WAAS, DGPS and your GPS

yoda · #1 03-14-2002, 11:13 AM

Ok, Whats the poop with this "New" WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) Seems to be the rave nowadays, Looks like it was delveloped for the Avaition industry to me, doesn't seem like it's going to be anymore accurate than DGPS,,, any thoughts or comments on this

Here's a few links to bring you up to snuff:
http://gps.faa.gov/Programs/WAAS/howitworks-text.htm
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/dgps/default.htm

Michigan Hunter · #2 03-20-2002, 09:26 AM

I have been using GPS about 6-8 years now. Have had three GPS units (now using Garmin Legend). It appears that the advertised limits before WAAS were down to 30 yards. (I did see, typically 10-15 yards). I am now seeing, with WAAS down to 7 yards (like they say). It's a nice addition to using GPS. But I'm not sure it's the final answer. It's nice if you are in pitch dark looking for the deer blind and 30 yards puts you WAY OFF......

knockoff64 · #3 03-20-2002, 07:26 PM

I read a field test on the WAAS a few months back, the independent testers (never even mentioned whose unit they used) consistantly came within 3 meters of their target. This was on the water, with a remote antenna mounted on a radar arch.

The FCC (I think that is the agency?) however will not allow manufacturers claim results better than 7 meters. Due to antenna differences, interferences, etc.

I got a Magellan GPS330M w/WAAS for christmas, but have yet to really give it a workout.

yoda · #4 03-20-2002, 07:51 PM

So are people going to need a antenna for WAAS Like you need for DGPS ???

knockoff64 · #5 03-20-2002, 09:08 PM

It depends on the unit you get. The better models will require an external antenna. Which will give you better and more accurate access to the satelite network.

My Magellan is a hand held unit, so I don't really expect to get the spectacular results that WAAS is supposed to acheive.

***ESOX*** · #6 03-21-2002, 02:43 PM

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/com...tm&store_num=3

Michigan Hunter · #7 03-25-2002, 01:42 PM

You don't need anything special for WAAS if it's on your GPS. I have the eTrex Legend and you either enable it or disable it. When I enable mine it seeks out and lockes in on the WAAS satellites...numbered in the thirties. I lock them in at my Driveway here in Bay City. They are easy to hit and work well. Once they lock in the other satellites have a 'D' on the bar and correct to close distances.

Hunt4Ever · #8 03-28-2002, 06:51 PM

The WASS system was conceived and designed when Selective Availability was active or turned on. GPS positional accuracy was,
at that time, an average 50 to 100 meters. WAAS would increase that accuracy to 7 to 10 meters without the external DGPS equipment. However since Selective Availability was deactivated or turned off, the positional accuracy of GPS is 5 to 15 meters.

You do enjoy an increased accuracy in altitude with the WAAS capability, over the standard GPS only receiver, which is of particular use in aviation. This is one of the primary reasons the FAA developed this system.

I thought this might help.

**NEMichsportsman** · #9 03-31-2002, 08:56 PM

I normally get an accuracy of 15-21 feet with my Garmin 12xl. This is pretty true whether I am on the open water, or under a pretty heavy tree canopy scouting for new hunting territory. I have thought about getting a new gps with the waas capability but I guess I expected more...

Am I way off base to think that it is a nice feature but I would only get a nominal return on my investment????

jp

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