Brett Adair
EF5
GPS gate rocks.....I use it on SpotterNetwork, GR products, Microsoft Streets and Trips, while chasing. Very stable and well worth the investment. 
USING A TOMTOM FOR FULL GPS?
- Thread starter Lanny Dean
- Start date
Cris Schroeder
EF2
Another vote for GpsGate. I usually shoot for freeware when I can find it, but GpsGate is worth every penny. I believe I tried Xport but it didn't work with Vista.
I'm currently using a Garmin eTrex Legend as my receiver, and feed it to the PC through a serial-to-USB adapter. It works, but it takes forever to find all the ports when I fire it up. I'm on the fence between a USB puck and a bluetooth puck.
Beware of the nav units that claim bluetooth capability. I almost bought a Garmin Nuvi, thinking bluetooth meant "bluetooth GPS output". It's not...it lets you use the nav unit as a hands-free phone.
I'm currently using a Garmin eTrex Legend as my receiver, and feed it to the PC through a serial-to-USB adapter. It works, but it takes forever to find all the ports when I fire it up. I'm on the fence between a USB puck and a bluetooth puck.
Beware of the nav units that claim bluetooth capability. I almost bought a Garmin Nuvi, thinking bluetooth meant "bluetooth GPS output". It's not...it lets you use the nav unit as a hands-free phone.
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Clarence Bennett
EF3
GPS gate rocks.....I use it on SpotterNetwork, GR products, Microsoft Streets and Trips, while chasing. Very stable and well worth the investment.
Brett, which gps unit are you using? GPSgate isn't expensive at all. I found it for $29.95...
Tyler_Costantini
EF2
Wonder why they don't include a nema output! it would just be emulation! I guess no one in the real world uses it!
A quick google search gave some data.. Not sure that it really applies, they are talking more about the GPS standard then the output cable.
Question
Can I use TomTom Navigator V5 or Navigator 2004 with a third party GPS receiver? Answer
TomTom Navigator 2004 supports NMEA 0183v2 GPS standards.
The GPS receiver must adhere to the NMEA standard in order to avoid potential issues. GPS receivers that deviate even slightly from established GPS standards have presented difficulties in configuration or issues of reliability, irrespective of the PDA or software Navigation solution they are used with.
The primary methods of GPS connectivity supported by TomTom Navigator 2004 are Bluetooth (native to the PDA) or connection to the Pocket PC via a serial cable on COM?.
The following types of GPS receiver solutions are not supported: CF GPS receivers, SDIO GPS receivers, GPS Jacket/sleeve. Connectivity to a Bluetooth GPS receiver via a CF or SDIO Bluetooth card in a PDA that does not have built-in Bluetooth is also not fully supported.
A quick google search gave some data.. Not sure that it really applies, they are talking more about the GPS standard then the output cable.
Question
Can I use TomTom Navigator V5 or Navigator 2004 with a third party GPS receiver? Answer
TomTom Navigator 2004 supports NMEA 0183v2 GPS standards.
The GPS receiver must adhere to the NMEA standard in order to avoid potential issues. GPS receivers that deviate even slightly from established GPS standards have presented difficulties in configuration or issues of reliability, irrespective of the PDA or software Navigation solution they are used with.
The primary methods of GPS connectivity supported by TomTom Navigator 2004 are Bluetooth (native to the PDA) or connection to the Pocket PC via a serial cable on COM?.
The following types of GPS receiver solutions are not supported: CF GPS receivers, SDIO GPS receivers, GPS Jacket/sleeve. Connectivity to a Bluetooth GPS receiver via a CF or SDIO Bluetooth card in a PDA that does not have built-in Bluetooth is also not fully supported.
Lanny Dean
EF5
If the tomtom supports the NMEA whats the problem? I am not sure I understand. I thought originally that it did not have NMEA?!?!?
Lanny Dean
EF5
"Dear Lanny
Thank you for contacting us regarding if your TomTom is capable for NMEA. We are happy to help!
In your case, we need to inform you that our map information is provided by TeleAtlas and our products are design for standard navigation only. Unfortunately we don't include that information ( NMEA) in our maps at this time. Please keep on checking our web page for future updates and upgrades.
If you have any further questions or comments, please e-mail or call us at 1-866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 7pm EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.
