Free GPS Software

Written by Anne King


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If you need to transfer information to and from your GPS receiver and your home computer or laptop there are several free programs that allow you to do so. There are also programs that allow Garmin GPS receivers to "talk" to one another. Many ofrepparttar programs listed here are directed atrepparttar 150366 hiking/trekker community, but there are also free programs available for auto GPS systems and marine navigational systems. I found a couple of marine navigation programs that allow you to download nautical charts and plotters.

There are free GPS software programs that allow you to download street maps that might not be included in your auto--navigation system. If you intend downloading in--vehicle software, make sure that it has audio capacity, an essential safety factor for motorists. One such program offers data for several countries with voice guidance in twelve languages.

Free GPS software is also available for downloading to your cell phone. This is mostly tracking software and can be phone specific. You might want to check with your carrier before downloading anything to your cell phone to make sure that it does not incur extra charges.

As satellites are constantly moving, it is helpful to knowrepparttar 150367 optimal time for data collection in your area. There is free GPS software that includes an almanac to let you knowrepparttar 150368 availability of satellites at any given time.

Some ofrepparttar 150369 free GPS software is brand specific. Programs designed for a Garmin receiver may not work for a Magellan, so check outrepparttar 150370 specifications carefully, especially if you intend purchasing a registered version after your trial period. Other software works with most brands.



Anne King is a sports and recreation writer in Boise, Idaho. For a list of free GPS software, visit Maps GPS Info.com which also provides practical information on GPS and maps that everyone can use. The website includes product reviews and a maps/GPS glossary.


Home Automation - Save Money & Enhance Your Lifestyle - Some Exciting Applications

Written by Steve Faber


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4) Different lighting scenes can be preset for different events such as entertaining, away, coming home, etc. This is excellent to recall favorite lighting levels automatically. It also avoids you having to go throughoutrepparttar home and set dimmer levels. Dimming lights saves considerable energy and dramatically extendsrepparttar 150255 life of light bulbs. An incandescent light at 90% will last almost twice as long asrepparttar 150256 same light at 100%.

5) Motion-activated lighting automatically turns onrepparttar 150257 bathroom lights to 25% if you get up between 12:00 midnight and 5:00am, avoiding harsh light on your still sleepy eyes. If you walk out of your bedroom door late at night, a path is lit torepparttar 150258 kitchen for you at 35%.

6) You get an email notifying you if your security system is tripped or disarmed. This is great for knowing when kids get home after school or alerting you to problems when you are away from home. E-mail and pager alerts can be used for a variety of conditions that may need monitoring such as low fuel-oil, occupancy or motion in certain areas, or water leaks inrepparttar 150259 mechanical or utility room.

7) Skylights automatically close in response to rain and/or wind.

8) If upstairs windows are open,repparttar 150260 heat in those rooms is disabled to avoid wasting energy and a message is displayed onrepparttar 150261 home’s touch panels to alert you.

9) Weather information can be displayed onrepparttar 150262 home’s touch panels. Ifrepparttar 150263 wind speed increases to beyond 50mph, protective shutters can be activated overrepparttar 150264 windows.

10) Motorized window treatments can be lowered automatically in response to direct sunlight. This prevents fading of valuable furniture, carpets and artwork. It also reduces interior heating, reducing AC expenditures.

11) You phone from your car while returning from a ski trip to ensure your hot tub is warmed up and ready to jump in immediately upon your return.

These are just a sample of different home automation applications commonly used to enhance lifestyles, save money and conserve resources. The possibilities are almost endless, limited only by your budget and imagination.

Steve has 15 yrs in electronics. He is a CEDIA certified designer with ISF and THX certificates. Experience includes: installer and programmer; system designer; business unit director for an a/v importer; sales rep for a CE distributor; and principal of a $1.5M+ CEDIA firm. He's now senior sales engineer for Digital Cinema Design in Redmond, WA. See him at The Home Theater and Automation Guide


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