GlobalSat BT-338 Bluetooth GPS Receiver
Overview
GPS receivers have morphed from a hyper-expensive military tool to a common consumer item. In just the last few years GPS technology has moved from the government’s clenched hands, to drivers, campers, hikers, bikers, and golfers all due to its power to show us where we are and help guide us to where we want to go. It is one of the most useful tools anyone on the go could ever invest in!
The GlobalSat BT-338 uses the latest generation of GPS chipsets from SiRF, the SiRFStarIII. It doesn’t use up your scarce SD or CF slots and can be used with Pocket PCs, Table PCs, notebooks, almost any device with Bluetooth
This tiny marvel is about the size of today’s smallest folding cell phones. It’s a pretty sexy little piece, measuring about one inch by two and less than an inch thick, in a slick silver casing that resembles a small wireless mouse, with three LEDs- amber, green and blue to show battery power, satellite link connectivity and Bluetooth activity respectively, next to a chrome power button.
When connecting to satellites, the green LED is on solid and will only blink when it has established a link. The Bluetooth indicator behaves in a similar fashion, though the battery LED acts as one would expect, blinking only when the battery's charge is almost spent.
The GlobalSat can sit fairly securely on your car dash, kept in place by two rubber bars on the bottom and powered by a removable battery. But this little gem is so advanced, it doesn't have to be mounted on your dash at all. It will get a clean lock on GPS satellite signals so fast, it’s shocking.
The GlobalSat touts and delivers cold start operation in 48 seconds, with warm and hot starts at 38 seconds and an amazing one second respectively. This is such a leap forward that it makes many other receivers look like mere toys, and it is half their size.
The latest advance in GPS receiver silicon, the SiRF Star III chipset is what makes this magic happen.
If you’re shopping for a GPS receiver, avoid those with the older chipsets. They’re a lot slower to acquire a signal lock – minutes instead of seconds. With selective availability a thing of the past, mapping software (not included in the package) can pinpoint your location down to about three meters - less than the length of a car.
It does this by utilizing 20 channels (where its predecessors used only 12) again, thanks to the latest chipset, in conjunction the GPS locator built into your Treo to collect the satellite data. The BT-338 also uses more GPS signals; even the weaker signals that bounce back and forth between walls and buildings that other GPS receivers can’t lock onto.
This receiver is pleasantly different from the standard range of dull black boxes. The silver body is well shaped, and finds approval even by the fashion conscious public. An increasingly important fashion detail – the lanyard ring at the top of the receiver that allows you to hang the BT338 around your neck.
Accessories
It comes with a belt pouch to keep it safe and out of harms way and a power supply
The fine print stuff
First and foremost, ALL my items are genuine items, purchased from reputable suppliers/manufacturers/distributors in South Africa (unless specifically stated otherwise in the item Overview that items are imported). I will give a full 7-day money back or swap out guarantee, that the items are free from manufacturers defect. Item needs to be returned within 7-days with original packaging (off course packaging may be opened). Shipping charges will be at the customers’ expense. Money back or swap out will be at your request, and subject to stock availability.
Please note that I can unfortunately not release any items until payment has been confirmed. Internet Banking Transfer - Goods released when payment in my ABSA acct. Cheque deposits - subject to a 7-day clearance period. If you live close to Kempton Park, a pickup can be arranged, but pickup will be strictly cash on delivery.
I can unfortunately not accept responsibility for shipments that has not been insured. Insurance is optional at your own cost. (See shipment for details) When choosing Speed Services Couriers, you automatically get a tracking number, but when choosing standard post, no tracking number is issued unless taken with insurance.
I always try to keep the costs specified for postage and packaging as accurate as possible, if I specified the costs too high, I will refund you the balance. If the costs are specified too low, I will pay in the difference at my own discretion.
