Curious what you guys are using to split GPS signal

[Matt Handley]

I've been using mobile ThreatNet for a while now and use streets and trips with it to show where I am on the ThreatNet map. I have recently passed the Spotter Network requirements and plan to run it this season (seems much better than the Skywarn net I used for years spotting for our local FD).

I understand I'll have to split my GPS between the two. Upon some simple research (and what I have heard from some other spotters/chasers) GPSGate is the way to go.

Also I'm looking into GR level 3 as an added tool. would I be able to split the signal 3 ways?

I just thought I'd ask on here what you guys use and any thoughts and recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jim Parsons]

Franson GpsGate is the way to go...

 

[Brian Davidson]

2nd GPSgate. I split my GPS into two lines. One for gr3 and one for spotter network

 

[Sean Ramsey]

Gpsgate. you can use GPSGate express and it won't cost you a thing.

 

[Matt Handley]

Thank you guys so much! Looks like I need to head on over to the Franson site. Thanks again, it's great to have you guys to point a guy in the right direction!

 

[Brian Davidson]

That is what this message board is for =)

 

[Mark Blue]

Keep in mind Matt that GPSGate Express will let you split your signal to 2 separate outputs while the full version will allow you to split your signal to any number of separate outputs (i.e. programs). A good comparison of the differences between GPSGate Express and Standard can be found here. Since you indicated you will want to share the GPS signal to 3 separate programs you will want to spring for the full version. All you have to do is download what is available on the website, then purchase a standard license and it will unlock those features that aren't available in the express version. If you need anything else let me know.

 

[Sean Ramsey]

Good point Mark. Splitting it three ways would require the full version.

 

[Marcus Diaz]

XPort is another program that I've used to split several GPS ports, and its free. Never had an issue with it. I used it for SN, Streets and Trips, and GRL3

 

[ngjere]

I began my first season of chasing using Xport and used it in the same way Marcus did. But my experience differed in that the longer you used it, the flakier it became. You could drive for hours and have GPS data and then, without warning, Xport would take a dive and require the computer to be rebooted in order to recover. After that happens a few times in the middle of a chase you begin to see how great a deal "free" is. I take nothing away from the author of Xport. It's a great program for those of us needing non-critical navigation. Since positioning information is critical on so many levels when we're chasing, it makes sense to put out the dough for GPSGate.

 

[J Tyler]

Reading post above this one.....I chased this exact same problem with GPS Gate for a year, and it turned out it was unreliable power that was causing all my problems. Any tiny quick power glitch would cause the GPS Gate to drop. I've fixed the power problem, and problem solved.

 

[ericjkelly]

I have had problems with both xport and GPS gate. If I had to choose I would use GPS gate.

Is there a better one that both of these?

 

[John Keeton]

Late to the game here I know, but I have been using Virtual Serial Port Emulator. It allows unlimited "copies" of the serial ports. The interface isn't very fun to begin with, but once I figured it out it was usable. It was free when I got it a couple years ago. The 64 version has nagware telling you to buy a 64bit lic though.

I use it for other things as well. Specifically 15 year old Boy Scout pinewood derby timer that has issues opening physical serial ports in windows 7 64bit. Run it through vspe and it opened just fine.

john