GPS vs GPS +GLONASS vs GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU+GALILEO+QZSS
What comes to GPS, more is better. In this article we will try to explain the differences between the devices using real world data.
Data below is recorded exactly at the same time and from the same vehicle. You can't compare results from GPS devices that are not logged at the same exact moment. This is simply because the GPS coverage changes during the day.
Test route
Test route is close to Malaga, Spain, in the city with high hills and buildings.
Tested Devices
| GPS | MoTeC L10 | RS-232-2 |
| GPS+GLONASS | GPSL20V2 | RS-232-1 |
| GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU+GALILEO+QZSS | GPS8V2 Quad | CAN1 500kBit |
Data was logged using MoTeC C125 display logger.
Vehicle data is from BMW's PT-CAN bus connected to C125 CAN2
Number of satellites
| GPS | GPS+GLONASS | GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU+GALILEO+QZSS | |
| Number of satellites | 9 | 17 | 29 |
| HDOP (Accuracy) | 0.98 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
As you can see, GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU+GALILEO+QZSS receiver is a clear winner. Typically, we see 2x satellites compared to GPS+GLONASS and 3x compared to GPS.
Track accuracy
This improved accuracy is shown clearly in real life. Below is the track from all devices.
Red = GPS, Green = GPS+GLONASS, Blue = GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU+GALILEO+QZSS.
High Lean angles in motorcycle racing
Above is one lap from a WorldSBK bike and shows the number of satellites during the lap. Lean angles are between -55 and 55 degrees.
Having signals from as many satellites as possible greatly improves the data and minimizes the GPS drops.
Real life benefits in racing applications
- Stable speed output, no sudden drops because of lost satellites of from multipath signals.
- Accurate driving line
- GPS works well even in high lean angle applications like motorcycle racing
Starting October 2021, GPS8V2 and GPSL25V2 Quad is available with this receiver. Contact us for pricing and details.