GPS without Reciever? - MDA III, XDA III, PDA2k, 9090 General

I just read over TOM TOM, etc, and I realize it uses a COM port when you plug it in the reciever (usually in your car), im wondering if this is a required thing. Can't I just install TOM TOM and on the go, connect to GPRS and find where I am? How does this all work?[/code]

TomTom, like all the other nav programs, expects to receive GPS data, usually in NMEA 0183 format (a simple text-based protocol). Most GPS units provide a serial interface, since it's cheap and is supported by just about every computer around, so that's how the nav software expects to read the data.
If you could somehow get location info from GPRS or from the GSM signal itself (look around here for a program called Cell Profiler -- it does something like that), then translate it to NMEA format and spit it out a fake comport that the nav software could read from, that'd work, but it's a lot of work, and won't be nearly as accurate as a good GPS.
GPS units are pretty cheap -- I've seen wired ones in the $40 range, and even the best BT ones can be had for $150. Compared against GPRS charges, it's quite the bargain. I've used an Altina GBT708 BT GPS for several months, and it works very well even with the SX66's subpar BT implementation. I'm about to upgrade to a Globalsat BT 338, which is supposed to have much better GPS reception.

Im afriad not mate. But if you want to use it on the go, i.e. "Foot Patrol" instead of in your car then go for a bluetooth gps reciever. I recommend the new ones that use the SiRF Star III chipset. Heard their meant to be pretty good.
Hope this helps.

globalsat BT-338s work great with a BA

Related

Tom Tom + GPS Reciver for TYTN

Hi,
Thinking about getting a TYTN and never had GPS navigation before so a bit of a noob. Whats the best kit to get, I would need the software and a GPS reciever so whats best to get.
I have found this - http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=142&xSec=8
Or is a bluetooth GPS receiver better? - http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=154&xSec=8
If its agains the rules to link to those websites I will delete them.
If you get the TomTom software then get the TomTom receiver as well because it will work right out of the box. Setting up non-TomTom satellite receivers in TomTom is a real pain in the backside.
I had absolutely no problems setting up TomTom with Holux GPSlim236.
Just pair the gpsreceiver with the phone and assing it a com port,
then select the correct port in TomTom. Works like a charm.
TomTom will even enable blutooth by itself.
Holux GPSlim 236
Also using the Holux without any problems. Small device with good battery lifetime and fast fix. Buy a small GPS so you don't have to leave it in your car. Thieves like them now everyone is taking his mobile out and radios tend to be build in by the car manufacturer.
Also take a look at i-Go software instead of TomTom. More maps available for East Europe and many nice features. Very fast on a TyTN! Can be installed from SD card.
Or look out for the SD version of TT5. It's always handy to be able to install a fresh version from the SD card after a PDA crash when there is no PC near. All other versions need Activesync to install, which you probably won't habe able to do on a holiday trip!
pbw

TMC on the artemis?

