Globalsat BT-328 Review

By:Jetion

Date:2006-8-29 10:14:57

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After the release of the now infamous BT-338 based on the SiRF III chipset , Globalsat recently announced a new GPS device, the BT-328, this time powered by another SiRF chipset, the GSC2. A general overview and its performance are presented in this review, where we compare it with, none other than the BT-338. Do we have a new winner in the GPS race?

- Globalsat BT-328

The BT-328 is the latest Bluetooth GPS from Globalsat, built on the latest SiRF GSC2 low power technology. It combines performance with low cost, creating an entry level BT GPS at a very attractive price. Compatible with any device offering a Bluetooth compliant serial interface, it can provide accurate GPS position information for up to 16 hours continuously.

- Features

£¦#8226; New SiRF GSC2 high performance and low power consumption chipset
£¦#8226; Communications with Host Platform via Bluetooth Serial Profile
£¦#8226; Built-in ceramic patch antenna
£¦#8226; Supports NMEA0183 data protocol
£¦#8226; 3 LEDs to show the status of GPS/Bluetooth/Battery
£¦#8226; Rechargeable Li-ion battery
£¦#8226; Operation time: 16 hours, in continuous mode
£¦#8226; Auto power-off, if Bluetooth is not connected to any devices within 10 minutes
£¦#8226; Bluetooth operation range: 10 m

- Used chipset

The SiRF GSC2 chipset has the following specifications:

Chipset:	SiRF GSC2
Frequency:	1, 1575.42 MHz
C/A code:	1.023 MHz chip rate
Channels:	12 channel all-in-view tracking
Tracking Sensitivity:	-155 dBm
Position Accuracy:	10 meters, 2D RMS
Velocity:	0.1 m/s
Time:	us synchronized to GPS time
Default:	WGS-84 Acquisition Time (Open sky, stationary)
Reacquisition:	0.1 sec., average
Hot start:	8 sec., average
Warm start:	38 sec., average
Cold start:	42 sec., average
Altitude:	18,000 metres (60,000 feet) max.
Velocity:	515 metres/second (1000 knots) max.
Acceleration:	Less than 4g
Jerk:	20 m/sec
Protocol messages:	NMEA 0183 protocol
Output format:	Supports command: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, GLL (VTG and GLL are optional)
Operating temperature:	-20¡ã to 60¡ã C
Humidity:	5% to 95% Non-condensing

Looking at the SiRF GSC2 specs and compared with the SiRF III, we notice the following:

SiRF GSC2 chipset doesn't support WASS/EGNOS
SiRF GSC2 chipset supports 12 channels whereas the SiRF III 20 channels all in view
SiRF GSC2 chipset hot start time is 8secs whereas the SiRF III is 1 sec
BT-328 has 16 hours whereas the BT-338 17 hours operation time
BT-328 is smaller (thinner) than the BT-328 and lighter in weight

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