Emprum is in the process of compiling a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that our customers inquire about.
Please note that this page is a work in progress.
If you feel any topics are missing from the FAQ or not explained clearly enough, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@emprum.com.
You can find the following frequencty asked questions answered below. Please tap or click on the specific question that is of interest and it will bring you right to the answer.
If you feel any topics are missing from the FAQ or not explained clearly enough, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@emprum.com.
A lot of customers ask the question how our product differs from some of the other GPS accessories that are on the market. We have compiled a list below with the main points that set our unit apart from the competition:
Emprum's UltiMate GPS provides a real 5 Hz update rate for all App Store apps.
Competitors may claim up to 10 Hz update rate as their GPS engine is capable of that, but in reality their accessory will only work at 1Hz with App Store apps. The Emprum UltiMate GPS accessory is the only accessory on the market that provides a true 5 Hz update rate for all App Store apps.
Additionally, we work with third party app developers and provide them with direct NMEA integration and guidelines for their apps. A good example of this is Harry's Laptimer app which takes full advantage of this.
Emprum's UltiMate GPS uses an MTK GPS chipset which has been in the field for a long time and as such is a proven and reliable workhorse. The competition either uses a less accurate GPS engine or a GPS engine that has not been in the field long enough to have surpassed its "childhood hick-ups."
For the UltiMate GPS, we have examined different types of GPS engines from various GPS chipset vendors and put these GPS engines to the test in real life and out in the field. Based on our research and findings, we have chosen the GPS engine that works best in the field and that gives the best customer satisfaction. If you compare the UltiMate GPS with competing products in the market, you will see that the UltiMate GPS has the best accuracy and shortest GPS lock and re-lock times, especially when it comes to switching apps.
For one competing product that we tested, re-locking takes anywhere from 30 secs to over a minute, and sometimes the tested unit would not relock at all unless it was unplugged an replugged.
For the UltiMate GPS, accuracy goes down to 2.5m with a DGPS lock, while re-locking typically only takes a few seconds.
Emprum's UltiMate GPS has a unique feature that is not found in competitor's products. When our accessory is powered directly over USB, it will retain its satellite lock, even when you unplug the accessory from your Apple device or when you switch apps.
When using a competing product, you will notice that if you switch apps, the accessory will loose its GPS lock, even with the USB cable plugged in. And considering that product's long re-lock times, this can be a real problem if you are on the road and depending on immediate driving directions.
Emprum's UltiMate GPS accessory also works with a PC or Mac directly over USB, whether you run any version of Windows, Mac OS or Linux.
Emprum's UltiMate GPS comes with a custom in-house designed USB cable that provides 2.1A charging capability, specifically designed for charging the iPad. Our USB cable also comes with a quick release button for easier connect/disconnect with less wear and tear.
Comparing Emprum's UltiMate GPS App with some of the utility apps that the competition has on the app store, you will immediately see the difference in quality and design. Emprum's UltiMate GPS App is a professionally designed app which will show you detailed GPS location and satellite information and which has a wealth of other capabalities and options, like firmware updates and AGPS data upload.
Additionally, we push out app updates on a regular basis to the App Store with user request and other feature additions.
We have recently added AGPS data upload capability to Emprum's UltiMate GPS App. Uploading AGPS data to your accessory will reduce the GPS lock times further down to about 15 secs for a warm and cold start (these are your typical first starts in the mornings after the accessory has been off overnight).
Emprum's UltiMate GPS was designed keeping Apple's high-class design standards in mind. The accessory is housed in a high-quality, two-tone housing and uses two bi-color light indicators on the front of the accessory for easy accessory status read-out by the user.
We are proud to mention that Emprum's UltiMate GPS is designed and assembled here in the US, Orange County, California.
Why do we not have any apps listed on our website?
With respect to apps, we don't list any on our site as people might get the impression that there is only a limited number of apps that work with the UltiMate GPS. The list of location based apps on the App Store is pretty much endless and it would require us to list all of them here.
So what apps will work then?
Any app on the App Store for which the developer has correctly implemented Apple's Corelocation Framework will work with the UltiMate GPS. The majority of app developers usually know how to correctly implement Apple's Corelocation Framework and their app will work fine with the UltiMate GPS, but as we all know, software is never bug free so occasionally an app that is location aware might not work properly with the UltiMate GPS.
If you come across an app like that, simply send us an email and we will contact the developer for you to see if they can fix the issue.
Please note that the UltiMate GPS only provides GPS location data. It does not provide WiFi or internet/network access. As such you want to make sure that whatever app you are planning on using, does not require a continous internet connection for it to be functional. Most mapping and navigation apps these days have maps built into the app or the ability to download maps or map tiles and store them on your Apple device for offline use.
In case you are not sure about an app that you wish to use, just drop us an email at support@emprum.com and we will be happy to provide you with some feedback and advice.
