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Does GNSS give away my location?

Soarwitheagles
Soarwitheagles Member ✭✭
in FLEX-8000 Signature Series

Hi!

I noticed my new Flex 8400 has GNSS. According to Flex documentation,

The GNSS receiver not only provides time it also is used to keep the frequency stable.

Also,

The GNSS receiver not only provides time it also is used to keep the frequency stable. If you have it enabled in your 8600 properly, there should be a screen showing the number of satellites it is locked on to. Plus, how much the actual frequency is being corrected in Part Per Billion. It is much more accurate than the TXCO in the radio. 

But I was wondering…does GNSS also give away/broadcast my location?

Best Answer

  • Trucker
    Trucker Member ✭✭✭✭
    Answer ✓

    Why would it? It is a reference device. Flex Radio would have to include some kind of Spyware to do what you are asking. I seriously doubt that they would do such a thing. Besides, what would be the motive for doing that?

    James

    WD5GWY

Answers

  • John KB4DU
    John KB4DU Member ✭✭✭✭

    Like almost all GPS receivers, this one is just a receiver like your radio, no tx function is included. In addition to the time, which is provided by the satellite system, the GPS receiver provides a precise 10Mhz pulse, similar to the WWV broadcast frequency, but not affected by propagation and other atmospheric effects, which cause some variation in the WWV signal. The 10MHz pulse is used by the Flex to accurately set the radio frequency references in the radio for precise frequency and display. The time included in the GPS signal allows the calculation of the current location by triangulation, An exception is a GPS based app like Google maps, which transmits your location to the Google servers to provide map data.

  • Jim KJ3P
    Jim KJ3P Member ✭✭✭

    Don't forget that SmartSDR connects to the Internet for things like license version verification, SmartLink, and perhaps others. I think Soar's question is legitimate.

  • TSMyers
    TSMyers Member ✭✭
    The GPS does not give your location but your call sign does.
  • Soarwitheagles
    Soarwitheagles Member ✭✭

    Thank you for your comments! I am not paranoid, but also like to keep a low profile. I wasn't comfortable broadcasting our QTH to the entire universe!

    You have helped me understand the purpose of the GNSS receiver. I had no clue what it was and what it did.

    Thanks again everyone!

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