Slim is In: The Holux GPSlim 236 Reviewed [Archive]

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Steve Sharp

07-15-2005, 05:00 PM

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/holux-gpsslim.jpg" /> Product Category: Hardware Manufacturer: <a href="http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/GR-236.htm">Holux Technology Inc.</a> Where to Buy: <a href="http://www.ps-gps.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8">Practical Solutions</a> Price: $159.95 USD System Requirements: Works with any Pocket PC running Pocket PC 2002 or 2003, and that has Bluetooth modem capability, 10 Megabytes of hard drive space on a desktop computer, and 110 kilobytes of storage space on the Pocket PC for Holux GPS Command software and the software can be installed to expansion memory. Pros:<li>This GPS unit is one of the smallest that is currently on the market; <li>Has built-in support of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS); <li>The fully-charged battery will last for ten hours; <li>The unit utilizes the SiRF Star III chipset technology; <li>The included Holux GPS Command software provides heading and velocity information; <li>The unit easily and quickly pairs with the Pocket PC’s Bluetooth radio. Cons:<li>There is no hard copy of the user manual included with the unit (although there is one in .pdf format on the CD); <li>Although the unit supports flash upgrades, and connectivity to a desktop or laptop, but the cable must be purchased separately; <li>The flashing lights of the Bluetooth and satellite lock indicators on the unit are annoying and distracting in a darkened environment (such as in a car at night). <li>An external antenna is supported, but it must be purchased separately. Summary: The Holux GPSlim 236 is an incredibly small GPS unit that is accurate, easy to use, and fits nicely into a shirt or pants pocket, or can be mounted virtually anywhere. Whether you’re a private pilot, a cyclist, a boater, or just a directionally challenged bonehead, as I am, the Holux GPSlim 236 can provide the performance and accuracy necessary to provide the real-time navigational data that you need. Read on for the full review!<!> <PAGEBREAK> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharp-07032005-GPSlim236-1" /> Figure 1: Holux GPSlim 236 is the size of 6 quarters arranged side-by-side in 2 columns of 3 quarters, it is 3/4 inch thick and weighs 56 grams or about 2 ounces. Big Things in Small Packages When I received the Holux GPSlim 236 GPS unit from Practical Solutions, I first wondered why the box was so light. I considered that some sticky-fingered culprit had swiped the unit from the box while it was in transit. To my surprise, I opened the package and there was the GPSlim 236 unit, about the size of a Matchbox car (but a bit wider) nestled snugly in its packaging material. Along with the unit, the box contained a battery, a CD with optional PC drivers on it, a tiny instruction sheet that shows how to install the battery, and a battery charger. <li>Features easy to read indicator LEDs; <li>Quickly finds and locks on to at least 4 or 5 satellites; <li>The included software provides graphical indicators that show which and how many satellites are tracking the GPS unit’s position; <li>Supports G-Mouse functionality with a Pocket PC, if an optional USB to serial cable is purchased. Now, Where Was I? After installing and charging the battery for a couple of hours, I turned the unit on, and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it paired with my Pocket PC. The GPSlim 236 is very straight-forward. It has an on/off switch and 3 LED indicators that show when the battery is low, the Bluetooth indicator, and whether the receiver has a fix on GPS. I suppose I should caveat the following comments by admitting that I’ve never had to configure a Bluetooth modem connection on my Pocket PC before, and this learning experience made the process of setting up my Pocket PC to work with the GPSlim 236 a bit more aggravating and time consuming than it should have been, but I have to blame my ignorance and not the receiver. I had to fumble around with my Pocket PC user’s manual and go online to find the correct settings needed by the GPSlim 236. Although the conspicuous absence of good ol’ paper manuals accompanying electronic gadgets is a growing trend, it’s still one that aggravates me. Yes, there’s a user manual on the included CD-ROM, but that doesn’t do much good if I’m not sitting at a computer, and it further annoys me to feel forced to print out a 30-something page user manual with my own paper and ink. After I managed to get the Pocket PC configured properly, it was fairly smooth sailing from there. Wherever You Go, There You Are With the GPSlim charged up and happily communicating data to my XDA II, I suspect that my neighbor feared that I'd lost my mind as I wandered aimlessly around my front yard, looking at my Pocket PC, and this exercise had lost its luster after about five minutes. Also, I noticed that at a very slow speed, such as casual walking, the speed reading didn’t register at all, for me. Suddenly, I remembered that this unit is advertised to work with Microsoft Pocket Streets, which I happen to own, and similar mapping software. So, I recruited my faithful companion (wife) to hop into the car and monitor the Pocket Streets map while I drove around town. Incidentally, Pocket Streets 2005 has one button support to pull in GPS data, other versions of the program may also have this feature, but I use the 2005 version. The unit worked well at providing real-time location mapping with very accurate speed readings. I was impressed with the relatively fast refresh rate, and I consistently had at least 6 satellites locked onto the unit for the duration of my jaunt around town and at various times that I powered the unit on while sitting on my sofa. The graphical software provided with the unit has a nice, easy to read display of the GPS satellites that are locked on to the receiver and this function also updated regularly. <!> <PAGEBREAK> Conclusions Holux GPSlim 236 is a reliable, compact unit that performs as it is designed to perform. I was pleased with the performance, particularly when used in conjunction with Pocket Streets 2005. On the down side, if you do not already own any third-party mapping software, the stand alone unit is fairly useless in a car. Another minus, for those who are interested in buying a GPS receiver for hiking or hunting, the unit seemed to have a bit of trouble updating direction and distance data at very slow speeds of travel. The unit specifications say that it will work at up to about 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) of elevation and that it is accurate to between 3 and 20 meters or 10 to 65 feet. I have been told that the accuracy can be narrowed even further with the built-in WAAS feature engaged, but I could not confirm this. From a standpoint of features, you could probably buy a GPS receiver that is nearly as small as the Holux GPSlim 236, or you could buy a cheaper GPS receiver, but I doubt that you could find both in one unit. As such, the size and price of the unit make it practical and competitive in this growing market of Bluetooth GPS units for the Pocket PC. I owe a big thanks the guys at GPS Passion for their help in providing information about the ins and outs of GPS receivers and software. Steven Sharp is a system analyst by day and a freelance writer by night. He is a 38-year-old native and lifelong resident of Huntsville, Alabama. His first book, The Art of Managing Everyday Conflict was published in May 2004.

