GPS typo sends Swedish couple 400 miles off course

by Scott Carmichael on

A Swedish couple screwed up their vacation when a simple typo sent them 400 miles away from their desired destination.

When entering the Italian island of Capri into their GPS, they accidentally entered Carpi. The two destinations couldn’t be more different – Capri is a lovely island off the coast of Naples, Carpi is an industrial village in the middle of nowhere,

It isn’t uncommon for someone to make a spelling mistake on their GPS, but you’d expect that most people be able to notice they are not on an island, and that the drive was about 6 hours shorter than expected.

Sadly, this couple had no idea, and when they couldn’t find the famous blue caves of Capri, they asked the local tourist office.

It was then (most likely after the laughter stopped) that they were told they were in the wrong town. The couple then popped the correct destination into their GPS and headed towards the correct Capri.

%Gallery-68890%

More road trip gadgets – technology to help prevent traffic tickets

by Scott Carmichael on

Here at Gadling, we don’t condone, recommend or suggest speeding – in fact, I’m pretty sure every single one of us sticks to the speed limit at least 25% of the time.

So, if you find yourself on a long road trip, and begin to wonder whether the speed limit signs are the law, or merely a recommendation, then you can put technology to work staying safe from tickets.

Nowadays, there are several ways to be caught – the first is of course the old fashioned cop pulling up behind you with lights and siren. Sadly these cops now get help from red light cameras and combined red light/speed cameras.

Thankfully, the US is not as bad as Europe, where cops hide speed cameras in trash cans, trailers or on a tiny tripod in the shoulder.

In this article, you’ll learn about three technologies that could help save some money, especially if you have a bit of a lead foot.

And while I have your attention – don’t forget to check out our lineup of other cool road trip gadgets, and to enter our awesome “Perfect Road Trip” contest where you have a chance at winning an all expenses paid road trip in a new Cadillac SRX.

Trapster

Trapster is like social networking for speed traps. The Trapster network allows members to receive and report locations of speed traps. Of course, the service takes full advantage of mobile technology by offering access to their database on the iPhone, Blackberry and Android powered devices, as well as Java compatible phones.

The database can even be installed on TomTom and Garmin GPS units, and you can select your own custom coverage area for loading on your device.

Price: free
Where: www.trapster.com

Escort 9500ix radar detector

The Escort 9500ix takes radar detection to a whole new level. By combining a “regular” radar detector with a GPS receiver and PC upgradeable database, this $499 unit warns of cops with radar or laser, as well as known locations of red light/speed cameras and you can even mark “hot” and “false” spots, which means you won’t get annoying alerts when you pass the automatic doors of the local drugstore.

Before you consider purchasing a radar detector, be sure to read up on your local and state laws, and check whether your insurance company allows them to be used in your car.

Price: $499.95
Where: www.escortradar.com


GPS red light database

Got GPS in your car? If your GPS model allows for user-added point-of-interest databases, then you can often add a list of known red light cameras. Many models allow for warning signals when you get close to some categories, which means you’ll be warned in time to slow down.

In most cases you can just “drag and drop” the speed camera file to your GPS unit, some brands may require a free “POI loader”.

From: Various Internet sites (like GPS-data-team, POI Factory)
Price: Varies per site

Daily gear deal – TomTom ONE XL-S GPS unit + bonus for $125

by Scott Carmichael on

Today’s daily deal is for a TomTom navigation unit. The TomTom ONE XL-S features a widescreen display, text-to-speech directions and built in Bluetooth connectivity.

When connected to your (compatible) mobile phone, you can access the TomTom plus online services, though you do need to be sure your phone has an active data plan.

The TomTom ONE XL-S comes with a car charger, USB cable, windshield mount and a user manual and is on sale at Newegg.com for $124.99 (with free shipping). The added bonus is a 30 piece car emergency kit.

Daily gear deal – Garmin nüvi 200 for $87

by Scott Carmichael on

Today’s daily deal is for the GARMIN nüvi 200 GPS unit. The nüvi 200 is one of the most popular GPS devices on the market, and thanks to its great routing, and Navteq maps, you’ll have a reliable device that shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting you where you need to be.

With such a low price you’ll get a fairly basic product, so don’t expect too many bells and whistles. It has all the basic navigation features, including a large point of interest database as well as a calculator and world clock.

The nüvi 200 normally retails for about $150, but Newegg.com has it on sale for just $87.

This low price does mean you’ll get a refurbished unit, which means the product was once returned to the manufacturer, and was returned to its “as new” condition.

Included with the product is a windshield mount and car charger. The nüvi 200 ships for free with 3-day UPS express.

Plane Answers: Airliners passing closely (with video) and how are tailwinds figured inflight?

by Kent Wien on

Welcome to Gadling’s feature, Plane Answers, where our resident airline pilot, Kent Wien, answers your questions about everything from takeoff to touchdown and beyond. Have a question of your own? Ask away!

Tim asks:

Kent,

Recently we (my wife and I) were going from PVD to TPA and while gazing out the window on a bright sunny day, we were amazed to notice a large amount (8-10) planes passing by us heading north. These planes “seemed” very close to our plane as I could clearly make out all of the markings on each one. Is this normal practice for the airlines?

Hi Tim,

I had a similar experience recently. Since I normally fly internationally, we don’t see quite as much traffic as you can pass on a domestic flight.

While flying from Dallas to Boston the other day, I decided to take some video during cruise of the numerous aircraft that we flew over or under. It makes for some nice scenes. At one point, we even pass under a pair of B-52’s.

You’re right in noticing that this seems to be more common. Since January 20th, 2005, the FAA has allowed aircraft to be flown at altitudes in 1,000 foot increments. Prior to that, flights above 18,000 feet were separated by 2,000 feet.

You might think this wouldn’t be as safe, but in fact, the opposite is true. Since opening up twice the amount of flight levels available to airplanes, the airspace is effectively doubled, giving controllers more room to operate flights around weather and to provide more direct flights.
Callum asks:

First off, thank you so much for taking the time to answer all these questions. I only recently found the list and I enjoyed reading your answers immensely.

My question is how does the in flight system that displays speed, location, heading etc. know what the tailwind speed is?

I imagine it’s easy to calculate your forward velocity through the air with some kind of windmill like device on the front of the aircraft. If this velocity is comprised of forward motion created by engine thrust and wind speed (positive or negative) how do the plane’s systems calculate each component?

(I bet I’m over thinking it and you’ll have a really simple, obvious answer :) )

Thanks!

Hi Callum,

You’re close. Almost all airplanes have a pitot tube that senses the airplane’s airspeed. Airliners also have GPS and/or ‘laser ring’ gyros that spin fast enough to sense any movement of the airplane. When the airspeed and heading is compared to the GPS or gyros, the relative wind speed can be displayed. We can see this on our map display at a glance, which is handy in the last few hundred feet before landing to get a preview of the crosswind we’ll likely have at touchdown.

I managed to take a quick picture of the highest winds I’ve run across at altitude, which was during a smooth ride, despite the fuzzy picture:

Do you have a question about something related to the pointy end of an airplane? Ask Kent and he’ll try to use it for next Monday’s Plane Answers. Check out his other blog, Cockpit Chronicles and travel along with him at work.