please school me on how to exploit my Toughbook

[IronYuppy]

He pardon the rookie questions, but I have been reading little bit about this thing: Holux GR-213U, and I don't really understand how it works with my computer.

I have a Panasonic Toughbook CF-28 with touch-screen, running WinXP. Can I adapt it to run as a GPS? I have an older hand-held Garmin (GPSMap 24) unit which is good for hiking, emergencies, etc, but the screen is too small to be useful when driving.

something that can integrate with my PC for full-colour, updateable GPS software that's touch-screen friendly would be great!

Any suggestions?

 

[Beowulf]

... I don't really understand how it works with my computer.

The key words in the description of that GPS device are: It communicates with other electronic utilities via compatible dual-channel through RS-232 or TTL

You need an RS-232 port on your Toughbook. These are also known as "Com" ports and typically will have a DB-9 connector. A COM port is not the same as a USB port (well, if you want to quibble, they are the same but the bottom line is they are not compatible.)

Since you have a notebook computer that you want to use for GPS, this is basically what you need to do.

1. Select your Navigation software first. (Street Nav? Topo? availability and $$ for maps? moving maps? and about a dozen other criteria you need to think about.)

2. Understand the HW capabilities of your model of Toughbook. (USB? DB9? Bluetooth?)

3. Select a GPS device in your price range that will feed data to #1 and work on #2.

My preference would be to get a Bluetooth GPS receiver with an external antenna. (Holux makes one) This will enable you to put the antenna wherever it works best for you and put the BT GPS receiver in a convenient location in the vehicle. You will need +12v power to the GPS receiver but you will NOT need a cable from the BT GPS receiver to the Toughbook but you will need a BT enabled Toughbook.

HTH,
-B-

 

[Waorani]

I've used various GPS setups with Toughbooks for years. Currently have a CF-29 and use Delorme's BT-20 bluetooth receiver with a bluetooth USB adapter. I mostly use Delorme's 3D TopoQuads and ArcMap. Delorme's older Earthmate USB receivers also work well and are available super cheap on ebay.

 

[1leglance]

I have a toughbook CF-50 that I am running a globasat mouse ($50) gps thru the usb port and oziexplorer for software. Granted this setup doesn't come with maps and that can be a hassle at first. But I like that I can use it anywhere in the world with any map that I can get or make digital.
The delorme (sp?) earthmate package is cool.
There are many gps buying places out there just google mouse gps or bluetooth gps if you want to go that route (I have other bluetooth accs I didn't want to interfer with)
Good luck and keep us posted,
enjoy
1leglance

 

[harveya]

OK my suggestions.

1st, get a decent mount for the Toughbook. Panasonic do a Vehicle mount Docking unit (CF-WEB273) as do LED and Kodiak. You can mount it in the back out of the way powered up by a LIND auto adaptor.

Get hold of a separate screen - I am using a CF-VDW07 wireless screen which is driven off a Wifi card in the Toughbook. It's a touchscreen unit with an 8.4 inch screen. Mounting this in the front with a Arkon 18 inch Swan Neck mounted to the floor. This takes up far less room than mounting the Toughbook up front - far less to crash around in the front if it all goes badly FUBAR.

Get yourself a Bluetooth PCMCIA card for the Toughbook or a Bluetooth USB dongle (if going the PCMCIA card route use a Billionton one as it fits in the 3rd (internal) PCMCIA slot on the CF-28) and fees up the other two for using for the WIFI card for the screen.

Get yourself a Bluetooth GPS receiver and mount it on the dash with hook and loop tape. If it is a SIRF 111 then it will get a perfectly useable view of the sky, plenty of satellites and quick start up.

Get Ozi Explorer or the GPS program of your choice with topo maps.

You now have a fully useable in car PC for using for GPS, MP3 music or anything else (when you are stopped of course).

You could even if your Toughbook has the option built in, use the WAN Wireless capability (CDMA etc) and get online while you are wheeling and use something like Google Earth - could even be used for tracking purposes.

it's taken me around 1 year watching things come up on ebay but eventually have everything I want for my Toughbook CF-28 and have probably spent a total of about $1000 on everything including the Toughbook, Wireless Screen, extra memory, 160gb Hard disk, Arkon Mount, Vehicle Docking station, Wireless Screen interface card, rubberised backlit keyboard.

Good thing is with the whole setup it can be out of the car in seconds so no need to leave it all in the vehicle when it is parked up and liable to theft.