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Old 01-23-2008, 10:39 PM   #1
Crockett
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I've searched the forum and FAQ's to find the answer to my question but still need help.

Moderator John Clark on 08-02-2007 said "the Curve has no GPS but has a program called TeleNav". Then yesterday he said it "DOES have real GPS (has a receiver in it that picks up satellite signal to pinpoint location".

I assume John found that the 8310 Curve actually does have a GPS receiver.

1 - That answers my first question -- does the 8310 have a real GPS receiver which gives co-ordinates from satellites or does it give co-ordinates based on cell towers?

2 - My second question is -- could a person who has become lost, be found -- based on the GPS technology of the 8310?

I'm no longer a spring chicken (I'm retired) and I love to explore the far reaches of the SE Oregon desert. I've decided that since the GPS costs extra to use that I'd gladly pay for it, if it could also be relied upon as a safety device to find me -- if needed.

Thanks,
Crockett
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Old 01-23-2008, 10:52 PM   #2
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I'm taking a bit of a guess as this as I don't really think I'm qualified to answer but I believe I'm right here.

1) Yes indeed 8310 does; real GPS
2) No, because the GPS is receive only; it doesn't publish its info back to a satellite. If you had carrier level data coverage than yes you could be located.
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Old 01-23-2008, 10:56 PM   #3
John Clark
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The 8300 has no GPS.
The 8320 has no GPS
The 8310 does have GPS.

None of these are available on Verizon. The Verizon BB's don't allow use of the GPS to any other application except their Verizon Navigator software.

If you are lost and you have cell coverage, then yes, the GPS and cell triangulation could be used to locate you. There is also a 3rd party application for the BB that lets your GPS location be sent to a server where you can allow others to track your location.
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Old 01-23-2008, 11:16 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crockett View Post
I'm no longer a spring chicken (I'm retired) and I love to explore the far reaches of the SE Oregon desert. I've decided that since the GPS costs extra to use that I'd gladly pay for it, if it could also be relied upon as a safety device to find me -- if needed.

Thanks,
Crockett
For the scenario you stated (device to be relied upon as a safety device to locate you in the desert), I would suggest you check with others that venture out in that area, and find out what types of locator devices they carry.

The 8310 technically could be used to locate you (as John mentioned), but that assumes that you have cell coverage as well as a connection to the GPS satellites. Though the GPS is nice to have in the Curve, I have experienced times where it cannot obtain a signal (which means it cannot calculate your current position).

I love my Curve, but would not use it as my lifesaver!
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Old 01-23-2008, 11:34 PM   #5
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dont forget that you need cell phone network coverage to see the download on the spot map. The gps alone will only gives you a numeric location.
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Old 01-24-2008, 01:44 AM   #6
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I believe BlackberryTracker (software) can accomplish what you're looking for, however, I'm relatively new to BB so you'll have to check it out yourself.
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Old 01-24-2008, 02:34 AM   #7
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Thank you all for the replies --

The places I go to do not have cell towers. I'd be relying on satellite GPS only. I've looked into "Personal Locator Beacons" but they're pretty expensive. That's why I'm asking about the 8310!

John - you said: "There is also a 3rd party application for the BB that lets your GPS location be sent to a server where you can allow others to track your location."

What 3rd party application might that be?

Crockett
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Old 01-24-2008, 03:23 AM   #8
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.. BlackberryTracker
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Old 01-24-2008, 12:00 PM   #9
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Regardless on tower coverage our not it will still give your cordinance if you go into advanced options.
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Old 01-24-2008, 12:20 PM   #10
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The GPS on the curve is pretty reliable, although again I wouldn't count on it being a lifesaver. BBtracker is a good program and there are others out there that will turn your Curve into a compass, in case you get lost out on the trail.
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Old 01-24-2008, 07:21 PM   #11
takeshi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crockett View Post
The places I go to do not have cell towers. I'd be relying on satellite GPS only.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crockett View Post
John - you said: "There is also a 3rd party application for the BB that lets your GPS location be sent to a server where you can allow others to track your location."
Based on your first quote above it's a moot point. The 8310 would need data coverage (i.e. a cell tower with data services) for an app to send your location data to a server.
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Old 01-25-2008, 04:37 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crockett View Post
The places I go to do not have cell towers. I'd be relying on satellite GPS only. I've looked into "Personal Locator Beacons" but they're pretty expensive.
A GPS receiver (whether standalone or phone based) and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) really serve two completely different purposes.

Seems like you need to determine your specific needs/goals a bit better.

A GPS will just tell you where you are, which is fine if you're lost, but it won't do a thing about getting help if you're injured in the backcountry. On the other hand, a PLB is able to send out (via satellite) a coded signal to emergency services that identifies the unique PLB. They know whose PLB was activated and can triangulate to where it is, and some models have an internal GPS and will transmit GPS coordinates to the rescuers.
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