Laptop - GPS, Help needed.

[Codbasher]

Would it be possible by downloading a version of Tom Tom or similar and getting one of theose GPS recievers like they sell on e-bay, to turn a laptop into a Sat Nav system??? :h :dunno:

 

[Allan]

Yes, you can also do it MS Autoroute.

Buzz

 

[Codbasher]

So would it show as a moving display on the laptop, if so how would I go about setting it up???

 

[DB on CBR1100XX]

Normally.......

.........you connect your GPS to the laptop - mine is serial, more modern may be USB.

In autoroute and similar mapping products, there is a setting to accept data from your GPS.

The way the system works is that the GPS sends a data 'word' telling the software where the GPS is. The software interprets the word and draws that point on your map.

There are various international formats of this data word. Most GPS units can send various versions - it's just a case of finding out a format common to both unit and mapping software.

You could probably do it via a bluetooth unit if you have this on laptop as this means you are not constrained by wires.

HTH

 

[Duck n Dive]

WARNING

Before doing this check what ports you're laptop has available and what the latest version of autoroute supports.

I've been using this set up for some years now on my laptop but using route66 and a USB GPS unit.
My laptop has no serial ports, only USB 2.0/firewire and at the time autoroute would only support serial GPS units.

I got my stuff from GPS warehouse who knew their onions.

The GPS location shows you on the map where you are, you're speed and height above sea level. If you've plotted a route it will also give you an ETA which is updated. You don't get voice prompts though.

 

[R2B2]

...... and a lappy is a bugger to keep on top of yer dash when you go round corners........

........ I also strapped one to me bike a while ago but the windblast kept closing the top down.