Actually, 10hz consumer GPS has been around for a couple of years now. Ublox have a chipset that produces 10hz data in binary output that sits our purposes very well. Kean Rogers, Manfred Fuchs and Chris Lockwood (and probably others)have been experimenting with this chipset in bluetooth dongles for some time. The problem for our use is that the only GPS units commercially available can not internally record the data at the 10hz rate. They need to be connected to some other device to do this, like a bluetooth pocket PC, which can record the 10hz data. Manfred has used his considerable skill to physically attach a wired in SD card recorder to make prototype units that can record the data directly to the card and he reports that they can give us a significant advance in accuracy.
Unfortunately for us, no manufacturer has seen a business case to add this recording feature to a stand alone 10hz GPS.
We have asked Locosys to develop the GT-31 platform with the Ublox 10hz chip but so far we have not had a positive response.
That Garmin are progressing to 10hz is a positive sign. It indicates that they, and other manufacturers of consumer GPS may see market benefits in developing more 10hz consumer products. I am confident that we will eventually get this capability in a package that suits our needs, but when and how remains to be seen.
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