Wintec's Affordable PDN - the WGS-1000

Wintec WGS-1000

Wintec Tiawan has recently added a nifty new handheld GPS device, the WGS-1000. It is the grown-up replacement to an earlier device, the WGS-100.

Brand new to Europe its March'08 release is just now getting attention. The suggest retail is around $100 euros or likely $150 US. Depending on how its functions and screen are used it has very good power longevity of up to 20 hours as a data logger. And data logging is 130,000 points/bread-crumbs large that can be set at time or distance interval logging is quite impressive. The WGS-1000 can be set at rates of up to 4 hertz. Built on a ubox chipset it has well know sensitivity as well as corrected accuracy via WAAS and EGNOS. The WGS-1000 also includes some great sensors: compass, barometer and thermometer. It can be interfaced via either Bluetooth or via a mini-USB connector that doubles as a charging port.

With included software the device's setting can be set, photos geotagged, and tracks downloaded and converted to KML for placing into Google Earth.

• High Sensitivity Atmel / u-blox Antaris GPS chipset
• 1 - 4 Hertz epochs setting WAAS / EGNOS
• LCD display with easy menu structure
• GPS Data Logger 130,000 points
• Various screen selections:
• Navigate, Satellite info, TrackBack, Performance
• Lunar and Solar Sunset/Sunrise Lunar phase Display
• TrackBack Feature with Directional "steer-to" display
• Barometer
• Electro Magnetic Compass
• Thermometer
• Bluetooth and mini-USB connection
• Rechargeable, replaceable lithium-ion batter (BL-5C format)
• 20 hours of continuous data logging
• Water resistant

Wintec may have an entry-GPS winner this time around. While essentially a datalogger with a minimalist PND interface, the WGS-1000 will offer strong competition to entry solutions from Garmin like their Gekos and Colorado handhelds that cost four to five as much.