[Boatanchors] LightSquared

[Francesco Ledda]

GPS by design can detect lack of accuracy; this can be done, since multiple
solutions can be determined using different satellites; a cross check can
identify errors. 

I don't know much about LORAN to know how it could compute multiple fixes to
detect errors. Cross check with what? A GPS signal?

I know that LORAN is more than aviation, but I am familiar about aviation.

FL

-----Original Message-----
From: J. Forster [mailto:jfor at quikus.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 8:14 AM
To: Francesco Ledda
Cc: 'Drew P.'; boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Boatanchors] LightSquared

> The problem with LORAN was that there was no way to detect an error 
> and/or degradation of accuracy; this limited its use for aviation 
> application to enroute applications.

Well, since the potential shutdown was known for many years, no manufacturer
was inclined to make the design effort to write the SW to provide cross
checks. A chicken & egg problem.

Also, LORAN-C was never designed to be an ILS. It was certainly good enough
to get you within a mile of your destination.

> LORAN had some problems when closing in to bad storms. I did 
> experience the LORAN going "blank" at the "wrong time" due to heavy 
> statics, few times; it is not fun, when flying.

Again, flying is NOT the one and only use.

> I still think that E-LORAN will come back one day.... may be, it is 
> wishful thinking.
>
> FL

IMO, it will require a government that takes terrorism seriously or another
9/11 type incident.

"Ossama Bin Laden is dead,
Al Queda is aliuve and well."

-John

=================