Laptop Nav

[shogun]

Picked up a Toughbook and decided to try laptop navigation. I am not very computer literate and have some basic Q's.

I assume there are various GPS "cards" available to plug into the laptop (PCI or USB?) but wonder which is better and why. I haven't seen any comments on desired brands. That being said, a GPS is not a GPS and so there are differences in performance between different units (lock time and reciever sensitivity). Also, are these cards (all or some) external antennae capable?

Having used Garmin GPS3, Etrex and 60Csx, there are noticable performance differences. Since I am happy with the raw data performance of the 60, is it possible to drive the laptop software with it? Can I just plug in the Garmin cable and have that run the software?

Thanks

 

[dms1]

You should be able to use your Garmin Etrex or 60Csx with an USB cable (prefered) or serial cable, whichever the device supports connected to the laptop, or you can buy an inexpensive GPS Antenna puck that has an USB connector.

You will also need to use a moving map software like Garmins Mobil PC, an older version of MapSource, Ozi Explorer, Terrain Navigator, Overland Navigator etc.

I am currently testing a laptop setup with a garmin GPS III + with Terrain Navigator, National Geographic Topo and Ozi Explorer.

I really like Terrain Navigator as a package except that it will only let me print 11X17 prints, I would prefer 13X19 prints.

Nat Geo Topo Supports 13X19 Printing, but the user interface and printer interface are akward to use.

Ozi Explorer is just difficult out of the box and the demo versions are rather limited, so I am still researching this app

If I find a package I like, I will end up buying an GPS Puck antenna and ditching the Garmin III +

Here is a link to GPS citys laptop GPS's. You might be able to find them cheaper else wear but their site shows you what is currently available.

 

[theksmith]

if you're looking for a dedicated laptop gps device instead of tethering one you already have, you might look at globalsat.

this gets lots of good reviews:
http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-62-bu-353-w.aspx

there's also: http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-590-nd-100.aspx

and the one i just ordered: http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-58-mr-350p-bulkhead.aspx

most everything you're going to see is based on the newer SiRF III chipset and therefore will have very similar performance regardless of brand.

your gps3 probably has and older chipset. your 60csx has a quad helix antenna which will outperform your etrex's patch antenna in some environments, but they probably both have a modern chipset. i can't find anything but patch antennas in the usb consumer priced products, but it won't matter much anyway if you stick it up on the roof where you can get a good signal (ideal placement).

and dms1 pretty much named all the top software, you might want to readup on mp3car.com for more info/reviews on the individual software packages (as well as hardware reviews).

 

[off-roader]

Overland Navigator also looks very interesting.

I have an older (version 2.x?) and newer version of Nat Geo Topo for California (hi res map version). Both have the same/similar crappy UI.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

if you're looking for a dedicated laptop gps device instead of tethering one you already have, you might look at globalsat.

this gets lots of good reviews:
http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-62-bu-353-w.aspx

there's also: http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-590-nd-100.aspx

and the one i just ordered: http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-58-mr-350p-bulkhead.aspx

I'm curious, why did you pick the one with the proprietary connection? I would think a more simple USB connector would make more sense...

 

[craig]

The bulkhead mount GPS comes with pigtails that allow it to be either a USB GPS or a Serial GPS. The small connector shown in the picture is where the pigtail connects. It uses a small connector so you don't have to drill a hole large enough to fit the USB/Serial plug through. It's a fantastic GPS, with a very clean install. I've been running mine hard in the wet forested PNW for 3 years now and it hasn't missed a beat.