hi out there! i´m still waiting for my artemis (german version is not out by now). can any body tell me, if it´s possible to use tmc on the artemis (fm-radio antenna is on board) for example with the MobileNavigator 5.
thx
Interesting thought and I did read somewhere a while ago that this was possible, having messed around with the device it is not possible let me explain:
1/ You need the Artemis powered up to run TomTom properly in a car long journeys will just flatten the battery.
2/ The FM Radio ONLY works IF the headphones are plugged in (they provide the aerial) - you cannot simultaniously charge the device and use headphones as they use the same connection point on the Artemis.
3/ The only traffic option offered by TomTom Nav 6 on the Artemis (even with headphones plugged in) is for a GPRS connection.
To be honest this would have been the ultimate package, IF they had managed to get it to work (I am not sure they even considered it to be honest) but I doubt fitting the TMC receiver parts into the Artemis would have been easy - food for thought for the manufacturers though? - Mike
thank´s mike! just found the eten x500 glofiish. its nearly the same device but better processor and tmc works. is that because the fm-reciever in the eten supports rds?
I doubt that its down to the FM part being RDS compatible the Artemis can use RDS as well. Most TMC receivers working in the FM band contain additional electronics to process the data into a usable form, if this electronics isn't in the hardware I don't think it will work. Mike
Well, i think this device is not perfect for using TMC.
I tried the FM9 antenna from GNS (German company who provides TMC) and currently it does not work so the only possibility is to use a BT TMC antenna which is totaly stupid due to the reason
1. the Artemis has already built-in GPS
2. the BT TMC antenna is very expensive >200€
I will try TMC on that device with the headphones as soon as i find the headphone input
NO TMC
Guys, what are you talking about?
TomTom itself does NOT support TMC in Navigator software. Why do not read the TomTom website before put any efforts: (cite):
"Question
Will there be support for TMC in a next or upcoming release of TomTom Navigator software ?
Answer
TomTom continuously strives to include the best possible functionality in our products and to deliver new features. However there are currently no plans to provide TMC in TomTom Navigator software. We recommend that you register on our web site and sign up for our newsletter, so we can keep you informed about future releases and upgrades. "
"Question
Can I use the TomTom RDS-TMC Receiver with all TomTom products?
Answer
The TomTom RDS-TMC Receiver can be used with the TomTom GO 910/710/510."
Of course you might to use the different navigation software, than I apologies, but the original question was about the TMC + TomTom.
Interesting, I have been trying to figure out if traffic alerts are free on the tmobile service with the compact III. The following review seems to indicate that, but no mention of it on the tmobile site itself. Anyone verify this? Seems like no need for a separate TMC device if u have this?
http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news2810.html
Available with CoPilot® Live 6 satellite navigation*, the MDA Compact III makes dedicated navigation systems redundant, with turn-by-turn voice instructions, detailed street mapping and powerful route calculation for navigation in-car or on foot. With its integrated jog wheel and touch screen, the device makes it easy to enter a destination and follow the comprehensive door-to-door directions. Web’n’walk customers will be able to take advantage of free real-time traffic alerts and avoidance, delivered directly into CoPilot via the T-Mobile GPRS network.
RalphLauren said:
Guys, what are you talking about?.......
"Question
Can I use the TomTom RDS-TMC Receiver with all TomTom products?
Answer
The TomTom RDS-TMC Receiver can be used with the TomTom GO 910/710/510."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ralph, you are quite correct, however some stupid sales adverts did state the "Built in FM Radio could be used for Traffic information over RDS" - what I was pointing out, is that this idea - whilst nice is not a possibility - Mike
I read somewhere that the gps included in the artemis was able to retrieve rds/tmc signal, but that still a rom update was necessary to enable that feature...
Why GPS receiver should support TMC? It's pointless.
TMC information is provided via FM Radio with RDS signal. Artemis has built in FM RDS Radio - and nothing more is required.
Except proper software, of course.

