January 14, 2006

Globalsat Launches Globalsat BC-337 Compact Flash GPS Receiver

Globalsat has announced another GPS receiver, this time a compact flash card based GPS receiver that uses the SiRF star III chipset. With its 20 channel capability and its low power draw this should be a pretty good piece of hardware.

"Unlike traditional GPS receivers which require separate antennas or wires, the BC-337 is an integrated receiver with a built-in patch antenna designed to fit directly into the Compact Flash or PCMCIA slot. The BC-337 was designed in SiRF Star III with wireless consumer applications in mind; it will give accurate readings from up to 20 channels. The BC-337 has an exceptional accuracy of WAAS which makes it ideal for detailed turn-by-turn mapping. The BC-337 is an inexpensive, flexible alternative to traditional navigation systems. The BC-337 is truly transportable. Insert it into your PDA and place it in a convenient spot in your car and enjoy the benefits of using your additional mapping software for intelligent route calculation and voice-prompted, turn-by-turn navigation instructions."

Features for the Globalsat BC-337
CFA compliant.
Within SiRF Star III/LP low power All-in-View high performance 20-parallel channels.
Support Standard NMEA 0183 command: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, GLL, VTG.
SingleSat updates in reduced visibility.
Superior urban canyon performance.
FoliageLock for weak signal tracking.
Optional external antenna.
Built-in Antenna for high sensitivity to satellite signal.
LED indicator for GPS fix or not fix.

Specifications for Globalsat BC-337:
Frequency: L1, 1575.42MHz
Channel: 20 channels all-in-view tracking
Chipset: SiRF Star III

Interface
Interface: Compact Flash Type I

Position Accuracy:
10 meters, 2D RMS, (No SA).
5 meters, 2D RMS, (WAAS enabled).

Datum: WGS-84

Acquisition Rate
Hot Start: 1 sec. average
Warm Start: 38 sec. average
Cold Start: 42 sec. average
Reacquisition Time: 0.1 sec. average

GPS output data: NMEA 0183 protocol, supports command GGA (1 sec), GSA (1 sec), GSV (5 sec), RMC (1 sec), (VTG and GLL are optional).
Baud Rate: 4800 bps,N,8,1
Dynamic Condition Maximum Altitude: 18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max.
Maximum Velocity: 515 meter/sec. (1,000 knots) max.

Voltage: DC 3.3 V Â± 10%
Power consumption: 90 mA

Antenna Type: Built in antenna
External Antenna Interface: MMCX (Optional)
Dimension: 83 mm x 42.8 mm x 13.3 mm
LED Indicator: GPS fix status.
(blinking light: GPS is fixed, solid light: GPS is not fixed.)
Temperature
Operating Temperature: -10Â°C to +70Â°C
Storage Temperature: -40Â°C to +80Â°C
Operation Humidity: 95%, Non- Condensing

Price is around $110