rwatson

07-15-2005, 06:50 PM

I hired an excellent consultant in our area to find me a good Bluetooth GPS to work with my PocketPC. He came back with this unit and iGuidance v2.1.1. Having recently completed a trip from Talent, Oregon, to San Jose, California, I can say that this was an excellent purchase.

Additionally, having said that, I would like to address one of the Cons listed:

Cons: The flashing lights of the Bluetooth and satellite lock indicators on the unit are annoying and distracting in a darkened environment (such as in a car at night).

This GPS unit can almost be shoved ANYWHERE and still get good satellite reception. I have a 2004 Nissan Titan and I put the GPS receiver in the sunglasses holder and had no problems with it at all (plus you can't see those flashing lights). I am in a more open area (no tall buildings) so it isn't like I'm going to be blocked very often anyway.

Cons: An external antenna is supported, but it must be purchased separately.

Regarding this Con: With an external antenna, you get really crazy good signal. The external antenna is dirt cheap, too. I installed it through my rear brake light and don't even use it because the receiver is good enough with out it. However, I will eventually complete the installation of this GPS receiver into my truck so that it is always on and available (I love the idea of my truck bathed in Bluetooth GPS data).

The one con that I would probably list is that if you leave your GPS in the hot truck all day and jump in thinking you are going to get it to work, you may have some weird responses out of it. However, turning on the AC and blowing it on the GPS for about 2 minutes (then power cycling the GPS) seems to take care of everything. (This is the one thing that may make permanent installation difficult.)

Scott R

07-15-2005, 07:26 PM

I've been thinking about getting this unit. I'm a bit surprised by two of the "Cons" listed. First, does *any* BT GPS come with an external antenna? I think these are always sold separately. And with a device like this that supposedly can pick up signals even when in your glove compartment (though I probably wouldn't do that as I'd want to get the best signal possible), I'd be surprised if anyone ever needed an external antenna.

The second "Con" that confused me was the mention that you need to buy a cable in order to flash the ROM in case they ever release any updates. Is this a special cable or just a regular USB cable? I thought it was the latter. If the former, then I agree it could be listed as a "Con." Either way, it seems like you should list the fact that it *can* be upgraded as a "Pro" as this is the only device of its kind, AFAIK, that has this capability. That said, I don't know if they've released any updates yet and if they never do, the feature is of little value.

Jason Lee

07-15-2005, 07:39 PM

I own this unit and iguidance. It works great! Took it to boston last week. Very handy.

The updates can be done with the standard cable but it might have to be a serial cable. I haven't tested it. The same cable can be used to connect it to your laptop so nothing special there. :)

I am amazed at the places this unit will get signal. Even it the urban canyons with super narrow streets of downtown boston i still new where i was! Though once or twice in a very narrow alley it thought i was a block over until i steped out onto the street. Still way better than any gps i've ever seen before.

