Replicated from the GGA EZBoard:

sparc77
Registered Geocacher
(1/22/02 10:30:52 pm)
GPS trivia

It's a little off topic, but not too far. And since it is directly related to my occupation, I'm interested in seeing how many people know this.

What is the most common use for the GPS constellation in America today?

Hint: It has absolutely nothing to do with providing location.

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ErnieB
Super Poster
Posts: 71
(1/22/02 10:54:17 pm)
Answer?

I would guess that it is involved with timekeeping and the atomic clock signals.

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mtn man
and puppymonster
(1/22/02 11:06:26 pm)
Re: Answer?

I agree with ErnieB.

(I am a poet and didn't even know it!)

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sparc77
Registered Geocacher
(1/22/02 11:25:28 pm)
Re: GPS trivia

That wasn't hard at all was it?

Timekeeping is close enough to win the cupie doll. Actually the complete answer is synchronizing cellular networks. Imagine every person who has a Sprint PCS or Verizon or Nextel or any other phone whose network requires precise time keeping, is making use of the GPS system hundreds of times a second, even if they aren't making a call, because the phone is constatnly in communication with the network when it is switched on. (thats why they make you turn them off in airplanes)

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mtn man
and puppymonster
(1/23/02 12:06:12 am)
Re: GPS trivia

Yeah, my sprint phone keeps up with time zones as I fly across the country.

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AJLacy
Magnificent Poster
(1/23/02 8:32:33 am)
Re: GPS trivia

A short summary on how Cellular system use timing from GPSr's

www.spirentcom.com/news/m...reless.asp

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Brad Webb
gpsfun
(1/23/02 12:27:17 pm)
Re: GPS trivia

Someday, someone is going to present a topic that is not known to Mr. Lacy. But I expect to be very, very old before that happens!

Thanks for your willingness to share information.