Compatible Gps navigation with Wm6

Hi Guys
I have been testing out some gps sat navs for work...tested with holux bt gps
So far I have the following which are compatible not compatible.
Destinator... works fine, however will sometimes struggle to pick up signal and requires a reset.. Otherwise all other functionality works great. Sometimes freezes when in 3d mode. (Most of these were true for wm5
Igo Myway plus- Will install on wm6(eventually) however seems to have a memory leak that causes it to slow down to nothing.... Very impressive gps sat nav on wm5. Better than most of the others I tried...
Will add more when test the other models.....
If anyone else can update me with thier info / experiences, please go ahead.
The Garmin Mobile 20 (GPS 20SM) works fine with both Windows Mobile 5 and 6. It is a Bluetooth GPS that supports using Bluetooth for receiving GPS information, and for the speakerphone, but for some reason insists on using the external speaker of the phone for navigation directions. (Or so it seems, I didn't have it long enough to do full testing).
The one problem that it seems to have (at least my unit does - I am awaiting a RMA replacement) is that it will not charge my Cingular 8525, unless I perform a soft-reset after connecting the mini-USB connector. I am hoping that it is a problem with the particular unit that I had, as I really like the Garmin products. (I suspect that it may be an issue with the product itself though, as it will charge a T-Mobile SDA, as well as an old Nokia phone not capable of Bluetooth. The 8525 does charge flawlessly when connected to a PC via mini-USB, or the supplied AC adapter, so I'm sure that it's not a problem with the phone).
-- Joe
Edit: After re-reading this, it appears you're using a generic GPS and evaluating software that works with said unit. The Garmin software pretty much only works with the Garmin units as far as I can tell, so it might not be an appropriate solution for you.
TomTom works flawlessly.
Currently i'm on v6.03 but i used 2 previous versions on WM6 with no problems.
Side note, i don't know if its because of v6.03, or WM6 but this version takes a little longer to acquire a valid GPS signal when initially turned on.
MioMap 3.2, TomTom 6.3 & Destinator 6.2 work flawlessly for me...
Destinator still has the tedious lock up issues... other then that MioMap is the best...
walshieau said:
MioMap 3.2, TomTom 6.3 & Destinator 6.2 work flawlessly for me...
Destinator still has the tedious lock up issues... other then that MioMap is the best...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does Miomap have voice commands, or just on screen instructions only? Do they make maps for USA?
marscandybars said:
does Miomap have voice commands, or just on screen instructions only? Do they make maps for USA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both quests = Positive.

Bluetooth GPS

I've looked for an hour or so now, and I can't seem to find it again...did I see somewhere that someone had turned their Bluetooth capabilities on their Hermes into a GPS receiver for software that used GPS? Maybe I'm just making this up, but if so, can someone please show/tell me where/how?!?!?!
I think you mean that they hooked up with a "bluetooth GPS receiver unit" via BT.
The only two ways I'm aware of is to use your carrier's towers to triangulate your coordinates, and via an external GPS unit (I'm using the Cingular retailed TelNav unit va BT).
As far as I know, triangulation is possible, but it's not widely known how to do it.
The Hermes apparently has the GPS hardware, however it's not "enabled".
Is this what you have heard, or something else?
1. buy bluetooth gps
2. discover it (settings -> bluetooth)
3. add outgoing port
4. set up gps program port in windows (optional)
5. use gps software with port from 3 or 4