If you need gps, this device or something else, make sure it uses the new SiRF Star III. Great stuff. :)

I really love the iguidance software too. After spending 8 months mulling over what software to choose (glad i did cause SiRF Star III came out during that time, lol) i finaly chose iguidance. The UI is very nice and easy to use with your finger. The routing is fast and acurate. 2D and 3D map views look great. The map database is wonderful. Oh and the new version comes on one DVD instead of a pile of CDs. :lol:

disconnected

07-15-2005, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the review. I've been wanting to upgrade to one of the new Sirf III units, but have been dithering about which one. I was all set to order the Globalsat one, but then I found out that it turns itself off when it stops getting a signal from the PPC. Even though it's supposed to get a fix pretty rapidly when you turn it back on, I thought this would be somewhat annoying. Does the GPSlim stay on until you manually turn it off? And if you leave it connected to an external power source, does it charge the battery while you're using it? I currently have a Fortuna GPSmart, which uses AA batteries, and has the ridiculous "feature" of using the batteries, as long as it has them, whether or not it's plugged into an external power source.

rwatson

07-15-2005, 08:19 PM

The on/off switch is a physical switch (I mean like it isn't a momentary type, it is either physically moved on or off!!!).

Hooked up to external power usually keeps it charged up nicely. I don't know if it actually uses the battery for a while and then charges that up, but its a 10 hour battery, so I can't say I've ever actually had a problem with that part. The battery is replacable and it is the same as the Nokia 6xxx or Nokia 3650 battery (though the Holux battery supposedly stops charging when it reaches 60C and I don't know about the Nokia battery), so in theory you could keep some extra batteries in your pocket, purse, car, glove box, fanny pack, magnetic key holder hidden in the wheel well (??).

If you charge it from your car, the cheap-o cigarette lighter appears to put up with abuse well (my voltage drops to about 10.7v when I start the truck and then sits around 13.4 at idle), but you can always direct wire it to the battery to avoid abusing it. I still haven't used the in-home 110/120v charger.

Jason Lee

07-15-2005, 08:20 PM

Majestic

07-15-2005, 09:19 PM

Couple of posts on gpspassion suggest lots of people have been having problems with these units but I am still tempted to buy one with serial number greater than 522xxx which supposedly fixes the issue. Just a heads up for everyone.

rwatson

07-15-2005, 10:28 PM

Resolves what problem?

I did some searching over at gpspassion.com in both their news and forum areas and didn't find anything (of course, what I did find appeared to be in French). I would be interested in finding out what problem you are talking about. Of course, my serial # would be 236-52100XXX.

Steve Sharp

07-16-2005, 01:10 AM

disconnected

07-16-2005, 05:41 AM

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm about ready to order one. I went to GPSPassion and did the paypal membership thing again so I can get a discount coupon for Semson's. I reread the GPSlim thread there, and I get the impression that the latest units have fixed the problems -- someone mentioned Firmware Version 5 (which should include SiRF Version 3.1.1) and S/N starting with 522 or higher. I guess I'll email Semson's to check that this is what they have.

rwatson, GPSPassion has both French and English forums. :)

ricksfiona

07-16-2005, 06:15 PM

I rarely leave the San Francisco Bay Area, so I don't need a GPS device. But this thing is just too cool! Doh!

altden2002

07-19-2005, 07:19 AM

Mind the bug. Jet Lag bug - sometimes your gpslim will not get a fix, and that may last for hours. Details here:

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21511

it's a very long thread though. Every sirf3 GPS is affcted and while sirf has shipped firmware update with fix, there is no way to buy device that is guaranteed to have that update installed - it may or may not.

ctmagnus

07-19-2005, 08:11 AM

I assume that the pertinant info is on pages 30, 31 and 32 of that thread? Basically, look for a serial number that starts with 522 to avoid the jet lag bug, or is there more to it than that?

alantyc

05-21-2006, 02:28 PM

The second "Con" that confused me was the mention that you need to buy a cable in order to flash the ROM in case they ever release any updates. Is this a special cable or just a regular USB cable? I thought it was the latter. If the former, then I agree it could be listed as a "Con." Either way, it seems like you should list the fact that it *can* be upgraded as a "Pro" as this is the only device of its kind, AFAIK, that has this capability.

This unit does not work with a standard USB cable for interfacing with a computer. You can charge the unit's battery with a computer using a standard USB cable, but in order for a computer to communicate with the receiver (i. e. for flash upgraded) a serial to USB cable must be purchased.

SS

I have a gps slim 236.

I tried charging the unit with the given GPS cable directly from my USB port and then switched the GPS receiver on. THere was a power surge on the usb port. THe green light on the GPS receiver came on, but Windows kept coming up with a pop up window saying that the USB device was not recognized.. so i didn't continue charging .

When i tried charging it with the GPS receiver switched off, the green light came on. But i'm worried it may be overloading my USB port.. Anybody have any ideas if it is actually alright to charge thru the computer's USB port?

oly730

09-14-2007, 04:46 AM

:?: Will this receiver works well with Nokia 6680 and Nokia 6120 Classic through Bluetooth connection?

:?: What the program required for the above phone cells?

Please some body help me. :wink:

alantyc

09-14-2007, 01:45 PM

Well it works on a SE w800i on java.. see post here http://alantyc.blogspot.com/search/label/GPS%20w810%20k750%20k610%20bluetooth%20free%20java%20software