Best Regards,
TomTom support team"
This is a message I just got back from the nice folks over at TomTom, and while they did not explain much in the e-mail they did inform me over the phone that the TomTom DOES support NMEA output but that it does not support NMEA with their mapping or map stuff.
The tech also informed me that he thought I could use the TomTom for this purpose if I could just find the correct port and settings.
Any body got any ideas now I am really confused!?!?!?
Thank you for contacting us regarding if your TomTom is capable for NMEA. We are happy to help!
In your case, we need to inform you that our map information is provided by TeleAtlas and our products are design for standard navigation only. Unfortunately we don't include that information ( NMEA) in our maps at this time. Please keep on checking our web page for future updates and upgrades.
If you have any further questions or comments, please e-mail or call us at 1-866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 7pm EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.
Best Regards,
TomTom support team"
This is a message I just got back from the nice folks over at TomTom, and while they did not explain much in the e-mail they did inform me over the phone that the TomTom DOES support NMEA output but that it does not support NMEA with their mapping or map stuff.
The tech also informed me that he thought I could use the TomTom for this purpose if I could just find the correct port and settings.
Any body got any ideas now I am really confused!?!?!?
John Erwin
EF5
Those Car Navigation units have brought GPS to the masses, most of whom have absolutely no need for sending the GPS data to other devices.
Including the appropriate interface would mean higher productions costs; not worth it for something they figure so few people would use.
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John Erwin
EF5
Oh Dear. Okay, I can straighten this out... however you must understand that your Tom Tom GPS unit does not output GPS data.
What that reply is reffering to (and the other post earlier) is the Tom Tom Navigator product, which is just software that can be run on a PDA like device (they may also have PC versions of it). That software product requires GPS data just like any other mapping program... that GPS data must be in the standard NMEA format. Once again, they are NOT referring to the Tom Tom Car Navigation units.
Hopefully this has cleared this up for you and others.
It is made as a stand alone, consumer grade, unit. designed for easy use with a integrated processor and maps...
Just get the Microsoft maps or the Delorme product and use it with your laptop...problem solved...
I use the Delorme product and am very happy with it...
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10091&forge_prod=DMxM8LFk1ZI0E7GaXONOkc_7:S&forge_prod_pses=forge_prod%3DDMxM8LFk1ZI0E7GaXONOkc_7%253AS%7E
Just get the Microsoft maps or the Delorme product and use it with your laptop...problem solved...
I use the Delorme product and am very happy with it...
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10091&forge_prod=DMxM8LFk1ZI0E7GaXONOkc_7:S&forge_prod_pses=forge_prod%3DDMxM8LFk1ZI0E7GaXONOkc_7%253AS%7E
Lanny Dean
EF5
Okay, I think that is probably a good idea, in the mean time...I think I will ship the TomTom back to them let them have it back...what a mess!
Clarence Bennett
EF3
I feel your pain Lanny...fortunately, my Garmin was given as a gift, so I am not out of pocket. I have been looking on ebay and am going to go with the DeLorme...
Lanny Dean
EF5
It has been a nightmare Clarence, and to think that I bought the TomTom about a month before they dropped the price $100.00 on them! As I said, I believe I am going to go with the Microsoft unit and see how that one works.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
IMHO - here's the deal.
I watched your video trailer Lanny.
I think your TomTom will work fine from keeping you getting lost - if that is what you need it for. Can happen to anyone out of their own enviorment.
If you want to track yourself on GR3 radar on your laptop - to know where you are relative to the storm cells - then the DeLorme may be the best. If you don't use GR3 or level 3 data/radar interpreting programs; then TomTom is all you will ever need. Hey, It can resond to voice and give voice instructions - great!
I haven't bought or used the Microsoft puck - but I have heard/read chasers saying they were happy with it. Honestly - that's second hand info. I don't know how well it runs on applications like GR3 - and I don't know how many applications it can run (GR3, SpotterNetwork, its own map program, and/or more) or if it has issues w/Vista. I do know that it cost more than DeLorme. Maybe someone who owns the microsoft unit can jump in here and tell their side - that would be great too.
For the reason of cost, efficiency, and expectations - and the fact that the DeLorme LT-20/Earthmate will run out-of-the-box on a laptop w/Windows Xp - I chose the DeLorme unit from eBay for $40 plus S&H. When set up as directed with the Serial Port Emulator, it works first time every time after laptop startup. You need to plug in the puck, then start the laptop with no obstruction to the puck from the sky. Put the puck on the dash and forget about it. Best $50 spent on chasing gear - bang for buck.
