I was reading about WAAS for the GPS system. My old Magellan unit does not have it, and I was considering something new. The Garmin site shows ground stations in the U.S.A., but nothing up here. Would I be wasting my money, or would I get the WAAS service in Canada ?
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WAAS comes from satellites
The WAAS signal in your GPS comes from satellites not ground stations. There are ground stations that are in the US that correct the GPS signal and then send the differential to other satellites and what you recieve is the corrected signal. This is different from differential GPS which required two signals, the GPS one and a ground station signal. Hope this isn't too confusing but the simple answer is yes it works in Canada.
The WAAS signal in your GPS comes from satellites not ground stations. There are ground stations that are in the US that correct the GPS signal and then send the differential to other satellites and what you recieve is the corrected signal. This is different from differential GPS which required two signals, the GPS one and a ground station signal. Hope this isn't too confusing but the simple answer is yes it works in Canada.
all new gps have waas
Hello, I think that all new gps units will have WAAS. So if you buy a new one you'll get it. That said, I don't think that WAAS is enough of a reason to buy a new GPS. If you were planning on buying one anyway, that's one thing. However, the difference, especially for marine use, isn't very large. Don't expect a GPS to be able to navigate you around hazards, because the charts aren't that accurate! Barry
Hello, I think that all new gps units will have WAAS. So if you buy a new one you'll get it. That said, I don't think that WAAS is enough of a reason to buy a new GPS. If you were planning on buying one anyway, that's one thing. However, the difference, especially for marine use, isn't very large. Don't expect a GPS to be able to navigate you around hazards, because the charts aren't that accurate! Barry
Not all have it
Not all gps units are WAAS enabled. The many of the less expensive handhelds and even some midpriced units still don't have it. While I agree with Barry that some charts might not be accurate enough to take full advantage of WAAS accuracy, it is important to note that a gps unit with WAAS capability can be of great help even without a chart. If you enter your WAAS gps waypoints while you are actually at the location, you will be able to get back to within 3 meters of that exact location. This is a significant improvement over non-WAAS gps performance. This ability can be a great help in reconnecting with that great fishing spot, finding your lobster pot buoy or your way between those two rocks in the fog.
Not all gps units are WAAS enabled. The many of the less expensive handhelds and even some midpriced units still don't have it. While I agree with Barry that some charts might not be accurate enough to take full advantage of WAAS accuracy, it is important to note that a gps unit with WAAS capability can be of great help even without a chart. If you enter your WAAS gps waypoints while you are actually at the location, you will be able to get back to within 3 meters of that exact location. This is a significant improvement over non-WAAS gps performance. This ability can be a great help in reconnecting with that great fishing spot, finding your lobster pot buoy or your way between those two rocks in the fog.
1 meter difference
If you are indicating that WAAS enable will get you to within 3 meters, I must inform that here in Western Canada, I can get within 4 meters on most days without WAAS enabled. The difference is 1 meter! You really have to ask yourself if it is worth it to have accuracy that is only 1 meter closer. If you are buying up anyhow, I would be looking at features like downloadable charts, drift alarms etc.
If you are indicating that WAAS enable will get you to within 3 meters, I must inform that here in Western Canada, I can get within 4 meters on most days without WAAS enabled. The difference is 1 meter! You really have to ask yourself if it is worth it to have accuracy that is only 1 meter closer. If you are buying up anyhow, I would be looking at features like downloadable charts, drift alarms etc.
WASS vs DGPS
As previously stated, most “differential” corrections will allow accuracy of 3-5 meters and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) will allow accuracy to 1 to 3 meters. Facts Regarding DGPS vs WAAS (May 22, 2001): http://www.flfish.com/gps_index/furuno_waasdgps.htm and: http://gps.faa.gov/programs/waas/for_pilots.htm
As previously stated, most “differential” corrections will allow accuracy of 3-5 meters and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) will allow accuracy to 1 to 3 meters. Facts Regarding DGPS vs WAAS (May 22, 2001): http://www.flfish.com/gps_index/furuno_waasdgps.htm and: http://gps.faa.gov/programs/waas/for_pilots.htm
WAAS
I don't know how many WAAS satellites there are, but my Garmin can only see two here in the Pacific Northwest. It cannot always see them depending on the topography so it isn't always receiving the corrections. It seems that both of the WAAS satellites are low on the horizon. See if you can talk to someone in your area that has a WAAS enabled GPS to find out how well it works.
I don't know how many WAAS satellites there are, but my Garmin can only see two here in the Pacific Northwest. It cannot always see them depending on the topography so it isn't always receiving the corrections. It seems that both of the WAAS satellites are low on the horizon. See if you can talk to someone in your area that has a WAAS enabled GPS to find out how well it works.
thanks all
Off to sail for a few days. Thanks for the input. I will see if anyone locally has a GPS with WAAS to see if shows any satellites.
Off to sail for a few days. Thanks for the input. I will see if anyone locally has a GPS with WAAS to see if shows any satellites.
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