GPS to laptop

[shnook]

Hi, there were a few posts a while ago where some guys were using their laptops with their GPSs. I guess the obvious advantage of this is that the info is a lot clearer on the bigger screen. Could somebody tell me what I have to do to make this happen? My GPS is apparently Bluetooth enabled. So if this is done that it mean that whatever mapping info is on the GPS screen will also appear on the laptop? My GPS is a Garmin 760.

Regards,
S.

[eltham-mob]

Gidday shnook,
generally the laptop is using standalone software (eg. OziExplorer) and is getting a NMEA signal from the GPS over the bluetooth connection. As your GPS unit is bluetooth enabled you'll need a laptop that also has bluetooth capabilities (I know that sounds simple, but you'd be surprised at how many people try to connect to a non-bluetooth laptop ... Doh!). If you don't have bluetooth your GPS can propably connect via a USB link.
I'm assuming you have a Windows laptop, grab an evaluation copy of OziExplorer (http://www.oziexplorer.com/) and give it a play.
cheers

[shnook]

Thanks eltham-mob for that info. So, have I got this right - I'll need to load software into the laptop (yes, it is Windows) that can read the map program info and of course the laptop has to also be Bluetooth enabled. I think you can get a USB Bluetooth adaptor. I am aware of OziExplorer, is this the only software that can read the maps?

So, once this is set up, the map info on the laptop screen will be the same as that on the GPS screen, right?

Cheers

[Kemsley]

You also need check if the GPS will send the required Nema strings over bluetooth to the pc. I thought that the bluetooth on these devices was mainly for connection of phones for hands free etc.

[eltham-mob]

I am aware of OziExplorer, is this the only software that can read the maps?

Ozi isn't the only software that can be used for mapping on the computer, there are many other packages available each with their own pro's and con's - the Ozi evaluation is just an easy way to see how your laptop and GPS are going to interact without investing any money to start off with.

So, once this is set up, the map info on the laptop screen will be the same as that on the GPS screen, right?

The GPS screen will not be displayed on the computer, the GPS is only sending the location data to the computer which is then using the data however the application has been configured to use the data.
(You could use a GPS emulator on the laptop, but I couldn't see the advantage over just using the GPS itself unless you are creating documentation on how to use the GPS)
You will also need to obtain digital maps to use with the software, and that topic is best left for another thread

What sort of functionality are you looking for in the laptop+GPS configuration?

cheers

[shnook]

In view of the detail shown on topographic maps I was thinking that it would be more legible on the larger screen of a laptop.

Cheers,

PS On a different subject, how do I quote a particular line in a reply - I tried hitting the Quote button and selecting the required text but it seems to incluse the whole post.

[GOSSAMER]

PS On a different subject, how do I quote a particular line in a reply - I tried hitting the Quote button and selecting the required text but it seems to incluse the whole post.

highlight what you want to put in the quote, right click and copy, in the new post click quote and paste it in the middle

[shnook]

highlight what you want to put in the quote, right click and copy, in the new post click quote and paste it in the middle

Sorry jasonw, I'm still getting the whole post in my reply.
S.

[Pickle]

Hit the quote button! Using left button on mouse highlite text you want deleted(should be blue) hit the delete button on keyboard. Should have only the text you wan't left in the quote.
Try it here.
Pickle is going to cream all over other teams (delete this part) in Challenge!
Dave

[shnook]

Hit the quote button! Using left button on mouse highlite text you want deleted(should be blue) hit the delete button on keyboard. Should have only the text you wan't left in the quote.
Try it here.
Dave

Done!

[OnPatrol]

Pickle is going to be creaming the opposition all day at the Challenge!
And a top bloke to boot!
Dave

Sort of worked for me...Pickle is the man

[GOSSAMER]

i think i am going to need these for the challenge
Dave

when i quote someone else it works ok but when i do pickles it comes out like this
sorry to hijack the thread

[Pickle]

Boy you fellas really give yourselfs a rap.Those comments are more a compliment.
Thanks!

[eltham-mob]

In view of the detail shown on topographic maps I was thinking that it would be more legible on the larger screen of a laptop.

You'll certainly get a more legible map. Here's an example screenshot of OziExplorer with the Warburton 1:250 000 Scale (NatMap SJ55-06 ED2)


I run OziExplorerCE on my phone and find it *way* too small to actually navigate from.