Belkin Bluetooth GPS Navigation System Reviewed

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16997' target='_blank'>http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16997</a><br /><br /></div>The lads at the Inquirer have done a review of the Belkin Bluetooth GPS Navigation System for Western Europe. Their introduction says that:<br /><br /><i>"..it's highly portable and it comes with Navtech software as standard. This version can guide you to any destination in Western Europe by road or maybe even water using any mode of transport. Car, truck, motorbike, on foot or even yatch. What this kit does is to provide an extremely compact GPS receiver that communicates via Bluetooth with either a Windows powered notebook or, more likely, a Windows Pocket PC based machine. Conceivably the possibilities include an O2 xDA or similar GPRS-enabled wireless PDA."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Belkin_GPS.jpg" /> <br /><br />The price of £249.99 seems slightly on the high side, but it does look like a solid system. Besides, the colour will probably suit your yatch perfectly. :wink: Has anyone had any experience with this particular GPS system, or is there any other system you would particularly recommend?

[bgracewood]

Yeah I was kinda wondering what a yatch was. Is it related to a Yeti?

[Jonathon Watkins]

Yeah I was kinda wondering what a yatch was. Is it related to a Yeti?

You can probably use your Belkin Bluetooth GPS Navigation System to find one. :wink:

If I had a penny for every time I've misspelled a word, I could buy a yacht, as could the Inq writers! :lol:

[dhpss]

This is a great BT GPS receiver.

This is a gift for you:
Go to this link: http://catalog.belkin.com/OMBasketDetail.process?OMAction=AddToBasket&restartFlow=t&OMLineMerchantId=1&OMProductId=164017&OMQuantity=1
List price: $399

Enter the code below
82242
Discount price: $140

Catch#1: Add some S&H, final price is around $170
Catch#2: This pakage comes with the Routis, iNav, iGuidance software V1.1, which is very good GPS program (for both PocketPC and Laptop),
However, version 2 just came out. I don't know Belkin Software upgrade policy. A review with comparison to V1 can be seen here:
http://gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=100

An interactive test run is located here:
http://www.prymenav.com/images/flash/prymePDA_Home.asp

[Pat Logsdon]

FYI - the reviewer is correct - the unit is indeed a rebranded Fortuna Clip-On. Great device.

[arebelspy]

Having tried this software, Routis, Microsoft Streets and Trips, and Mapopolis, I'd have to say Mapopolis is the best, hands down.

I'd recommend getting a GPS (bluetooth if that's your flavor) and buying the Mapopolis maps. You won't regret it.

Just wish Mapopolis worked on desktops (well laptops/tablets..), stuck using Routis (which isn't that bad) on the other devices.

-arebelspy

[jimH]

I've been using this rebadged Fortuna Clipon for both street navigation and geocaching. This is a great dual mode gpsr. I ditched the included software and have been using Mapopolis. It works great. I would highly recommend it especially at the discount price offered by Belkin. Buy.com also has it at a discounted price.

Jim

[dma1965]

I recently read a review of this GPS, and it is supposedly highly accurate, using the newest XTrac chip for its guts. I have been using the hp iPaq Bluetooth GPS since it was first releaded, along with Mapopolis, and it works really well on 3 different bluetooth iPaqs I have tried it with (3970, 2210, 4155). I almost bought one of these new XTrac devices, but could not justify it due to the fact that my current GPS does exactly what I need, without fail. The hp iPaq GPS is actually a rebranded GlobalSat BT-308 GPS. It came with software, but it was so painfully slow and annoying to use, I just dumped it and use Mapopolis.

[ignar]

I got a Fortuna Clip-On bundle last Friday from Semsons. It looks exactly same as the Belkin one except the color. I tested it during the few drives, and it worked well so far. XT mode seems to have a better reception and I'm wondering when I need to use the ST mode over the XT mode.

