USING A TOMTOM FOR FULL GPS?

Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Messages
538
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Maybe someone can help me out, I have a TomTom that I bought last year with plans on using it during the chase tours, I was not successful in setting it up with the laptop and StormLab and pretty much left it setting on the shelf the entire season. I would like to get it set up soon but I am having trouble trying to link StormLab with it.
The computer recognizes it but I am not seeing anything on that port when I fire up StormLab.
Maybe I should have listed the thread as Linking the Tom Tom with StormLab????

Any ideas would be great!
 
You can not use your Tom Tom for programs like storm lab and GR3 cause it's a different protocal
 
It's like trying to run mac software on a windows PC .

If you want a GPS for stormlab/ GR3 just buy one off off EBAY for $30. The microsoft puck GPS is a great choice.
 
Lanny I use a puck as well.....tried the TomTom thing and threw it out the window at a tornado. Guess what? It didn't get sucked up...lol.
 
Most "Car Navigation" GPS units like the Tom Tom do not have the required NMEA format data output that other software needs to run; they are really intended to be used as "Standalone" devices for that core purpose.

For use with a laptop etc. it is usually most economical to buy a "puck" type GPS as has been suggested; these can come in several types, including USB, Serial and bluetooth. Make sure the device you buy supports NMEA data (some are proprietary) and that your computer/laptop can connect to it (ie; most laptops do not have serial ports anymore). Many folks find that buying the mapping package from Delorme or Microsoft that includes a GPS unit is a good way to get a compatible GPS unit and decent mapping program at the same time.

In addition, many handheld type GPS units for hiking use etc. will also have the ability to connect to a computer and provide the required data; best to do your research on that though.
 
Yeah, I bought the LT-20 DeLorme for fifty bucks on eBay along with the Earthmate software. Don't buy the more expensive BT-xx unit - unless you like to be without its use when it needs to charge. I sent mine back to DeLorme, then went on eBay and bought the LT-xx unit for $60 less than the bluetooth unit. Another problem solved...

Using the DeLorme Serial Emulator software allows me to use the LT-20 simultaneously on the Earthmate software, my GR3 software, and SpotterNetwork Client software without any problem when running Windows Xp. DeLorme or the Microsoft units are the best and the cheapest means to solve your GPS positioning dilemma.

The Tom-Tom is a stand-alone unit and will not work with other programs - as previously stated by others above...
If you want to use one as well, it can do the voice operational thing if that is what you like. But they are frightfully more expensive than the Microsoft/DeLorme units.
 
Thanks for all the replies...Had I known about it being stand alone I would not have invested. Kinda too bad though because I do like the features of the tomtom and with the automated voice...it will be a shame to get something else.

Rob, I looked at a unit at Walmart of all places, I think it was the Microsoft unit and I am thinking it was about $50.00 if I am not mistaken, I am assuming that is the unit your are talking about? Keeping in mind that not only am I wanting to use it with SL but the spotter network as well.
 
It didn't take me too long to find the DeLorme LT-20 and the Earthmate 2008 software bundle.
Just enter DeLorme LT-20 Earthmate 2008 into the eBay search engine. You will find a lot of new bundles at competitive prices. $40 new is a real bargain - plus shipping. Unless you want/prefer the Microsoft puck and software. A few members of STORMTRACK had previously recommended it to me, so I bought the DeLorme bundle. The DeLorme blue tooth version I cannot recommend - I didn't like it - it had issues.

Time sensitive link;
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZDeLormeQ20LTQ2d20QQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ
 
Ok, on ebay, I am finding Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS locator. This is all we need correct? I plan on running this with GR3 and spotter network.

That product works well. You should be aware however that any GPS will normally only work with one program at a time; in order to "share" it with several programs at the same time you will need a "GPS splitter" program; there's Franson GPSgate (not free, but there is a time limited trial.. works well) and a free program I use called Xport. These programs will assign different COM port numbers that you can use with each program that requires GPS.
 
That product works well. You should be aware however that any GPS will normally only work with one program at a time; in order to "share" it with several programs at the same time you will need a "GPS splitter" program; there's Franson GPSgate (not free, but there is a time limited trial.. works well) and a free program I use called Xport. These programs will assign different COM port numbers that you can use with each program that requires GPS.

Very true - and that is the case!

However - the DeLorme Serial Port Emulator will run three apps.
I've got three apps running on mine without Franson GPSGate.
I know that if you run Vista - you may well need the Franson GPSGate to make it work.
Franson's product will run more than three apps...
:cool:
 
Very true - and that is the case!

However - the DeLorme Serial Port Emulator will run three apps.
I've got three apps running on mine without Franson GPSGate.
I know that if you run Vista - you may well need the Franson GPSGate to make it work.
Franson's product will run more than three apps...
:cool:

Just keep in mind that it doesn't work for non-Delorme GPS units. Clarence was asking about a Microsoft package (uses the Pharos GPS).
 
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