Your PC could make your GPS crazy

Posted on 24. Apr, 2007 by Andrea in Sat-nav & GPS

High frequencies emitted from Intel processors could interfere with the operation of GPS receivers, the Swedish Defence Research Agency has found.

Using a computer in a car, plane, boat, or anywhere a GPS system is used, can mean that the sat-nav device starts working incorrectly. Many modern processors with high clock frequencies – such as those from Intel with frequencies of 1.7GHz, 2.992GHz and 3.2GHz – have been highlighted as possible sources of interference.

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The study showed that modern computers produce interfering signals that reach as far as the frequency bandwidths used for GPS systems (between 1GHz and 2GHz).

The interference has been measured as far as 700 metres away from the source of that interference. It can cause GPS systems to display incorrect position information, or may stop working entirely.

If your GPS system has started producing errors, try turning off any computers or electronic systems that are nearby, or move as far away from the possible sources of interference as possible.

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