Just got my GPS 2000 in today's mail. Setup was straightforward and the unit works great with WLS and Google Maps 2.0.
Initially, satellite search took a little while from inside the house. I took it outside and it locked on right away. After that, it locks on very quickly, even inside the house and not near a window.
I'm very pleased with the GPS 2000.
Wonder if there's anyway to get a graphic of the satellites the unit is picking up and other details of the GPS signal, etc.
Same here.. GPS 2000 arrived and paired fine. I associated it with COM2, and set the intermediate GPS driver to control/mux it. Now WLS and Google can both use it at once. Working fine.
I'm looking for the same kind of "GPS Dashboard" software.. something that would show the NMEA data and such. Just to see how many sats are tracked, maybe GPS battery level, etc. Does anything like that exist for this chipset?
I'm looking for the same kind of "GPS Dashboard" software.. something that would show the NMEA data and such. Just to see how many sats are tracked, maybe GPS battery level, etc. Does anything like that exist for this chipset?
I just got the 2000 also and love it. I pick up satellites within 2 minutes of a cold start. I use Live and TomTom 6 and TT shows some of the info you're looking for. I normally see about 11 satellites and I'm normally tracking at least 7 or 8 with coordinates. I'm not familiar with NMEA data. I'm sure there has to be some 3rd party software that will give you what you'e looking for.
I cant think of any for WM based devices. I have some good ones for Palm OS5 and one for PC's. Would like to find some though as it makes technical support easier sometimes to be able to see exactly what is going on with the GPS unit.
Same here.. GPS 2000 arrived and paired fine. I associated it with COM2, and set the intermediate GPS driver to control/mux it. Now WLS and Google can both use it at once. Working fine.
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I tried com2 and it wouldn't accept it. So I associated with com4. What's the intermediate GPS driver?
To get it working, follow the RESOLUTION steps in this post exactly. It works perfectly.
As far as the Freedom GPS goes (the original unit), I'm SERIOUSLY impressed. It's tiny, light, and is more accurate than the Magellan Explorist 210 I compared it against. The Magellan has my position wandering all around my house, while the Freedom actually tracks and HOLDS my positions in each room of the house.
Not to mention the maps - either WLS or Google - are a heck of a lot nicer!
Personally, I use Google Maps when driving - the traffic colors/display is a lot nicer, to me, than WLS. But I have WLS loaded as well for restaurants, businesses, etc.
I recently purchased the Garmin 650 GPS and can return it to Costco if my SCH-i760 can do all the things the Garmin can do.
I'm a little confused about the GPS for the SCH-i760. Does it only put you as a dot on a Google Map or can it actually give you turn by turn directions to a location?
I'd love to use my phone instead of another GPS unit if it is comparable to an automotive GPS??
With the i760, the Freedom GPS, and Windows Live I can get driving directions. I select "Directions" from the WLS screen, then select "Current GPS Position" as my start position. Then type in where I want to go, select "Route", and I get the route - turn by turn - and a map!
With Google Maps you have to type the start and the end (I haven't found a "Use current position" option - hint hint Google!), the routing calculation takes longer, but it does work.
Oh, and with both solutions you can overlay the route on your map WITH traffic, so you can see if it's routing you through traffic problems.
I recently purchased the Garmin 650 GPS and can return it to Costco if my SCH-i760 can do all the things the Garmin can do.
I'm a little confused about the GPS for the SCH-i760. Does it only put you as a dot on a Google Map or can it actually give you turn by turn directions to a location?
I'd love to use my phone instead of another GPS unit if it is comparable to an automotive GPS??
You will need to buy a bluetooth GPS receiver and then use either free or purchased software on your phone.
I have the Freedom Mini GPS discussed in this thread attached to my keychain. I use the free Microsoft Live Search for turn directions (no voice prompts). Google Maps is also free. You can purchase software from TomTom or Garmin for WM6 that will provide audio prompts and more sophisticated travel information.
The GPS in the phone is GPSa - It is not suitable to use with GPS Map software. The only use of the GPSa in the phone is controlled by Verizon for e911 and maybe other Verizon Proprietary services in the future. There are other discussions in this forum on the differences between GPS and GPSa (and some debate as to how they work).
I have a GPS in my car; but still use the i760 because I like the aerial view. Seeing the actual satellite view of the buildings really helps me know where I am ...and its fun.
With the i760, the Freedom GPS, and Windows Live I can get driving directions. I select "Directions" from the WLS screen, then select "Current GPS Position" as my start position. Then type in where I want to go, select "Route", and I get the route - turn by turn - and a map!
