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Geode


Wed Feb 7, 2001 - 12:00 AM EST - By James Hromadka

Product Info
Details

»	Name Geode
»	Company GeoDiscovery
»	Size 2.4" x 4.3" x 1.2"
»	Weight 5.7 oz. w/ batt.
»	Memory 3 K on Visor when inserted (GeoView maps take extra)
»	Accuracy 2-3 Meters
»	Fact Sheet & User Opinions

Availability

»	Unknown

Pricing

$289

Satellite Status

Tap the Satellite button to switch to a screen showing all found satellites and their position with respect to your current location. A horizontal bar next to each satellite shows the signal strength and visually indicates the status of the Geode's using the satellite. According to the Quick Tips document that comes stored on the Geode, Signal indicates that the Geode is talking to the satellite but doesn't have enough information. Locked means that there is enough information to use the satellite for calculating location. In Fix means that the Geode is actively using the satellite to calculate position. I listed above the general status messages. The Geode also appends one of the following:

,PS - Power save mode

,FP - Full power mode

,WAAS - included Wide Area Augmentation System in the solution

,Alt(User) - Altitude (user input), user inputs estimated altitude

,Alt(Forced) - Altitude forced (not computed)

,DOP Exceed - Dilution of Precision Exceeded

Preferences need pictures so they aren't dull looking :) Notice in the satellite screenshot the 122? That is the nearest WAAS satellite/station, although the Geode doesn't display it with the other satellites on the overhead screen. To enable WAAS or Full Power mode, Select Options | Preferences when in the Geode Info application. You must be in Full Power mode to use WAAS. I also noticed the Geode's lights blink more when in full power mode.

Full Power mode is particularly useful when inside a vehicle. I was able to hold the Geode next to my passenger window until I got a lock, then hold it in front of my chest. I then only lost the signal when I moved too much or when going under an overpass. I couldn't do this with the HandyGPS.

GeoView Mobile Application

Reader portion

It's your home! go back to your home! Now that you've learned about the compass and satellite system of the Geode, how does GeoView Mobile, the Geode's mapping software, rate? We're almost there.

It all starts with the Home screen. Here you will find information on the Visor's battery level (top right of the screen), the Geode's battery level (bottom left) and the current satellite status:

Looking - No dimensional solution

Ready 2D - 2 dimensional solution (altitude not known)

Ready 3D - 3 dimensional solution

Also on the Home screen are buttons that take you into the Map view, the Reader view where you can manage data, and Geode Info which I discussed above.

He's the Reader of the Pack Places to go, people to see The Reader portion of GeoView Mobile is where you manage the maps that you are using. Tap on an item to view its properties. In the case of Quick Tips or any GeoExchange databases, you will have three tabs. The first tab (Guide) will have textual information about the database.

The Places tab will have a listing of points. Tap on one of these points to bring up its coordinates and other relevant information. There is also a globe icon next to the point's name. Tap it to create a Target on the Map screen. This is very handy for setting any of your GeoPoints as a target. I still haven't figured out how to remove a target though.

The third tab (Pack Details) is the only one seen on normal maps. Here you find location information (RAM, Geode, etc) and you can also set whether to backup the database during HotSync.

You can beam the entire GeoView Mobile application by selecting Actions | Beam GeoView Application. Beam individual packs by selecting Actions | Beam Packs. When beaming to another person, I suggest laying both handhelds on a flat surface. It took at least a minute to beam some of the Houston maps to my father.

Share the love To delete a database, on the menu select Actions | Delete Packs. You will see a screen similar to the Beam Packs screen pictured here. Check the databases to delete and tap the Delete button. This isn't rocket science!

Mapping portion >>