like. After receiving the signal from the antenna it amplifies it and converts it to usable sound. The car or home audio system is then able to play the selected satellite radio channel. The rest of the process is exactly like analog broadcasts would work, with an amplifier and speakers outputting the sound.
Filed under Satellite Radio
Tags:30 minutes, broadcast transmission, broadcaster, cd quality, digital radio, digitalization, DJ, encoder, L-Band, mediums, modem device, multiplexer, music files, powerful computers, radio stars, receivers, satellite modem, satellite modem device, Satellite Radio, satellites, Sound encoding in satellite radio, sound waves, Technology behind satellite radio, The technology behind satellite radio, transmission frequencies
XM versus SIRIUS
The idea of America’s biggest two satellite radio joining forces has been up in the air for almost four years. Although XM had a year’s start, Sirius came back on the market, eventually with both companies sharing the market in half. So, what’s to choose? XM or Sirius?
First thing’s first. XM and Sirius are based on the same principle, each of them providing music, news, sports, etc. on their channels, but, every service has its ups and downs so we will try to discuss it in this present article.
A careful analysis shows that XM Satellite Radio provides a total of 136 streams, where two are premium channels (Playboy and High Voltage), twenty-one are traffic and weather based channels and nine are sport-dedicated ones.
On the other hand, Sirius offers a total of 119 streams, the premium streams not being available. Let’s take a closer look now on two – music and news – of the categories that the two major satellites are battling.
Music streams comparison
The number of music streams that both services offer is pretty much the same: 65 on Sirius and 68 on XM Satellite Radio but the difference is not in the number, but in the music genres that the radios offer.
Music – Decades
XM is the absolute champion in providing the music by decades because you can listen to the 40’s music, service not available on Sirius. Still, you can listen to the 90’s hits together with the current hits on Sirius Satellite Radio, which is an interesting feature.
Music – Country
“Ride’ em cowboy!”. Even if you’re not a cowboy, you can listen to country-related songs on both Satellites. Classic country or country hits are to be heard as well as alternative country or country mixes, the last two features being available only on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Regarding the number of streams that both Satellites offer, XM offers a total of five streams and Sirius offers four, the champion in this category being XM due to the quality and the quantity of music being played.
Music – Rock
If you are looking for sex, drugs, and rock and roll, Sirius and XM Satellite Radios can only offer you rock and roll, on a number of 14 streams on XM and 15 streams on Sirius. The rock subgenres are to be found in a large number on the stations, overall each service being very strong in this category.
Music – Dance and Latin
If you want to boogie, you can do that on both Satellites, listening to one of the six streams provided by Sirius or four streams provided by XM. Be careful though, because you can become a clubber maniac! And if you’re strong enough, the Latin pop stream, Mexicana and tropical music streams can really drive you crazy. XM Satellite Radio as well as Sirius Satellite Radio offer three streams.
Music – Other genres
Regarding other genres, both satellites really look up to their prestige, offering hours of hours of music, from Classical to Jazz, even Urban (Sirius feature). Both stations offer high quality tunes, making it worth all the money.
News Streams Comparison
Let’s skip to another interesting topic, news. CNN, FOX, CNBC, Bloomberg, MSNBC and many more news stations are being offered for listening in different languages. The number of streams is again near-by, XM offering a number of 11 news streams, not like Sirius, which offers 13.
Bottom line
It’s pretty hard to say which station is better, XM and Sirius being tied musically but in news and sports, Sirius holding the edge. To make a little joke, if you are a fan of Stern go with Sirius, if you like Q&A go XM. Anyway, it’s hard to say which one is better, but, what can I say is that both Satellites are worth paying for.
Filed under Satellite Radio
Tags:careful analysis, champion, closer look, decades, feature music, five streams, high voltage, music country, music genres, music news, music service, music streams, news sports, playboy, radios, Satellite Radio, satellites, sirius, sirius satellite radio, ups and downs, xm satellite radio, XM versus SIRIUS
Auto Navigation Systems that use Laptops or PDAs
You may or may not be aware of the many options on today’s market when it comes to auto navigation systems. Take my word for it there are now more options than ever before with new options appearing daily.
Among the many options that are available for those of you who are interested in obtaining equipment that will assist you in finding your way on long and short trips there are options that can be used along with your laptop or PDA devices.
If you currently own and use on a regular basis a laptop or PDA the software or other devices and receivers that are required in order to utilize your laptop as a GPS device aren’t nearly as expensive as purchasing a stand alone auto navigation system.
In fact, as far as money savers go, this is a great way to save money on your purchase and receive the same great benefits that some of the top of the line auto navigation systems has to offer. You will find these types of devices that are geared towards as many different budgets as the actual stand alone systems.
Some of the more popular of these tools include the following:
1) US Global Sat BU-353 USB port GPS Receiver. This nifty device costs less than $100 and allows you to turn your laptop or pc into a GPS. This is a great feature for finding directions and attaches to your laptop through the USB port.
2) DeLorme Earthmate LT-20 GPS. This is also a little less than $100 and gives your laptop fully functional navigation features. This not only works with laptops but also with Palm OS. You will experience rapid satellite acquisition and you have the Street Atlas software to guide you towards your destination. The software is included with the Earthmate. This software will even recalculate your directions should you miss a turn along the way. For the price, I highly recommend this if you have a PDA or laptop already.