[jimH]

You will find that XT mode causes a delay when used with street navigation programs. Typically, ST mode is preferred in this situation. XT mode is great for walking around such as geocaching and in urban canyons.

jim

[tolovan]

This is a great BT GPS receiver.

This is a gift for you...

Enter the code below
82242
Discount price: $140


Hey Dhpss. What's the nature of this coupon? It's too good to be true.
It's too late actually, I ordered one :D My first compulsive buying ever. It's all your fault :devilboy:

Thanks!

[lemieux66]

You will find that XT mode causes a delay when used with street navigation programs. Typically, ST mode is preferred in this situation. XT mode is great for walking around such as geocaching and in urban canyons.

jim

Agreed!

I wish I still had mine. It was stolen outta my car. :cry:

[Jereboam]

Another extremely happy Fortuna Clip-on user here. I drive quite a lot in mountainous or wooded areas and the XT mode is very useful there, where typically you are not driving at high speed and the lag is not a problem.

After reports that the batteries in some other Bluetooth units were fading fast and not user replaceable, the Clip-on was my only choice. Unscrew the battery lid, and it takes standard Nokia mobile phone batteries. I also like the fact that although not waterproof, there is sufficient rubber sealing to prevent it from suffering unduly in a shower, for example. I nonetheless keep mine in a little Aquapac which keeps it from getting scratched as well...

I use Tom Tom Navigator for car navigation...and a totally separate handheld GPS unit for hiking etc just because electrical sockets up in the Alps are quite rare... ;)

J'bm[/list]

[nuts]

This or probably next week, Fortuna will issue an update for the Clip-on that updates the device to Xtrac V2 over BT.

[Jereboam]

That's good news....although is there a "changelog" available? I'll check Fortuna's site with interest....thanks.

J'bm

[Marcel_Proust]

I've been using this rebadged Fortuna Clipon for both street navigation and geocaching. This is a great dual mode gpsr. I ditched the included software and have been using Mapopolis. It works great. I would highly recommend it especially at the discount price offered by Belkin. Buy.com also has it at a discounted price.

Jim

what software comes with this ? it doesn't specify...is it also rebranded ?

[k_kirk]

This or probably next week, Fortuna will issue an update for the Clip-on that updates the device to Xtrac V2 over BT.

Do you think the re-branded Belkin unit will be able to use this update too? Semsons is already shipping the Fortuna with the updated firmware.

[Marcel_Proust]

I've been using this rebadged Fortuna Clipon for both street navigation and geocaching. This is a great dual mode gpsr. I ditched the included software and have been using Mapopolis. It works great. I would highly recommend it especially at the discount price offered by Belkin. Buy.com also has it at a discounted price.

Jim

what software comes with this ? it doesn't specify...is it also rebranded ?

I've read in another place that this unit comes with Routis 2004 for USA and Canada, which is supposedly quite good. Could anyone confirm this. The Belkin and Fortuna sites aren't that specific.

[ignar]

I have a problem with Fortuna Clip-on here in NYC. Neither ST mode nor XT more get fix at all. I heard NYC is tough place for GPS, but I hope XT mode will get a better result. Are there any Fortuna Clip-on users in NYC who got a better luck? I wonder my unit is possibly defective. I tested in the upper west and Riverside park area. Also how can I check the firmware version?

[k_kirk]

Hi. Just checking to see if anyone received product after ordering with this discount code.

I placed an order but it was cancelled claiming they do not take orders from Singapore because of fraud being prevalent there... Sigh. One wonders why their website allows placing the order after choosing Singapore as the bill to country... Isn't it easier to reject the order before its placed?

I was wondering if the real reason behind the cancellation is something fishy with this discount code. Thanks for the feedback.

[dhpss]

Check this out:
http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=107410
Any volunteer to flash!

[k_kirk]

Hi. Did anyone here manage to order and get a unit with this discount coupon through Belkin online? Thanks for your feedback.

