GPS & Surveyor Electronic

Deluo kicks out Navstick USB GPS receiver

Deluo, the company who last year brought us both the MouseGPS and the mobile Bluetooth GPS adapter, is dropping a new, extra-small GPS receiver on the market with the Deluo NavStick GPS. The NavStick is a small, light-weight USB dongle-type GPS receiver designed for use on the go with notebooks
or UMPCs, avoiding the common cable associated with your receiver strewn around.

The 20 channel receiver is compatible with Windows and Mac and will work as a receiver through the SiRF starIII chipset with just about any GPS software. Deluo will optionally ship the device with Microsoft Streets & Trips or you can get it unbundled and use it with your own software.

The NavStick USB GPS is available now from DeluoElectronics for $69.95 stand-alone or with Streets & Trips 2008 for an extra $25. DeluoGPS is expected to announce the official release sometime next week.

Leica Builder T
The extremely fast theodolite


The extremely fast theodolite
Functions of the Builder T

* Set angles
* V display in degrees or as percentage of inclination
* Sector “Beep” signals right angles
* Hz display clockwise or counter clockwise
* Checks level positioning with the graphic levelling aid

Key Features of the Leica Builder T:

* The Leica Builder is the only theodolite offering a complete product family. It is easy for a user to switch between models without learning a new operation.
* Absolute circle reading
* Excellent hardware features, such as laser plummet, endless drives on both sides for Hz and V, brilliant optics with 30x magnification
* Dual-Axis compensation for reliable Hz and V reading
* New and intuitive software
* Unique leveling guidance for fast and convenient setup
* High resolution LCD display
* Audible notice for 90° turns

Multilingual function
Does your crew speak different languages? Ours does.The Leica Builder is the only instrument of its class with multiple languages onboard. This allows the user to choose the preferred language – simply and with only one keystroke,for improved efficiency and convenience.

Succeeding DTM-502 series feature plus Data Portability and Reflectorless EDM option. The DTM-652 and NPL-632 deliver a versatile, easy-to-use platform to help your job done right. Featuring a CompactFlash (CF) card slot and a USB port, the DTM-652 and NPL632 make data transfer a breeze. Other popular qualities of the DTM-652 and NPL-632 include Nikon's world-renowned optics that gives you brighter, clearer images. The first and accurate EDM helps you move quickly from point to point. And lightweight, all-weather construction ensures reliable performance in tough field conditions.

Easy data transfer High accuracy and faster EDM Reflectorless EDM Long battery life All weather construction Easy-to-use

Harman, Mercedes working on modular built-in nav systems


Anyone's who's bought a car with a built-in nav system knows the pain of seeing their expensive accessory totally eclipsed by even the cheapest external GPS units just a year or two later -- everything from UI to multimedia integration progresses so fast it's almost not worth it. That might change soon, though -- Harman and Mercedes are working on a "hybrid" nav system that combines the easy replaceability of an external PND with the integration and sleek looks of a built-in system. The goal is to build a standard design that can upgraded quickly -- right now OEM systems have to be designed almost three years in advance -- so the screen and controls will be mounted on the dash in a cradle, while a second hidden "processing box" will handle the actual GPS system, music storage and playback, and Bluetooth connectivity. Harman says eventually prices should fall to the point where automakers can compete with aftermarket GPS systems -- we'll see if that hold up when Mercedes ships the new kit in eight vehicles scheduled for the second half of 2010.

GPSMap 2108i

8-inch diagonal, 800 x 600 pixels, high resolution SVGA display, radar / sounder compatibility, bluechart G2



nuvi 550i

Garmin nuvi 550i

Drive, hike, bike, scooter or boat. The waterproof multi-mode nüvi 500 is rugged enough for any adventure.

With the rugged, waterproof and multi-purpose nüvi 550 sat-nav, you can do it all. nüvi 550 is geared for adventure and ideal for those who want to go out and explore the great outdoors in every way they can. With a built-in compass and integrated Wherigo™ and Geocaching player, this sat-nav goes beyond navigation to bring the fun of the many family treasure hunts and adventures available online. With detailed European street maps and topographic shaded contours, this easy-to-use sat-nav is the perfect companion for navigating your active lifestyle.

