Myths about GPS systems dismissed
GPS and navigation systems have been around for over three decades now. While we do rely on these systems to guide us on a daily basis, not many of us are aware of how these navigation systems are designed and function.
It also doesn’t help when there is too much information being bombarded on the internet, with a number of myths that question the very functioning of these devices. Myths about GPS and navigation signals, the involvement of the government, the impact of weather on the signal strength and location accuracy among many others are creating a lot of confusion about this beneficial technology.
There are facts which state otherwise and dismiss these myths. Here are common myths about GPS technology dismissed for your reference:
GPS signals: A lot of people believe that GPS signals originate from independent signal stations set up along multiple routes and coverage areas to help you locate and map out your travel. However, GPS and navigation signals are transmitted through the vast network of satellites orbiting planet earth. The signal bounces off through multiple satellites to provide all the relevant data. Bottom line, these signals originate from above through satellites and not ground signal systems.
The military does not control GPS signals: While many may argue that the military can monitor and control GPS and navigation signals, it is only partially true. The military has space squadrons which can monitor GPS signals, but not control them. The government still maintains all regulations of proprietary GPS systems, which is a taxpayer-funded program.
The government can track your movements: This is another myth! The basic systems are just designed to receive signals and not transmit your location back accurately. Most vehicles that have proprietary GPS and navigation systems are designed to receive satellite signals to pinpoint your location and navigate.
Weather can affect signals: Satellite TV can get affected due to bad weather owing to the inherent design of these signals. GPS, however, it does not get affected by bad weather. As long as the GPS systems are free of any obstruction which will block the signal strength, there is no reason to be worried about catching a signal on the go. Location accuracy also will not get affected when you are outside, regardless of the weather.
GPS is accurate: This is not so much as a myth, but a technical error. While most GPS and navigation systems are accurate to the letter, this will entirely depend on your software. Updated software and apps for that matter will provide an accurate location, but this does not necessarily mean the system is flawed. Proprietary systems work well when the software is updated from time to time.
Additional apps mess up the system: Traditional GPS had only one job, provide location accurately and help navigate through places. Modern-day GPS systems installed in premium automobiles have a bulk of apps installed and integrated with the system, which many people cite as the reason for GPS not working sometimes. Building identifiers, real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions are all just useful add-ons in your proprietary system and do not necessarily mess with the signal.
Military GPS versus Civilian GPS: Unlike the myth which is being propagated to mislead people, there is no such thing as military GPS and civilian GPS. Both happen to receive the same signals from orbiting satellites, with the quality and type of equipment used being the only distinguishing factor. The bandwidth is another factor which differentiates these two signals.
One of the most popular manufacturers of GPS and navigation devices is Garmin, both for civilian and military purposes.
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Read MoreWhile getting vaccinated for pneumonia does not guarantee you of immunity, it significantly lowers your chances of catching the disease. Pneumonia is a lung infection which causes breathing difficulties. Even if you do suffer pneumonia after taking a vaccine, you are likely to have a much milder case of the disease than someone who has not been vaccinated for pneumonia. The disease is most common among people with weakened immune systems and with health problems and older adults. Here is why you need to get a pneumonia vaccine today if you already have not got one.
Who needs a pneumonia vaccine?
As mentioned before, older adults, people with health problems, and people with weakened immune systems need to get vaccinated for pneumonia to minimize the risk of the onset of the disease. Here are a few others who should ensure to get vaccinated for pneumonia:- Chain smokers – The small hairs that line the inner wall of the lungs are damaged over time due to excessive smoking. These hair filter out germs in the lungs. When these hairs are damaged, they could become useless. It is essential that you get a pneumonia vaccine if you happen to be a chain smoker.
- Heavy drinkers – The white blood cells do not work as effectively in weakened immune systems as they do in healthy ones. Drinking heavily over time effects the immune systems and weakens it considerably.
When to get a pneumonia vaccine
While there is a season to catch a flu, there is no such season for pneumonia. It is up to your doctor to decide on a time to get the vaccine as it can be done at any time of the year. You can also get both vaccines at the same time provided that you get vaccinated for flu on one arm and the pneumonia vaccine on the other arm.Who does not need a pneumonia vaccine?
As mentioned before, those with considerably weakened immune systems and compromised health need to get vaccinated for pneumonia. Healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years can skip the vaccine if they do not drink or smoke or indulge in any activity which could increase their risk of developing pneumonia.While getting a vaccine for pneumonia is not mandatory, it is better to be safe than sorry. You can pay a visit to your doctor and set up an appointment to get vaccinated if you have not.
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Read MoreCar enthusiasts are a breed of people who never seem to rest at ease with just one opinion about a given car. Add to this curiosity the hype behind sports car, and you can have a debate raging in under a minute about which sports car trumps the other. Also, no matter how good a car they have, even if it is the best in the segment or the best possible model they could get, car enthusiasts always have a soft spot for the shiny, powerful, quintessential sports car. Now just sometimes, the budget might become a top concern that throws such buyers into a tizzy. But then worry not since the world of used sports cars and used luxury sports cars is just a step away. Here are some tips to consider while buying a luxury sports car.
Consumables and concerns
Be critical. There is nothing wrong in assuming that most consumables category of car parts could be pooched. From rotors to the clutch, you have to be prepared that these all need a replacement for the car you are planning to buy.Check the fluids
For optimal investment, you need to assume that car fluids have never been changed earlier. Therefore, consider including these costs in your budget bracket. While coolant and engine lubricant are significant, do not forget to pay attention to the fluids for power steering or transmission either!Examine thoroughly
Yes, we are still in sports car shopping zone and we want you to not trust the quality of the used luxury sports car much. Inspect the body from all ends, the bumpers and check for suspension damage.Look for the warranty
When shopping for used sports cars that have some factory warranty left, it is better to assume that the truth is otherwise. You will have to check each service sheet to know for sure what the real status is since goofing up the warranty is as easy as missing a fluid change.Spend some bucks to get a present purchase inspection. It takes around one hour but lets you understand internal issues such as those with powertrain electronics.
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Read MoreSlow cookers are used for low temperature cooking. Low temperature cooking is a cooking technique that cooks food at temperatures 50 to 90 °Celsius for a prolonged time. Low-temperature cooking methods include sous vide cooking, which is nothing but vacuum-sealed slow cooking. Sous vide usually incorporates the use of slow cooker. This method may be used to cook almost anything, from veggies to meats.
For people who love their meats tender and steamy. Preparing them in slow cookers is a great idea as it cooks the meat to the optimum temperature that it is neither too dry nor too steamy. You can prepare them in a broth of vegetables with dices of them cut and slow cooked with the meat. The juices of meat mixed with vegetable broth make it appetizing. Add black pepper and other seasonings of your choice to make your dish taste more interesting.
If you are not a fan of steamed meat but still look forward to relish it, you can barbecue (or grill) the meat first and then steam it. This way you will get the smoky flavor with crisp outside and tender insides.
Meals cooked in slow cookers are healthier as they retain the nutrients that are generally lost when fried.
If you don’t like to get into the fuss of oven baking but still relish a fluffy cake, you can prepare one in your slow cooker or crock pot cooker. The procedure is in fact easy as you don’t have to set the temperature settings and preheat the appliance before putting in the cake mix. Following are the steps that you can follow to make yourself a slow cooked cake.
Spray crock of a large slow cooker with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla essence until well combined. Whisk in the boiling water. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour the cake batter into the prepared slow cooker. Set slow cooker to “Low”. Cook until cake has no wet spots on top and has pulled away from the sides of the crock, about 3 hours. Turn off slow cooker and allow cake to rest for 30 minutes before serving.