[Jereboam]

There seem to be some problems with the flash routine, and the firmware has been pulled for the moment. It seems that a batch file (rather than the FortunaSync app) with the right switches will flash successfully, but not all the time...anyway I am monitoring the PocketGPS forums where people have been tinkering and will let you know what they find there when the firmware is up again.

Cheers, J'bm

[Jereboam]

I have just re flashed my device and this is what I did:

1) Extracted the zip file.
2) Copied the file "FortunaXTracV202.s" to the A: drive.
3) Go to the support directory where you unzipped the zip file.
4) Run "ClipOnSyncBT.exe", configure com port and point the application to the flash file on the A drive.
5) Click on the "Com Port Off -> On" button, then the "Link To Fortuna GPS" and then finally the Execute button.
6) This looks like it prepares the device you will notice no activity on the Bluetooth, close the "ClipOnSyncBT.exe" application.

7) Edit the batch file "RunExe.bat" to remove the "-r", mine looks like this:
Code:
SirFFlashcl A:\FortunaXTracV202.s -l 4 -b 38400 -c 0 -sr > ConsFile

10) Run the "RunExe.bat" and watch for bluetooth activity.
11) When complete check the "ConsFile" and the "RESCOM4" (number might change depending on your com port.

Here is my "ConsFile" file

Code:
One SST SST39VF800 chip will be programmed
0% transferred, 0% programmed
1% transferred, 0% programmed
1% transferred, 1% programmed
2% transferred, 1% programmed

....... (edited to reduce the size)


98% transferred, 97% programmed
98% transferred, 98% programmed
99% transferred, 98% programmed
99% transferred, 99% programmed
100% transferred, 99% programmed
100% transferred, 100% programmed

Flash successfully programmed in 125.8 sec
Erase time: 3.5 sec, Program time: 28.6 sec


and my "RESCOM4" file

Code:
PASS


At your own risk, of course. The actual firmware is still not up on their site, if you managed to grab it you can try doing this. Otherwise email them and they might send it to you.

Apparently the lag when driving in XT mode is much reduced, according to one chap who tested it last night.

I haven't done this yet, so can't comment on the actual process. I am waiting for Fortuna to post new instructions/firmware to be on the safe side.

Cheers, J'bm

[Jereboam]

The firmware is back up and most people seem to be reporting success without resorting to editing batch files. I will flash tomorrow and report back.

J'bm

[Pat Logsdon]

I am monitoring the PocketGPS forums where people have been tinkering and will let you know what they find there when the firmware is up again.
Do you have a link? :D

[Jereboam]

If you head for www.pocketgps.co.uk, the forums there have a Fortuna sub-forum where this topic is assuredly still the top read... :wink:

[Pat Logsdon]

If you head for www.pocketgps.co.uk, the forums there have a Fortuna sub-forum where this topic is assuredly still the top read... :wink:
Ah - went there, but didn't see the link, now I do. :oops: Here's a direct link for those of you who want to check out the thread:

http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8503&start=0&sid=9778bece41a403c59d3fc76002776a8d

[Jereboam]

Yeah that's the one, thanks, I was posting from my iPaq yesterday and couldn't be hassled with looking it up and BBCode...lazy... ;)

Cheers.

J'bm

[mistame]

Hi. Did anyone here manage to order and get a unit with this discount coupon through Belkin online? Thanks for your feedback.

I had a problem with my order. I ordered on Sunday with the coupon to get it for $140. I got the order confirmation email, but as of today still hadn't got any information that it shipped (I had selected overnight shipping). I called them this morning and gave them my order number. They couldn't find it at first but later called me back and said there was a glitch where they found the order in 1 system but not the other. Anyway, the guy said they fixed it and it's on its way. I'd give them a call if you still haven't recieved your unit, they were surprisingly quick and helpful.

[Ivanna Tinkle]

The firmware is back up and most people seem to be reporting success without resorting to editing batch files. I will flash tomorrow and report back.

