Introduction

I. Parts

If we consider the similarities between a desktop computer and the GPS, the datalogger (below) acts essentially as the keyboard, monitor and hard drive (stores files).

In the backpack, you will find space for 4 VCR-type batteries, a small black box that holds a 486 processor, 2 wires that run from the battery connections to the processor, one wire that runs from the processor to the datalogger connection, and another that runs from the processor to the antenna connection. Thus, the processor has power (battery connections), a mechanism to receive satellite data (connection to the antenna), and a mechanism to exchange information with the user (datalogger connection).

Backpack (above) containing the processor (below, in the center of the backpack), batteries (fingers to the right of the processor pointing to installed batteries. Note the 2 spare batteries on the opposite side of the processor) and the connections to the antenna and datalogger (wires extending from the top of the processor).

Below are the connections to the antenna (left) and datalogger (right)

The antenna (below) receives the satellite information, and the yellow extension rods allow the user to elevate the antenna above their head (your big head can block satellite signals).