Develop Bugs

Fortuna GPSmart report

I have used the Fortuna GPSmart on xda1 using combo cable charger/data, and it is brilliant, extremely accurate, fast to lock on and very tenacious once it gets a lock, I have also tested it with xda2 on bluetooth, in fact I tested it side by side, I had the data cable connected to xda1 and the bluetooth transmitting to xda2 at the same time. I think it is a superb piece of kit, bearing in mind it can also be used standalone as well and can be had on ebay very cheaply, I paid £75 for mine and its one piece of kit that I will be keeping.

flippin hell lol how come you get these bargains mate lol. my dad paid £152 for his one works like god knows what.
picks up signal within a minute and bluetooth connection isnt one bit slow between that and his ipaq.
downside is battery life is crap but i have modified an ipaq car charger to power both things
signal is very powerful and accurate go in a tunnel and signal gone..... as soon as your out "blip" goes tomtom and abck upto 7/8 signal locks
great value gps receiver even has nice lil case and backlight
can be used on pc too via its built in usb port
worth getting imho

When working as a cabled nmea gps it runs at 38400 speed not the normal 4800 so data transfer is rapid, I bought a lead that powers both xda1 and the gps, if I am using the blutooth the cable can be used to just power the gps.

Hi
Can someone tell me where i can get a cable to power both my xda ii & the gpsmart at the same time.
Also which setting do you have your gps receiver on, it takes me a while to pick up a signal but when it kicks in it's great.
Thanks
jase

Got mine from here.
www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk
I havent tried it with xda2 but if an xda1 charger works with xda2 then so will this.
Their product code A770
Manufacture code fort-xda-cab.
Costs £18.46 including vat and delivery.
I am not sure about the implications of having a cable system and the bluetooth connected at the same time on xda2 but as they use different com ports I dont foresee any clash.
If you are using it as a cabled system choose nmea output at 38400, if using blutooth in tomtom just choose bluetooth in the tomtom gps settings using the wizard as supplied with gps 2.09, there is no need for any bluetooth patch when using that gps version.

Hi
Sorry i don't think i explained myself. I was looking for a car charger cable that enabled me to power both my xda2 & the gpsmart at the same time.
Cheers
jase

Yes, it does exactly that, with the added bonus that you can also use it as a cable for gps connection for xda1/xda2 and the fortuna. It powers both.

if you have a look i think youll find it does poer both at the same time :|

yup

lol posting at the same time

cheers guys. I didn't see the product code at first. It's exactly what i want.
Thanks

err no looking closely at it, it won't power the GPS it uses a USB style connector for it.
I have the ClipOn Fortuna GPS Device.
Damn!

we are on about the GPS smart not the clip on thats different all together (cant be used for camping ect...)

yeah that was my fault, for some reason i thought it was the gps smart but it isn't.
Do you know of a car charger out there that can charge both my xda ii and the gps device?

JRD, the charger cable I have does in fact have a mini usb cable connecter at the gps end.

XDAII (1.72.WWE); Parrot CK3000 (ver. 3.11); Bluetooth GPS?

Hi,
I have the following.
XDAII (ROM 1.72.WWE)
Parrot CK3000 (to be installed)
Would like to buy:
Bluetooth GPS/ Wired GPS .
Can you help me in solving some issues/question
1) The software for the Parrot CK3000 is the 3.11. It seems that to update it to the new firmware 3.13 will need to send the unit in France (grrrrrr!!!). You think I need to update the unit ?
(I would prefer to install the unit knowing before if it will work, since it cost money to mount the unit in the car)
2) Using a Bluetooth GPS versus wired GPS. Is it really better a Bluetooth system?
I mean, you will need to charge the Bluetooth GPS once in a while, which means cables in the car anyway, no?
Do not really understand the usage of a bluetooth objects that needs to be charged (I do not need it outside the car)
3) The configuration as in the subject does it work smoothly? For which GPS
Thanks for your time and regards.
Claudio.

