I'm lost

[ntsqd]

I have a Thinkpad (XP Pro) that I'd like to use for a GPS since my Lowrance has decided to no longer recognize it's $200 antenna. I also have a Trimble mag mount antenna that may or may not be salvageable as the connector was rudely separated from the coax (which is probably why it was given to me).

I saw that DeLorme had the LT-20 receiver bundled with their topo software, but got to thinking maybe I already own most of the needed stuff. In a perfect world I could install new connector and use my existing Garmin software or update it to topo (preferred).

What am I missing? Can this be done relatively easily, or should I just throw money at it?

 

[Tucson T4R]

Maybe I missed it...what GPS receiver do you plan to use with the laptop? Other than that, it sounds like you have everything you need after upgrading to the latest Topo version.

 

[ntsqd]

I have the Trimble receiver with the mangled coax, so that is one option. No clue where to go from there.

Supposing I put a BNC or some other connector on the coax, are there cards with antenna connection(s) or USB converters, or.....?

 

[Tucson T4R]

Getting into an area that I am not very familar with (the Laptop GPS adaptors) since I USB attach a Garmin Map76CSx to my laptop. That being said, do any of the newer GPS adaptor cards for the Laptop run the SRIF III chipset? If they do, you may not even need an external attenna anymore. I don't use an external and I never have reception problems on the latest technology.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I have been playing with Garmin nRoute the last week and I LOVE it. I am feeding off my old GPSV. If I was only interested in a in vehicle set up I would go for the $99 Garmin USB receiver that is bundled with Mapsouce at Costco. My only concern is if the receiver is water proof. On you FJ it wouldn't matter much the soft top and hard top with the fiberglass panel should be transparent to it. Toss it up on the roll bar and forget about it.

 

[ntsqd]

I plan to use this in the Suburban as I doubt Patch has the room in the cab. Even the 3000MT was a tough squeeze if the passenger was to have much room and still not block access to dash functions.

Sounds like I either buy the Garmin USB receiver & try it with my existing software, or buy the Delorme topo bundle. No interest in routing software.

 

[DavidG]

I have been playing with Garmin nRoute the last week and I LOVE it. I am feeding off my old GPSV. If I was only interested in a in vehicle set up I would go for the $99 Garmin USB receiver that is bundled with Mapsouce at Costco. My only concern is if the receiver is water proof. On you FJ it wouldn't matter much the soft top and hard top with the fiberglass panel should be transparent to it. Toss it up on the roll bar and forget about it.

The Garmin 18 at Costco is packaged with (now discontinued) City Select North America. I'm not sure how that will impact future updates.

I currently use a very small OnCourse BT receiver paired with my slightly hacked V3xx running MobileGmaps

http://www.buygpsnow.com/OnCourse-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-Edition-3-(WAAS-enabled)_882.aspx

http://www.mgmaps.com/

I will eventually run Oziexplorer on my Toughbook and plan on using this inexpensive and diminutive little GPS. As Tucson stated, stepping up to a SiRF III chip may remove the need for an external antenna. I can receive a signal on the first floor of my two story home, from the center console of my Montero, etc.