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[GPS] Re: gps for axims
by AlexMandel
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>>>> Jane Arnold 12/5/2007 12:02 PM >>>
> Linda
> here is one potential GPS for the axims.
> http://reviews.cnet.com/gps-kits/pharos-igps-pocket-gps/4505-9337_7-31230283.html?tag=prod.txt.4
> Let me know what you think,
> Jane
>
>>>> Linda Miller 12/5/2007 2:57 PM >>>
> Jane,
>
> I talked to Doug about the PDA/GPS integration. I guess I had
> misunderstood, he has not looked into the GPS integration. The fisheries
> applications he has worked with do not require it. However, he agreed to
> talk with Alex Mandel in Sacramento, who has worked with PDA/GPS integration
> a lot. Can you tell us what PDA models you are working with?
>
> Also, Doug did look up quickly in the Visual CE manual that there is a way
> to add a command button to your application to communicate with external
> devices. So as long as you have a way to connect the GPS to your PDA, you
> just have to add the button, and a new field to your database.
> Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to do it for you at this time.
>
> Doug will also ask Alex if there are any particular GPS units that talk well
> with the PDAs. Doug, one thing that may be important is GPS units that do
> best under canopy. Also, maybe Alex has some feedback on the Pharos ipgs
> that Jane provided a link to below.
>
> Linda
>>>> Jane Arnold 12/5/2007 3:56 PM >>>
> Linda,
> Thanks. Yes, I am aware of the GPS information in the Visual CE manual.
> Linking the pda and GPS in the field seems the most problematic as well as
> setting up the database to include GPS data.
> We mostly have Dell Axims X30s and X51s. I think we have a couple of older
> Axims as well.
> I would love feed back on what GPS to use. I think there are several that
> can connect to pdas via bluetooth, however, these are for field use so we
> encase the pdas in a waterproof Otter Box. We will need GPS that can not
> only get a signal in canopy and topographic shade but also be dropped in
> water or on rocks.
> Thanks for all the help from both of you.
> Jane
>>> On 12/5/2007 at 16:09, Doug Burch <DBurch@...> wrote:
> Hi Alex,
>
> I left you a phone message regarding this. Again, sorry to hit you up with a
> tech. support call, but I think that you could probably get me up to speed on
> what you've learned fairly quickly, and I could take it from there.
>
> Hope to hear from you.
> Thanks, Doug
>>>> Jane Arnold 12/5/2007 12:02 PM >>>
> Linda
> here is one potential GPS for the axims.
> http://reviews.cnet.com/gps-kits/pharos-igps-pocket-gps/4505-9337_7-31230283.html?tag=prod.txt.4
> Let me know what you think,
> Jane
>
>>>> Linda Miller 12/5/2007 2:57 PM >>>
> Jane,
>
> I talked to Doug about the PDA/GPS integration. I guess I had
> misunderstood, he has not looked into the GPS integration. The fisheries
> applications he has worked with do not require it. However, he agreed to
> talk with Alex Mandel in Sacramento, who has worked with PDA/GPS integration
> a lot. Can you tell us what PDA models you are working with?
>
> Also, Doug did look up quickly in the Visual CE manual that there is a way
> to add a command button to your application to communicate with external
> devices. So as long as you have a way to connect the GPS to your PDA, you
> just have to add the button, and a new field to your database.
> Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to do it for you at this time.
>
> Doug will also ask Alex if there are any particular GPS units that talk well
> with the PDAs. Doug, one thing that may be important is GPS units that do
> best under canopy. Also, maybe Alex has some feedback on the Pharos ipgs
> that Jane provided a link to below.
>
> Linda
>>>> Jane Arnold 12/5/2007 3:56 PM >>>
> Linda,
> Thanks. Yes, I am aware of the GPS information in the Visual CE manual.
> Linking the pda and GPS in the field seems the most problematic as well as
> setting up the database to include GPS data.
> We mostly have Dell Axims X30s and X51s. I think we have a couple of older
> Axims as well.
> I would love feed back on what GPS to use. I think there are several that
> can connect to pdas via bluetooth, however, these are for field use so we
> encase the pdas in a waterproof Otter Box. We will need GPS that can not
> only get a signal in canopy and topographic shade but also be dropped in
> water or on rocks.
> Thanks for all the help from both of you.
> Jane
>>> On 12/5/2007 at 16:09, Doug Burch <DBurch@...> wrote:
> Hi Alex,
>
> I left you a phone message regarding this. Again, sorry to hit you up with a
> tech. support call, but I think that you could probably get me up to speed on
> what you've learned fairly quickly, and I could take it from there.
>
> Hope to hear from you.
> Thanks, Doug
Quick Answer:
Any Bluetooth GPS that transmits NMEA strings will work.
I've tested:
* Delorme Bluelogger (Not recommended, there are better cheaper options now)
* Holux M-1000 - Decent, cheap, not tested under high canopy
There's been a lot of talk about the new MTK chipset vs. the Sirf III, both look good.
Check out a comparison in urban settingshttp://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=175&page=5
* iBlue 757 has a built in Solar Charger which looks pretty sweet. http://www.semsons.com/i757prosobtd.html
Most of the options are represented on http://www.semsons.com/bluetgpsrec.html
If you want it waterproof put it in a case or bag, since there's no need to hold it in your hand, your fairly unlikely to drop it if it's clipped to your pack.
Visual CE:
To read the GPS you need to write a macro that scans the com port.
It's a little complicated and better if I show you an example and explain it.
Ports mentioned here are for the x50 and may vary by device.
1. I use JAL splitter to split the incoming Bluetooth on Port 7 to a virtual feed on mulitple ports (X50)
http://www.gpsmeter.com/index.php?page=portsplitter
Port 6 - Visual CE
Port 4 - Ozi Explorer
2.In Visual CE you need a macro to open the COM and read the value to a variable. You can then either store the full variable or split it using the built in GPS functions @lat @lon and @alt
Take a peak at the Observation.vce file, you'll need to have RADB.cdb loaded on a connected PDA to open it (or emulator).
The location for RADB.cdb is \My Documents\RADB\RADB.cdb
As and alternative you can use the exe installer to do it for you.
Download the sample installer from http://www.cdfg-rap.net/applications/apps/pdaapps/copy_of_RapDB.exe/
The macro is the set of gray buttons running in order top down just off the main screen to the right. The macro is triggered by the READ GPS button.
If I wanted to store the full NMEA I would add a calculation that stores @var(0) to a field called NMEA in my OBSERVATION table. I know I've tested this to prove it works but don't remember where that beta is right now.
I think this highlights exactly why I want to get all of our forms and knowledge into some central places.
Alex
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