Claudio,
1) I'm afraid that I don't know the difference between firmware v3.11 and v3.13. Maybe you can find this out from the Parrott web site or by asking them? I can only tell you that v3.13 works OK for me.
You shouldn't have to ship the unit back to France, but according to their web site, you will have to buy an adaptor unit to connect o your unit, to allow you to apply a firmware upgrade that you download from their web site.
Maybe if you can find a forum of Parrot users in your area, you could borrow or rent an upgrade unit from someone nearby...
2) With regard to the choice between wired and wireless GPS - there are pros and cons to each.
The bluetooth GPS can easily be swapped between cars, so if, like me, you occasionally use hire cars for work, you can readily swap the unit between them.
I also have a wired GPS unit and because I hate seeing wires, I have plumbed all the wiring out of sight behind the dashboard. The wired unit works just great and, as you say, it means that there's always power to the GPS unit and to the PDA.
The best I get is 4 - 5 hours from a full charge and on my last business trip the unit went flat. SO yes - its a pain to have to keep recharging the PDA and BT GPS unit when you get out of the car.
I have just ordered a wired GPS connector for my PDA, so that I can plumb in my wired receiver and use it via the power unit in the car.
But - I also have Memory Map software for rambling and walking - and for that you can't have a hard wired GPS receiver unless you want to carry around a big battery too! So if you want to use the unit outside the car or expect to be regularly swapping between cars, bluetooth is the most flexible option...
3) Either unit works smoothly and it all works smoothly with the Parrot car kit. I just need to soft-reset about twice a week when the auto-bonding stops working for some reason between the Parrot and the PDA....
I'm using TomTom Navigator 3, with the important v3.03 upgrade, TomTom's own bluetooth GPS receiver and I also use a Leadtek 9532 wired receiver & power supply cable which I sourced from Linda at www.tdc.co.uk (and I can highly recommend them...)

Wired TOMTOM GPS receiver.

I am contemplating on getting a wired TOMTOM GPS receiver.
I read a few posts ago that a wired one would be better than bluetooth if you want to use a bleutooth headseat and a bluetooth receiver at the same time. The call disconnects?
Anyways, I just wanted to verify this before I buy the wired TOMTOM receiver from ebay.
Also, I need to know how it will connect to the XDA IIs. The websites say its SERIAL port. How do you connect a serial port to the XDA?
Also need advice on GPS as well. I have the TOMTOM 5 software and all the maps installed on the SD card. All I need is a device now.
SHould I go for bluetooth?
Should I go for wired GPS?
Which is the best brand of GPS receivers?
Would I face any problems if I operate bleutooth headseat and gps receiver at the same time?
Thank.s

No replies? Guys come on.. you must know something. TOMTOM gurus all over.

Wired GPS
Alitech
I have a wired receiver, not a TOMTOM one but one I got from Expansys. It works fine and I imagine the setup is the same as when I setup TOMTOM I had to select TOMTOM Wired receiver.
My collegue has a bluetooth receiver and I tested it outo n my phone. It worked fine but took a while to boot up (the receiver, not the phone)
The benefit that I find from the wired receiver is that it charges the phone as well. I use a bluetooth headset occasionally but due to the issues with the in-call volume going I tend to use a wired handsfree (but I'm about to upgrade the ROM to the imate one if I can find it)
Connecting to the serial port on the XDA - use the power supply port and ensure that you turn off your infrared port. this then allows you to use the COM1 port on the phone (having the IR active means that it uses the COM1 instead).
I found the receiver from Expansys fine to use and quite cheap. It has a quick warmup time and, like I said, charges the phone at the same time. My collegue with the bluetooth one can't charge the phone and the gps at the same time.
Hope this helps. My phone is the SPV M2000 btw.

