Hey all,
I was looking for an external GPS receiver for my Vibrant. Requirements are: Bluetooth connection, USB-charging, turns on and off automatically, cheap, accurate. I intend to use it in my car by putting it in my glovebox and leaving it plugged in constantly.
Upon research, I have decided to get this:
Globalsat BT-359CS Laptop & PDA Bluetooth GPS Receiver (Ebay it or amazon it)
I found one for $23 shipped from Ebay. Found reviews of it working flawlessly and accurately on Android 2.2 and above. I have a Mazda 3 with a little compartment in the center so I put the receiver in that compartment so it is never seen. I run a USB charging cable to it which is always plugged in. I have a Griffin car cigarette adapter which gives me 2 USB ports (1 for GPS receiver, 1 for charging Vibrant). Now, here are the benefits of the setup and its drawbacks.
Benefits:
-I can use CM7 or any 2.3 ROM now with excellent GPS
-EXCELLENT GPS (much better than Vibrant GPS, even when working, 48 sec cold start, locks on within 10 sec usually if it has been powered on in the past 2 weeks, 1.5ft accuracy)
-Less battery drain on phone (phone is no longer using its GPS)
-Hassle free (turns on and syncs with one button on the phone)
Cons:
-Not integrated into the phone
-Preferably used in a car as it only lasts 10 hours on battery (in a car you can use it plugged in 24/7 like me)
-Requires a working Bluetooth
-Price ($20-35) shipped
-CM7 bug: While using Bluetooth, I notice my Wi-Fi connection was SEVERELY throttled...I was testing it at my house, shouldn't be an issue on the road.
Now...I use this GPS with Sygic navigation. I had it download the maps for my state and the total installation is ~300MB and maps are stored on the phone. I am using the latest CM7 with a 1.4Ghz overclock. It runs PERFECT, better than I had wished for.
To use the GPS, here are the steps I need to take:
1. Open glove compartment and turn on the GPS unit (it powers off automatically)
2. Press a widget button on my home screen from the app Bluetooth GPS Provider. The widget turns on Bluetooth, then connects to my GPS receiver automatically.
3. Launch my favorite GPS navigation app-Sygic or Copilot.
4. When done, simply press the widget again...it disables Bluetooth and kills the app automatically.
As you can see, using the GPS receiver is very easy and hassle-free. It is EXTREMELY accurate and stays hidden in my car unless needed.
In short, I love it.
I have been using an old 2003 dell gps receiver with the vibrant for a long time. it is accurate usually within 2 foot. and just works.
}{Alienz}{ said:
Hey all,
I was looking for an external GPS receiver for my Vibrant. Requirements are: Bluetooth connection, USB-charging, turns on and off automatically, cheap, accurate. I intend to use it in my car by putting it in my glovebox and leaving it plugged in constantly.
Upon research, I have decided to get this:
Globalsat BT-359CS Laptop & PDA Bluetooth GPS Receiver (Ebay it or amazon it)
I'mma try getting it for $25 or under shipped. Found reviews of it working flawlessly and accurately on Android 2.2 and above. It will be put in my glovebox of my car and I will never see it again but will have the best Vibrant GPS ever (cold start lock in 48 seconds). According to the reviews, I only need to enable the bluetooth and run an app (Bluetooth GPS Mouse) when I want GPS and launch my favorite GPS app (such as CoPilot or Google Maps). The unit then automatically syncs with the phone and provides GPS info. Since I can automate things with Tasker, I can make it so that GPS Mouse launches when Bluetooth is enabled and bluetooth gets enabled when I launch CoPilot or Google Maps. Hence...everything would be fully automatic...in theory. I will test when I get the unit.
Benefits:
-I can use CM7 or any 2.3 ROM now with excellent GPS
-EXCELLENT GPS (much better than Vibrant GPS, even when working, 48 sec cold start!)
-Less battery drain on phone (phone is no longer using its GPS)
-Hassle free (turns on and syncs with one button on the phone)
Cons:
-Not integrated into the phone
-Preferably used in a car as it only lasts 10 hours on battery (in a car you can use it plugged in 24/7)
-Requires a working Bluetooth
-Requires Tasker to be fully automated
-Price ($20-35) shipped
I will update this topic when I get my actual unit and am able to confirm all of the claims from my research I posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://cgi.ebay.com/GLOBALSAT-BLUET...S_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item4aa98f8e7c
10char!
jrafael said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/GLOBALSAT-BLUET...S_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item4aa98f8e7c
10char!
