answersLogoWhite

0

Trimble Navigation invented the first portable GPS. It had shoulder straps so you could wear it like a backpack. Only the military had these, and they didn't buy very many.

Then came the Trimpack, the first hand-held GPS--also made by Trimble Navigation. It was six inches square and a little over an inch thick, it had a three-line alphanumeric display (no pictures, sorry) and a knob to control it. It ran on two really strange-looking lithium batteries--they were about the size of three C cells taped end-to-end, and both the positive and negative contacts were on the same end of the battery. This way you couldn't put the batteries in backwards in the middle of the night and fry your $5000 GPS. It didn't respond very fast and it had to be level to work right, so most of us put the device on the hood of our trucks and let it sit until it saw satellites. You certainly couldn't track satellites while driving the way you can with the current generation of them. Once again, it was a military-only technology--who else would spend $5000 for one?

I was using a 1990-era Trimpack just the other day (late 2010). It acquires satellites faster than many current consumer models, works when it falls onto the ground and once you get an initial lock, works just fine when moving. Even gives speed that you are moving. These were rebuilt when they left Army service into an aircraft version, which was basically the same thing, and stayed in use till fairly recently.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is a gps considered a portable electronic device?

A hand held GPS is certainly a portable electronic device.


What is the battery life for a portable gps tracking system?

GPS Tracking LandAirSea | If You Have a Portable Device, Battery Power Will ... GPS Tracking System 3100-INT ... Bane of Portable GPS Tracking Devices ��� Short Battery Life


What is the best form of portable gps navigation?

One of the newest forms of portable gps navigation is now found on a watch. A wristwatch which can be easily worn is the most convenient portable gps device.


Is a pioneer portable gps reliable?

A pioneer portable gps does have a reliable system for route guidance and navigating in bothe countries like the united states and canada. the gps is also portable. http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/5601463/pioneer-portable-gps-navigation-system-with-bluetooth-reviews/reviews.htm


Where was the first portable clock invented?

The first portable clock or timepiece was invented in 1504 in Nuremberg, Germany. Peter Henlein was the inventor and his piece was not very accurate.


Was the Osborne the first portable computer invented?

you chicken


Who invented the first portable vacuum cleaner?

hoover


Are Tomtom portable GPS devices made in the USA?

No, the Tomtom portable GPS device is not made in the United States of America. As a matter of fact the Tomtom portable GPS device is make in China at the Shenzhen Vatop Technology Co.


Is a gps a Portable Electronic Device?

Yes - it is.


Is the Pioneer Portable GPS more expensive than the Magellan GPS?

This all depends on which models you are comparing. Depending on the model types will determine whether or not a Pioneer Portable GPS is more or less expensive than the Magellan GPS.


Does the iPhone include portable GPS navigation?

The iphone does include portable GPS navigation, however, based on the screensize, you may find that a dedicated GPS system is better if you need to use it frequently.


When was the first car gps system invented?

September 13th 2006