A Road Warrior's Best Friend - the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS Receiver Reviewed

[Dave Potter]

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Potter-jul04-HoluxGR230-0.gif" /> <br /><br /><b>Product Category:</b> Hardware, GPS Receivers<br /><b>Manufacturer:</b> <a href="http://www.holux.com/">Holux</a><br /><b>Where to Buy:</b> <a href="http://www.semsons.com/holbluetgpsr.html">Semson &amp; Co.</a><br /><b>Price:</b> Regular price: $259.99 USD - Sale price: $149.99 USD<br /><b>System Requirements:</b> Windows, Mac OS 10.x, Linux, Pocket PC and Palm device with Bluetooth or USB host capability.<br /><b>Specifications:</b> Size: 77.9 × 56.9 × 22.8 mm, Weight: &lt; 70g, Power: 9+ hour lithium-ion battery.<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b><li>Compact and light weight;<br /><li>Easy to set-up and use;<br /><li>Includes car, universal AC and USB charging adaptors.<b>Cons:</b><li>Inadequate documentation;<br /><li>Battery charging is somewhat slow.<b>Summary:</b><br />If you've been searching for an affordable Bluetooth GPS receiver that doesn't compromise performance, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS receiver might be just the solution you're looking for. Compact, attractive, light weight, and accurate the GR-230 has the goods to satisfy the Road Warrior in all of us.<br /><br />Want to learn more? Read on!<br /><!><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>What's Included</b></span><br />The GR-230 comes with everything you'll need to get up and running with a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC or laptop:<li>GR-230 GPS unit;<br /><li>Resource CD ROM;<br /><li>Universal voltage AC charger;<br /><li>Car charger;<br /><li>Charging cable.Of particular interest is the charging cable. To charge the GR-230's battery, simply connect one end of the cable to the GPS unit and the other end to one of three power sources - the AC charger, the car charger or any PC/laptop USB port. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/potter-jul04-HoluxGR230-1.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: No shortage of charging options.</i><br /><br />Initially, I thought that this same cable served as the data cable when using the GR-230 as a GPS mouse via USB (with a non-Bluetooth-enabled laptop) - but I came to realize that this was not the case. After several unsuccessful attempts I gave up frustrated only to discover later that an additional USB data cable (optional) is required for this functionality. Chock this experience up to poor documentation on the part of Holux. The packing list didn't even mention the cable that came with the unit - let alone describe its function(s). An optional data cable was mentioned - but it wasn't clear whether they were referring to the included cable or another cable altogether.<br /><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>Set-up</b></span><br />Setting up the GR-230 takes just a few minutes and consists of pairing the unit with your Pocket PC and/or Bluetooth-enabled laptop and then installing the GPS Viewer utility (one installation program installs both the PC and Pocket versions). Once this is done, launch GPS Viewer and configure the connection by selecting a baud rate and scanning for a com port. You are now ready to open the GPS connection and test things out.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Potter-jul04-HoluxGR230-2.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: GPS Viewer - Pocket PC version.</i><br /><br />Another documentation gripe I had was the lack thereof on GPS Viewer. There was no explanation of the other options and buttons available.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Potter-jul04-HoluxGR230-3.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: GPS Status.</i><br /><br />With all of the public whining and complaining about Bluetooth in general, and configuration difficulties - I should point out that the above procedure went off without a hitch with both my iPAQ 4150 and with my Dell D-400 Bluetooth-enabled laptop. Finally a Bluetooth success story!<br /><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>And Away We Go!</b></span><br />(...queue Willy Nelson's "On the Road Again" :rotfl: )<br /><br />I tested the GR-230 using iGuidance V2.0 (stay tuned for a review!) and with MS Streets and Trips 2004. The GR-230 performed consistently well with both applications. Start-up time and accuracy were both excellent and were consistent with competitive GPS units. Battery life was also excellent especially considering the unit's compact size and weight. The unit's rubber feet held tight to my dash alleviating my concerns about 'dashboard ice capades'. The units four colored LED display provided ample diagnostic feedback regarding GPS, Bluetooth and battery status. I particularly liked the simplicity of the one switch operation - just turn it on and place it on the dash. Also worth noting is the unit's water resistant exterior and the connector for an external antenna - both of which I imagine would prove useful for marine applications.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />All in all, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a solid, well constructed piece of hardware that performs as it should - well. Its size and weight are ideally suited to the rigors of being a Road Warrior. Best of all it works with any Bluetooth capable Pocket PC or laptop. So, as your hardware changes (it's inevitable), your GPS doesn't become obsolete. Price vs. features vs. quality - the GR-230 performs extremely well.

