Globalsat BT-328 Review
3. Installation and Tests
Globalsat BT-328 - Page 2
- Installation
Installation of the device is very easy. After charging for about 3hours, you can install it either on your PDA or a BT enabled laptop. Remember, that pair key is four zeros (0000), in case the application asks for it. All our tests were carried out on an ASUS A6JA laptop. We recorded all produced data for a pre-selected route with VisualGPSX and later analyzed it with GPSLog.
In order to measure the TTFF ("Time to First Fix" which is the time it takes for a GPS to determine its current position), we used the GPSInfo "Cold Start" function. All tests ran simultaneously, under the same environmental conditions while traveling in an Audi, model A4 2004.
Note: The device couldn't switch to SiRF mode, despite trying all software. After each try, the device returned garbage data, so we had to open the device and remove the battery to reset it. Its best to avoid trying it for now.
- Tests Day One
The first day, we tested the device in daylight conditions under a clear sky and 28°C.
Globalsat BT-338
|
Globalsat BT-328
|
||
Time to First Fix (TTFF)
|
Secs
|
38 sec
|
47 sec
|
Fix
|
Invalid
|
2.1
|
0
|
2D
|
14.7
|
6.2
|
|
|
83.2
|
93.8
|
|
Satellites
|
Average (in view)
|
8.16
|
8.22
|
Average (in use)
|
4.47
|
5.35
|
|
Average Signal Level (in dB)
|
Maximum per Satellite
|
31.83
|
35.86
|
Average per Satellite
|
26.19
|
27.41
|
|
The BT-328 showed very good performance with a high 3D Fix % and many Satellites in view/use. The Reception signal levels were also better than the BT-338. Surprising results, which left us eagerly looking forward to see what the next day would produce.
- Tests Day Two
The second day, we tested the device in daylight with a partly cloudy sky and 30°C.
Globalsat BT-338
|
Globalsat BT-328
|
||
Time to First Fix (TTFF)
|
Secs
|
39 sec
|
42 sec
|
Fix
|
Invalid
|
0
|
0
|
2D
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
100
|
100
|
|
Satellites
|
Average (in view)
|
8.00
|
7.50
|
Average (in use)
|
6.71
|
6.19
|
|
Average Signal Level (in dB)
|
Maximum per Satellite
|
38.00
|
34.25
|
Average per Satellite
|
32.85
|
28.19
|
|
This time, the results provide a clear lead for the BT-338. The BT-328 still produced good performance, no major complaints there.
- Tests Day Three ( Indoor Sensitivity)
We placed both receivers inside a house, close to a large window and monitored their performance. The Globalsat BT-328 had a 2D fix, whereas the Globalsat Globalsat BT-338 had a 3D fix with 7 in view and 5 in use satellites.
- Overall impressions
The Globalsat BT-328 is powered by a SiRF GSC2 low power chipset. The new chipset showed good behaviour, with good reception levels, but without reaching of course, the performance of the SiRF III. Indoor performance was less than perfect, whereas the SiRF III shines, even in indoor use.
