8 Using MC35 Companion Programs
Wireless communication programs
160
Express GPS Connect
MC35 is integrated with the latest GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to quickly
compute positions in locations where GPS signals are barely detectable. Optimum GPS
performance can be achieved with Express GPS Connect. This program operates by
transferring GPS satellite data (ephemeris information) from the Internet to your device,
where it is stored in memory. Express GPS Connect can get satellite data when your
MC35 is connected to your PC or the Internet. This process occurs in the background,
ensuring the GPS functions are ready to use at all times.
To open Express GPS Connect:
1 Start a remote connection to the server using a GPRS or WiFi connection.
2Tap > Settings .
3 On the Connections tab, tap Express GPS Connect .
Using Express GPS Connect
Use Express GPS Connect for the first time
The first time you use your MC35 EDA, make sure your Express GPS Connect satellite
data is current. For your first location fix, it is best to be outdoors under an open sky, with
no tall buildings or other obstructions close by. It should take one to two minutes to
compute the first position fix. After obtaining the first fix, Express GPS Connect operates
at the optimum GPS performance level. If the data has expired, you should check your
Express GPS Connect settings.
Express GPS Connect position fix times
•The time it takes for Express GPS Connect to get a position fix varies with
signal reception conditions. In open and nearly open sky conditions, the
MC35 typically can get a position fix in just a few seconds. In blocked signal
conditions Express GPS Connect will start in one minute or less if the GPS
signals are sufficiently strong.
Using your MC35 near a window gives it a better view to the sky and
improves the chance of a successful position fix.
•Express GPS Connect starts searching for signals based on the most recent
position fix. When traveling to a new location your MC35 will need extra time
and more open signal conditions to obtain a location fix. After your first fix in
the new location full performance is restored.
•When traveling to a different time zone, you can change the time zone
settings to tell Express GPS Connect you have traveled.
Satellite reception
•GPS receivers work best when they have a direct line of sight to the
satellites. For example, somebody turning on a GPS receiver in the middle of
the Gobi Desert will obtain a position fix much sooner than a GPS user trying
to get a position fix in the middle of Wall Street. The reason for this is simple:
the Gobi Desert is a huge, flat expanse. It has no tall buildings and very few
natural obstructions that could block GPS signals. GPS is ideal for an "open
sky" environment like the Gobi Desert.
•In contrast, Wall Street represents an "urban canyon" environment, where
tall buildings on both sides of the street block, reflect, and scatter incoming
GPS signals. These conditions also apply when trying to use a GPS receiver
indoors. A traditional GPS receiver simply may not be able to compute a
position in an urban canyon or indoor environment.
•When you are getting your first GPS position fix with the MC35, try to do it in
an environment that is as close to "open sky" as possible. The first position
fix is crucial because it includes a calibration process that helps subsequent
position fixes to be computed more rapidly. After getting the first position fix,
you will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Express GPS Connect's high-
sensitivity technology, which, when coupled with Express GPS Connect
satellite data, allows you to get position fixes in places where traditional GPS
receivers can't.