J'bm

The new release (7-14) works fine if you follow the instructions in the associated manual. Watch out if you have more than 1 unit however! When you run the flash program, it remains semi-dormant in memory and if you try to flash another (second or more) it will start another and cause the flash to fail. Sometimes the error can be repaired by taking the battery out of the unit, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then trying the flash again. In any event, it wouldn't hurt to reboot the computer after EVERY attempt to flash.

The new 2.02 firmware is much more accurate, and updates at almost the same speed as ST mode using PocketMap. There's about a 30 foot lag in actual position when using the Belkin software.

[zoomer777]

Well, I got my unit in the mail today from Belkin (got it for $140). I was pretty excited to say the least...but, to my dread, that excitement has quickly faded in frustration.

I am dealing with my "wiped clean" Ipaq 1945 here -hard reset before I did anything. The only software installed is the Belkin Navigation software (to main memory) and a selection of Maps were loaded to a 256 MB memory card, and fully charged units on both sides (receiver and 1945).

I have the Belkin receiver turned on, and followed the instructions provided with the unit (kind of pathetic instructions) to establish a connection with the 1945 (pairing, enter security key, go to the navigator software, check the right com port, etc). Every time I do this, I get my Ipaq to go to a screen which asks you to select the device, which I then tap on the "Belkin GPS" (which for some odd reason has question mark over the icon?), and then it goes back to the navigator software...I see the bluetooh light on the belkin unit blinking furiously away...wait a little bit...BAM, back to the "select device" screen. I have no idea what is going on here - it never connects. Can anyone who has succesfully worked with this Belkin unit (and have a 1945) tell me how they got it to work? Documentation is about as thin as you can get! I imagine it would be very similar to setting up the Fortuna Clip-On GPS Bluetooth unit!

In bluetooth manager, I was able to establish a good connection with the Belkin unit by creating a SPP Serial Port Slave connection by using the wizard "explore services offered by a device". It connects, I can see status, and the bluetooth LED on the Belkin unit appears to stay connected indefinitely. HOWEVER, when I go back in the navigator software and try to establish a connection, it disconnects the SPP connection and again asks me to select the device (which never seems to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Anyone?

PLEASE HELP!

[Ivanna Tinkle]

Try deleting the pairing on the hp first. Then, set the GPS unit somewhere that you can get a satellite lock (green light on). Once you have that, turn on bluetooth on the hp, start the bluetooth neighborhood, and search for devices. When the Belkin gps is found, create a pairing with the code 0000 (make sure you type 4-zeros, not the letter o) as a SPP serial port. Then, when you start the GPS software, go to the menu and select Tools/Gps Options/Autodetect. This should find the unit and set up for communication. Once you have that setting, go back to settings and go to Tools/Gps Options/Baud and set the rate to 34400. when the bluetooth device selection comes up, click on the GPS and select OK. It may ask more than once sometimes.

This procedure works well on my iPaq 5555. You may experience an occasional loss of bluetooth signal, which seems to be the norm on iPaqs, but should reconnect very easily.

Well, I got my unit in the mail today from Belkin (got it for $140). I was pretty excited to say the least...but, to my dread, that excitement has quickly faded in frustration.

I am dealing with my "wiped clean" Ipaq 1945 here -hard reset before I did anything. The only software installed is the Belkin Navigation software (to main memory) and a selection of Maps were loaded to a 256 MB memory card, and fully charged units on both sides (receiver and 1945).

I have the Belkin receiver turned on, and followed the instructions provided with the unit (kind of pathetic instructions) to establish a connection with the 1945 (pairing, enter security key, go to the navigator software, check the right com port, etc). Every time I do this, I get my Ipaq to go to a screen which asks you to select the device, which I then tap on the "Belkin GPS" (which for some odd reason has question mark over the icon?), and then it goes back to the navigator software...I see the bluetooh light on the belkin unit blinking furiously away...wait a little bit...BAM, back to the "select device" screen. I have no idea what is going on here - it never connects. Can anyone who has succesfully worked with this Belkin unit (and have a 1945) tell me how they got it to work? Documentation is about as thin as you can get! I imagine it would be very similar to setting up the Fortuna Clip-On GPS Bluetooth unit!