[yanathin]

Sounds like a great receiver... but does it come with software (such as TomTom) at all, or would I have to purchase that seperately?

[jmbneaf]

Nice Review Dave. I am thinking about getting one of these.

What type of USB DATA Cable does it use? is it a USB "A" (laptop port) to a (GPS port) USB "B" 4 pin mini or 5 pin mini ?? or is it :roll: proprietary?

I have a couple of these cables laying around and would hate to buy another one and have it already.

Thanks,

Jim

[Dave Potter]

Sounds like a great receiver... but does it come with software (such as TomTom) at all, or would I have to purchase that seperately?

Unfortunately, the receiver does not include navigation software. You would have to purchase it separately.
My review of iGuidance Version 2.0 should be posted soon - check it out. I highly recommend it!

[Dave Potter]

Nice Review Dave. I am thinking about getting one of these.

What type of USB DATA Cable does it use? is it a USB "A" (laptop port) to a (GPS port) USB "B" 4 pin mini or 5 pin mini ?? or is it :roll: proprietary?

I have a couple of these cables laying around and would hate to buy another one and have it already.

Thanks,

Jim

It uses a 5 pin USB "A" (laptop port) to a mini USB "B" (GPS port) cable. I am not sure if it is proprietary or not. Pin specs can be found here:

http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/download/GR-230%20Spec-E.pdf

[Underwater Mike]

Dave,

Nice review. Also some additional rankings over at GPSPassion.com.

This unit was not really high on my list because of the lack of bundled software, but the sale price brings it closer to a decent value. My question is on the battery: I know that it's internal Li-I, but do you know whether the battery is replaceable once it stops holding a charge well?

Thanks.

[jmbneaf]

It uses a 5 pin USB "A" (laptop port) to a mini USB "B" (GPS port) cable. I am note sure if it is proprietary or not. Pin specs can be found here:

http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/download/GR-230%20Spec-E.pdfDave,

Thanks. I already have a cable like that in hand.

-JB

[Dave Potter]

My question is on the battery: I know that it's internal Li-I, but do you know whether the battery is replaceable once it stops holding a charge well?

The battery is not user replaceable, unfortunately.

[Underwater Mike]

The battery is not user replaceable, unfortunately.

Well, I guess that eliminates me worrying about how to explain the purchase to my wife! I am really reluctant to buy anything without a user-replaceable battery. :dilemma:

From the Holux FAQ:
How can I replace the battery for a GR-230 as its is not removable?
So far, we don't suggest user to change the battery since it has to replace form our side. Maybe you concern the battery have to replace, but please be mentioned GR-230 have 1 year warranty, we can replace battery without any charge for you within one year from you purchase it.

[EnderTheThird]

I ordered one of these on E-Bay for $129 shipped about 2 or 3 weeks ago. It works like a charm and I haven't had any problems. It saved me a ton of time last week while I was in Vegas with a rental car. Very nice receiver.

[txcas]

Battery life was also excellent especially considering the unit's compact size and weight.


Can you be more specific? How many hours can you get out of a fully charged battery? Thanks.

