Gps for laptop

Ludd

Ludd

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I have Cmaps loaded on my laptop(Acer, Windows Vista) and want to use it for navigation. I need to connect to a GPS . SO----dongle or standalone BLUETOOTH GPS with BLUETOOTH DONGLE.

Went to Maplin,bought GPS USB dongle,couldn't get software to load,so went back. They managed to load it,but then assured me you can't receive GPS signal unless connected to internet.:D
Note my login---but even I am not that clueless!
Now I need advice what to use from you learned gentlemen/ladies/other(delete as appropriate.)
 
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Ludd said:
They managed to load it,but then assured me you can't receive GPS signal unless connected to internet.:D

Now I need advice what to use from you learned gentlemen/ladies/other(delete as appropriate.)
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Internet is nothing to do with it
The GPS dongle is unlkely to work unless you are outdoors. Or in a tent!
 
I have OpenCPN with the CM93/2 charts running on my old XP Dell Inspiron notebook. I wanted to check the new OpenCPN version away from my boat in Italy where I have my permanently-mounted GPS/AIS receiver, so ordered a 'cheap-as-chips' ($21) USB GPS mouse from China that arrived in a small and innocuous-looking envelope that escaped the eagle eye of customs.

With that plugged into a USB socket via an extension USB cable so that the 'dongle' is outside in the garden (too cold to work out there) the program correctly indicates my precise position just outside of Bern - a very featureless display page of the CM93 charts with no water!
 
Ludd said:
THIS I already know----try telling Maplins!

What I want is advice on type of GPS TO CONNECT TO LAPTOP .:confused:
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To answer your question - there are 3 options

1. GPS dongle - generally works OK below deck but not guaranteed.
2. Bluetooth dongle on laptop with bluetooth GPS outside somewhere dry (under sprayhood maybe) - works well but GPS will be battery powered and will need periodic charging; most expensive solution.
3. GPS mouse - ie. on a wire connected to the laptop via USB - this is the best solution if you don't mind a wire trailing from the laptop out to the mouse upstairs.

If you are not too price sensitive then go for bluetooth. I hate wires trailing around the companionway and a GPS dongle may not always work below decks. Recharging is required maybe every 12 hours use.
 
Ludd said:
THIS I already know----try telling Maplins!

What I want is advice on type of GPS TO CONNECT TO LAPTOP .:confused:
Click to expand...

It does work, but can be tricky to set up depending on the Windows version you have. You need also to identify the Com port the signal is coming in on. Do you get a screen showing the signal being received and a position? If you get that then the problem is with your charting software not reading the position.

I use the Maplin dongle inside the boat and read it with the Imray charting software no problem
 
Do you already have a GPS on the boat? If so you should be able to use the NMEA output from that. If your laptop has a 9 pin serial port you should be able to connect the NMEA data wires (2 wires + and -) from the gps into a 9 pin connector that will plug into the serial port. If you only have usb ports you will need a usb to serial converter that will plug into a usb port and then you plug your 9 pin plug into the adapter.
If you don't already have a GPS on the boat. I would try a GPS dongle as it doesn't need a seperate power supply'

I use CMAP ecs on an old toughbook with serial a serial port getting NMEA from a furuno GPS31.
 
Thanks all.
I have fixed GPS and handheld,but want the Cmaps to be a "standalone" system,so will probably go for either a GPS mouse or BLUETOOTH RECEIVER + Blutooth dongle----in the sheme of things cost differential is not that much.

Still astonished that Maplin assistant thinks you need internet conn for GPS.:eek:
 
Your OP seemed to suggest that you had already purchased the Maplin dongle, and wished to get it working. If you're still in the market, I can recommend the CoPilot bluetooth GPS sold on ebay for about £11. Bluetooth dongles seem very cheap, but my net-book has it built in so I've not used one.
 
earlybird said:
Your OP seemed to suggest that you had already purchased the Maplin dongle, and wished to get it working. If you're still in the market, I can recommend the CoPilot bluetooth GPS sold on ebay for about £11. Bluetooth dongles seem very cheap, but my net-book has it built in so I've not used one.
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I had,but software wouldn't load,took it back,they succeeded in loading it after a load of hassle. Then it said it wouldn't work unless connected to internet,which Maplin's numpty then seized on as an excuse for it not working: at this point I said give me my money back,and left,in case stupidity was catching!:rolleyes:
So you were right---my OP was a bit ambiguous. Thanks for the input.
 
I use a normal GPS dongle on the laptop as my backup system and once the problem of which port you are using, ( both the dongle and your software need to be looking at the same port and for some reason both make changing from their selected port difficult) I have had little problem.

ps I hope to be back in Albufeira shortly when I get the OK from the quacks so could get together to help next month
 
I have:

  • Navman B10 Bluetooth GPS
  • InfoRad GPS 'Speed Camera Detector' - which works as a straightforward USB GPS 'puck'
  • Garmin GPS72 connected by a serial-to-USB lead
The disadvantage of the Navman B10 is that it needs a recharge from time to time, meaning plugging in to a USB port or cigar lighter socket.

The advantage of using the Garmin is you can upload waypoints and routes from the navigation software on the laptop, then turn the lappy off and save loads of power.
 
I may have missed something significant here....

What about a simple h/h GPS, such as an Etrek, with a USB lead into the PC.




Works for me with Microsoft road maps programs, Autoroute. :)
 
sarabande said:
I may have missed something significant here....

What about a simple h/h GPS, such as an Etrek, with a USB lead into the PC.




Works for me with Microsoft road maps programs, Autoroute. :)
Click to expand...

Got an E-trek,great bit of kit,but I'm aiming for redundancy here! Had rather a lot of water descend on me crossing Biscay which temporarily embarrassed my main system:o.
 
Finbar said:
I use a Sirf Star III GPS puck, model BU-353. Can be bought for about £30 on the web, see here

http://www.easydevices.co.uk/pp/GPS...LSAT_BU353_SIRFSTAR_III_USB_GPS_RECEIVER.html

less if shipped from the East. Comes with sofware and easily installed. Run at 4000 baud for Cmap93. Works on deck and below for me.
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Ah, yes,easydevices! Edinburgh registered----thought I'd give them my business last month. E-mailed them asking about just that item 6WEEKS AGO from Portugal. Got to support British business,y'know----I still await a reply.
 
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