GPS with Netbook

[alfaloco]

Hi, I'm new here, having just recieved my MNetbook for about 1 month. Still can't get rid of the 'new toy' feeling heh heh heh.

Anyway, does anyone know whether is there a GPS system that can be hooked up to the netbook? For that matter, apart from the psion accessories, are there any other accessories we could use? Thanks.

[donkeyontheedge]

I haven't tried it (yet) myself, but I'm told that any Magellan or Garmin GPS unit can be connected to the netBook. The only caveats are a GPS unit that has a serial port with NMEA xxxx data output (can't remember the exact numbers) and a suitable GPS unit-netbook serial cable.

I'm waiting for a suitably priced GPS unit to come up on ebay. I have produced a list of suitable GPS units and can post it if anyone would be interested.

You can use commercial software such as from TomTom (which is what I have) or certain people on this forum could be producing their own software quite soon now

[cshandley]

From what I understand, most GPS units can be connected to a Psion, since they usually output data using a serial connection.

You just need to obtain a suitable GPS to Psion cable (or just a Null-Modem adapter/cable at a pinch).


Although I believe TomTom's map programs can only access GPS through the serial port, there is a *possibility* that a GPS PCMCIA card (or GPS CF card with PCMCIA adapter) could be used by the free MovingMap program I am writing.

My program uses scans of actual maps, and is currently being beta tested.
---
Chris Handley

[andyahern]

I'm using a Garmin Etrex Legend with my 7Book on Millennium route planner, without problem.
The Garmin came ith a serial lead, so I use a null modem to connect it to the Psion lead.

The only configuration was to set the GPS to NMEA mode rather than the default Garmin mode.

Hope this is useful,
Andy

[cyberkid999]

I also use my 7book with a garmin etrex and it is excellent. I use a custom made cable (http://www.serialleads.co.uk/ ) which connects a 5 / 5mx / 7 / netbook to any gps in the etrex range and also provides power to the gps and if using a 5 / 5mx that is also supplied with power. You can also use a standard psiwin cable, a serial pc lead from the garmin and a null modem as already suggested.
As a professional driver it is invaluable to me and makes driving quicker, easier and safer.

[stolkjo]

I am using an Eagle Explorer handheld GPS with the Palmtop Route Planner software works like a dream with my 5 MX, 5MX Pro and MnetBook. I did have to build a slightly different null modem to get them to talk.

[alfaloco]

Thanks for the feedback guys!! I've been wondering about this ever since getting the netbook.

[stolkjo]

Be aware, the standard null modem you can buy online for e.g. your phone etc. does not work!!! In the back of the Route Planner manual is a layout of a null modem that works.
I have made one that works fine but I can not exchange either null modem. It will not work with the other device!

John

[gdavid]

[quote]Originally posted by donkeyontheedge
[b]I haven't tried it (yet) myself, but I'm told that any Magellan or Garmin GPS unit can be connected to the netBook.

Palmtop, Route and Street Planner UK and Europe with Garmin 12XL and serial cable link purchased on Tottenham court rd. (London) worked a treat even if it took a little time (warm the car's engine :-) )

Only problem is I moved back to Australia and can't seem to get any maps to suit.....

Maybe someone has some reasonable ideas???
Regards,
G'David

[cshandley]

Originally posted by gdavid
Only problem is I moved back to Australia and can't seem to get any maps to
suit.....

Well, if you only need to see where you are on a map (i.e. no route finding),
then RealMaps (shareware) or my (still under development but free) MovingMap
program allows you to use scans of real maps (and map images downloaded off the
web).


I just had a sick idea: It would be possible to use (abuse) my TubeRoute program for basic route finding of road networks, but it would take an aweful lot of effort to input all the necessary data...

---
Chris Handley

[gdavid]

Thanks Chris,
I have read of realmaps, will investigate. Look forward to seeing yours...
Hope you have some sunshine over there, it's been raining for days here...
Regards,
GDave

[Lewis]

Nobody seems to have mentioned using Compact Flash GPS units, here or elsewhere AFAIK, perhaps because people generally assume (as I did) they don't work with the nB/S7.

However, this almost certainly isn't the case. Recent versions of Route & Street Planner Millennium (& CityMaps) have an undocumented facility to change the port via which GPS data is received:
Menu > Map > Preferences > GPS tab > Settings > Comm::0 is the normal, default setting for the RS232 serial port. Setting this to Comm::1 should set data to be received from the PCMCIA slot!

The Help file makes no mention of this, just referring to standard serial port connection. I couldn't see anything at TomTom's website, either. All credit to Chris Handley for discovering this & pointing it out to me. His upcoming MovingMaps app (looking very nice in Beta now, Chris!) will support PCMCIA input.

Unfortunately, this means I now just *have* to get a CF GPS - although I'm concerned about reception/shielding issues for in-car use (do any CF units come with, or accept, extension antennae?), it would be such a neat & efficient (single-handed) solution for other 'clear view' handheld uses.

I don't know anyone who has a CF GPS unit to check this out for sure (and do take a precautionary approach if getting one and relying on this info) - can anyone help? Be nice to have this confirmed for certain. All I know is when I select Comm::1 in Street Planner and then select Comm::0 again, I can hear my Gold Card click through the speaker, just like it does when I disconnect from the internet!... I suppose if I could find a website which simulated a GPS output?...

eXpansys offer a Pretec CF unit at £160, which comes bundled with CityMaps as well. It's current consumption is very low (almost half a low power WiFi card apparently):
Maximum: 160mA
Typical: 80mA
Trickle: 35mA
My existing Garmin III eats AAs at an alarming speed, four at a time! BTW, Alfaloco, apart from this, it works great with my nB/5mx.

Anyone know of other brands/models/sources/prices/specs?

I think Comm port selection (and GPS 'calibration') were added to Route/Street Millennium in the last few versions, but any copy of the Millennium series can be upgraded free to Street v2.1 & Route v2.13 - these are the most up to date versions prior to Route/CityMaps v3.x.

Cheers, Lewis

[nmbaker]

Luckily i'm in a position to test whether certain CF cards that we sell, although make no mention of EPOC will in fact work in Series 7 and Netbooks. I have a Series 7 with personality upgrade to Netbook which tomorrow I am going to be testing with a CF GPS card with internal aerial but that supports an external aerial as well. As I travel widely with my existing setup of a Garmin GPS12 and a 5mx linked permantly in the car, I would prefer the better screen of the Netbook and portability of the Netbook in the car. I use an invertor to power the netbook if away for a time so am not bothered about battery life, so I won't necessarily be testing that unless time prevails. I am therefore really only checking to see if Port 1 on the Psion will read the data stream without drivers or not as the manufacturers state. They seem to think in terms of PocketPC and don't understand the concept of the Netbook much. I shall let all interested parties know when I have the result either pro or contra.

[swing]

cyberkid999 - can you just confirm that you are using a standard SerialLeads dual power GPS cable, which will power a 5mx, but you also use it on a 7book without problems?

Thanks,

Steve

[nmbaker]

As promised, I have now tested this product with a Netbook and can confirm that it works having tested it in the car park at work. There is no mention of EPOC or Series 7, or Netbooks, but I simply placed it in a PCMCIA CF adaptor and it found that I was in Preston in the works car park about 5ft away from where my Garmin GPS12 thought I was! So Lewis' thoughts were correct and it can also be bought from CPC plc, product code CS08711 and their tel is 08701 20 25 30. Delivery is next day usually if item is in stock, which it is at the moment, as I checked.