WASS question

[cbearw]

Hi there: My I-Finder recieves WASS in addition to GPS signals. When I first got it I was picking up 5 or 6 WASS satellites and my Estimated Position Error was less than 20 feet. The last week or so I have noticed I am getting few WASS signals (at my same location) and my EPE is now about 40 feet.
Was wondering if the ability to pick up these WASS signals varies from week to week or even day to day or even month to month. Yesterday I had clear blue sky and still almost no WASS signals:confused: at the same location were I used to get strong signals a couple of weeks ago. Anyone have any advice on this WASS question or is it something I should bring up with Lowrance.
Thanks.........................Tom

[twohats]

There are two different sat. One is standard gps and the other is a wass gps. The wass gives a better fix. But there are fewer wass then the standard. So It all depends on what sat,s are over head at the time.

[Landsend]

On my garmin, the WAAS Satelites are anything over 30. I've yet to pick up a WAAS Satelite signal (Only had it a month, used a few times), but even without it, It is close within 20ft. Have to take the kids out geo-caching and try it out. Also like the ability of fishing spots with the Garmin software. Nice little unit for the price (My first one) $89 @ Gander.

[hitechman]

Hi there: My I-Finder recieves WASS in addition to GPS signals. When I first got it I was picking up 5 or 6 WASS satellites and my Estimated Position Error was less than 20 feet. The last week or so I have noticed I am getting few WASS signals (at my same location) and my EPE is now about 40 feet.
Was wondering if the ability to pick up these WASS signals varies from week to week or even day to day or even month to month. Yesterday I had clear blue sky and still almost no WASS signals:confused: at the same location were I used to get strong signals a couple of weeks ago. Anyone have any advice on this WASS question or is it something I should bring up with Lowrance.
Thanks.........................Tom

WAAS is a satellite that connects to a land (earth's surface) station that corrects errors in satellite signals caused by ionization in the atmosphere. Currently there are only 2 of those available in the Unites States and their reception is only fair in the Michigan area.

I wouldn't worry too much about receiving a WAAS signal as it doesn't make that much difference--plus if you have your GPSr WAAS function turned on it will eat batteries twice as fast (or faster). Satellite reception varies hourly based on many conditions (satellite location/availability, signal blocking cover, weather, and other atmospheric conditions).

Steve

[cbearw]

Thanks guys for your WASS information. Steve I will shut my WASS off it it saves battery power like you say! BTW great explanation of how Wass system is set up and operates. Apparently the top of the line Garmins have something called a Surf 3 processsor and get better EPE's but cost more money. My dealor says my brand new I Finder unit is now considered old technology:sad: !! But the more I use the thing the more I get used to it and like it. I can easily live with 40 ft. Still curious what sort of EPE's other I Finder users are getting with and without WASS. Regards...................Tom

[hitechman]

technology allows more receiver sensitivity which means they are able to receive and process weaker signals. The units manufactured with this are not necessarily "top of the line" but do add a $50-$60 increase to the price.

I know that both Lowrance and Garmin have incorporated (within the past year) this into at least some of their models, and it wouldn't surprise me that other manufactures have as well.

Like all technology now-a-days, its old as soon as you buy it!

[twohats]

Here is a link that will tell you all you want to know about the WASS system.

http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/waas.html

[cbearw]

Thanks Two Hats. Lots of good info on the Garmin site that would apply to any GPS. I never thought to check as mine is a Lowrance product. Thanks for the Sirf info Steve. Kinda wished I had of known about that sooner. I might have gone with a Garmin or Lowrance with that technology. Tom