With Google Maps you have to type the start and the end (I haven't found a "Use current position" option - hint hint Google!), the routing calculation takes longer, but it does work.
Oh, and with both solutions you can overlay the route on your map WITH traffic, so you can see if it's routing you through traffic problems.
With the newest release of WLS you can also speak your address into the phone. They have added voice recognition. Next they need to add audio to the turn by turn directions other than the beeps.
Copilot Live 7 provides you with spoken turn by turn directions and also can display the salellite information asked for above. Copilot Live 7 integrates with my I760 and provides everything a stand-alone gps can and more, such as getting directions to my contacts. It all sits on a microsd card and doesn't use the internet. It has a cute feature that allows you to invite specific people to have real-time mapping on their pc of your trip as you drive it (that requires internet). . . . . .It also allows the person you've invited, to send you new destinations . . . . .
To get it working, follow the RESOLUTION steps in this post exactly. It works perfectly.
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You do not have to check ActiveSync in that link.
After pairing the device (0000), Add a new device and assign a com port in the BT setup:
1) Start/settings/connections/BT... Add new device then check the Com Port tab on the bottom center and choose a com port. It will tell you if you can't use a particular port, so choose another if it does.
2) Then Start/settings/External GPS/Programs: select a port (not the same port as in step 1)
3) Finally, Start/settings/External GPS/Hardware: select a hardware port (use the same com port selected in the first step). Leave the baud rate at 4800.
Seems a bit cumbersome, but it works. Perhaps someone here can explain just what is going on.
With the i760, the Freedom GPS, and Windows Live I can get driving directions. I select "Directions" from the WLS screen, then select "Current GPS Position" as my start position. Then type in where I want to go, select "Route", and I get the route - turn by turn - and a map!
With Google Maps you have to type the start and the end (I haven't found a "Use current position" option - hint hint Google!), the routing calculation takes longer, but it does work.
Oh, and with both solutions you can overlay the route on your map WITH traffic, so you can see if it's routing you through traffic problems.
Actually, the new version of Google Maps (v2.0) does include a check box for "current gps location" on the directions screen.
Totally awesome. Turned it on, turned on bluetooth on my i760 and by time I was done pairing it, fired up google maps it had a lock with 8 satellites. This was while standing in my kitchen (near a window).
Amazing sensitivity on this thing. No bigger then a remote car starter/keyless entry box.
Hello all,
Just received my Freedom Mini and got it working based on info from this forum. I'll echo the other feedback so far... this is a sweet little unit! Thanks to mynticelx for the setup instructions!!
One thing I've noticed, and curious if anyone else has... I've had it on my keychain for the last couple of days, and the rubberized finish is already wearing off... especially on the corners. I assume from contact with the keys in my pocket. Has anyone else observed this, or am I just being extra hard on mine?
Hello all,
Just received my Freedom Mini and got it working based on info from this forum. I'll echo the other feedback so far... this is a sweet little unit! Thanks to mynticelx for the setup instructions!!
One thing I've noticed, and curious if anyone else has... I've had it on my keychain for the last couple of days, and the rubberized finish is already wearing off... especially on the corners. I assume from contact with the keys in my pocket. Has anyone else observed this, or am I just being extra hard on mine?
-Mark
Mine does it too. I started scraping it off with my fingernail when I get bored to get to the black finish underneath.
It's also a little slow to lock on to the signal with iGuidance v3 (as compared to my VERY old TomTom receiver). Locking on with GoogleMaps or WM LiveSearch is quick. Sometimes it's easier to use them to get a lock, then switch to iGuidance.
Just got my Freedom 2000 unit. Gotta say, I like the smaller size. Other than that - works exactly like my older one. Glad that everyone has been able to get it working with the settings I posted. I had to get it set up on a co-workers i760 and forgot my phone and settings.. man was it a nightmare. I finally resorted back to finding my old post
Question for someone in the US, how long did it take you guys to receive your freedom gps unit?
I ordered mine about 2 weeks ago and haven't received it. I have the tracking number but its for Royal mail in England and all it says is that its been handed off. I emailed Chris but haven't heard back for a couple days (probably just out for the holiday).
Don't worry about it, it will come, My just came in yesrterday from Roral Air mail. I live in California, US. It took my 3 weeks to received, but that worth the wait. I am sure you will love it, they are very good company, they did what they said, I am very impress with their services.