In bluetooth manager, I was able to establish a good connection with the Belkin unit by creating a SPP Serial Port Slave connection by using the wizard "explore services offered by a device". It connects, I can see status, and the bluetooth LED on the Belkin unit appears to stay connected indefinitely. HOWEVER, when I go back in the navigator software and try to establish a connection, it disconnects the SPP connection and again asks me to select the device (which never seems to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Anyone?

PLEASE HELP!

[Deus]

Would you say this si still the best deal and best Bluetooth GPS receiver available? I am thinking og taking my niece geocaching.

[zoomer777]

Just wanted to offer some resolution on the frustration post of earlier.


I recieved a replacement unit from Belkin the other day, and after letting it charge, tried to set up the new unit...AND, it worked perfectly this time around!

So, the unit I was working with first was faulty!

After a few days of use, I am thoroughly impressed by this sweet little unit, especially considering its price!

So, there really is no headache setting this thing up as long as nothing is faulty!

If anybody wants to know anything else about it, drop a line!

[zilla31]

what i'm most interested in is the software it comes with... i'm currently trying to decide between this (much cheaper!) and the tomtom BT package... any advice?

ps if i get this kit instead (and save the 70-80 beans) can i get a car mount (like the one that comes w/ the tomtom unit) seperate somewhere?

[Underwater Mike]

See my comments near the end of this thread (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30229&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20). You can get car mounts by Arkon at several places. I'm ordering the one from Gomadic (http://www.gomadic.com/unwimopdaauh.html) because I like their stuff.

what i'm most interested in is the software it comes with... i'm currently trying to decide between this (much cheaper!) and the tomtom BT package... any advice?

ps if i get this kit instead (and save the 70-80 beans) can i get a car mount (like the one that comes w/ the tomtom unit) seperate somewhere?

[zilla31]

hey mike thanks. when you say the voice prompts are "off" what do you mean exactly? i'd think that the voice prompts are pretty important in a PPC GPS solution so you don't have to look down at it all the time. have you ever used the tomtom software?

ps thanks for the link to the car mount - that's perfect.

[Underwater Mike]

Never used the tomtom package, so I can't compare. But on the Belkin software, the voice prompts generally tell me that the distance to some waypoint (turn, etc.) is much further than it really is. For instance, I was stopped at a light and could see my turn a couple hundred feet ahead, but the software told me that the turn was coming up in something like 8,000 feet! No kidding! I guess my vision is a lot better than I thought! :wink:

You're right in that the voice capability is important, but the software is still usable for me with the voice prompts turned off. Maybe I'll get fed up and spring for something else, but for now I'm still smarting from buying the unit itself, so I'll make do with the quirks.

RE: the Gomadic mount, I should have mine in the next day or so, so I'll post back with impressions.

hey mike thanks. when you say the voice prompts are "off" what do you mean exactly? i'd think that the voice prompts are pretty important in a PPC GPS solution so you don't have to look down at it all the time. have you ever used the tomtom software?

ps thanks for the link to the car mount - that's perfect.

[zilla31]

yeah i went ahead and sprung for the belkin. i liked what i read about the tomtom but i couldn't beat the $140 price tag this deal w/ belkin is giving us (tomtom is 244).

[zilla31]

damn 8000 feet that's nuts - that's like 4 miles-ish. ha. you do have good vision ;)

[Underwater Mike]

More like a mile and a half, but the point is the same! I might need an 8,000-foot reminder if I was using the GPS in a plane, but not in my car...

BTW, just got the Gomadic car mount today. I bought the unpowered windshield mount. Just as good as the Arkon -- a bit trimmer, I think -- and solid as a rock. I totally recommend it.

