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GPS in (and out of)the Physics Classroom. Andrew McLean Kelvin Barraclough Gisborne Secondary College. What is GPS?. 24 + satellites. What is GPS?. 24 + satellites Several ground stations. What is GPS?. 24 + satellites Several ground stations GPS receiver. Satellites.
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GPS in (and out of)the Physics Classroom Andrew McLean Kelvin Barraclough Gisborne Secondary College
What is GPS? • 24 + satellites
What is GPS? • 24 + satellites • Several ground stations
What is GPS? • 24 + satellites • Several ground stations • GPS receiver
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours • At least 4 visible everywhere
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours • At least 4 visible everywhere • Solar powered, ≈ 50 W transmitter
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours • At least 4 visible everywhere • Solar powered, ≈ 50 W transmitter • Transmit on 1575.42 MHz
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours • At least 4 visible everywhere • Solar powered, ≈ 50 W transmitter • Transmit on 1575.42 MHz • Fitted with atomic clocks
Satellites • Altitude ≈ 20200 km • Period 12 hours • At least 4 visible everywhere • Solar powered, ≈ 50 W transmitter • Transmit on 1575.42 MHz • Fitted with atomic clocks • Lifespan ≈ 10 years
Ground Stations • I master station, four remote
Ground Stations • I master station, four remote • Monitor satellites and send back accurate orbital and time data
The Signal • The “almanac”. Approximate position of all satellites, transmitted and stored in the GPS.
The Signal • The “almanac”. Approximate position of all satellites, transmitted and stored in the GPS. • The “ephemeris”. Accurate data of individual satellite position.
The Signal • The “almanac”. Approximate position of all satellites, transmitted and stored in the GPS. • The “ephemeris”. Accurate data of individual satellite position. • The “pseudo random code”. Effectively, an accurate time signal
The Signal • The “almanac”. Approximate position of all satellites, transmitted and stored in the GPS. • The “ephemeris”. Accurate data of individual satellite position. • The “pseudo random code”. Effectively, an accurate time signal • Turned off while satellite orbit is adjusted
Satellite positions 27400 km 20200 km
Signal times 0.091 s 0.067 s
Establishing position • If receiver had a good enough clock – • Two satellites – somewhere on a circle
Establishing position • If receiver had a good enough clock – • Two satellites – somewhere on a circle • 3rd satellite – cuts this circle twice, but usually one solution is obvious
Establishing position • If receiver had a good enough clock – • Two satellites – somewhere on a circle • 3rd satellite – cuts this circle twice, but usually one solution is obvious • 4th satellite – removes ambiguity
Establishing position • With a small, cheap clock -
Establishing position • With a small, cheap clock – • 3 satellites give 2D fix
Establishing position • With a small, cheap clock – • 3 satellites give 2D fix • 4 satellites give 3D fix
Accuracy • Given clear view of sky typically 5 – 10 m
Receivers • Aren’t equal
Receivers • Aren’t equal • Need “good view” of sky
Possible information • Position
Possible information • Position • Distance travelled
Possible information • Position • Distance travelled • Speed
Possible information • Position • Distance travelled • Speed • Direction
Possible information • Position • Distance travelled • Speed • Direction • Altitude
Gathering data – “hi tech” • Almost all GPS receivers can be connected to a computer to transfer data
Suitable software (1) • “OziExplorer”
Suitable software (1) • “OziExplorer” • $130
Suitable software (1) • “OziExplorer” • $130 • Uses raster mapping
Suitable software (1) • “OziExplorer” • $130 • Uses raster mapping • Suitable for all brands of GPS
Suitable software (1) • “OziExplorer” • $130 • Uses raster mapping • Suitable for all brands of GPS • Transferring data from Ozi is awkward
Suitable software (2) • Garmin “Mapsource”
Suitable software (2) • Garmin “Mapsource” • Free with Garmin GPS
Suitable software (2) • Garmin “Mapsource” • Free with Garmin GPS • Uses Vector mapping