I wondered about that. Couldnt' access the article from home, but "knowing what I know" about GPS signals and the FX of jamming, I would have a difficult time buying the premise.
Brett
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Gps
- Thread starter llnick2001
- Start date
I wondered about that. Couldnt' access the article from home, but "knowing what I know" about GPS signals and the FX of jamming, I would have a difficult time buying the premise.
Brett
Totally with you on that. Wasn't trying to argue that civilian units aren't valuable. 2005? Sheesh, didn't realize it had been that long. Didn't really remember the details.
As for "applicable in (theatre)..." Too bad there's not a SIPR version available to all. I heard a story or two from a VQ(p) guy. Don't know how much BS it was, but it was interesting. Sadly, I guess that's all I have to say about that.
Unfortunately, USNI has not posted that piece on the web, and since HeyJoe has edumacated me with great knowledges concerning intellectual property law, I won't even post a good link to the (improperly cited) article. However, if you were to cut and paste the title of the article in Google (Mixed Signals: Using Civil GPS Receivers in Combat), the first hit you would get would have the full text of the article about halfway down in the discussion. But you didn't hear that from me....
Since we're treading on thin security ice here in the open Internet, I will post a couple of things in the SIPR "Analyst Forum" concerning this topic. If you have SIPR access, take a look - from the Intelink home page at the bottom right, click "Analyst Forum"; I will post a message in there titled something like "Airwarriors Bellringer: GPS & Jamming". Some interesting stuff, but nothing too earthshattering. (I won't get to it until probably Thursday, so all you SIPR geeks will have to keep your pants cinched up for the time being...)
As a minor threadjack, one of the best Powerpoint slides I ever saw showed a picture of a GPS Block IIR satellite and a hairdryer. The text said "Power output: ~1200 watts each." Gives you a sense of how little power satellites have to work with, and just how weak the GPS signal is by the time it hits your receiver. Curse that R-squared law!!! <geek mode off>
WRT SIPR, the EAWS SIPR site (Prowler Weapons School, for the unwashed)now has a forum on it. It hasn't had much use yet, but I intend to change that. Sign on at: www.eaws.smil.mil and click on the forum tab.
BTW, Flyinspy, Jelly says hi!
Brett
BTW, Flyinspy, Jelly says hi!
Brett
Tell him to check this month's Tailhook if he hasn't already seen it, under the CVWR-20 update. We're famous!!
Too bad I'll miss Tailhook this year; otherwise I'd be glad to sign copies...
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
I used a basic Garmin E-Trex on deployment and it worked well. How do you think a FAC converts so damn quickly from Lat/Long to Grid and back??
And for the record - the PLGR is not a total POS. For one, it interfaces with the Viper/Vector and will allow you to get a 10 digit grid coordinate of a target downrange.
And for the record - the PLGR is not a total POS. For one, it interfaces with the Viper/Vector and will allow you to get a 10 digit grid coordinate of a target downrange.
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
Kind of like the Matrix, only smallerWhat is this grid you speak of?
MasterBates
Well-Known Member
And 2-D
Boston is now on lockdown & the FBI is outside your trailer..."It's the Moon man, it's freakin deserted...It's like frikkin Kansas."
I second the Garmin 60cx series. I've had mine for two years now and it's very accurate and reliable. I've used it driving (thought it isn't built for that, it does have some street nav capability) and hiking. Very nice unit. They should be cheaper now too, being a few years old. Garmin makes a very nice product.
To resurrect an old thread, does anyone have any recommendations on handheld GPS units? I'm debating between the eTrex and the 60 series. I found out I'm going to Infantry Officers Course, so it'll be used for hiking around the lovely woods of Quantico, then Afghanistan. From Garmin's website it looks like the eTrex is compatible with MGRS system. I know it's a dumb question, but in order to get a 8 or 10 digit grid, I need a GPS that works on the MGRS system correct? Is the eTrex pretty easy to use? I ask because the 60 series looks like it's easier to use and a little more user friendly. Thanks in advance for the advice.
I have a Garmin 60CSx that I will be backing up with a Foretrex 401 (as soon as we get them). The 60CSx has worked better than any GPS I've ever used. It worked inside an airliner all the way to Afghanistan, it worked inside an MRAP, and it has worked in every chopper I've had the displeasure of flying in. Don't bother paying for the Garmin maps. There are free topo maps online - http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/ The Afghan-specific ones are controlled and harder to come by, but the S-2 can probably help out. If you go with the 60CSx, I recommend getting the Blade-Tech case for it. Straps to your molle gear and protects it really well. Get an Invisishield screen cover too.
As for the 401, a LOT of guys on the ground run around with these (and since it matters to some gear queer clowns, a lot of the ODA guys had them too). They are lightweight, rugged, and are a handy quick-ref for your pos. Strap them on to your wrist or the shoulder strap of a plate carrier.
ps, phrogpilot - You're showing your age. We don't use the VIPER or the PLGR anymore. VECTOR/DAGR is the new iteration. I think all the PLGRs are at DRMO and I've never actually seen a VIPER in person.
/FAC perspective
As for the 401, a LOT of guys on the ground run around with these (and since it matters to some gear queer clowns, a lot of the ODA guys had them too). They are lightweight, rugged, and are a handy quick-ref for your pos. Strap them on to your wrist or the shoulder strap of a plate carrier.
ps, phrogpilot - You're showing your age. We don't use the VIPER or the PLGR anymore. VECTOR/DAGR is the new iteration. I think all the PLGRs are at DRMO and I've never actually seen a VIPER in person.
/FAC perspective
We still use the hell out of the PLGR in the Army, although they are slowly being replaced.
To add my $.02. I've had an etrex for quite some time now. It's been everywhere with me, from Kuwait/Iraq to riding my motorcycle around the midwest. It's served its purpose well, and I've never had a problem with it. To answer your question about the MGRS information on the GPS. Most of the Garmin handhelds I've dealt with will allow you to display your position up to 10 digits without a problem. Like squeeze, my etrex worked wonderfully inside of my HET while on the road, and while taking chopper hops between bases. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Really, they both sound like great devices, and it will likely just come down to personal preference on your part.
To add my $.02. I've had an etrex for quite some time now. It's been everywhere with me, from Kuwait/Iraq to riding my motorcycle around the midwest. It's served its purpose well, and I've never had a problem with it. To answer your question about the MGRS information on the GPS. Most of the Garmin handhelds I've dealt with will allow you to display your position up to 10 digits without a problem. Like squeeze, my etrex worked wonderfully inside of my HET while on the road, and while taking chopper hops between bases. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Really, they both sound like great devices, and it will likely just come down to personal preference on your part.