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Old 14-03-2011, 15:28   #1
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LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

See the linked report on Panbo.

It seems that the US FCC has granted a waiver to a company to transmit on a band adjacent to the GPS band for wireless internet service. They've already installed 4600 transmitters (out of a planned 40,000) despite Garmin's tests that show serious interference including the complete loss of GPS fix on aviation Garmins at over 5 miles from a transmitter.

Seems that some folks at the FCC need to take a Ham licensing course.

I think some pressure from the cruising community is needed too.

Carl

http://www.panbo.com/

I can't get the full link to fit. You may have to search Panbo for "Lightsquared"
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Old 14-03-2011, 20:08   #2
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

What pressure?



Next thing you're going to tell me is to throw away my lead line!
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Old 15-03-2011, 04:47   #3
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

I have a nice Walker trailing log and a sextant, Ill soon be able to offer it to frustrated US mariners at greatly inflated prices. roll on the good times.

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Old 15-03-2011, 08:42   #4
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

Quote:
Originally Posted by goboatingnow View Post
I have a nice Walker trailing log and a sextant, Ill soon be able to offer it to frustrated US mariners at greatly inflated prices. roll on the good times.

Dave
Sorry, it supply and demand at work here and I too can offer a nice Walker trailing log; supply has just doubled
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Old 15-03-2011, 17:02   #5
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

I am thinking we should perhaps take this threat to GPS seriously. Might it help if thousands of us joined the coalition to save gps?
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Old 26-03-2011, 06:14   #6
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

I recently bought a Walker "Excelsor" IV Ship Log. It came complete in the original wood box with all the parts. But...there should have been a card with it to convert revolutions to speed. I emailed the Walker company but they did not respond. Does anyone out there have the card? Can you email the data to me? Thanks.
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Old 26-03-2011, 07:20   #7
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

I'm amazed that there is a Walker company to which you can e-mail at all.
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Old 26-03-2011, 08:05   #8
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

Interesting, tho’ not what you seek:
http://www.lapwingmarine.com/green_w...elsior_log.htm
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Old 26-03-2011, 08:35   #9
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

Quote:
Originally Posted by nitpik View Post
I am thinking we should perhaps take this threat to GPS seriously. Might it help if thousands of us joined the coalition to save gps?
Probably be good if we protested solar flares too...








Seriously, I can appreciate your concern, but would be quite surprised if the FCC reversed it's self.
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Old 06-04-2011, 10:43   #10
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

Just came across mention of this.

Here's an interesting bit:

"US government officials say they will block LightSquared from activating the network unless they get assurances that GPS will still work.
In response LightSquared has set up a working group to report every month to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which is trying to establish the risk. The group includes representatives from LightSquared, the GPS receiver industry and a number of US government bodies which rely on GPS.
The FCC granted the licence to LightSquared on the explicit requirement that it should not cause any GPS jamming."

Quoted from: US wireless network could drown out GPS, experts warn | Technology | guardian.co.uk
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Old 06-04-2011, 11:35   #11
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Re: LightSquared GPS Interference in the US

In related news, you used to be able to exchange a dollar for the equivalent in gold.
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