Navigator: what it is, what it is for and how it works - Setafi

A navigator is a device that receives a signal from a satellite and converts it to the exact location of a point on a map diagram. It is a screen in a housing with a processor, a storage device and a module. You can learn about how the navigator works and how to choose the right one from this article.

Principle of operation and purpose

Understanding what a navigator is is quite simple. To do this, you need to figure out what the device consists of:

1. The basis - this is the motherboard, i.e. the microchip to which the storage device, the processor and the signal receiver itself are mounted - the GPS module. It is he who determines how the navigator works, what signals it receives from the satellite.
2. Screen - almost always it is a touch screen made using IPS or TFT technology.
3. Battery - a battery resembling a telephone. The larger its size, the larger the capacity, and the longer the duration of operation in hours.
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4. Frame - a very important element by which you can understand how to choose a navigator for a car. Usually it is made of plastic, but now it is more often made of a rubberized material that protects the internal elements from moisture.

The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. We can say about the navigator that this is a device based on the GPS module. It catches a signal from a space satellite, after which it analyzes the time indicated in it with the current time. Comparing data from 3-4 satellites in the same way, the navigator automatically determines the location. Instantly the same information is displayed on the scheme (map) on the touch screen.

Before you figure out how to choose a navigator, you need to understand what it is for. The main purpose is to determine the exact location of the device and, accordingly, the car. Also, the device allows you to build a route on the map, which greatly facilitates the work of the driver, for example, in a taxi or a freight service.

Selection Tips

Now it is clear how the navigator works in the car. Therefore, it remains only to figure out how to choose the right device. Obviously, for this you need to study several parameters, the most important are described below.

Screen

We can say about the navigator that this is a device that displays the coordinates of the location on the screen, as well as the optimal route. Therefore, it is important to purchase a model that will have a sufficiently wide screen. Acceptable diagonal sizes range from 4.3 to 7.0 inches. Moreover, you don’t need to strive to buy a large device either, since with its dimensions it will interfere with the driver’s view.

If you study how the GPS navigator works, you can understand that not only the size, but also the screen resolution is an important indicator. By default, this is 480 * 272 pixels, which is quite enough for a display with a diagonal of no more than 5 inches. If it is more overall, it is worth considering the options 800 * 480 and even 1024 * 600 pixels.

Navigation program

You can also choose a navigator by the software that is installed on it. Most often, navigation programs 2GIS, Garmin, ProGorod are installed on the device. There are other options:

• Navitel;
• 7 roads;
• igo;
• Navigator;
• Autosatellite.

Memory and processor

Since a GPS navigator is an electronic device, it is extremely important to take into account the parameters of the memory and processor. They directly affect performance and speed. Typically, devices are equipped with RAM with a capacity of 128-512 MB, less often up to 1 GB. Built-in memory is 1-4 GB, but it can be significantly increased with a memory card.

As for the processor, here you need to take into account the clock frequency indicator - the higher it is, the better. Usually it is 500-1000 MHz, which is quite enough. But if the Android OS is installed, it is desirable that the frequency be at the level of 1300-1500 MHz. These are the features of the navigator device on this operating system.

Device functionality

When choosing a model, it is not so important to know the principle of operation of a GPS navigator as to familiarize yourself with its functionality. It is best to choose devices with the following options:

1. Possibility to download traffic data. Usually this is done via bluetooth, but there are devices with a built-in module and antenna.
2. Equipping with a GLONASS receiver is a desirable but optional requirement. However, if you have to work in the north of Russia, it is better if there is such a module. It gives more accurate data in these regions - that's what a navigator is for.
3. Voice prompts are a useful option that almost all models have. Voices the nearest important points, for example, the turn after 500 meters.
4. FM transmitter is a device that allows you to connect the navigator to the car's multimedia system (wireless connection). If set to the same frequency, voice prompts will be played by the car's own audio system.
5. Multimedia, such as mp3 player, video recorder, e-book reader, video player and others.

Now it is clear why you need a navigator. The device allows you to get fairly accurate location data, which is useful in both rural and urban areas. If you choose a quality model, it will last long enough and provide the driver with maximum comfort.