Wireless Internet and GPS

[George Dikun]

I'm not sure if this question has been answered yet (probably, though maybe not exactly what I'm looking for).

I'm looking to get GRlvl3 radar images on my laptop in my vehicle, but I'm not exactly sure how to do that. I'm under the impression that I can use a GPS (such as a Garmin), attach it to my laptop, and view the radar and my location on the same screen/map. I'm assuming the equipment I would need would be a laptop (done), GRlvl3 (can purchase at any time), a GPS, and a wireless net card. So my question is: what specific GPS is the best and most compatible, how (in general) does it work with GRlvl3, and which wireless card is the best and cheapest? I'm looking to only use it during chasing, so I'd prefer a pay-as-you-go type of plan. Also, is wireless internet a lot slower or more unreliable than normal modem-based wireless internet? Any help would be great, thank you.

-George

 

[Mark Blue]

George,

If you want to view your position on GRL3 what you would need is a GPS puck that outputs the data stream in the NMEA format, so you can connect it to your laptop via either a USB cable or Bluetooth. If you also want a software mapping program you can usually buy one of those and often times they include the puck as a bonus. Delorme is one of the stalwarts of the chaser community, but others have also had good luck with the GlobalSat BU-353 puck and Microsoft Streets and Trips. I did a quick search on ST and found these threads that will probably address any issues or questions you might have: GPS Puck.

Getting a data card for internet access in the field is also a topic that has been well covered under this very section. Most of the major carriers offer plans that normally run $59.99 - $69.99 per month last time I checked and they generally require a 2 year contract or at least they did when I signed up in 2007. Sprint and Verizon are common choices for internet access in the field, but there are other carriers who offer short term rentals as well if you only need it for a set period of time. Millenicom is the main one I can think of, although I know there are others. In the field you will sometimes be able to connect at 3G speeds, but often times it reverts to 1xRTT which is not as fast, but will get the job done as far as obtaining data is concerned.

Also, is wireless internet a lot slower or more unreliable than normal modem-based wireless internet?

I'm not sure if this question means you are considering a mobile router such as a Cradlepoint versus just plugging the data card (modem) directly into your laptop and going that route. Perhaps you can clarify your question as I'm a little unsure of what it is you are after.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Rob H]

Pay as you go is a dying business model for the telcos so you might have a hard time finding a carrier with a plan like this. Your best bet might be going with Sprint or Verizon, buying an aircard, and then deferring the plan in the off season if that's still possible. You still have the 24 months on your contract, but you can spread it out over 4/5 years of chasing.

We chased with Sprint and Verizon last year and the Verizon was considerably more dependable, except in southern Minnesota. My T-mobile phone barely had any connection in the Great Plains, and many people would put AT&T at the bottom for data plans and chasing.

As for running GR and maps, you'll either want to install all the applicable Tiger road maps in GR (GrLevelXStuff.com has them) and deal with a low-quality mapping system, or run something like Microsoft Streets and Trips alongside GR. The downside to this is that you also need to purchase Franson GPSGate to split the NMEA GPS signal to both GR and the other application. More money, and another place for potential failures and frustrations on chase day...

Internet via cell towers is definitely spotty in the plains, and is not the same experience you would have at home with a nice landline. If you meant the difference between something like a USB aircard and a WiFi hotspot there are some tradeoffs. The all-in-one WiFi hotspots that you can get from Verizon seem to have slightly better reception (bigger antenna?) but then you have another device to charge. If you only have one computer that needs access to the Internet, you might want to consider an aircard so that there's one less battery-consuming piece of electronics with you. Cell boosters are probably your best bet if you really need a strong signal at all times, but I know several chasers that don't use them and do fine.

 

[Brandon Jenkins]

Verizon offers its 59.99 5GB data plan on a month to month basis (no contract required) with an activation fee of roughly $35. If they tell you otherwise, call back and talk to someone else, I do it every spring. You can also deactivate service during the off season in 3 month blocks, but you have to remember to call and keep it turned off or the billing will automatically renew.

 

[Jason Foster]

So my question is: what specific GPS is the best and most compatible

1. Purchase GlobalSat BU-353 (Amazon, eBay, here, anywhere).
2. Purchase and install Franson GPSgate (Search this forum for install instructions and tips depending on your PC)
3. Purchase and install GR
4. Open GPSgate by the start menu, but right-click and use "Run as Administrator"
5. Plug in BU-353 GPS
6. Open GR. Go to "File-->GPS-->Start" at which point you select the correct ComPort (again, check this forum for threads about work this out...but it's mostly a trail and error and checking in the Devices area of the Control Panel
7. Give it a few moments and then a small circle with dot in the middle should show up.

Optional: Subscribe to Allison House.

Internet:
Verizon with the option as Brandon J. suggested is best. If full time, Sprint or Verizon. Be sure to get a data card with an external antenna port if you plan to use it a lot in remote areas.

 

[Mark Blue]

I'm looking to get GRlvl3 radar images on my laptop in my vehicle, but I'm not exactly sure how to do that. I'm under the impression that I can use a GPS (such as a Garmin), attach it to my laptop, and view the radar and my location on the same screen/map. I'm assuming the equipment I would need would be a laptop (done).

What version of Windows do you run on your laptop George and is it 32 or 64 bit? Other posters have mentioned GPSGate as something you will need for your chase setup, but didn't mention that it is only necessary in the event you have more than one application that needs a GPS signal for mapping or position plotting purposes. GPSGate is essentially a software program that splits a GPS signal for use among several different applications. Depending on which version of Windows you use and whether it is 32 or 64 bit, you will have to install a special driver in a specific folder in order for GPSGate to function correctly. We can go down that road but only if it is necessary, thus my question about which version of Windows you have.