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Click to collapse
my question is, how does the phone know it is a gps? I mean you turn on google maps and hit location, will it know to use the bluetooth signal rather than its own gps? I am very interested in this.
I am also very interested in this, I am getting into bicycle touring and having a longer lasting, faster locking gps would be excellent.
I am subscribing to this thread
DaSmittyman said:
my question is, how does the phone know it is a gps? I mean you turn on google maps and hit location, will it know to use the bluetooth signal rather than its own gps? I am very interested in this.
Click to expand...
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www.amazon.com/review/R22ZJF3VXMXFRR
Found better price
cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-GLOBALSAT-BT-359CS-BLUETOOTH-GPS-RECEIVER_W0QQitemZ390317888228QQcategoryZ156955QQvarZQQcmdZViewItem#vi-content
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
hmm its only 15 dollars on the link from Ebay lol of course its from someone out of country(out of USA i mean)
DaSmittyman said:
hmm its only 15 dollars on the link from Ebay lol of course its from someone out of country(out of USA i mean)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at my post above $26 shipped from us seller.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
http://www.bestandroiddownloads.com/download/apps/navigation-gps/bluetooth-gps-provider
this program does it all for you. there are others, but this is the one i use. i go geocahing and have an expensive gps receiver and 2003 dell gps mouse (which they dont sell anymore) is usually more spot on location. i let my kids use the expensive one now, which i never did before finding this program. vibrant NEVER jumps around when on the road and is always spot on. glad i found the receiver in the box in storage after i found this program. now i dont get lost again
i haventy found any programs that do not work with it. i use
google maps
geobeagle
lattitude
my tracks
ulysse speedometer
and torque a must if you have a sports car
Just wondering how the jerririgged gps is working. Any updates?
Hey all, I have updated the OP. In short, this is PERFECT for our Vibrants.
}{Alienz}{ said:
Hey all, I have updated the OP. In short, this is PERFECT for our Vibrants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much for this im ordering one now finally i can go on roadtrips again with out having to actually read a map
any word on whether or not this works with google maps? or google navi?
This works with Google Maps. Have not tested navigation but I'd assume it does as well.
Google Maps gave me an accuracy of 1 foot. Yes... 1.0 feet lol.
}{Alienz}{ said:
This works with Google Maps. Have not tested navigation but I'd assume it does as well.
Google Maps gave me an accuracy of 1 foot. Yes... 1.0 feet lol.
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Again thank you for taking the plunge on this first and testing it out, i just ordered the receiver for 26 shipped. cant wait to have gps again
navigation works with the external gps.
I've been using an external solar Bluetooth GPS since I've owned Nokia N80. Now, I use it with Vibrant when I'm hiking or riding motorcycle. It's placed on my backpack so it's always power by the sun, and the Vibrant on handlebar or in hand.
Locks on instantly, accuracy within 1ft, no battery. Model Solar GPS BT2.5MR
On Vibrant, I use Bluetooth GPS Provider to connect. It's available on Market
using the gps unit in the OP i am consistently getting <0.8 m accuracy indoors.
sorry it has taken me forever to get back, it came while I was on a trip. Anyway, just as the OP has updated and several other users, this thing rocks. Even with the "fixes" for gps coming to gingerbread, this is awesome. 1.5 foot or less accuracy. Unfortunately, I can't gps test to work. It does not pick up SATs, but the bluetooth to gps shows the SATs just fine.
EDIT: Does anyone know where I can find a PDF of the instructions, im just curious about the lock button on the back? It doesn't actually "lock" the power button for me.
Never mind, reading the ebay post http://www.satnavcentral.co.uk/BT359_UG.pdf
}{Alienz}{ said:
Hey all,
Now...I use this GPS with Sygic navigation. I had it download the maps for my state and the total installation is ~300MB and maps are stored on the phone. I am using the latest CM7 with a 1.4Ghz overclock. It runs PERFECT, better than I had wished for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is Sygic worth the 10 bucks? Since you mentioned it, I downloaded it but I will have to test it out later.
I have had this setup for a few weeks now and i have to agree that it works extremely well with the Vibrant and Sygic.
