Ambicom Compact Flash GPS Receiver Review

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Ambicom Compact Flash GPS Receiver Review

Manufacturer: Ambicom

Model#: GPS-

Weight: .10lbs
Height: 2"

Width: 6.50"
Length: 9"

Average Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Features:

Real-time in-vehicle navigation
Turn-by-turn voice and visual instructions
Ultra compact design
Continuous GPS position update
Compatible with most Pocket PC's with Compact Flash slot

Product Name: GPS-CF CompactFlash GPS Receiver

Marketing Information:

CompactFlash GPS Receiver is loaded with extra features such as off-route warning and detailed street maps in the 50 states. Now you can turn your Pocket PC into a true GPS navigation system and never worry about getting lost. In addition to PocketMap Navigator, you can also use other forms of navigation software in conjunction with AmbiCom"s Navigation Receiver.

Aviation, nautical, outdoor camping and hiking software are just some examples of the variety of softwares you can use with AmbiCom"s Navigation Receiver. Simply ensure the software is compatible with NMEA-0183 and SiRF Binary protocols and you are free to explore the world with your new GPS navigation system. Comprehensive real time connection to satellites pinpoints your current location and refreshes your map every second so your position is reflected on a moving map as you drive.

Technical Information

Connectivity Technology: Docking

Number of Channels: 12

Acquisition Time: Hot Start 5 Second(s) Maximum

Acquisition Time: Warm Start 36 Second(s) Maximum

Acquisition Time: Cold Start 45 Second(s) Maximum With active antenna

Navigation Instructions: Voice

Physical Characteristics

Form Factor: Plug-in Card

Dimensions: 3.7" x 1.7" x 0.4"

Weight: 1.5 oz

Miscellaneous

Compatibility:

Microsoft Pocket PC/PDA

User Submitted Ambicom Compact Flash GPS Receiver Reviews

Date: 2007-06-25
COMPACT FLASH GPS
Unit is not the most accurate on the market. Averages 30 feet from location. Tends to "wander" when at a stop.

Date: 2005-07-01
Compatibility problem
I got this for Christmas for use with a Cassiopeia E125. The software loaded fine, but the receiver did not appear to get a signal. The Ambicom office was closed during Christmas break, so I put it aside. This week I e-mailed Ambicom. Their response is as follows:
"Unfortunately, the software is not compatible with PDA OS. It's only for Pocket PC 2002 and 2003. Sorry for this incovenient caused."
Amazon's product description and the (sparse) Ambicom documentation did not reveal this detail. Now I'm stuck with something I probably can't use.

Date: 2003-06-29
Good product but .... !
The product package includes

1. CF GPS receiver.
2. PocketMap Navigator Software 30 days trial version.
3. Antenna booster for in car use (it does not require any power from car)

I am using it with my Dell AXIM 5, PPC Windows 2002 system. Once it is up it tracks on average 6 satellites (maximum display limit is 12 and the maximum i have seen it track is 8) with a CEP of 17' on average. On a overcast day antenna is must otherwise it doesn't track any satellites on my system. On a clear day it works well out doors without the antenna.

What I like about it:
1. It doesn't drain too much power (I don't have to recharge my PPC more often)
2. Its easy to install and use.
3. Reasonably accuracy (25 CEP per specs - in most cases its better than that)
4. Navigation software comes with voice navigation (voice itself is digitally synthesized - so its little bit hard to understand). The software has nice list of POI's (grocery stores, motels, fitness clubs etc)

What I don't like about it:
1. Map software is 30-day trial version. At the time of writing this review its price is $...
2. Navigator software doesn't give you route optimization options (e.g. you will prefer using highways/interstates or other road ... etc)

Note: For Dell Axim 5 users - it takes up the CF slot and you can't use CF slot for map storage.