Multi-mode for multi-purpose navigation

Four bespoke user modes bring customised features for driving, boating, walking and cycling. This flexible navigator combines the advanced navigation and large colour display of Garmin’s in-car sat-navs with the rugged resilience of our outdoor GPS handhelds. Slim and streamlined, it fits neatly into your pocket, bag or backpack, with a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery that packs in eight hours of power. Optional mounts for each mode of transport make it an even better fit. nüvi 550 comes equipped with the latest technology from Garmin including sophisticated NAVTEQ™ mapping data and waterproof card slot to load different types of mapping such as TOPO for outdoor navigation and BlueChart® g2 Vision cartography for marine use.

Driving

nüvi 550 makes driving safe, simple and stress-free. Its built-in, unique driver safety system contains details on hundreds of fixed, mobile and temporary safety cameras, variable limit and red light speed cameras across Europe. When you approach a camera, it sounds an alert and shows an overspeed warning and the speed limit to help you travel responsibly. The nüvi welcome screen greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Maps." Just tap the colour touchscreen to look up addresses and services and for voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Add optional traffic services for live traffic alerts which use data from real cameras located every two miles along every major route.

Boating

When loaded with optional BlueChart® g2 Vision marine cartography, the waterproof nüvi 550 provides detailed chart-specific information, spot soundings, tides and currents, wrecks, port plans, restricted areas and more. The mapping and memory card slot is located within the waterproof battery compartment to avoid water damage. Just select the boating mode and pair with optional marine mount to take your adventures to the water. nüvi 550 is ideal for the occasional boating enthusiast who wants one navigational device for foot, car, bike or boat.

Walking and hiking

nüvi 550 takes walking and outdoor pursuits in its stride, with shaded, contoured maps and sunlight-readable, waterproof touchscreen. Select the walking mode to activate the built-in compass page, journey track log and integrated Wherigo™ / geocaching player. Or plug in optional topographic mapping for routing on road, track and path, with detailed contours, geographic points and shaded terrain.

Wherigo lets you create and play GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. Be guided by GPS technology to physical locations across the landscape and interact with virtual objects and characters.

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for the whole family, combining the thrill of a treasure hunt with the discovery of new places. Geocachers hide-and-seek prizes hidden across the landscape using clues posted on the internet and coordinates loaded on their GPS handheld.

Scootering and biking

nüvi 550 fits comfortably on your scooter or cycle for GPS navigation on two wheels. An optional scooter mount provides a secure fixing to cushion against vibration from your travelled terrain. The user interface is simple to control on the move and, with voice-prompted directions via Bluetooth, you can enjoy safe, clear directions on the go. Its rugged UVA/B and fuel-resistant design make it a trustworthy companion, while the waterproof casing braves all weather to give turn-by-turn directions for the most direct route in the quickest time. Just select the bicycling mode and you’re away.

Advanced, enriched navigation

With a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and HotFix™ satellite prediction, nüvi 550 locates your position simply, quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and near tall buildings and trees. If you’re planning on sightseeing, discover photo navigation to plan trips to landmarks, viewpoints and attractions simply and easily before you set off. Just choose and save location-tagged photographs from the millions of Google Panoramio pictures online. Then, at your leisure select a photo destination for turn-by-turn directions to the scene. Once you’ve arrived, protect your sat-nav with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft protection system which uses GPS to lock to a secure location of your choice.

Garmin Handheld 60Csx

Garmin unveiled the new GPSMAP 60CSx Handheld, targeted at outdoor and marine use, and featuring significant improvements over the existing 60CS model, at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show.

The Garmin 60CSX comes in a rugged and (obviously) waterproof design. A barometric altimeter is included for highly accurate elevation data, while an integrated electronic compass displays the heading accurately. The most significant improvement has to be the enhanced GPS receiver, which can now acquire satellites faster so you can track your location even in heavy foliage or deep canyons.

The 60CSX supports microSD memory cards, and the unit comes with a 64MB card. The generous color TFT display is an added bonus. Priced around US $482, more info about the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX is available from Garmin.com.