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to split the GPS signal to multiple applications, then I recommend this free software program called XPort: http://www.curioustech.net/xport.html. I've ran it for a couple chase seasons and it hasn't given me any trouble at all.

 

[James Gustina]

I need a little help here with getting Xport to work with GRlevel3 and SN. So far when I try to enable my other ports they won't work. Can anyone give me a walk through of how to work Xport with GR3 correctly?

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

I'll write this walkthrough as if this is the first time running a GPS with GRLevel3. I'm sorry if you have hooked up a GPS to GR before and some of this sounds elementary.

*First, you'll want to plug in your GPS and have XPort running before starting up GRLevel3. It make take a few minutes for your GPS to acquire a signal if it wasn't running prior to plugging into the computer. Click "Find GPS" to have XPort locate your GPS. You need to complete this step before going further.

*Once you have established communication with the GPS unit, click "Enable Ports" and select the virtual COM ports to be created. You DO NOT want the COM port numbers to be the same as the input port. Depending on the number of applications you want to share the GPS information is how many COM ports you will create. You'll know you everything is working when you see all green "lights" in XPort.

*Next, start GRLevel3. Go to File -> GPS -> Start. Select an unused COM port number that you created in XPort. If it worked properly, you should see a white circle with your locaton. You're all set!

Ryan

 

[George Dikun]

Lots of great replies here; thanks for the help!

George,I'm not sure if this question means you are considering a mobile router such as a Cradlepoint versus just plugging the data card (modem) directly into your laptop and going that route. Perhaps you can clarify your question as I'm a little unsure of what it is you are after.

I would be plugging straight into my laptop. I'm curious to know how reliable the wireless internet would be, though, like how often it cuts out or if it takes forever to load data.

What version of Windows do you run on your laptop George and is it 32 or 64 bit? Other posters have mentioned GPSGate as something you will need for your chase setup, but didn't mention that it is only necessary in the event you have more than one application that needs a GPS signal for mapping or position plotting purposes. GPSGate is essentially a software program that splits a GPS signal for use among several different applications. Depending on which version of Windows you use and whether it is 32 or 64 bit, you will have to install a special driver in a specific folder in order for GPSGate to function correctly. We can go down that road but only if it is necessary, thus my question about which version of Windows you have.

I have a 64 bit Windows 7, though I'm considering purchasing a smaller and cheaper computer, as mine is quite large and only has a 2 - 3 hr battery life. I don't think I'd need GPSGate as GRlvl3 would probably be the only program I run.

I'm also considering going the cheaper route and getting a smart phone with internet access and using NEXRAD online. I would prefer to be loaded with GPS/GRlvlx, but that, I believe, would cost a lot more.

 

[Brandon Jenkins]

Lots of great replies here; thanks for the help!


I would be plugging straight into my laptop. I'm curious to know how reliable the wireless internet would be, though, like how often it cuts out or if it takes forever to load data.



I'm also considering going the cheaper route and getting a smart phone with internet access and using NEXRAD online. I would prefer to be loaded with GPS/GRlvlx, but that, I believe, would cost a lot more.

The 3G internet reliability has come a long ways in recent years but you will still encounter holes depending on where you are. If you are chasing on the plains you will find alot of holes (especially if you are not using a cellular amplifier). Parts of southeast and western Oklahoma come to mind

If you are serious about chasing I would definitely save up and go with GR3, chasing with only a phone with radar can be tedious and offers nowhere near the detail and speed that GR3 will give you. Often when I can chase a local setup I will chase strictly with my iphone and radarscope and that works, but radarscope has a lot of features that GR3 has. If I will be anywhere away from home, the laptop, wireless card and cell amp all make the trip.

 

[Mark Blue]

Lots of great replies here; thanks for the help!

I would be plugging straight into my laptop. I'm curious to know how reliable the wireless internet would be, though, like how often it cuts out or if it takes forever to load data.

I have a 64 bit Windows 7, though I'm considering purchasing a smaller and cheaper computer, as mine is quite large and only has a 2 - 3 hr battery life. I don't think I'd need GPSGate as GRlvl3 would probably be the only program I run.

I'm also considering going the cheaper route and getting a smart phone with internet access and using NEXRAD online. I would prefer to be loaded with GPS/GRlvlx, but that, I believe, would cost a lot more.

Sorry for not replying sooner but I've been sidetracked with the logo contest, but that will not be for too much longer as I'm making good progress. I've had really good luck with my Cradlepoint CTR-500 router and the Wifi connection. In fact, I rarely if ever lose the ability to connect from the router to my laptop, it's usually the cellular connection that will drop out occasionally that requires intervention in the form of rebooting the router. I have the Cradlepoint router with the Sprint Merlin EX720 modem plugged in and cellular amplifier in the back of the Murano in an auto tote carry setup. This keeps all of the cables out of the way and in the back of the vehicle. I connect wirelessly to the router so there are no cables to bump up front where the laptop is located on the Jottodesk. The first year I chased I didn't have the router and I had to be careful not to knock the modem out of the laptop or the amplifier cable out of the modem. The only time data loads take longer than usual is in those areas where the coverage is 1XRTT and the signal strength is very weak, but Brandon is right about how far the coverage has come in the last few years. It seems to get better every year I go out and the only major hole I found this last chase season was in SE Montana. They need some serious help up there with building out their cellular network infrastructure.

I use a Lind brand DC power adapter instead of an sine wave inverter for powering the laptop, which works well and is rock solid. If you aren't going to need GPSGate then the version of Windows you use is not an issue, but I have a feeling that once you ramp up and see the benefits of GPS data you'll want to split your signal sooner rather than later. I see that the 3G Store has the Cradlepoint routers on sale right now (since Christmas is near) and noticed that my model is selling for $109.99.