TMC and/or MSND services for Trinity

Hi everyone.
I have been doing an excessive reading looking for a way to have traffic info on Trinity, besides Google maps. Both iGO and TomTom provide TMC related navigation, and igo supports MSN direct as well. The problem is our Trinity lacks FM receiver for the service.
TomTom offers TMC over GRPS services. It is offered only in Europe (I am in the US) and the service in California for TomTom is, how to say it, 'not accurate' .
So I am with iGO8 and I am pretty happy with it. Now I am looking into a solution for TMC or MSND. Yes, I saw the GNS solution of adding a FM receiver and sending the signal over blue tooth, but it isn't going to work for me, as I can't add it between my radio and the antenna unless I pay some major $$$ to an Audi to do it (or lose warranty...). There will be an external unit in Q1/09 but what i am really into is to have the service emulated by code. Did any of you have found a TMC or MSND service through GPRS service? I am looking into a paid service (sure, free would be better) like MSND offers, but I have the hardware obstacle to pass...
Ah, one more thing- never tried to connect a BT device to a COM port, and have hands free at the same time... I would like to find out if this is working or not, as I suspect the BT gateway on Trinity may have hard time with it while on call. Not that I care if TMC/MSND flow will stop while on a call if it resumes automatically after..
Thanks in advance.
BigE said:
Hi everyone.
I have been doing an excessive reading looking for a way to have traffic info on Trinity, besides Google maps. Both iGO and TomTom provide TMC related navigation, and igo supports MSN direct as well. The problem is our Trinity lacks FM receiver for the service.
TomTom offers TMC over GRPS services. It is offered only in Europe (I am in the US) and the service in California for TomTom is, how to say it, 'not accurate' .
So I am with iGO8 and I am pretty happy with it. Now I am looking into a solution for TMC or MSND. Yes, I saw the GNS solution of adding a FM receiver and sending the signal over blue tooth, but it isn't going to work for me, as I can't add it between my radio and the antenna unless I pay some major $$$ to an Audi to do it (or lose warranty...). There will be an external unit in Q1/09 but what i am really into is to have the service emulated by code. Did any of you have found a TMC or MSND service through GPRS service? I am looking into a paid service (sure, free would be better) like MSND offers, but I have the hardware obstacle to pass...
Ah, one more thing- never tried to connect a BT device to a COM port, and have hands free at the same time... I would like to find out if this is working or not, as I suspect the BT gateway on Trinity may have hard time with it while on call. Not that I care if TMC/MSND flow will stop while on a call if it resumes automatically after..
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a Bluetooth Gps mouse with tmc so it would be the best for you. I think.
Well, adding any hardware to an 'all in one' device is kind of defeating the purpose. I am specifically seeking a software solution, emulation, a signal over GPRS kind of solution. It seems there isn't one and I wonder why. After all, at least for MSND, it sounds kind of logical. BTW - XM radio has the MSND signal embedded, but again, no clue how to communicate it to the trinity...
So adding hardware isn't a great one, but thanks of the offer. I have considered it before posting and turned it down. I'd like a phone in the pocket without running wires, battery operated devices, etc. I may be dreaming, but hey, even the new diamond , touch HD and fuze suffer the same problem, I think. I know the Diamond has FM radio, but still no TMC or MSND...
Hey Man ,
I've installed the GNS module in my Audi A3
realy easy so you should be able to do so. maybe explore that option some more.
GreetZ
Which GNS module?
The more I look for a solution, the more I am convinced a TMC over bluetooth is the solution... The only thing is I have no clue which is the right one to buy...
Neo-morpheus, assuming we have the same connections needed, what was the one you have purchased from GNS?
Hi there, i have just purchased the GNS 5870 Bluetooth TMC, although its for my touch HD i will let you know the progress.
BTW i never found any other way with any software to connect TMC through the radio, it just doesn't work at present. Some say it recognise's through IGO8 but does not connect
Hope this helps
Argh ... looking for the GNS 5870 for a while ... could you tell me where you bought it ?
GNS trafficBox FM9 and trinity
Hi folks,
OK, listened to the advice on this thread, i have purchased a TMC reciever from GNS. I have a Trinity (WM6.1) phone and I use iGO8 R3.
Setting up the TMC receiver in iGO returns only one thing- TMC hardware not found. There are 3 variables (can be auto or manually set): TMC protocol, COM port, and Baud rate.
I am in the USA (California to be exact). Is there a way to make it work? Even if there isn't a TMC signal, why does the phone claims no hardware found?
BigE
Well, I think that the first thing you have to do is to establish a "connection" between your PDA and your Bluetooth TMC receiver. From your PDA:
- start/parameters
- choose the connexion tab
- start the bluetooth application
- switch on your TMC receiver,
- select "add a new machine" (don't known the exact wording, I've got WM 6.1 French version),
- when recognized, select your TM receiver and then click next