So which is the best wired GPS for the XDA IIs ?

problems with wired
I have just got a wired gps for tomtom5 and i can't connect it to my spv m2000.
I have switched off ir beam done hard resets and so on but still it doesn't work. So be a little careful...other people seem to have had no trouble but something is causing trouble

Tom Tom GPS's
I bought the wired GPS with with the software from TomTom, and it works perfectly.
I also got bored and managed to wire up my XDAIIs to my Road Angel via the same RJ port as the TT wired GPS uses.
Plus, when I'm in other peoples cars, I have a generic BT GPS.
They all work as good as one another.

Ok once again, a lot of confusions.
Which is the best GPS receiver? Which one should we go for. Something that will work with the XDA IIs and fit into the charging and sync port.
Models and makes ?

Go for Wired
I currently use and XDA IIi with a wired GPS Receiver, You can purchase a good cradle at http://www.pdamods.com/products.asp?cat=23 which enables you to charge the handset and power the GPS receiver through the cradle, the GPS receiver connects via a RJ socket in the cradle. You have the option to buy the cradle and the receiver as a package for around £85 which comes complete with various mounting options. Personally i went for specialized mounting bracket called a safety clip which is completely non destructive and is available from www.brodit.com. Hope this helps.

Ok.. now I got it. So a good option would be going for a tomtom mount.
Upon research, I found this one.
http://www.pdamods.com/proddetail.asp?prod=A11XDA2SMNT&cat=23
It has the option to buy a FUZION GPS receiver with it.
I think I will go ahead and order it.
Will I need another mount of some sort? I believe the tomtom cradle is already a mount with various mounting options.

FYI: I use this:
- Rikaline GPS-6010-X5 (approx. € 70)
- Brodit active holder (approx € 60)
The holder will both charge the pda and the gps reciever. Quality of the reciever is very good.
Also FYI: I do have a bluetooth carkit from Parrot. You will find out that bluetooth on this pda means trouble, probably also with the GPS.

Can you provide any urls for these products.
cant find the broadit holder on the website.

I have the TOMTOM BT
I have no problems with my XDAIIs .... but i also dont use a BT headset ! i just use speakerphone !
I love the BT, i can take it from car to car and mountain bike
I have the xda charging on a usb car lighter socket and 1 charge of the gps lasts 4 hours - enough for my journeys ... but a car charger for this is only 6quid anyway and i can mount it in the boot!
i agree the BT is crap on this device, but i hope a rom will fix it.
Rich

I'm using a Holux GPS cradle with an Orange SPV M2000. Has some issues when you first buy it but if you look for my input on the thread you'll see how I got around it and I now use it daily in my own car and also hire cars without issue. Wouldn't say i'd recommend it wholeheartedly but if the advantages are suitable for you and you're prepared to mod it a bit it might work for you. http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modul...opic&t=13307&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Thanks for the comment. Seems like an interesting product.
Does anyone know where I can buy the Brodit Active Cradle For GPS for the XDA IIs?

GPS receiver

I am looking into buying a good GPS receiver with a mount. I already have the tom tom 5 software. Just need the mount and GPS now.
I have been reading reviews a lot and still undecided on what to get.
Do I get a wired one? Do I get a Bluetooth one?
Which ones are best in the market. There are loads and I cant decide.
Someone recommended the TOMTOM mount with a fuzion wired receiver.
Any recommendations? Where can I buy them?

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=404
I used them - they are great - you get a free mount too!
BT338 is an excellent receiver - I would say best on the market.

also recommend the Globalsat BT-338, forget a wired solution, that's so last year, i'd advise buying a cheap £45 bluetooth adaptor over the wired solution but if your after quality get the Globalsat BT-338 as advised above, for reviews on BT GPS adaptors check here.
also, i've got this mount which attatches to the windscreen with minimum shake...got it after 2 of them flex arm style ones broke on me.
this is the mount i use for my MDA3, it charges and connects to my GPS receiver to charge that as well although you have to order the correct lead for your adaptor to do this.

