Author Topic: GPS question (Read 233 times)

Maverick · « **on:** August 18, 2006, 07:52:22 PM »

Does anyone use a GPS unit to interface with a laptop for road navigation? I have a lap top with MS Streets and Trips. I want to get a small handheld gps unit to supply the gps input to the PC and also act as a stand alone gps for possible geo-caching later on.

Anyone have any experiance at this and what unit would you recomend?

Birddogg · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2006, 09:34:52 PM »

any USB GPS should work. I use BU-303 model, its couple years old but works great.

On ebay USB GPS units go for about $50.

Used a bunch of mapping software, from MS streets, Route 66, etc and havent had any problems.

I guess a good USB GPS shoudl have magnetic bottom, be water/rainproof and have LED that lets you know when its working.

Sandman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:21:39 AM »

The only one I've used with a laptop is a Garmin eTrex Legend, but I think Birddog is probably correct. Any that have a serial or USB interface should work in real time.

If you're looking for a good handheld unit, I recommend the Garmin eTrex Legend CX. It has lots of improvements over the older models; USB 2.0 interface, color display, higher resolution, removable memory cards. Sells for $230 or so. I've half thought about upgrading to this one, but I'll probably hold off until my current one fails. The older model eTrex Legend is black and white, serial interface, with 8mb of memory and goes for $120.

I think that any of the eTrex are good units for biking, driving or hiking.

Maverick · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2006, 01:08:12 PM »

Sandy,

I have the Garmin eTrex Legend right now. The problem is that it has an RS 232 and our laptop only has USB. I'm also unsure that the legend will "talk" to the laptop and that was why I wanted to know if they were compatible.

I want a handheld simple because I can use it outside of the vehicle for geocaching. I'm not sure the one I have is accurate. It seems to think it's about 20 miles away from where we are parked. I have co ordinates down to the the meter for my location but the gps unit says we are about 15 to 20 miles west. It might be power line interferrance. I'm going to check it a block away. If it's still off I'll take it back to the BX and exchange it.

What software did you use in the PC?

wasq · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2006, 01:50:10 PM »

I'm using a Bluetooth GPS for both laptop and mobile phone use. I think my GPS is a Royaltek - it's a SIRF II device. I'd recommend a SIRF III chipset one, they're as cheap nowadays. I'm using Genimap (local Finnish SW) on the laptop and TomTom software on my Nokia Series 60 mobile phone. I'd recommend the combination - you can use the same GPS device for both laptop and mobile use.

EDIT: I also have my old trusty Garmin GPS-12XL which I use when I'm going trekking FAR away from the roads - nothing can beat a dedicated trekking GPS device in that use.

Sandman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2006, 08:47:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Maverick
Sandy,

I have the Garmin eTrex Legend right now. The problem is that it has an RS 232 and our laptop only has USB. I'm also unsure that the legend will "talk" to the laptop and that was why I wanted to know if they were compatible.

I want a handheld simple because I can use it outside of the vehicle for geocaching. I'm not sure the one I have is accurate. It seems to think it's about 20 miles away from where we are parked. I have co ordinates down to the the meter for my location but the gps unit says we are about 15 to 20 miles west. It might be power line interferrance. I'm going to check it a block away. If it's still off I'll take it back to the BX and exchange it.

What software did you use in the PC?

I thought I used Mapsource Topo but now, I'm not so certain. I don't see an option to display position. Hmmm.

I use a USB/Serial Adapter. I happen to have two of these. If you like, PM your addy and I'll send you one.

Chairboy · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2006, 09:29:58 PM »

I use a BU-303, and it's great. WAAS and everything, and cheap.

I use it in my carputer, and I use iGuidance. Great software for driving.