USB GPS receivers

[Spook50]

So far the Delorme Earthmate receiver I've got will NOT acquire a connection, no matter what I do (I really hope it's not something to do with the windshield, because the manual says certain types of windshields can block the signal). Does anyone here use a GPS receiver with their laptop other than the Delorme? I'm wondering if there are better options out there that I could try. I'm going wheeling up on Mt. Pilchuck the day after Thanksgiving so I'd like to get my GPS stuff up and running and get my hands on some topographic software (I'm eyeballing Topo USA, also a Delorme product) before making the drive home.

 

[-Macca-]

I've got one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mini-GPS-Rec...4QQihZ018QQcategoryZ34290QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Works fine for me through the windscreen on my 60, and normally will be ready to go within 60 seconds of starting the laptop. The GPS above has a magnetic base, so it sticks to the vent panel on the dash inside the windscreen.

I have seen people silastic their receiver to the top/back of the snorkle ram, and run the cable down the back of the snorkle, in through the door, and across the dash to the laptop. Might be worth thinking about if you're having problems getting a sync through the screen.

 

[Capt. Jim]

I have been using the dashboard Delorme receiver for about 3 years with no reception problems through my windshield. It does seem to receive poorly in canyons or under heavy tree cover. I use it in a Chevy Silverado.

Try placing outside the vehicle and see if can receive.

 

[FJ40_owner]

So far the Delorme Earthmate receiver I've got will NOT acquire a connection, no matter what I do (I really hope it's not something to do with the windshield, because the manual says certain types of windshields can block the signal). Does anyone here use a GPS receiver with their laptop other than the Delorme? I'm wondering if there are better options out there that I could try. I'm going wheeling up on Mt. Pilchuck the day after Thanksgiving so I'd like to get my GPS stuff up and running and get my hands on some topographic software (I'm eyeballing Topo USA, also a Delorme product) before making the drive home.

I use the Garmin 18, it is available as serial or USB. Works great inside my house and comes with map software of the US in Topo or road. And works with the others you mentioned. 120 dollars

JB

 

[RavenTai]

I have a dashboard receiver from Microsoft, I use it with both MS streets and trips and it also works with Delorme. it works better when I open the sunroof an set it up on the roof but still works OK on the dashboard except for when there is heavy tree cover.

as far as city navigation the MS maps are better but the program stinks, i use delorme software with the MS receiver most times

 

[T Y L E R]

DOubt its related, and I've never used anything bluetooth besides my headset on the iPAQ .. BUT with the headset I am required to click, hold and only then try aquiring the connection initially. Is there any sort of initialization with the GPS units as well??


Good luck, I may go this route if I move this 64 bit LT into the cruiser in the future .



TY

 

[tabraha]

I have a dashboard receiver from Microsoft, I use it with both MS streets and trips and it also works with Delorme. it works better when I open the sunroof an set it up on the roof but still works OK on the dashboard except for when there is heavy tree cover.

as far as city navigation the MS maps are better but the program stinks, i use delorme software with the MS receiver most times

I use the MS Streets USB reciever too. You can get it and MS Streets for less than $100. I have had good luck with MS Streets maps too but the earlier versions weren't real-time navigation friendly but useable. For 2007 they've made it alot more friendlier including voice navigation and re-routing capabilities. I use the reciever with the USATopoMaps Freeware too and it works fine. I just download the maps before I go.



Tad

 

[Mark W]

I use Delorme software and a non-Delorme USB receiver. Don't remember the brand right now. Inexpensive, compact and very good performance Aquires in les thim that it take the software to open. Tracks more sattilites that I would expect to even be visible above the horizon.

Anyway, not problem with it inside the '40 or the '62, or the Saab 9000.


Mark...

 

[honk]

I've been using the DeLorme Earthmate through the windshields of my Dodge trucks for about two years. Stick it on the dash with the supplied suction cup gizmo. It works OK, but the technology improves quickly so I've been thinking to replace it only because something two years old is like stone age equipment.

I took their "some types of windshield" to mean ones with a mettalic tint or maybe a defogger grid imbedded/attached if anyone makes some like that.

So maybe your yellow hockey puck gone bad?

 

[GeoRoss]

My older Garmin GPS76 works fine w/ an old laptop. I just jam a shop towel under it and never have had any real problem with reception.

Ross

 

[yep]

No problems with a USGlobalSat USB receiver and Delorme's Topo pgm.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I have the earthmate unit as well and I would say its performance is mediocre. It doesn't work very well in cloud cover, which is when I really needed it one time. If I'm on the go and need a better signal than I'm getting through the windshield I've been known to open the sunroof and slide it out onto roof and down the windshield. Works great like that.

Since I'm in the midst of finally installing my "carputer" I will be looking for a better unit, so I'd be interested to hear what you find if you get a new one.

Ary

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Build your own...
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0210036.pdf

Yeah, me neither... Thus I'm in the market for an external antenna too. I've been using my Garmin Etrex unit for my computer, but I'd like to simplify things by using a USB antenna.

I was going to pull the trigger on a , but a fellow wheeler posted some problems he has been having with his Globalstat Sirf III and the difficult time he has been having with buygpsnow.com getting the ordeal sorted out...

I'm hoping he just got a lemon? For $65 I guess I can't go wrong?

Other recommendations?