Comments on: Does heavy cloud cover affect GPS reception?

By: Rich Owings

Rich Owings — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:26:19 +0000

Sorry Kim. I’ve about exhausted the possibilities that I know of. I suppose the device could have some very poor quality chipset firmware. You might want to discuss the issue with the manufacturer or retailer.

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:38:27 +0000

hi rich, thanks so much for your kind detail response. Actually the celluar signal working good no matter clouds or not, it can feed back SMS anytime ,but the latitude and longitude data is wrong or no. And please be noted it can work normally if the weather is good without cloud or light cloud. That’s I suspect it may affected by the weather. And in the testing time, I already pay attention the possibility blocking factor. After read your articl, I am confused now.

By: Rich Owings

Rich Owings — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:30:47 +0000

Kim,
The device reports back (transmits) via cellular signal. I’m not sure how much these are affected by weather, but it could be an issue.
On the (GPS) reception side, while clouds and fog will not affect it, condensation / moisture collecting on your car can. Metal blocks signals as well, so locating the device in a window will help.
When carrying it outside the car, be aware that your body will block signals too. A mesh pocket of a daypack is often a good location, but in ideal conditions, a purse may work fine. The further from your body the better.
All these blocking materials (metal, your body) become much worse if the container carrying the device (purse, car, etc.) has a thin film of moisture on it.
The specs say the device has a SiRFstar III chipset, which generally has excellent performance under tough conditions.
Hope this helps.