- enter the authentication code (if requested ... usually, it is as simple as 0000 ... should be part of your TMC receiver documentation),
- after that, you should associate a port number to your bluetooth TMC receiver (don't remeber exactly how to do that but this should be done from this application ... anyway: google is your friend )
After that, start iGO8 and move to the TMC configuration page. If the automatic detection does not work then:
- select GNS,
- select the port number you have just chosen
- select a bitrate (or keep "auto" ...)
And that should work
@+
JBM
BigE said:
Hi folks,
OK, listened to the advice on this thread, i have purchased a TMC reciever from GNS. I have a Trinity (WM6.1) phone and I use iGO8 R3.
Setting up the TMC receiver in iGO returns only one thing- TMC hardware not found. There are 3 variables (can be auto or manually set): TMC protocol, COM port, and Baud rate.
I am in the USA (California to be exact). Is there a way to make it work? Even if there isn't a TMC signal, why does the phone claims no hardware found?
BigE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jbm31 said:
Well, I think that the first thing you have to do is to establish a "connection" between your PDA and your Bluetooth TMC receiver. From your PDA:
- start/parameters
- choose the connexion tab
- start the bluetooth application
- switch on your TMC receiver,
- select "add a new machine" (don't known the exact wording, I've got WM 6.1 French version),
- when recognized, select your TM receiver and then click next
- enter the authentication code (if requested ... usually, it is as simple as 0000 ... should be part of your TMC receiver documentation),
- after that, you should associate a port number to your bluetooth TMC receiver (don't remeber exactly how to do that but this should be done from this application ... anyway: google is your friend )
After that, start iGO8 and move to the TMC configuration page. If the automatic detection does not work then:
- select GNS,
- select the port number you have just chosen
- select a bitrate (or keep "auto" ...)
And that should work
@+
JBM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking to do the same thing with my ATT Fuze and HTC Advantage. I'm using IGO8 R3 and have my eye on the GNS 5870.
BigE, JBM can you confirm this working and comment on any issues? Could you post any pictures, video or screen shots?
Thanks
not sure that GNS 5870 is already available (mass production: Q1-2009). I used to use a Royaltek TMC+GPS receiver with IGO8-R1 but this one is now out of order now.
Gns bt gps+tmc
datruth ,
Can't confirm, as I did not buy it. I don't see a reason to spend 120 Euro, plus shipping (another $25) . The trinity (and the Fuze) have built in GPS, and i hate carrying two devices instead of one. if I was going to have a GPS external, i wouldn't bother buying a device with GPS..
I tried having TMC only added. With the serial port solution i failes, as it sems most HTC devices do not host the serial port (hence both the GNS device and the phone are clients) . GNS tech support offered my to send it back. i did not make up my mind yet what I am going to do. In the meantime i am trying Zeno's serial port host driver as the trinity supposes to ahve the hardware for it, but it looks like client and host have different wiring to the USB connector, as it still does not work. GNS claims only BT is the solution. I was too busy to take it on, so in the meantime, all I can confirm is serial port will not work for most of us.
correction: GNS 5870 available since Feb 2009. Waiting for mine (delivery in progress).
Is TMC a free service in the US?
I read on another site that even if I had a compatible TMC receiver for my HTC Advantage running iGo8 I would still need a subscription to get traffic updates. Is this true? Has anyone been able to get traffic working at all in the US.
I was under the assumption that the TMC service was similer to GPS. It's broadcast everywhere and you just need a receiver to take advantage of the service. Am I wrong in my thinking?
This is a reply I just received from the company GNS.
thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the GNS GPS-RDS/TMC-Receiver 5870 (see: http://www.gns-gmbh.com/shop/xtc/pr...DS-TMC-Receiver-Bluetooth-32-channel-GPS.html ) works also with the navigation software iGO8 and HTC Advantage 7500. But you can use the GNS TrafficBoxPlus-FM9BT-Y (see: http://www.gns-gmbh.com/shop/xtc/index.php?language=en& ) as external Bluetooth TMC-receiver, which is less expencive then the GNS receiver 5870.
PS: Please check if your navigation software (and maps) supports the american TMC service.
Best regards
Gerd Sept
How many BT can work simultaniously?
I wonder if I am purchasing the BT device and pair it to my phone, can the HTC device handle both TMC signal and a BT headset at the same time?
From GNS I was told the USB version I have will not work with Trinity because the USB is a client and not host on most phones. I tried installing Zeno's usb to serial and it does not work on my phone. I still can not identify TMC hardware.
As for iGO and American TMC, I guess the folks writing iGO took care of it, as they support so many different protocols, there is no reason for them not to identify the American TMC.
And if there is a paid service? Not that I know who offers it in the US. I assume it is off air and all it takes is a receiver, but since I did not have any success connecting, it is just a guess.
BigE

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