Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

SkyGolf GPS Module??

Handspring is listing a new module called the SkyGolf GPS for $399 (yikes)

"Take your golf game to the next level with SkyGolf GPS�a handheld global positioning system designed specifically for the golfing enthusiast. It automatically computes�from your ball�the yardages you need to play your best golf. "

Looks a LOT like the GPS Companion in form factor.

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

If you look at the manfacturer's website: https://www.skygolfgps.com/products/#2

.. the Palm V/Vx version looks like the Magellan GPS Companion for the Palm, and the Handspring version looks like Magellan for the Visor. It must be a re-branded module with additional software.

I like the cases though with the beltclip!

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

hmm - I'd have to agree. It's probably jsut a special peice of software added.. *sigh*

__________________
-miradu

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

It may be more than extra software...

The Skygolf GPS FAQ states

quote:

---

How accurate are the distances provided by SkyGolfGPS?
Results may vary depending on favorable weather conditions and the quality of the GPS signal. However, distance information is usually within a 1-3 yard range of accuracy.

---

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

Re: It may be more than extra software...

quote:

---

Originally posted by nysebull
The Skygolf GPS FAQ states
This would mean they have WAAS included in their GPS unit , the Companion available from Magellan doesn't support that. Maybe this is where the price differential is coming from?

---

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

Well, if they do not have WAAS in their unit, $250 for just a custom software package is a bit steep.

__________________
Mike

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

Just got this back from the support people at SkyGolf:

quote:

---

Mike,

Yes, we are WAAS enabled. It takes a few minutes for the WAAS information to be acquired after the initial GPS navigation fix.
We have been very pleased with the performance of the WAAS system. Rarely, there may be times when WAAS coverage is not available due to signal obstructions or other factors. In this case we have a proprietary correction system called an e-Filter that is built into the software that can be used if needed.

Thanks for your interest in SkyGolfGPS!



Tech Support
SkyHawke Technologies

---

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

Wow, that's cool! I thought they MUST have to do something different to charge the extra $$... That module looks exactly like the GPSC, so I assumed Magellan was involved. VC reported here that the module was based on the Magellan GPSC.

So, the question now is: Why do you think that Magellan isn't selling these WAAS enabled units for a few ~$200+, and giving us more mainstream mapping/navigating software? I would definitely sell my GPSC and buy one for that price.

-Maybe they have overstock, and are planning on releasing this later?
-Maybe they are waiting to simultaneously release a new version for the Palm m500 series and Visor?

Anyway.. hate guessing. I was already wrong on the WAAS enabled device.

"In this case we have a proprietary correction system called an e-Filter that is built into the software that can be used if needed."

Be nice if they released software like this to the rest of GPSC users too.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

Seeing as the Geode(with WAAS) is $299 and a shaky company. $399 doesn't sound that bad for the SkyGolf with its software. You can always get a package like Atlas from GPS Pilot Software for $35 and have both the road maps and golf gps plus golf scoring, too. Now if they just had the courses I play on available. Hmmmm.

__________________
Mike

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

A little more info....

I asked if WAAS was in the module or their software and here was their answer.

quote:

---

Mike,

WAAS is implemented on the GPS module itself.
The other Palm software that we have tested with the unit is:

Magellan Nav Companion
AtlasGPS
SolusPro
QuoVadis GPS - currently testing.

Basically any software that reads the standard NMEA data stream should
work
just fine.
We'll be putting out a list as soon as we can on our web site.

Regards,
Tech Support
SkyHawke Technologies

---

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: North Calolina
Posts: 38

this module is way expensive! Boy would I enjoy the ability to have that kind of cash -

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1

SkyGolf GPS Module

Has anyone bought one of these SkyGolf Modules? If so can you tell us how good it works?

Last edited by timesup on 08-23-2001 at 06:46 AM