The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

garystockton · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 13:06 Post subject:

Not had too much time to play with this - one of the issues I have is that the notebook is running puke_r

Vista

and I can't go back to puke_r

XP

- wrong drivers.

I've done some digging around, and there is a lot of info out there on the Garmin proprietary data stream. So MapSource doesn't even see a GPS on any COM port unless it's been fudged - which GPSProxy does for you - but only for windows mobile, it seems Crying or Very sad

I'm not about to go write my own java bit-stream interceptor / manipulator just yet - far more fun things to do, like pull out my toe-nails or burn my eyelids with my new blowtorch, or put a crimp in my ... on the other hand Wink

Not found anything else yet. I may revert to my Russian Military maps and an upgraded version of Fugawi - I only really wanted the MapSource stuff to add Tracks4Africa to it for Morocco, and as there is a while for that, I'll carry on playing around. The GPS receiver unit works really well on MemoryMap, so the UK, France and Netherlands are sorted at that level. I can always buy the US maps of North Africa if I really have nothing to do with my cash Twisted Evil

. The in-car satnav does all Europe, so not too concerned there either.

Let you know if anything else transpires. Doing long, convoluted searches for data stream manipulators sort of looks like work, but I can't get away with it for too long Wink

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Crispin · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 14:46 Post subject:

that's a bummer.

I like the idea of the Russian military maps. I suspect the German military would have good maps of France. They spent a while there. Some basic ones of North Africa as well. Not so much for UK. Wink

I'll see if I can get my other GPS working again. I sort of hacked it to pieces to mount to my camera. If I can I'll play around with GPSGate and see what's cooking.
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Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

garystockton · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 15:33 Post subject:

I've got an old Garmin eMap I could always use, I suppose, once I sort it out - the battery connector soldering had a dry joint and I had to do " 'n boer maak 'n plan" fix to it with a too-large soldering iron and it's never been quite the same. I'll see if I can get it sorted out and working as a second alternative. It runs serial only, but I've a serial : USB converter somewhere in my desk drawers ... Wink

_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

Crispin · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:58 Post subject:

no joy? Assuming not, which would be the best receiver to buy? I am after something descrete and preferably, waterproof so it can be mounted outside.
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Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

wildsmith · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:00 Post subject:

garystockton · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:27 Post subject:

Wot 'e said Wink

Garmin seem to be a bit slow off the mark with this lot - concentrating mostly on the nuvi-type range it seems. If you want SiRF III and 20 satellites etc then you'll need to go for expensive GPS MAP 478 / 276C etc.

I'm still cogitating ...
_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

Crispin · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:47 Post subject:

I have my trusty etrex (the one that sings and dances with maps and routing) as well as cradle for it. I though of using it as per Jon's idea. I did like the idea of a permanent (read: less free floating cables) mounted on the roof. But this is still an option.

Jon, what about losses on the external antenna cable. If you unit is dash mounted, assuming you go up the A pillar, out the car to the roof rack, you looking at a meter+ of pretty thin coax. I guess it's ok as Mr-T's unit is under my seat with what looks like coax running up the B-pillar. A much longer run.

Maybe I can just hijack Mr-T's......
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Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

wildsmith · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:08 Post subject:

Crispin · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:30 Post subject:

Would make sense for the active antenna. Smile

The etrex does not have an external antenna, just uses it's internal patch one. It's pretty stable (like yours, don't think I have seen it with more than 8 or so) except in high canyons like Chicago (Was useless in the city!) and under dense tree foilage. New toy me thinks I need. Wink

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Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

Pugwash · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 14:49 Post subject:

http://franson.com/gpsgate/

will take a single gps source from just about anywhere (seriel, USB, irDa, Bluetooh, Lan, Internet, local etc etc) and distribute just about anywhere else. It will port multiply but most interestingly it can output into multi formats (ie it can translate a standard NMEA receiver into giving a GARMIN output AND vice-versa),

I swear by it and used it for years - normally my GPS equipped phone sends and nmea signal via bluetooth to my laptop which then uses gpsgate to convert to Garmin where i run the mapping software. means the laptop can be anywhere within bluetooth range (such as in the back of the truck, or even inside a building) and you can still plan and map!

Crispin · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 15:24 Post subject:

now there's a nice little app. I like the "over http" option....
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Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

garystockton · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 15:31 Post subject:

Now THAT sounds exactly what I'm looking for!! Will get in there tonight and have a look.

Cheers
_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

garystockton · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 18:41 Post subject:

Cool - that seems to work just fine Laughing

Now to get out and about and see if it tracks properly. bounce

Thanks, Pugwash!!

wav

_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

garystockton · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:58 Post subject:

Dead impressed with this bit of software - what a joy to use Laughing

Crispin - I think it does what you want too, see here -

GPSGate location sharing
_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

Crispin · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 13:06 Post subject:

I was playing with it yesterday. Only the simulation though.

I also found a bit of software (free) to put on your phone. Once installed, it will allow your phone to work as a GPS for GPS gate. I had it working yesterday in my car, connected to home pc. I did laugh at it though. I thought "What do I do if I see it moving? It would mean someone is driving away with my car"

GPSGate is handy though!
_________________
Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim