Beginners questions on GPS10

[jonasolof]

Got my Loox 720 up and running and installed Que software, no problem.

But there are no instructions as how to get started with the GPS 10. By pushing long on the power button it started blinking with a blue light, fine BT is on. I found deep in the manual in the sticky here that PIN for pairing is 1234.

Bluetooth is on on the PDA, the devices are paired but is there any serial communication? Que asked for COM6 - should it?? PS got it working by trial and error.

In the PDA bluetooth Settings menue Bluetooth: Services there are three options - Enable service, Authorization required and Authentication (Passkey) required. What should I use? Does the GPS10 need to be paired to work? Is there any advantage in letting it be paired? I don't have any other active BT devices around.

And what good is the sncfg sw on the laptop which doesn't communicate directly with the GPS 10? Do I need to plug in the BT dongle for it to work?

Finally, did I miss a set of instructions somewhere? What about that tab that OWG spoke about in his review - I didn't see anything of the kind.

I consider myself slightly more experienced than the average consumer that goes in and buys a Garmin device and still I now go to bed without having understood how to get the GPS 10 to work.

[Egmont]

BT will always ask for a com port to install itself, nine is on 8, on my laptop it is also 8.

As for the sncfg file, I can't help. Had no need to change anything, but I assume if you implement changes on the next sync it will transfer data to the unit (my HP4705) and the to the G10

[stairman]

You need to update the software to version 2.7 to see the "GPS 10 Properties" item in the menu. When the GPS 10 is connected that will let you see some configuration fields.

If you pair the devices, they should connect without entering the code each time. Turn on bluetooth on both devices, and then open the Que application, and it should connect right up.

[mavic-zap]

Jonas,

For most BT accessories I have seen "1234" and "0000" are common pairing codes.

The GPS10 needs to be paired if you want automatic connection every time.

In my iPaq BT settings I have the serial port set to "enable service" the GPS10 does not have any support for passkeys etc (at least not that I have seen) so I doubt it will work with any other settings. I don’t currently use any other BT devices with the PDA so I have all other services disabled; I have also set the iPaq to only accept connections from paired devices.
In the device settings I have serial inbound set to Com 5, and serial outbound set to Com 8, I can’t remember how I got these settings, I think it was all automatic, but it could have been blind stumbling in the dark mixed with luck.
I also have set the default device for outgoing (Com 8) connections to the GPS10.
I assume if you have more than one serial device to connect too you would disable this and would then select the correct device each time you make a connection via BT serial ports.

For the sncfg console to work you need BT on your PC/laptop, I used a $20 USB/BT dongle on my PC, it works fine and the GPS10 can be 8~9 meters from the PC.

The main use for sncfg is to set auto power on and auto shutdown, but if you have updated the Garmin Que software to V2.70 you can do this from the PDA. Que V2.60 does not have this tab, so it will be meaningless until you upgrade, you also get to see the GPS10 battery level with V2.70.
Sncfg has a lot of other settings (NEMA output, dead reckoning time etc) but I don’t think the average user will need to change them. (I did change the dead reckoning time to 15sec instead of 30sec)

Setting up the GPS10 was a little bit of a learning curve, however, I did not read the GPS 10 instructions other than to scan through them for the pairing code, and I was able to get it all up and running in about 15~20 min.

I had a lot more trouble getting nRoute to see the GPS10, but that’s because the cheep BT dongle I have on the PC has a poorly arranged GUI.

Hope this helps

Mick

[Bokkie]

Jonas,

My biggest problem was getting the maps to 'unlock' and show the full map detail. That was down to two reasons: 1. there is a menu in Mapsource that hides/shows the GPS details (duh!) and 2. the more serious of the two, was that I had to hard reset, delete the maps from my PC and basically reinstall everything. Even then the maps were still locked but sometime during that infamous evening, something happened and they came right.

This was not the kind of problem I wanted to aim at Garmin, UK so I left them well alone.

I gotta admit, the GPS 10 is the best of the bunch though. The learning curve is not really steep as such, rather think of it more as being a rocky learning curve.

Once you are fully up and running no doubt you will turn your full attention to the antenna within?:D

[jonasolof]

Thanks a lot for all the input.

I upgraded the firmware of the Loox 720, reinstalled Que, upgraded Que (you can't find it in the download list but a link in a thread here showed to the upgrade link on the GPS 10 product page.

Active sync wouldn't expand on the laptop for a while, that's what I expect from PPC, but it reappeared.

BT works fine, but I need to pair it again to have Que open the communication automatically, just need to find out how to do it on purpose and not just stumbling by.

Got a Lexar High speed professional (80x; 12 MB/s) 2 GB CF card and a Dane Elec 1 GB SD card. The Loox also has internal flash storage. It seems you have to do a soft reset after entering a card, that happens on the fly in the iQue. Loading maps is pretty fast via active sync and a USB2 connection. Using a CF PCMCIA adapter is faster though.

