Recommended GPS

[Dan Robinson]

My 5-year old chase laptop (Windows 7) crashed last week, and I decided to replace it this weekend with a new one (Windows 10). I have the BU-353 puck and GPSGate. I tried the Windows 8/10 workaround shown on the Globalsat web site (basically using an older driver and setting Windows to not to auto-update it) and got the computer to see the device, but no GPS fix is ever broadcast from it ("olive" state in GPSGate). I'm not against getting the newer puck as it will probably be a more trouble-free option long term, but wondered if anyone else had this problem with the 353 in Windows 10 and was able to get it working.

 

[B. Dean Berry]

I've had that problem in the past, and am still looking for the solution I used. It's using a text program to alter a registry entry, but you do it once, and it works. Are you getting Code 10 errors?

 

[Dan Robinson]

I'm not getting any errors at this point - device manager shows the GPS is there and working, GPSGate also sees it but it isn't seeing any data from it.

 

[Drew Terril]

Granted, I have a bit of bias because I'm a trucker, but I have a Garmin Dezl GPS (the Dezl series are the trucker models). Yes, they're expensive compared to the car only ones, but they tend to have a more complete database of places to stop when you're looking for food or a truck stop to get a shower. The company I drive big rigs for provides GPS now, so I use the one I bought in my personal vehicles now. I'm also a bit old fashioned so I carry maps with me as well.

That said, when I do have a chase partner, it's usually the same person, and I trust him completely, so I let him handle navigation when we chase together. Most others, I'll still handle at least part of the navigation if nothing more than I'm used to shouldering that responsibility on my own from mostly chasing solo and from being a trucker.

 

[Darren Lo]

It is my understanding that GlobalSat has a puck specifically for Windows 10 Apps (like the Windows Map App) which does NOT use NMEA. If you want to use those mapping apps, you have to buy
GlobalSat 05-BU353-W10

The GlobalSat 05-BU353-W10 only shows up on Amazon and a few other e-commerce sites, but not on GlobalSat USA's or GlobalSat TW's webpages. The Amazon description looks rather unprofessional and directs you to download drivers from some weird site. I thought this was strange enough that I e-mailed GlobalSat USA about it, and got back a reply that this is a legitimate GlobalSat product. Just sharing in case anyone else found this odd.

I have the BU-353-S4 and previously attempted to use it with Windows 10 Maps by feeding it through GpsGate and then to GpsDirect, but this setup has proved unreliable in my experience. Perhaps I will try the -W10 version with Windows 10 maps, and use GpsReverse to allow usage of legacy programs that expect NMEA. If that doesn't work then I might be forced to use both the -S4 and -W10 pucks simultaneously, despite how idiotic that seems.

 

[Shane Ornelas]

Are you talking about a true "GPS device" or a "GPS connect to software" setup? If you just want something that works all the time, data connection or not, and can be situated in the upper windshield corner with easy viewing at all times, and has virtually all roads down to county/city level, a Garmin GPS is hard to beat for number of reasons. I never travel or chase without one. I just never cared for relying on a tablet or laptop to critically navigate with or view current real-world position with.

BTW, the Garmins do have a basic "logging option" but you need to download and retrieve the data within about a week before it's over-written. Also, I recommend the Dezl (trucker versions). They have some simplified destination selection options and you don't have to have a complete address if you just want to target a town center.

Im using a true GPS device. A Magellan for navigation. I always keep a paper road atlas in the car incase of a technology fail

 

[Darren Lo]

I purchased the GlobalSat 05-BU353-W10. I'm happy to report that you can get it to work both with the newer Windows Location Service (for newer programs such as Windows Maps) and with legacy programs expecting serial interfaces (such as GRLevel3 or MS Streets & Trips) without relying on GPSDirect or GPSReverse, which both have never worked properly for me. The setup process is somewhat complicated:

1. Go to u-blox.com and download the newest versions of the "u-blox GNSS Sensor Device Driver for Windows" and "u-blox GNSS VCP Device Driver for Windows". In my case these files downloaded without the .exe file extension, so rename them to put the extension back if it is missing. Then run the sensor device driver installer, followed by the VCP device driver installer.

2. Plug in the puck. Open Device Manager. Check under "Ports (COM & LPT)" and verify that the "u-blox Virtual COM Port" appears there -- note the port number. Also check under "Sensors" and verify that the "u-blox GNSS Location Sensor" appears there.

3. Try your programs with the virtual COM port to see if they work. If they do, you're done. In my case, GRLevel3 didn't work because it expects a different flavor of NMEA messages. So there is more fun to come...

4. Download the latest version of u-center from u-blox.com. Unzip and run the installer. When the installer prompts you to "Select components to install", click on the Drivers box to expand it and make sure you check "Use Windows USB serial driver." Make sure "u-blox GNSS Sensor Driver for Windows" is NOT checked.

5. Run u-center. In the lower left corner of the toolbar, there is a little connection icon with a drop-down arrow next to it. Expand the drop-down and connect to the virtual COM port you noted in step 2.

6. Go to View/Configuration Dialog and go to the NMEA category. In the right-hand side of the dialog, there is a drop-down box for "Main talker ID". Set this to "1 - GP (GPS)". Click "Send" at the bottom of the dialog to push the settings to the device.

7. Quit out of u-center.


I think all of this only needs to be done once.

8. Enjoy your storm.

 

[Glen Heinz]

Thanks Darren, for the write and taking the time. I've got the puck on my save for later buy list.

 

[Bill Giles]

Your instructions worked perfectly with GRLevel3 Darren. Thanks!

 

[Mike Thornton]

I believe it’s the US Globalsat BU353-S4. You can grab the latest drivers from their website as well. Can you tell us what map program you plan to use?

I also run a GlobalSat BU353-S4. I've been using it for 3 years now. I absolutely love it! You can pair the GPS to GRLevel3, GRLevel2, and GRLevel2a. It's also only $30!