Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
USB GPS receiver for carpooter
Had a search for USB GPS receivers and most of the info is a bit old. Sorting this out for the Tunisia trip but would be useful for my jaunts before then. Looking for a USB powered GPS receiver to go with the forthcoming Dell Mini 9. Looking at USB rather than Bluetooth as don't want the hassle of batteries and don't want it to take up a 12v socket. I'll route the cable up the A pillar on the passanger side where I've put the TMC cable for the TomTom.
Software wise, it will mostly be Memory Map but would plan to use N Route or MapSource in Tunisia, do they still need a Garmin receiver??
Just need a pointer what is a good (and good value) receiver before I start ploughing through Ebay. Thoughts anyone?
Should say; mine is in the comms bubble on the Roof. TFC knows how to get it in there. All you will need on top of the receiver itself is a 3m or 5m usb extension.
Member Since: 04 May 2007
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 4317
Sorry chaps but I have to disagree.....
The BU353 was the mutts nuts for many years, but it's SIRF III chipset is now out of date and there are now better options for little extra cost.
Del - I recommend that you look for a receiver with the MTK chipset. These are much more sensitive, lock on much faster and work well in low signal levels (try getting a SIRF III to find 6 satellites whilst indoors ). I have mine installed in the courtesy light console in the roof (i.e. 1" under the steel panel) and it works perfectly - I tried the same position with an older SIRF III receiver and didn't get a single satellite.
They usually offer between 34-50 channels, whilst ISTR that SIRF III can only handle 15-20. Although in the real world this is irrelevant because you can't really 'see' more than 10-15 at a time anyway.
It's a good idea to go for a USB one as bluetooth ones are a PITA compared to the ease of use that a USB wired receiver will give you.
I seem to remember that nRoute can handle NMEA outputs directly, but if not, then just use GPSGate to split the signal between Memory Map / Fugawi / Ozi / nRoute and set the nRoute port to Garmin emulator.2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE AutoBuckingham Blue 2007 Golf GT DSG
You try and find a wired usb MTK GPS Dongle Paul. GlobalTop seem to have vanished and the rest are bluetooth. Game over as far as I'm concerned.
MTK is a big bonus in turn-by turn nav as it supports 5hz refresh rates (on some units) but for sheer Land-Rovery robustness the BU353 still does the job.I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
9th Jul 2009 5:00 pm
PaulP
Member Since: 04 May 2007
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 4317
Both are wired USB receivers with the MTK chipset....
But I admit that they majority nowadays all seem to be bluetooth based however you can find wired ones with a bit of digging around 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE AutoBuckingham Blue 2007 Golf GT DSG
The first one you link to supports the higher refresh rate, which can be useful
Couldn't find anything comparable in the UK - but with those model details that might change I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
9th Jul 2009 5:39 pm
bigcarpchaser
Member Since: 13 Oct 2007
Location: Camberley
Posts: 2270
Al, I should have read this first post before replying...doh!Welcome "Lola"
9th Jul 2009 5:40 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Cheers all, keep the info coming!!! Thinking of the BU thingie due to USB cable but keep passing on info on USB MTK receivers !!!
9th Jul 2009 6:48 pm
kastone
Member Since: 29 Jul 2008
Location: Karlsruhe
Posts: 77
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). I have mine installed in the courtesy light console in the roof (i.e. 1" under the steel panel) and it works perfectly - I tried the same position with an older SIRF III receiver and didn't get a single satellite.
however you can find wired ones with a bit of digging around 