It works fine with City Select, Blue chart Atlantic and Garmin topo. Just need to learn to switch mapsets, it isn't done like in the iQue but rather by tapping on a map in the list and choose enable/ disable the mapset.

Panning is fast, redraw is fast, all maps display nicely on the very fine VGA screen. The stylus has an unpleasant sandy friction, have to smooth it a bit.

All in all, I'm up and going in just a total of six hours. Compare that to the month I spent two years ago with an ipaq 5450 - and then just put it down because of just too much hassle.

I'm using a rerad RA46 antenna to feed the BT GPS while at my desk so I can check that I have a signal.

How many GB can windows mobile 2003 handle on a CF and an SD card?

Next I'll download a map+guide over Barcelona from www.visualit.co.uk (unfortunately no GPS interface yet). Next week we'll be driving down from southern France to Barcelona and that will give an ample opportunity to compare the iQue with the Loox 720+GPS10. I''ll give the BT combo a good test in the old city also, really tough environment.

So far I can recommend the 720. The screen is impeccable with the maps. I'll also try it with Skype PPC which is said to work with the 720. For europeans, I recommend having a look at www.devolo.com They make really cool home plug ethernet over the power line devices that work fine. I have a bunch but I'm looking at a new 54 mb/s wifi plug that they showed at CeBit. The wired plug goes up to 85 mb/sec now.

Edit: I didn't have any unlock problems. The GPS10 was Deluxe version so I got an extra set of CS EU v.7 which was OK since I plan to use more licenses. I obviously didn't install the second copy since I already have one in Mapsource on the laptop, just entered the unlock code from the yellow slip.

It struck me too late though that it might be cheaper to just buy an extra unlock code online from Garmin as offered on the site. On the other hand it was said somewhere that the bare non deluxe version of GPS10 comes without any software (even without Que??).

What do you do with the second storage space - 1 GB SD card? PLeasant problem.

Is the backup system in WM 2003 OK, also if you have a hard reset while away from active sync?

[AnswerDude]

Originally posted by jonasolof

How many GB can windows mobile 2003 handle on a CF and an SD card?
ock code from the yellow slip.

Is the backup system in WM 2003 OK, also if you have a hard reset while away from active sync?

There is no limit in term of storage card size, it can handle any card available in the market right now, just format it properly (FAT32) if you have card with larger size than 4 gig.

I'm not sure if your Loox come with any 3rd party backup software, the activeync backup is adequate but slow and you do have to connect to desktop.
The best backup software is Sprite Backup
http://www.spritesoftware.com/products/products.html
Which can automatically backup to storage card in executable format, so you can restore without the need of desktop or even backup software itself.

[jonasolof]

Thanks Answerdude

The 30 USD version of the back up sw has an option to back up to PC. Is it something you do and is it better and faster than using active sync?

[AnswerDude]

Many models of pocketpc comes with oem version of this backup software with limited functions check the cd that comes with your Loox, and yes, activesync backup is not very fast, especially if you do the complete backup, I usually backup to filestore(permanent storage). That way i don't need desktop if i have to restore data on the road.

[jonasolof]

Originally posted by AnswerDude
I usually backup to filestore(permanent storage). That way i don't need desktop if i have to restore data on the road.

Sorry, I'm in new territory and don't understand the signs. What is filestore (permanent storage)?

[JMckie]

Non-volatile memory that for practical purposes, works like a built in SD card. Slower than RAM, it's defining attribute is that it doesn't get erased during a hard reset. Users install programs in this storage that they want available even if they swap SD cards.

HP calls it "file store". Dell calls it "Built-in storage". Loox has flash ROM but I don't know it can be used as a file store.

[jonasolof]

Thanks

Yes it can be used for storage on the iQue. I bought the Sprite Backup Program Premium, I asked it to install to the SD card. With two cards, you can have maps on one and lots of software on another. Don't know if you can do individual backups of some apps to flash storage, I guess one can but I'm not there yet.

I'm in a rush preparing to travel. Got Skype, Visual IT Barcelona map, Fugwi installed. Fugawi is beautiful on the Loox but I have yet to learn how to move maps to card.

Another nice thing - there is a hole for a lanyard. None delivered though, but I found a good one for phones. Now I can have the PDA in the shirt breast pocket with the security of a neck lanyard.

[Store]

On the other hand it was said somewhere that the bare non deluxe version of GPS10 comes without any software (even without Que??).
Hello Forum, I am a newbie here but with a few years of GPS experience, including several software packages on the iPaq. I just ordered the bare version of GPS10 from ASPID and plan to install the second serial number for my City Select Maps.
Can anyone confirm that the Que software comes with the bare (OEM) version. I have asked ASPID but no answer yet.

TIA!

[jonasolof]

Wouldn't it be easier to ask the swedish distributor Sportmanship instead? AFAIK, they don't charge you 2 euros per minute for support calls anymore (calls which they couldn't answer anyhow). If you get to know, please tell us.

