GPS Module Manual - question to Parallax folks

ALIBE

Disclaimer: this is not a huge deal or an issue. But, thought I'd point out if in case someone in Parallax has any thoughts

I was reading thru the manual (have done a few times already [noparse]:)[/noparse] ) and bumped into this sentence on page 2 right below the pin layout diagram.

I was kinda curious and intrigued on why someone would put a GPS on a Boe-Bot - when Boe-Bot is normally indoor and even if someone put a GPS on it, it would not really receive the signals indoor. So, this reference to Boe-Bot is kinda misleading to newbies who do not understand GPS technology. Would'nt you say?

The on-board, four-pin header allows the GPS Receiver Module to be plugged into a solderless breadboard (on a Boe-Bot, for example). If the default “Smart Mode” is desired and the /RAW pin will be unused, the Module can be simply connected to its host with a standard three-pin servo extension cable. said...
(replace this text with what was said)

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"any small object, accidentally dropped, goes and hides behind a larger object."


ALIBE - Artificial LIfe BEing. In search of building autonoumous land robot
http://ALIBE.crosscity.com/
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Chris Savage

This thread is being moved from the·Propeller Forum to the·Sandbox Forum.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Paul Baker

Tech support will frequently aquire enough sattelites to get a reading from thier desk. It all depends on how the building is designed and how tranparent it is in the RF range. The amusing thing is when you plot the location in Google Earth, 90% of the time the coordiate is for somewhere in the parking lot. But this is more the exception than the rule, Ive been in tree cover and lost a GPS signal.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Paul Baker (Parallax)) : 10/26/2006 5:00:30 PM GMT

Chris Savage

ALIBE,
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·· There shouldn’t be anything misleading about the statement.· It is being used as an example.· The BOE-Bot can be used outdoors just fine in most cases.· Obviously on concrete or asphalt, not grass.· In any event the documentation also clearly states in bold:
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The Module must be used outdoors or with a clear view of the sky in order for it to fix on satellites - this is the nature of GPS and not a limitation of our product.
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I hope this answers your questions.· Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

John R.

Alibe and the Parallax team;

Having had the "opportunity" to write technical documentation for a number of products, I can say that no matter what you do, you can't make everyone happy with the documentation.

If you don't put examples in, you get users who don't have a clue what you're talking about. If you put them in, someone will say that's not right, or doesn't help "my problem". If you write too simple, folks that understand the subject complain. If you right too complex, new users complain. There is no way to get it write it right.

My favorite method that one of my customers required was that it was written at a 6th grade level (or below). I found a 5th grade teacher (playing it safe), and we were able to incorporate reading of the manuals into a class room excercise. The kids got graded on a curve (in case I messed up and wrote too complex), and I got graded on how well the kids were able to comprehend what was written. Kind of fun, but a pain in the but.

All in all, I find the Parallax materials well written. When items do come up that pose problems, and are pointed out, Parallax receives the input graciously and, if appropriate, modifies the documentation.

In this specific case, as the "BOE-Bot" is the "de facto" reference, the example seems appropriate, especially if taken as "how to connect this to 'something'".

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John R.

8 + 8 = 10