I was wilding around in my car talking on the phone with no data what so ever since I was on the phone for so long and I used my GPS to travel and it was glorious. It didn't miss a beat alongside having no data signals it wonderfully remarked itself to me as a true powerful phone. It definitely did it's duty as an investment, although it doesn't lock on the first instance of opening up the program I have to switch off and on the switch on the pull down for a sec and it instantaneously find a signal and locks into the satellite network and blows precision out of me. I was using sygic which works well as a side by side to a phone call with Bluetooth connected on a phone only connection and media connection off, try it you'll like it. Peace.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Pardon me on the lingo I'm trying new words
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I've had a couple of days where Android is using up the most battery. The only thing I can think of is that it's when I am driving the car. I have a Parrot bluetooth on my car stereo and when I get in the car I usually leave my phone in my pocket as I drive. I checked the battery stats but bluetooth is not really showing much use. Android however is showing as using nearly all the battery. More than the display in fact.
I'm running Watchdog app right now to see if it alerts me to any 'rogue' apps. But it seems OK after running all night indoors.
Does anyone know if when bluetooth is running on car bluetooth systems whether it prevents Android from going to sleep? I am wondering if that could be the issue?
Is your phone connected to the car bluetooth? Sorry, I didn't get that from your post.
Blinkybob
bluetooth is a Constant connection so yes the phone is constantly awake even tho screen its off.
Best solution use car charger and keep phone charged.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
zolaisugly said:
bluetooth is a Constant connection so yes the phone is constantly awake even tho screen its off.
Best solution use car charger and keep phone charged.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
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Click to collapse
that should be the solution
zolaisugly said:
bluetooth is a Constant connection so yes the phone is constantly awake even tho screen its off.
Best solution use car charger and keep phone charged.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
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BlinkyBob said:
that should be the solution
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Click to collapse
Not sure you right as My phone (Arc S / G-nex / XS )sleeps for me when it connects. About 2 to 3 hours a day.
For obvious reasons if your streaming music it won't sleep tho.
Pvy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
What I mean is that the Bluetooth connection its always active so if you need to call or receive a call then the headset picks up.
So even if screen its off the Bluetooth is still sending and receiving the signal.
Unlike gps if not using maps, navigation etc then there is no signal even its switched on which means no usage.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Seems so. Tested today in the car and the battery did indeed drain a lot faster than normal. Guess I will have to hook it up to the charger when in the car. Pain.
Just got the one a couple of days ago and I noticed that in things like Ingress and Maps, the GPS is not quite accurate. So much so it is 50 to 150+ feet off. Even standing still, the GPS will think I am moving.
I have everything enabled in the Location settings, is there something else I should look at??
Thanks.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk 4
Wintrmte said:
Just got the one a couple of days ago and I noticed that in things like Ingress and Maps, the GPS is not quite accurate. So much so it is 50 to 150+ feet off. Even standing still, the GPS will think I am moving.
I have everything enabled in the Location settings, is there something else I should look at??
Thanks.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
My GPS is working fine so far. It's accurate to about 10-15 feet, which I think is par for phones. Are you using a case with the phone that could be distorting the GPS signal? Metal roof, anything of that nature?
IceDragon59 said:
My GPS is working fine so far. It's accurate to about 10-15 feet, which I think is par for phones. Are you using a case with the phone that could be distorting the GPS signal? Metal roof, anything of that nature?
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Click to collapse
Nope, no case on the phone. I noticed the problem while riding in the car. I wouldnt think it would be an issud there since my wifes S4 works ok in the same pkace.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk 4
Just opened up maps now, it's got me about right...technically has me outside the house, but I am close to the wall so /shrug. You might want to check the sprint/att/tmobile forums in case it's just a quirk of the HTC One itself but I can't say I've seen any trouble in the short time I've been using it.
Hello,
I have to say that I love my G2. Unfortunately it has some issues. I had a box fan on my window sill this summer. Well, it fell off and landed on my phone, leaving a dent in the aluminum trim (right above the LED charging light). Every since then my WIFI reception has been terrible. I have to be in the same room as a router to get any signal. I'm not even sure if it is possible, but I think replacing the "wifi receiver" might solve my problems. While I'm at it, the earpiece speaker seems to be blown (poor audio quality, hard to understand people). I'll follow the path of this thread for that: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1578637
I can't seem to find a wifi receiver part online. To be honest, I don't really know what I'm looking for. Any advice?
P.S.: While I have your attention, what custom ROMs are you using? My phone is rooted, but I've never installed a custom ROM. I'm just curious what is being used.
WiFi receiver is built into the board and non replaceable, sorry for the bad news
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app