[Underwater Mike]

Anybody with this unit that has info about upgrading to the current version of the iNav software? Belkin isn't offering the upgrade right now, and I have not received a response from either iNav or Belkin about whether Belkin owners are being offered the same free/discounted terms that regular iGuidance users are getting. (A post on GPS Passion mentioned a potenital upgrade from Belkin, but nothing specific.)

For the level of use that my unit gets, I'm definitely not interested in upgrading if I have to pay full retail for the newer app.

[BugDude10]

Hey, somebody answer Mike! (I'm considering the Belkin at $140, but probably only if I can get the new software free or cheap with it. I jsut don't need GPS badly enough to spend more than the $140 to get something good and current/updated.)

[zilla31]

yeah i just bought it and def got the "old" software. i'd like to upgrade too - this def isn't nearly as nice as v2. any clues anyone?

[Underwater Mike]

Today, the screen said 703 feet until my turn (roughly correct), but the voice prompt said "turn right in 4400 feet." After that, I shut the voice prompt off for good. :roll:

FYI, I received this note from iNav today:

Please contact Belkin directly for best pricing for your upgrade. Only if one isn't offered by Belkin, we'll offer you a courtesy discount. But the free/discounted upgrade offer you see on our website is only for existing iGuidance customers w/ proof of purchase.

So, it looks like Belkin is the only shot for a gratis or cheap upgrade. If you have this unit, please email Belkin support about the issue.

damn 8000 feet that's nuts - that's like 4 miles-ish. ha. you do have good vision ;)

[zilla31]

ugly - i really hope i don't have to temper my happiness for finding such a nice, affordable BT GPS device with pissed-offedness for having the older version of the iNav software and no way to upgrade! that's beat. i emailed belkin to see what they have to say about it, and iNav to find out just how deep this "courtesy discount" is.

[zilla31]

got this back from iNav:

We extend a courtesy offer of $75 to non-iGuidance users (but w/ the same program by the same program developer) seeking an upgraded version of similar software from us on a case-by-case basis.

You may purchase it via our online shopping site from http://store.yahoo.com/inavcorp-store/iggpsnaso.html (for details of iGuidance v2.0, please visit www.inavcorp.com). At checkout, type in the promo code "compoffer", and your price of $75 will be reflected. However, we'll need proof of purchase from you showing that you did purchase similar software (although not iGuidance).


Thank you.
Sales Team
www.inavcorp.com

[Underwater Mike]

Interesting, but $75 is still too much IMO. Here's the response from Belkin:

Thank you for contacting Belkin Technical Support.

At the moment we are not offering and upgraded software for our GPS. It is not known when the upgrade will be offered. When it is available it will be posted on the Belkin website, at the link listed below [www.belkin.com/support], for downloading.
:(

My biggest reason for wanting the new version (aside from the fact that it is NEW) is the vastly improved 3D view. The 3D views on the older version leave a lot to be desired.

[zilla31]

yeah $75 is beat. i got this from them - funny part is the "Per our Bluetooth Product Team, the current version shipped is very adequate to date":

Hello. Regarding your inquiry, we currently do not offer a version 2 of our mapping software. Per our Bluetooth Product Team, the current version shipped is very adequate to date. We may at some point upgrade our software to a different version, but that decision or time frame has not been decided upon as yet.

Thanks.

John Graffio
Sr. Customer Service Representative

Belkin Logistics
Customer Service Department
800 223-5546 Ext 2064

[Underwater Mike]

LOL -- the world is full of "very adequate."

[zilla31]

i guess i'll use the version i have for now - even though from what i've seen/read v2 seems MUCH nicer.

ps - mike - did you flash your firmware? from what i've read people seem to be saying that really (drastically to some) increased the sensitivity of the device in XT mode... i want to try it but wanted to see if you had.