[Marcel_Proust]

The Belkin (also known as the Fortuna) is a much better device. I've used both. When upgraded with the new ROM from the Fortuna site, it is a next generation receiver that keeps tracking under even difficult situation. The new rom upgrade fixes some of the slow performance issues associated with the Belkin/Fortuna.
You can also get it for very cheap, once you find the discount code that was posted on these forums.
This is not a bad device, and has very pretty lights, but doesn't compare.

[timware]

I had the Fortuna and returned it for the Holux. The Fortuna/Belkin was running consistently 1-2 sats behind the Holux 230. I was able to compare this to another Fortuna and a Belkin with the same results. In fact, the Fortuna had less sensitivity then my Holux CF gps.

Perhaps the issues were firmware related. The v2 ClipOn is getting rave reviews, some reporting higher sensitivity than the Holux (ST vs ST mode).

I also had some cold start issues with the ClipOn. I know that was firmware related. I suspect that has been addressed as well.

Bottom line, cant lose with either. I dont like the non-replaceable battery thing.. but I found other things I didnt like about the Fortuna as well.

[Dave Potter]

Battery life was also excellent especially considering the unit's compact size and weight.


Can you be more specific? How many hours can you get out of a fully charged battery? Thanks.

I was surpised to find that the battery life was consistent with the manufacturer's claim of 9 hrs. In my experience, battery life is embellished on specs sheets - but in this case, the specs were pretty accurate.

[T-Will]

Does anyone have a link to a head-to-head GPS software review?

[yanathin]

Does anyone have a link to a head-to-head GPS software review?

Yeah, www.gpspassion.com has TONS of articles... They have exactly what you're looking for.

[Underwater Mike]

If the Clip-On was $40 cheaper, I'd snap one up. Just a bit too expensive for me. Wish I could go for the Holux, but the fixed battery is just a deal-killer. :(

[Underwater Mike]

Can you clue me in as to what the discount code might be or when it was posted? My search didn't turn up anything.

EDIT: Never mind, I found it and ordered one of the Belkin units. Geez, I wish I'd known of that code before I bought my BT cards 2 weeks ago!

The Belkin (also known as the Fortuna) is a much better device. I've used both. When upgraded with the new ROM from the Fortuna site, it is a next generation receiver that keeps tracking under even difficult situation. The new rom upgrade fixes some of the slow performance issues associated with the Belkin/Fortuna.
You can also get it for very cheap, once you find the discount code that was posted on these forums.
This is not a bad device, and has very pretty lights, but doesn't compare.

[gpspassion]

It uses a 5 pin USB "A" (laptop port) to a mini USB "B" (GPS port) cable. I am note sure if it is proprietary or not. Pin specs can be found here:

http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/download/GR-230%20Spec-E.pdfDave,

Thanks. I already have a cable like that in hand.

-JB

Actually to use it as a "mouse GPS" (data flow) you'll need a specific cable that has an RS-232 controller built-in. A standard cable will work for charging though.

Since some have asked for a head to head review, here's a link to the Bluetooth GPS Shoot Out (http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=55)

[jmbneaf]

Actually to use it as a "mouse GPS" (data flow) you'll need a specific cable that has an RS-232 controller built-in. A standard cable will work for charging though. Thanks. The USB connector is very misleading. The spec does note it is a TTL (serial) output.

So much for it being a well rounded device; would have been nice to act as a USB GPS mouse and a BT GPS receiver - to much to ask for I guess.

-JB

[Dave Potter]

So much for it being a well rounded device; would have been nice to act as a USB GPS mouse and a BT GPS receiver - to much to ask for I guess.

Actually, it can do both. You just need to purchase the proper cable to use it as a USB GPS mouse. Semsons sells it for $19.99 USD.

[jmbneaf]

Ok - thanks for the clarification.

Seems dumb to me that you have to buy an extra cable then; should be included with the device IMHO.

-JB

[Marcel_Proust]

I had the Fortuna and returned it for the Holux. The Fortuna/Belkin was running consistently 1-2 sats behind the Holux 230. I was able to compare this to another Fortuna and a Belkin with the same results. In fact, the Fortuna had less sensitivity then my Holux CF gps.

