Re: [Paddlewise] GPS errors

From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 19:28:21 -0800
Joe Pylka wrote (regarding 3-minute discrepancies between GPS
receivers):

> Almost always, this sort of discrepancy is due to setting the wrong
> reference datum into the receiver.  ...

Actually, this can't possibly be the explanation. There are no areas in
North America for which the discrepancy between reference datums--such
as NAD27 and WGS84--is as large as 3 minutes (or 3 nautical miles). I
know of only two possible explanations for such large discrepancies: (1)
multipath error, or (2) a serious problem with the GPS receiver.
Multipath error could be the cause if the placement of the remote
antenna for the console-mounted receiver is such that it is subject to
reflected signals.  This can lead to very large errors (as much as the 3
nautical miles that were observed). The way to check to see if this is
the problem is to hook up a handheld receiver (with an external antenna
connector) into the antenna that the console-mounted unit is using, and
see if the problem is repeated for the new receiver. I think that this
explanation, while possible, is unlikely based on your description,
since multipath errors are variable and somewhat random (as the ship
changes position). The second possibility--a faulty receiver--is more
likely to be the problem.  Again, hooking up a different receiver to the
antenna should help to identify if the problem lies with the antenna
placement or with the receiver. 

Dan Hagen
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Received on Sat Mar 13 1999 - 19:30:27 PST

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