Watch link to satellites offers athletes an edge

By PETER GRIFFIN

Satellites are set to play an increasing role in the lives of athletes, with the help of an Auckland company.

Electronics maker Navman is adapting its technology to bring global positioning to the common wrist-watch.

The company has built a worldwide business developing global positioning system (GPS) units for the marine and automobile industries, and has struck a deal with US watch-maker Timex to use the technology to feed data to watches.

Athletes ranging from runners to rowers will be able to record their performances by wearing a small receiver on a belt or arm band.

It helps Earth-orbiting satellites constantly feed grid references to the watch via a low-frequency FM radio link.

A digital odometer tells the watch-wearer how far he or she has travelled and at what speed and pace, crucial information for serious athletes. The GPS unit has a 28-hour battery life.

Timex has also developed a heart-rate sensor which straps onto the arm and sends information to the watch screen.

Watches with built-in GPS already exist, but Mark Bowman, vice-president of Navman's manufacturing division, said the external receiver was needed to ensure a reliable feed from the satellite and to adequately power the device.

"When I walk along, my watch is generally facing down, not pointing at the sky," he said.

"The watch itself isn't a good vehicle for the GPS unit. It needs to be able to see the satellite to get a signal."

Navman designed the GPS modules for Timex in Christchurch and is assembling them in Auckland.

In its laboratories, Navman is working on miniaturising GPS receivers, opening the prospect of their being built into a wide range of consumer electronics.

The Timex deal could become a lucrative revenue-spinner for Navman. It has already filled a substantial order and expects to supply tens of thousands of the GPS units each year.

US marine company Brunswick Group last year bought 70 per cent of Navman for $56 million, but the company has stated its intention to keep Navman based in New Zealand. It is currently looking to fill a number of jobs locally.

Bowman said that as long as volumes were relatively low, New Zealand was a cost-effective place to manufacture electronics.

"When you get into very high volumes it's difficult for New Zealand to compete. We shouldn't be afraid of that as long as the design, research and the intellectual property stay here."

Timex's New Zealand distributor said it expected good local demand for the watches and GPS units, which will go on sale as a package for $650.

How it works

* A small box on a belt or arm band feeds grid references from satellites to the watch.

* The watch's digital odometer tells the wearer how far he or she has travelled and at what speed and pace.