Doesnt the BT gps take time to load up on start? I heard it takes at least 5 minutes to get the lights blinking.
Furthermore, any problems with using a BT gps and a BT headset at the same time?
If I get a call on the road while using my GPS, would I be able to receive the call too ?
Anyone experience any problems with this?

hmm, i've no experience in using a bluetooth headset with a GPS receiver, i would suspect there are issues but have no experience on this...i dont even have a simcard in my MDA3, it's purely used for Satnav.
my guess is that the phone cannot make multiple Blutooth connections simultaneously but will test the theory today at some point and report back if successful.....obviously this would be a good reason to go for a wired GPS solution in which case you should get a bargain as they're bound to be cheap now.

decoy7 said:
hmm, i've no experience in using a bluetooth headset with a GPS receiver, i would suspect there are issues but have no experience on this...i dont even have a simcard in my MDA3, it's purely used for Satnav.
my guess is that the phone cannot make multiple Blutooth connections simultaneously but will test the theory today at some point and report back if successful.....obviously this would be a good reason to go for a wired GPS solution in which case you should get a bargain as they're bound to be cheap now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My XDA IIi can make simultaneous connections. I regularly use my TomTom MK2 BT Device and my Jabra BT250 headset together, getting the directions straight into the ear-piece.

coolio, good looking out on that reply MaskedMarauder.
thats solves that one then....i'd get a Bluetooth GPS unit.

Directions straight to the BT headset? Thats ****ing awesome.
How do you do it?
Can you still receive phone calls while on GPS ?

The way I see it you have one of two choices.
These are the latest GPS receivers on the market and have literally just come out in the last 3-4 weeks.
Holux GR-213 (cabled)
Holux GPSlim236 (Bluetooth)
They are both based on the newest SiRF Star III chip.
Personally I went for the cabled version as I hate batteries and having to charge the thing. Plug in a cable and go. Also excludes any bluetooth hassles. It works fine on WM5.0 on my Himalaya (SPV M1000) and TomTom 5. No problems.
Hope this is of help.
Bought mine in UK from http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/product_details.php?id=1266

I have the Hollux gpslim 236, and it's cheaper than the globalsat and works fine...
And about the 5min startup, all gps are the same, and it depends on your line of sight.. Normally a cold start take 45sec both the hollux and the globalsat use the same sirf 3 chipset..

the Holux GPS Bluetooth looks good as it has the same chipset as the Globalsat but i noticed it comes with an 850mAh battery giving 10 hours operation while the Globalsat battery is 1700mAh providing 17 hours continued use...if they're both the same device technically i would advise paying the extra couple of £'s for the almost double battery performance alone.
also, on the gpsforless site the Holux Bluetooth is advertised at £104.99 and the Globalsat @ £114.99.....however i got mine at pdamods.com where it's now priced at £99.86(a whole £15 cheaper), best thing would be to check reviews done on the devices where possible...everyone has their own experience and different requirements.
all prices quoted include VAT but not postage.

Hi alitech,
Did you purchase one in the end if so which one? Also does your bluetooth headset kit work in conjunction with the GPS so you can make or receive calls while the GPS is connected via bluetooth?
Thanks
Msuk

Hi alitech,
Did you purchase one in the end if so which one? Also does your bluetooth headset kit work in conjunction with the GPS so you can make or receive calls while the GPS is connected via bluetooth?
Thanks
Msuk

Which Bluetooth GPS receiver?

Hello all,
Which bluetooth GPS receiver works best with the Exec? I'm looking at ebay but there are so many....I just want one that doesn't cause pairing trouble.......
Cheers
HPJ

I use Globalsat BT-335 and I'm very happy with it. No problems pairing with the XDA Exec, works fine with TomTom 5.1, great battery life, leather pouch, small, auto power off, Sirf III (works pretty much anywhere - inside, under the dashboard). Available on ebay for £90 delivered in the UK.
If you do go with something else, make sure it's Sirf III and you should still get good reception indoors and anywhere in the car.

