GlobalSat GPS Data Logger DG-100 August 21st, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak
Full Review
Features and Testing Setting up the DG-100 Data Logger is very straightforward. Remove the DG-100 from its packaging and install the rechargeable batteries that are included in the box. Plug the DG-100 into any available USB port (even on a USB hub) and it'll begin to charge itself. It's best to leave the DG-100 charging for at least a few hours to ensure a good, proper charge. Each charge should give upwards of 16–20 hours of GPS logging use. Meanwhile, install the Data Logger software by inserting the CD into your computer. A popup window will offer driver installation and program installation. Run both. To use the DG-100, make sure it is charged, on, and has a relatively clear view of the sky. It needs to be able to pick up satellite signals, so don't expect to hide it under the wheel well of a car to surreptitiously record the comings and goings of your kids, spouse, or employees. Of course, the DG-100 has a MMCX port for an extended antenna, so one could make a simple addition to the Data Logger to start geotracking loved ones. (Creepy.) Once tracking, the DG-100 saves GPS data on a built-in flash memory bank of roughly 24MB (though this spec hasn't been confirmed). It'll log about 50,000 to 60,000 GPS data points from its 20-channel SIRFstar III GPS sensor.
The GlobalSat DG-100 Data Logger device is a simple, relatively un-pretty, palm-sized, puck-like device that holds some pretty high-tech circuitry inside its black and silver plastic housing. The DG-100 is a GPS data logger that, when turned on, pings a satellite network to track and log its location on earth. It logs date, time, latitude, longitude, speed, and can even track and record altitude. A device like this is great for tracking fleet vehicle activities, hiking routes, photo shoot locations, driving routes around town, and even fun things like the course and altitude of hot air balloon rides. Of course, there are countless applications for such a GPS tracking device, which is one of the reasons the DG-100 is so useful.
Once the DG-100 is charged, turn it on by holding the silver button until the device's green, blue, and red lights turn on. When the green satellite and red power indicators are illuminated, the DG-100 is ready to track movement with GPS accuracy.
The DG-100 has three generic settings that control how often the DG-100 pings a satellite to record a locale. Walk/jog mode (A) pings every 30 seconds. Bicycle mode (B) pings every 10 seconds, and vehicle mode (C) pings every 5 seconds. These intervals can be customized using the software installed on your computer.
As for the Data Logger software, don't expect anything sexy or sleek. It is bare-bones in every way, looking like it was designed in Microsoft Access. But ugly factor aside, the software does exactly what it's supposed to, and it does it well.
When switched to GPS Mouse mode via the Data Logger software, the DG-100 can function as USB GPS receiver for a laptop. This is also known as "GPS mouse mode", but the use of "mouse" has caused untold confusion. GPS mouse mode does not turn the DG-100 into a USB mouse. It means that the DG-100 can be used to track GPS coordinates while actively connected to a laptop or other mobile computer.
Bluetooth connection for data transfer? No, sorry. Not on the DG-100.
The Globalsat DG-100
by Jeff on November 8, 2009:
“If we were only talking about how well it works, I would give it a 10, but the software is really rough. I wish they would polish it up. I'm hoping that they find a way to increase battery life as well. It's not bad, but a 48 hour window for this devidce would...” More...