[Underwater Mike]

No, I didn;t do that yet. Haven't had a chance to even read up on what's required, and prolly won't until OCT. If you want to be the first one into the water, tho... :D

i guess i'll use the version i have for now - even though from what i've seen/read v2 seems MUCH nicer.

ps - mike - did you flash your firmware? from what i've read people seem to be saying that really (drastically to some) increased the sensitivity of the device in XT mode... i want to try it but wanted to see if you had.

[zilla31]

well i have read through the thousands of posts about it and i think i have it all figured out at least. so i'll try it shortly and report back.

[Underwater Mike]

well i have read through the thousands of posts about it and i think i have it all figured out at least. so i'll try it shortly and report back.

Any feedback?

[zilla31]

mike - can you help me out? i can't get my belkin kit working. i got it paired, and i got the "belkin spp slave" service on my PPC (and can connect fine) but how do i know what baud rate and port to use? the instructions say baud 38,000 (close) but are unclear how to tell which port i'm supposed to use.... help!!!

[Underwater Mike]

Zilla, I couldn;t figure out the port, either. So, I set it to auto detect on the PPC, and it did so, but connected at 9600. Then, I manually changed to 38400.

Alternatively, mine is currently set to COM8 -- you could just plug that in and see if it works on yours, although I think that might be driven in part by your BT adapter on the PPC. What kind of BT card do you have?

[zilla31]

ugh. auto detect for me returns no gps found. weird because I can pair fine, and connect the spp slave fine. I feel like i've tried every combo of baud and port w/ no luck.

let's take a step back - what are the exact steps (from a cold boot) to connect and get going?

[zilla31]

ps - not sure my bt card - it's built into my 4155. but I had this working once so I know it will (then had to rebuild ppc)

[Underwater Mike]

All I did was follow the step-by-step that came with the GPS/software. That's not working for you at all, even at a slower speed? Have you tried deleting and the reinstalling the app to the PPC?

Also, any chance you installed other BT or comm apps to your PPC after you installed the GPS software? Since you had it working before, I'm wondering if some other app hijacked the COM port?


ugh. auto detect for me returns no gps found. weird because I can pair fine, and connect the spp slave fine. I feel like i've tried every combo of baud and port w/ no luck.

let's take a step back - what are the exact steps (from a cold boot) to connect and get going?

[zilla31]

nah the instructions that come w/ are beat. they make sense up to the part about choosing your comport... how I got it working before I rebuilt my ppc was with the auto detect like you but that doesn't work anymore - just says no gps found even though a good connection in bt mgr does exist

[alexm]

nah the instructions that come w/ are beat. they make sense up to the part about choosing your comport... how I got it working before I rebuilt my ppc was with the auto detect like you but that doesn't work anymore - just says no gps found even though a good connection in bt mgr does exist

Hi zilla31! Did you get your belin gps working? I have a problem with mine now and I'm curious if you resolved yours. If you did, how did you resolve it?

[zilla31]

yeah i ended up doing exactly what someone said earlier in this thread... i took out the battery for a few minutes (not sure if this did anything or not) then i turned on the belkin device (in XT mode if that matters), then i started the BT Manager and connected the "SPP Slave" (this will appear once you pair your belkin device with your PPC, THEN go to "new" in BT mgr and "search BT device for available services" - the belkin only offers this one - you should do this before you try any of the other stuff). then i open the nav software and go into the comp port and baud area under tools and let it auto find it (but when it says to disconnect and reconnect i went BACK into BT manager and diconnected and reconnected the SPP slave for some reason)... after it auto finds it (mind was at 4800 baud and com 6) i change the baud to 34 or 38k (forget which it is but there is only one in this range).

hope that's not confusing, felt like it sounded confusing when i wrote it.

it's a pain but play around with this process and eventually you'll get it hooked - and once it's done once it works painlessley thereafter - just connect the SPP slace in BT manager then go into the iNav program and you're off and running searching for sats :)