Thanks Dave, I'll certainly get a Sirf III now I know.......
C'mon the rest of you, what do you use?!
HPJ

I'm in the north, and I have yet to see a GPS unit maintain a lock more than a foot inside my windows. Simply putting a unit on the windowsill will not allow me to get a lock. I have heard this same report on each new Bluetooth GPS that comes out, I have yet to see one that it actually works on.
Perhaps it doesn't really matter, I have yet to be lost in my home.
I have used a EMTAC, CoPilot, and a Belkin F8T051. All seem to work equally well, IMHO.

daveb1976 said:
I use Globalsat BT-335 and I'm very happy with it. No problems pairing with the XDA Exec, works fine with TomTom 5.1, great battery life, leather pouch, small, auto power off, Sirf III (works pretty much anywhere - inside, under the dashboard). Available on ebay for £90 delivered in the UK.
If you do go with something else, make sure it's Sirf III and you should still get good reception indoors and anywhere in the car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you mean BT 338 I also have one and thoroughly recommend it !! its awesome compared to the Sirf 2 receiver I had before it,

it might be because I live in norfolk (no hills yay!) but I use a GlobalSat BT338 and have it in the center console under the front of the dash and have never lost signal lock, these SIRF-III GPS devices are amazing.
Flubster

Bluetooth GPS Receiver
I use a BT-338 receiver with Destinator 3 and am extremely happy with it. It has never lost a lock and usually tracks between 10 and 12 satellites at a time. I've used it in Ireland, France, Spain and Florida and it has always performed brilliantly.

Interesting thread, so out of these contenders which should I go for to provide good reception in and outdoors?
http://www.handtec.co.uk/section.php?xSec=27&jssCart=6c3f7b52db5d6fb7599db63e12c51fe6

how about haicom-405????

Original question
The original question was which units maintain good connection with the Exec. Not having one myself makes it difficult to comment, but most current (ie Sirf III) BT units should be fine.
Personally I too recommend the GlobalSat BT-338. For excellent commentary and reviews I suggest you look at the forums over at www.gpspassion.com.
Hope this helps!

Well, I went for the Leadtek 9553 in the end, its a TINY little unit, got a spare battery free, it locks on in no time, and tracks up to 20 sources, so WELL pleased! Highly recommend.

BT GPS with BT car kit
I am thinking of getting a GPS receiver but am concerned that there will be conflict with my Sony Ericsson HCB300 (a bluetooth hands free car kit)
Does anyone have a similar set up? If so, are there conflicts?

Globalsat gps338
Sorry folks put wrong post in bluetooth headset.I have the gps338 which works well with gpstuner and teletype which is slow to update on the universal but it shows in the north west indoor nine satellites \pretty good I would say but it has the sirfIII which is best at the moment .The only problem with it is the priogram gpsinfo does not work with the universal,any one had this problem ,any fix .Thanks.

Holux GPSlim-236. Its tiny, yet boasts of SIRFstar III chipset. Works pretty well and has a good battery life. As all GPS units, comes with a car-charger, so battery life shouldn't be that much of a concern. Pretty cheap IMO too.

Another vote for the holux [edit: I mean the GPSlim 236]. As far as I could see when I bought mine, it was the cheapest SirfIII device available in the UK, as well as having good battery life etc. I got it for £65 ex VAT from a UK dealer to avoid possible warranty issues.
It's also tiny and nice to look at!
My only gripe with it is that it doesn't indicate BT 'lock' (the "I am ready to connect" and "I am connected" indication states are the same) although this is not much of an issue since it is often out sight anyway! If I leave it on my dining table on the bottom floor of a 3 storey house 2-3 meters from a window it still picks up several satellites.

@Mike,
As you mentioned the BT blinking thing really isn't an issue because you will be able to see if you are connected to the receiver or not on your PDA