Windows 7/32 bit with Delorme LT-40 setup

[Fred Dearborn]

Does anyone know if a Windows 7,32 bit version will work with the Delorme Gps intergrated with GRlevel3 ? And how does a person find out if a Laptop with Windows 7 has 32 or 64 version?? Im not much for change and would like to keep my Delorme setup,but do want to advance to Windows 7.Thanks for any input...

Fred

 

[James Siler]

I just got a Sony Vaio, running Windows 7 64 bit and a Delorme Lt-20puck. And sadly as reported in another thread, it does not work. Here is a link to one thread talking about issues with Delorme and Windows 7.
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?27751-buying-GPS-unit-for-Delorme-Street-Atlas
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?27058-GPS-Tech-Common-GPS-issues

The second link is to the genral GPS issues thread.

 

[Matt Tottle]

DeLorme pucks only work in Windows 7 with Street Atlas. The 'serial emulator' program that is used to make it talk to other programs (like GRLevel3 or GPSGate) is only stable up to XP (32 bit only), is more miss than hit with Vista (32 bit only), and doesn't work at all with Windows 7. Due to the fact that DeLorme pucks don't 'speak' the standard GPS language, that program is the only way to translate it. DeLorme refuses to update the translator to work with the newer OS's basically saying they only want you to use their puck with Street Atlas. So unfortunately if you want a new computer or an upgrade to 7, you'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new puck. You'll actually be in better shape that way, since the two most common pucks in use (Pharos and GlobalSat) output standard GPS.

Whether a computer is 32 bit or 64 bit is dictated by its hardware. If you're buying new, it will be listed on the features card. Just look for '64 Bit' or x64 in the processor specs. It might also just say "Windows 7 Home 64 bit". Another good clue that it has a 64 bit processor is if it comes with more than 3GB of RAM. 32 bit Windows can only use up to 3GB. Higher amounts require 64 bit Windows (and 64 bit Windows requires a 64 bit processor). If neither of those are obvious, then when you're wandering around Best Buy you can go into Start > Computer > System Properties, and it will bring up a screen that tells you the basic specs.

 

[Mark Blue]

Fred,

If you like using Delorme products (such as Street Atlas), you could simply upgrade your OS to Windows 7 (or purchase a new laptop), call Delorme to purchase a BT-20 puck, and you would be on your way to chasing the way you are accustomed to. I would definitely recommend going the Bluetooth route as it cuts one more cable out of the way. I have Windows 7 Professional 64 bit and use it in conjunction with Street Atlas 2010 Plus, the BT-20 puck, and GPSGate to share the signal amongst several applications such as Spotter Network, GRL3, GRAE, and Street Atlas. You could also consider one of the Globalsat pucks that utilize Bluetooth as I've been thinking on getting one of those myself. Wes Carter also linked me to Amazon where they sell the BT-20 puck bundled with the Street Atlas software for a nominal price.

The LT-40 just wont work, it's that simple. Globalsat also makes a USB puck that a lot of chasers here use. They are very reliable and work well for most applications. If you have any other questions just let us know.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Matt Tottle]

call Delorme to purchase a BT-20 puck, and you would be on your way to chasing the way you are accustomed to. I would definitely recommend going the Bluetooth route as it cuts one more cable out of the way.

Don't forget, in order to use a Bluetooth puck, the laptop needs either a Bluetooth card built in or a USB dongle. If it doesn't have it and you don't like having dongles sticking out, there is a Bluetooth/Wifi combo card available that replaces your existing internal Wifi radio card. I paid $30 for it about a year ago.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Doesn't the BT-20 use batteries up pretty fast?
I sent mine back for that reason.


As far as the OS goes; much of Windows 7/32 bit is fairly compatible with anything Xp ran. Some of the first W7 drivers were Xp's. I still run Xp on the laptop- still use it out of convenience.

I was in the Microsoft/Windows 7/32 bit beta test program for 2 years - and liked it immensely.
Looks like Vista; runs like Xp with extra RAM capacity . . .

 

[Mark Blue]

The BT-20 comes with a rechargeable battery and a USB cable that serves to recharge it when it gets low. I also have an AC adapter that I use to charge it if the need arises. I actually found a website that sold the batteries for the BT-20 at about half the price Delorme wants for them and bought two extras, but other than that I haven't run into any issues with chewing up the battery too quickly.

I am seriously considering one of the Globalsat BT units and retiring my Delorme for next season. That poor puck has taken a beating over the last 4 or 5 chase seasons and has held up well, but I'm worried it won't last forever.

 

[Wes Carter]

I am seriously considering one of the Globalsat BT units and retiring my Delorme for next season. That poor puck has taken a beating over the last 4 or 5 chase seasons and has held up well, but I'm worried it won't last forever.

I have one of the Globalsat Bluetooth GPS units and I'm more than satisfied with it. You simply turn on the GPS unit, and it's connected. You set it up the first time you use it, and after that there is no hassle. A charge will last me about 6 hours, so that's never been a problem. I have a Microsoft/Pharos for backup just in case, but have not needed it yet.

 

[Matt Tottle]

You could always get a cigarette plug with a USB port (like you would use for an ipod), and just leave it plugged into the car too. That way it's running off the car, not the battery. Kinda defeats the 'cordless' aspect, but at least it's not plugged into the laptop..

 

[Mark Blue]

I have one of the Globalsat Bluetooth GPS units and I'm more than satisfied with it. You simply turn on the GPS unit, and it's connected. You set it up the first time you use it, and after that there is no hassle. A charge will last me about 6 hours, so that's never been a problem. I have a Microsoft/Pharos for backup just in case, but have not needed it yet.

I plug my BT-20 into a USB port periodically throughout the day to charge it back up and the switch between Bluetooth and USB is seamless. I don't have to change any settings and my programs immediately pick the signal up from GPSGate without a hitch. I am more than likely going to purchase one of the Globalsat Bluetooth pucks as their reputation and support is rock solid. Redundancy is a good thing when it comes to chasing equipment.