GPS advice please

[Jeff Russell]

Just received my new laptop today with Vista Home Premium (32bit). I installed GPSGate and had no problem getting GRL3, Microsoft Streets &Trips 2009, and SpotterNet to see my BU-353 GPS puck. After reading some of the problems people were having I was expecting a few hiccups.

Jeff

 

[Scott Taylor]

Most problems were related to Vista 64bit.... 32 hasn't had any problems with any of this as far as I've read.

 

[Scott Roberts]

lt-20 gps unit.

This is the key to your entire setup. The LT-20 speaks DeLorme's proprietary format. You'll need their serial emulator software to split it to a com port. I may still have it around, or you should be able to Google it, too.

I switched to a different puck (BU-353) last year and am splitting it via GPSgate. Given what you're trying to do, I think you'll probably have better results with that solution than the LT-20. The DeLorme emulator is limited to three serial outs + the feed to Street Atlas.

Give me a ring some afternoon and we'll get together and get it (and streaming) set up.

 

[Mark Blue]

This is the key to your entire setup. The LT-20 speaks DeLorme's proprietary format.

I use a Delorme BT-20 so I presume it speaks their propretary format as well. I tried to use the Delorme serial emulator and I ended up with nothing but frustration on my hands. GPSGate has worked fine for me and the only GPS receiver I use is the Delorme. What is happening to those who are having problems could be any number of things, but GPSGate not speaking the Delorme language is probably not the issue IMHO. I'd be curious to hear from Mikey and Paul whether or not they've resolved their problems, as they've been kind of quiet for a few days.

 

[Scott Roberts]

I use a Delorme BT-20 so I presume it speaks their propretary format as well.

I don't know what protocol it speaks. I considered getting one, then went with a different one, so I never had to experiment with it.

 

[Paul Stofer]

I'm still having trouble getting the Delorme Emulator to talk with GPSgate on my vista machine.. I'm using the GPS that came with the delorme software, and using the emulator program on my vista 32 bit machine. Franson can't seem to locate my gps data coming from the emulator. I have NMEA on COM 2, 5, and 6. (Not RAW correct?) Then I have COM 2 set as the input. I've even tried the GPSgate wizard. I'm scratching my head as to why the software wont find my gps data?

EDIT:

HOLY CRAP... I finally got this sucker to work. It seems it can be very picky.. For reference in case anyone else is having the same issue.. This is what fixed it for me. I had to close both GPSgate and the serial emulator. Start up GPS gate first and run it. Then open up the emulator afterwards.. This is what did the job for me.. Such an easy fix for such a headache...

 

[Stephen Locke]

Serial Port Madness

Wow, had I known the direction this thread would take I would have titled it Serial Port Madness instead of GPS advice please. Maybe a MOD can change it.

Stephen Locke

 

[Mark Blue]

HOLY CRAP... I finally got this sucker to work. It seems it can be very picky.. For reference in case anyone else is having the same issue.. This is what fixed it for me. I had to close both GPSgate and the serial emulator. Start up GPS gate first and run it. Then open up the emulator afterwards.. This is what did the job for me.. Such an easy fix for such a headache...

Paul - part of your problem may be that you are using two programs that actually do the same thing. GPSGate and the Delorme serial emulator both split the GPS signal coming from your puck and allow the GPS signal to be used among several programs. To use the same analogy I did with Steve, this is like having studded snow tires on your car with chains. If I were you I'd uninstall the Delorme serial emulator as you only need GPSGate to split your signal, and it is much more robust than the Delorme serial emulator. Using both is probably at the root of your problem. I'd follow the advice I gave earlier about deleting the "Instances" folder for GPSGate and re-running the setup wizard again, IF after uninstalling the Delorme serial emulator your configuration isn't working. You do not need to run both programs, only one of them.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Mikey Gribble]

I still can't get mine to work. I think I've given up on it at this point. I followed the directions exactly and when I get in the setup wizard it still says that gpsgate doesn't recognize any gps devices. I am out in the wide open so the signal definitely isn't an issue. What in the hell is the problem. This is the regular gps device that comes in the package deal from delorme. I would think it's the most commonly used gps by storm chasers running gps gate. This is getting ridiculous.

 

[Paul Townsend]

I still can't get mine to work. I think I've given up on it at this point. I followed the directions exactly and when I get in the setup wizard it still says that gpsgate doesn't recognize any gps devices. I am out in the wide open so the signal definitely isn't an issue. What in the hell is the problem. This is the regular gps device that comes in the package deal from delorme. I would think it's the most commonly used gps by storm chasers running gps gate. This is getting ridiculous.

Same thing for me. GPSGate doesn't recognize any GPS devices. I have some questions about how this all works.

Do I need to have an internet connection to be able to get the gpsgate to read my gps and to send the location data to GRL3? I don't have a dedicated internet connection at this point, but to see my position on the downloaded roads on GR even without a connection is something I want.

I have a bluetooth enabled GPS unit. Is this the way I should set up my interface with gpsgate? If yes, what do I need to purchase for my laptop to receive the gps data in such a way that gpsgate will recognize it?

Thanks for any responses.

 

[Jeff Russell]

This is the regular gps device that comes in the package deal from delorme.

I think this is your problem. Does the Delorme GPS puck work with the mapping software? I would try this first.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Delorme uses a propriety language between the GPS puck and the mapping software. Not sure if GPSGate will recognize the GPS. You may have to use the Delorme emulator.
http://www.delorme.com/support/supporttemplate.aspx?id=319

Call me if you need help. I'm around the house until 5ish today.

Jeff

 

[Jeff Russell]

Same thing for me. GPSGate doesn't recognize any GPS devices. I have some questions about how this all works..

GPSGate is only looking for the GPS on a specfic com port.

Do I need to have an internet connection to be able to get the gpsgate to read my gps and to send the location data to GRL3?

No

I don't have a dedicated internet connection at this point, but to see my position on the downloaded roads on GR even without a connection is something I want..

We all do.

I have a bluetooth enabled GPS unit. Is this the way I should set up my interface with gpsgate? If yes, what do I need to purchase for my laptop to receive the gps data in such a way that gpsgate will recognize it?.

What GPS unit? If it's a GPS navagation system, your probably out of luck since most do not output data in NEMA format.

Thanks for any responses.

Let me know if I can be of any help,

Jeff

 

[Mikey Gribble]

My gps works fine in Delorme street atlas. It's like it's nonexistant when I try to go through the setup wizard on gps gate though.

 

[Jeff Russell]

My gps works fine in Delorme street atlas. It's like it's nonexistant when I try to go through the setup wizard on gps gate though.

try this http://www.delorme.com/support/supporttemplate.aspx?id=319

 

[Mark Blue]

I'm wondering if it isn't time to eat crow. I'm starting to think if you are using the LT-20 you may need the Delorme Serial Emulator in the mix, which is the exact opposite of what I stated earlier. Keep in mind that my GPS receiver is the Delorme BT-20 and connects via Bluetooth. My setup works fine without the Delorme Serial Emulator, so at this point I'm not sure whether you need it or not when using a USB unit, but since it's labeled as a driver it may be necessary. I'm going to keep researching this topic to try and come to a conclusion.

In the meantime, if someone on this forum uses an LT-20 and shares it amongst the others apps mentioned, it would be nice if they would chime in to offer some solutions.