Topic: Stephen Fry explains how GPS and the Internet work

[Clive]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/01/18/stephen_frytard/

[Rik]

It's nice to see someone with such a clear grasp of technology.

[GillE]

If GPS doesn't work like that, then how does it work?  I can see why they're criticising his explanation of TCP/IP (shouldn't there have been a mention of checksums?  ) but I reckon it's uncouth to jibe at someone like that without providing corrections.

Incidentally, I've just finished Moab is my Washpot and The Fry Chronicles.  Both are heartily recommended.  Fry is a brilliant story-teller, even when the story is his own.

[Rik]

"You send a signal from your GPS device," he explained. "You've got to be at least three, usually four or five satellites – that receive your signal. And the difference in time it takes to get from one satellite to the other to the other, which is milliseconds, allows them to calculate your position to within 10 metres."

AFAIK, Gill, the satellites send the signal, we use GPS receivers. If we were trying to beam signals to satellites, we'd need much bigger gizmos.

[sam]

indeed.

[GillE]

I understand now, thanks .  But is the principle the same as that elucidated by Fry?  If so, I think The Register was being a little harsh on him.

[sam]

I should read the article before commenting further, still though they were probably being hard as he was simply trying to explain - its not like he has a doctorate in physics and shouldn't get these things wrong.

[Clive]

I really enjoyed Fry's tour of America which he did in a London cab.     Can't remember what the series was called.

[Simon]

Me too, and me neither!

[Clive]

 

[Rik]

Probably Stephen Fry in America?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00f2dfv

Interesting but superficial was our verdict.