If you're interested in increasing offline gps accuracy, check out the network features of TopoFusion (www.topofusion.com/network.php). You can take go out and GPS a trail several times, then merge the results to generate more accurate representations.
I had a friend who got screwed over by the State of Arizona who has decided to base their emissions testing for 96 or newer vehicles entirely on the car's computer.
His "check engine" light had been on for quite a while. He had taken it to a mechanic to see what the problem was when it first came on. The mechanic said that code was for evaporative and the reason was that the gas cap wasn't on tight enough. Well, he cranked the gas cap tight from then on, but the light came right back on.
He didn't give it anymore thought since he was tired of paying the mechanic $100 to "scan the codes". That is, until it came time for emissions inspection. My advice now, don't go to the emissions place if your "check engine" light is on, there is NO WAY you will pass, that's exactly what the tech's there told him. Anyway,
disconnecting the battery for an hour or so clears the codes (at least for this car), so after he did that, he took the car back; rejected again, "sensor's aren't ready".
To make a long story short(er), a few trips to the mechanic and emissions place later, he's passed and has a new evaporative "switch" (parts $17, labor $40). This, of course, is after several $100 "diagnostic" fees.
So, watch out, some states have decided that they'd rather not test which cars are actually polluting beyond the regs, they'd rather screw over people whose cars are in spec.
Slashdot Mirror
If you're interested in increasing offline gps accuracy, check out the network features of TopoFusion (www.topofusion.com/network.php). You can take go out and GPS a trail several times, then merge the results to generate more accurate representations.
His "check engine" light had been on for quite a while. He had taken it to a mechanic to see what the problem was when it first came on. The mechanic said that code was for evaporative and the reason was that the gas cap wasn't on tight enough. Well, he cranked the gas cap tight from then on, but the light came right back on.
He didn't give it anymore thought since he was tired of paying the mechanic $100 to "scan the codes". That is, until it came time for emissions inspection. My advice now, don't go to the emissions place if your "check engine" light is on, there is NO WAY you will pass, that's exactly what the tech's there told him. Anyway, disconnecting the battery for an hour or so clears the codes (at least for this car), so after he did that, he took the car back; rejected again, "sensor's aren't ready".
To make a long story short(er), a few trips to the mechanic and emissions place later, he's passed and has a new evaporative "switch" (parts $17, labor $40). This, of course, is after several $100 "diagnostic" fees.
So, watch out, some states have decided that they'd rather not test which cars are actually polluting beyond the regs, they'd rather screw over people whose cars are in spec.
====
TopoFusion GPS Mapping software featuring trail networks.