Rikaline GPS-6033
4. The Tests
- Tests Day One
We tested the Rikaline GPS-6033 with a Dell Axim X50v. We recorded all produced data for a pre-selected route with VisualGPSce (free edition) and later analyzed it with GPSLog. We couldn't measure the TTFF ("Time to First Fix" which is the time it takes for a GPS to determine its current position), since GPSInfo "Cold Start" function doesn't work with RFMD chipsets. All tests ran continuously, under the same environmental conditions (night, clear sky, 2.5° Celsius ) and installed in an Audi, model A4 2004.
| Globalsat BT-338 | Rikaline GPS-6033 | ||
| Time to First Fix (TTFF) | Secs | 38 sec | ? |
| Fix | Invalid | 0 | 0 |
| 2D | 0 | 3.7 | |
| 3D | 100 | 96.3 | |
| Satellites | Average (in view) | 8 | 8 |
| Average (in use) | 5.19 | 4.62 | |
| Average Signal Level (in dB) | Maximum per Satellite | 47.33 | 51.00 |
| Average per Satellite | 38.43 | 41.80 | |
The Rikaline GPS-6033 produced very good performance in this test. While we couldn't test the TTFF times, we didn't have problems with it. The Average Signal levels are high, reaching up to 51dB, while the average signal level was up to 41.80dB. On the other hand, while the device constantly tracks 8 satellites, it used only 4.62 on average. Lastly, its 3D fix was not a perfect 100%, as it was with the BT-338.
- Tests Day Two (Pedestrian use)
We tested the device with a Dell Axim X50v. We recorded all produced data for a pre-selected route with VisualGPSce (free edition) and later analyzed it with GPSLog. All tests ran continuously, under the same environmental conditions (day time, clear sky, 20° Celsius ) carried along with us as we walked about. For this test, we enabled the "Static Navigation" for GlobalSat BT-338. There is no such function available for the Rikaline GPS-6033.
| Globalsat BT-338 | Rikaline GPS-6033 | ||
| Fix | Invalid | 0 | 0 |
| 2D | 0 | 0 | |
|
100 | 100 | |
| Satellites | Average (in view) | 8 | 8 |
| Average (in use) | 5 | 6.64 | |
| Average Signal Level (in dB) | Maximum per Satellite | 45.00 | 43.00 |
| Average per Satellite | 35.73 | 31.11 | |
| Speed (km/h) | Minimum | 1.06 | 1.58 |
| Maximum | 6.23 | 10.23 | |
The Rikaline GPS-6033 doesn't have any option (via software), to turn on or off static navigation. The reception levels were acceptable but after analyzing the logs, we saw that there are some issues, since the GPS-6033 didn't always report speed (km/h) whereas the BT-338 did.
- Tests Day Three (External Antenna)
We tested the device with a Dell Axim X50v. We recorded all produced data for a pre-selected route with VisualGPSce (free edition) and later analyzed it with GPSLog. All tests ran continuously, under the same environmental conditions (night, clear sky, 2.5° Celsius ) and installed in an Audi, model A4 2004. This time, we installed an external antenna to the device to see if it would make any difference.
| Rikaline GPS-6033 | Rikaline GPS-6033 + antenna | ||
| Fix | Invalid | 0 | 0 |
| 2D | 3.7 | 0.7 | |
|
96.3 | 99.3 | |
| Satellites | Average (in view) | 8 | 8 |
| Average (in use) | 4.62 | 5.76 | |
| Average Signal Level (in dB) | Maximum per Satellite | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Average per Satellite | 41.80 | 39.05 | |
The external antenna improved the 3D Fix % and more satellites (average) were in use. The maximum level per satellite was the same, however the average signal level per satellite was somewhat lower than without the antenna.
- - Tests Day Four ( Indoor Sensitivity)
We placed both receivers inside a house, close to a big window and observed their performance. The Rikaline GPS-6033 had a 3D fix, with 8 satellites in view and 5 in use, whereas the Globalsat BT-338 also had a 3D fix but with 7 satellites in view and 5 in use.
- Overall impressions
The Rikaline GPS-6033 had very good performance with almost all tests. Despite the fact that we couldn't measure its TTFF, it appeared to be short, probably due to the device's ability to receive up to 32 channels. The device is not ideal for pedestrian use, compared with BT-338. Overall, the GPS-6033 had very good reception levels, 8 satellites in view (always) and an average of 5 in use. The option for connecting an external antenna further boosts the device.