[JMckie]

1) Viewing the basemap in the iQue 3600, street labels are displayed as names. On the PPC, streets are shown as numbers. Any way to fix this?

2) On the iQue 3600, you are able to plan routes while the GPS is disconnected. Is this possible with the PPC Que apps? (When it try to route, I get an animated graphic indicating a search for satellites, and the route will not be computed.)

3) How do you delete a waypoint? How do you attach it to a contact?

4) I am used to using the up and down button on the iQue to zoom/unzoom the map. Is there any way to map the zoom functions to hardware buttons?

5) For users using the Que app with an Axim x50v, have you noticed problems scrolling the map? When I use the stylus to scroll the map, it will sometimes stop short of where I wanted to scroll it to. I found that I needed to hold the stylus down longer to get reliable scrolling. (World basemap and Que apps installed on SD card)

[Store]

Originally posted by JMckie
3) How do you delete a waypoint? Tap Find
Tap Waypoints
Tap and hold on the waypoint you want to delete.
Select Delete Waypoint
Are you sure... Tap Yes

How do you attach it (a waypoint) to a contact?If the address of your contact is entered correctly in your Contacts and the address is on your loaded maps, you should be able to use the special function "Locate in Garmin Cue" (maybe under extras in Contacts or by using tap and hold on the contact name) and navigate to the address.

4) I am used to using the up and down button on the iQue to zoom/unzoom the map. Is there any way to map the zoom functions to hardware buttons?The up and down buttons zoom the map.

[JMckie]

Thanks, the up and down buttons indeed zoom for me. It started working after a soft reset.

Reposting the remaining questions:

1) Viewing the basemap in the iQue 3600, street labels are displayed as names. On the PPC, streets are shown as numbers. Is this the same for you? Any way to fix this?

2) On the iQue 3600, you are able to plan routes while the GPS is disconnected. Is this possible with the PPC Que apps? (When it try to route, I get an animated graphic indicating a search for satellites, and the route will not be computed.)

5) For users using the Que app with an Axim x50v, have you noticed problems scrolling the map? When I use the stylus to scroll the map, it will sometimes stop short of where I wanted to scroll it to. I found that I needed to hold the stylus down longer to get reliable scrolling. (World basemap and Que apps installed on SD card)

[SYD119]

JMcKie,
As far as the basemap issue goes, I am unsure seeing as I don't have a basemap loaded to my 3600, just a few detailed maps in the internal memory. All of my SD cards are currently loaded with other things(grrrr, darn mp3 player that requires fully formatted card and my ipaq).
For the routing though, I just use the route tool icon from the bottom of the main Que screen and select start point and end point, is this what you are referring to?
Lastly, I have not had a problem scrolling maps on my x50v, but I have only been using it for a week. Before the Dell, I was using my Ipaq 2215 and did not have a problem. As an aside, there really should be vga support, then this Que app could really make use of the new x50v screen. As it is, it still looks like it is on my 2215.

[Store]

I bought the OEM version of GPS 10, completely without maps and software.

I downloaded the GPS 2.70 software from Garmin and installed on my PDA.

I registered my GPS 10 serial number with Garmin and got a new unlock code for my City Select Maps.

In Mapsource I loaded maps to the PDA. I can also load maps directly to the memory card when I stick it in the PC.

I set up the GPS 10 to bond to the PDA Bluetooth. When I start the GPS 10 and the PDA they automatically find each other.

After a cold start of the GPS 10 it outputs NMEA 183 sentences that can be read by any NMEA-compliant software. I have tried with Fugawi and VisualGPSCe. On the iQue it is COM 8, 4800 baud.

Once the Garmin Que software is used with the GPS 10 the receiver switches to Garmin mode and works fine with Que. The GPS 10 must be switched off/on to reset to NMEA.

[JMckie]

I've included a screenshot to illustrate my question.

On the iQue 3600, you are able to plan routes while the GPS is disconnected. Is this possible with the PPC Que apps? (When it try to route, I get an animated graphic indicating a search for satellites, and the route will not be computed.)

These same operations using the same maps were possible on the ique 3600 with the GPS disconnected. It will not route using the world basemap. Nor will it route for a detailed routable map that I got from the cgpsmapper. Can someone try to duplicate this?

[JMckie]

Jonas,

Can you route using the basemap while disconnected from the GPS 10?

Have you tried one of the routable maps created with cgpsmapper?

[jonasolof]

Originally posted by JMckie
Jonas,

Can you route using the basemap while disconnected from the GPS 10?

- Without the GPS, I can route from a point within the detailed maps to a point outside them.

- Having disabled all detailed maps in the map menu, I can route using only the base map

Have you tried one of the routable maps created with cgpsmapper?

- No. Give us a hint to one.

[JMckie]

I am using the world basemap and the following detailed map (renamed to GMAPSUPP.IMG).

http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/maplist.php?cnt=192&rgn=

This combination does not allow me to route, although the same combination routes nicely on the Palm version.

[jonasolof]

Nice, but I have to attend to many much mundane chores to try that now.