Perhaps the issues were firmware related. The v2 ClipOn is getting rave reviews, some reporting higher sensitivity than the Holux (ST vs ST mode).

I also had some cold start issues with the ClipOn. I know that was firmware related. I suspect that has been addressed as well.

Bottom line, cant lose with either. I dont like the non-replaceable battery thing.. but I found other things I didnt like about the Fortuna as well.

Yes, the higher res is only once you do the firmware updates. I don't know if units coming this month already have it on or you do it manually. I found the Holux a fine unit, but the ClipON, at 140 US, to my mind, is better. Also, it's battery is replaceable.
You do need the Xtrac V2 upgrade to make use of the Xtrac. Otherwise it's too slow and not as sensitive.

[Marcel_Proust]

I had the Fortuna and returned it for the Holux. The Fortuna/Belkin was running consistently 1-2 sats behind the Holux 230. I was able to compare this to another Fortuna and a Belkin with the same results. In fact, the Fortuna had less sensitivity then my Holux CF gps.


Perhaps the issues were firmware related. The v2 ClipOn is getting rave reviews, some reporting higher sensitivity than the Holux (ST vs ST mode).

I also had some cold start issues with the ClipOn. I know that was firmware related. I suspect that has been addressed as well.

Bottom line, cant lose with either. I dont like the non-replaceable battery thing.. but I found other things I didnt like about the Fortuna as well.

Yes, the higher res is only once you do the firmware updates. I don't know if units coming this month already have it on or you do it manually. I found the Holux a fine unit, but the ClipON, at 140 US, to my mind, is better. Also, it's battery is replaceable.
You do need the Xtrac V2 upgrade to make use of the Xtrac. Otherwise it's too slow and not as sensitive.

PS - as an addendum - for those not happy with the bundled software whatever receiver you buy, I found the Mapopolis software superior for NA users. It also works well for high res e800.

[Underwater Mike]

Thanks to txcas, I got the Belkin version of the Fortuna Clip-On (which includes software) for $140 + s/h. Thanks txcas! :beer:

[software junkie]

I bought my GR230 BT in Taiwan and accept that the software map PaPaGo was in chinese.
Getting the GR230 to connect was intolerable cruelty, but as everyone on the web had the same problem, - what to do captain??

The GPS software is CRAP !!, Paul Guo from Holux very kindly held my hand through the connections problems by e-mail. Top marks for him.

By setting a new PROFILE in your BTooth settings manager which only has a connection to GPS it will work better.
For Software use Maction GPS Tuner it is the best and I have tried at least 30 different programs. Another good program is VISUALGPSXP

The unit itself is incredibly accurate - better than the Airbus A320 !! It has a good range of 20 m on hte golf course and has a battery life of around 9 hours. I have left it running for 9 hours and still got a signal.

Despite nearly giving it away, I now love it with the downloaded software.

[Underwater Mike]

BTW, been testing the Belkin unit for about a week. The on-screen map and directions are great, but the voice prompts are far enough off that I muted the app. For some reason, using the 3D views give me slight errors on positioning, but the 2D view is dead-on. Rerouting is quick and, so far, very good.

[TheWhiteRabbit]

I've been using the GPS with my old iPaq 3670 and Mapopolis. It was very easy to set up and is dead on as far as accuracy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone. The battery outlasts my ability to drive in one day, so I'm very happy with it. Being able to place the receiver far up on the dash and the Pocket PC where it is best visible to me is a big plus. If anyone wants my eTrek and the cable, watch for it on eBay.

[saywell]

I've just got a gpslim236 and can't get it to pair with my PDA (iPaq 6340 - or 6315 in USA).

I've set PDA to allow other devices to connect, but when I go to BT manager / explore a bluetooth device, it doesn't find the holux.

I can pair it with my PC (though unable to use it with the holux software as the PC allocates it to COM 11 and the holux program only goes up to COM 10 !). So Holux BT is obviously working.

Why can't my PPC see it?

William