3) DeLorme Earthmate Blue Logger Bluetooth Wireless GPS. This is another nifty tool by DeLorme. This device will allow you to receive a real time image of your location but requires an unobstructed view of the sky in order to accurately record its current position. This device also works with Street Atlas software in order to assist you in charting your course and giving proper driving directions.
4) Tom Tom Navigator 6 Bluetooth. If you are looking for feature rich navigation then this is certainly the tool for you. This is useful with laptops and Palm systems. Not only will you find mapping technology that is quite superior but you will also find useful things such as parking garages, fueling stations, and restaurants along the way.
You will notice a great variety of prices and features with these devices. The important thing to remember is that you want the same or better features for less with this type of equipment since you are providing either the laptop or the PDA.
If you already have the laptop or PDA you should be able to save a tremendous amount of money over the costs of purchasing a stand-alone auto navigation system. If you aren’t getting an incredible bargain you might want to debate whether or not the system you opt for really is the best system for you.
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is the fact that your laptop or PDA can become an important tool in keeping you on the right track when traveling. You may be one of the lucky few who has never gotten lost while traveling (or one of those who refuses to believe they are lost)
However, if you aren’t then perhaps it is time to seriously invest in either software, equipment, or devices that can help you find your way whenever you are lost. Laptop and PDA equipment offer great alternatives for those who need navigational assistance but need to remain within a strict budget.
GPS Systems – Bluetooth – Cell Phones
Affordable GPS Systems – Click Here
Filed under GPS For Dummies
Tags:affordable, atlas, atlas software, auto, auto navigation system, auto navigation systems, benefit, bluetooth, budgets, delorme earthmate, device, devices, functional navigation, functionality, gps, GPS device, guide, help, laptop, maps, money savers, nifty device, nifty tool, palm, PDA, pda devices, phone, phones, receivers, s market, satellite acquisition, satellites, short trips, software, Station, street atlas, systems, technology, tracking, travels, usb, wireless, wireless gps
Different Types of Auto Navigation Systems
It is true that auto navigation systems installed by automakers look completely natural and integrated into the features of the vehicles we purchase. For that reason alone, many people opt to pay several times over what the system would have cost to have installed by someone other than the maker of the automobile.
It is truly amazing how much of an impact aesthetics makes when it comes to purchasing your next dream car, or even your first dream car.
The thing is, that even if the system doesn’t seem to flow with the look of your car, there are very valid reasons for getting one in the first place and the safety and security that they provide travelers is very well worth the sacrifice of a few aesthetic features.
It isn’t exactly necessary, however, to completely sacrifice aesthetics in order to have the safety and security that auto navigation systems provide.
As a matter of fact, some of the most popular brands of these systems are actually installed to the car by use of suction cups rather than cutting into the dashboard or removing the ever so important stereo from your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping price conscious consumers in mind, manufacturers are offering many options well under the $500 benchmark while also affording consumers the luxury (or lower price, however you decide to call it) of installing these devices themselves.
It is important to remember that not all GPS (global positioning satellite) devices are meant to assist in auto navigation and make your purchase according to your specific needs.
When shopping for one of these devices it would be comparing apples to oranges to compare a tool that is widely used for activities such as geo caching, hiking, biking, or boating.
Each of these will bring in different price tags while offering greatly varied features. You need a device that is meant for mapping directions if you plan to use your device or system for driving.
I try to keep pointing out the fact that not all GPS or auto navigation systems are created equal this is very important to remember. You run the risk of purchasing the wrong system without proper planning and thus having a bad overall experience.
Even among systems designed specifically for the automobile that offer mapping and navigation assistance there are different types that will appeal to different needs and uses.
There are three types of auto navigation systems.
Those three types of systems include: Navigation systems that are designed to stand alone, handheld systems that suit multiple purposes, and systems that are designed to work with laptops, PCs, pocket PCs, and PDA systems.
Each of the types of auto navigation systems and devices offers different benefits and drawbacks. It is ultimately up to you to decide which will suit your needs most.
The stand-alone systems are often the most popular choice and are excellent for those who need driving directions and nothing more.
They offer a steady power supply, turn by turn direction (in many cases), the security of being there at all times (no worry about whether or not you remembered to actually bring it along), and verbal directions along with landmarks that should let you know you are on the right path. There is a reason that these are the most popular.
For those who want to take their navigational tools off road on occasion other devices might be much better suited to your needs.
Handheld devices often require additional software in order to work well with door-to-door types of directions or regular driving directions, however, they offer portability for those who wish to go biking, hiking, or kayaking and need the confidence that directions and navigational tools can provide.
For those who have laptops or PDAs, the software that is available for these provide an excellent service when it comes to navigation both on and off roads and the beaten path.
The cost is offset greatly if you already own your laptop or PDA and well worth a little extra investment, particularly if you will use this particular tool on a regular basis.
As I’ve said before, there is no perfect navigational solution for everyone, but there are quite a few that are nearly perfect for all who will dare to use them.
GPS Systems – Bluetooth – Cell Phones
Affordable GPS Systems – Click Here
Filed under GPS For Dummies
Tags:aesthetic features, aesthetics, affordable, apple, apples, auto, auto navigation systems, automakers, automobile, Benchmark, benefit, bluetooth, car, car truck, cars, conscious consumers, consumer, consumers, dashboard, device, devices, dream car, first dream, geo caching, global positioning satellite, gps, install, investments, landmark, landmarks, maps, oranges, PDA, phone, phones, portable, portables, price tags, risk, sacrifice, safety, safety and security, satellites, Secure, security, software, suction cups, systems, travels
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