I've gotten lost only a couple of times when chasing in unfamiliar territory. I then start the DeLorme Street Atlas and find out exactly where I am. Otherwise, I just use the Serial Port Emulator that will start automatically in startup - then open GR3 and start GPS. (It isn't necessary to run the Street Atlas for it to work - just be sure the Serial Port Emulator is in your startup file in programs. Use default setting - they work for me anyway.) Blink - on goes the little white bullseye/GR3. Done. Then I start the SpotterNetwork Client software, and then I am off to the chase. Over a dozen chases after I bought it and hooked it up - great. No problem...
I use Windows Xp exclusively, if you use Vista or other O/S's - your mileage will definitely vary. If Vista; then the Franson GPS Gate is a must. Seen/heard too many people complain that Vista has issues with GPS gear. I recoomend DeLorme because other experienced, more knowledgeable chasers (Mike H & Amos M) than myself (a rookie) gave me the nod for the DeLorme. They were not wrong..
IMHO...
I watched your video trailer Lanny.
I think your TomTom will work fine from keeping you getting lost - if that is what you need it for. Can happen to anyone out of their own enviorment.
If you want to track yourself on GR3 radar on your laptop - to know where you are relative to the storm cells - then the DeLorme may be the best. If you don't use GR3 or level 3 data/radar interpreting programs; then TomTom is all you will ever need. Hey, It can resond to voice and give voice instructions - great!
I haven't bought or used the Microsoft puck - but I have heard/read chasers saying they were happy with it. Honestly - that's second hand info. I don't know how well it runs on applications like GR3 - and I don't know how many applications it can run (GR3, SpotterNetwork, its own map program, and/or more) or if it has issues w/Vista. I do know that it cost more than DeLorme. Maybe someone who owns the microsoft unit can jump in here and tell their side - that would be great too.
For the reason of cost, efficiency, and expectations - and the fact that the DeLorme LT-20/Earthmate will run out-of-the-box on a laptop w/Windows Xp - I chose the DeLorme unit from eBay for $40 plus S&H. When set up as directed with the Serial Port Emulator, it works first time every time after laptop startup. You need to plug in the puck, then start the laptop with no obstruction to the puck from the sky. Put the puck on the dash and forget about it. Best $50 spent on chasing gear - bang for buck.
I've gotten lost only a couple of times when chasing in unfamiliar territory. I then start the DeLorme Street Atlas and find out exactly where I am. Otherwise, I just use the Serial Port Emulator that will start automatically in startup - then open GR3 and start GPS. (It isn't necessary to run the Street Atlas for it to work - just be sure the Serial Port Emulator is in your startup file in programs. Use default setting - they work for me anyway.) Blink - on goes the little white bullseye/GR3. Done. Then I start the SpotterNetwork Client software, and then I am off to the chase. Over a dozen chases after I bought it and hooked it up - great. No problem...
I use Windows Xp exclusively, if you use Vista or other O/S's - your mileage will definitely vary. If Vista; then the Franson GPS Gate is a must. Seen/heard too many people complain that Vista has issues with GPS gear. I recoomend DeLorme because other experienced, more knowledgeable chasers (Mike H & Amos M) than myself (a rookie) gave me the nod for the DeLorme. They were not wrong..
IMHO...
Last edited by a moderator:
rdale
EF5
Bought the Microsoft Puck, with Streets & Maps 2008, from Best Buy on sale for $50. Works great with S&T, GR2AE, GR3, and SN.
Lanny Dean
EF5
Okay Last question from me.....
Will Microsoft puck and or the DeLorme LT-20/Earthmate work with Vista? I am currently running Vista (service pack1) and although I do not care for that flavor of windows, I just got it set up correctly to run my StormLab, and after quite a bit of frustration it is working great now.....I would hate to go through that again just because of the flavor of windows I am running!
Will Microsoft puck and or the DeLorme LT-20/Earthmate work with Vista? I am currently running Vista (service pack1) and although I do not care for that flavor of windows, I just got it set up correctly to run my StormLab, and after quite a bit of frustration it is working great now.....I would hate to go through that again just because of the flavor of windows I am running!
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