Simple bluetooth GPS unit

[mldee]

During my struggles with EQMOD over the last week, I had occasion to try and hook my little matchbox-sized GPS box up to give coordinates to EQMOD. It worked just fine.

I thought I'd pass along the unit info in case anyone wanted such a setup. It's a Holux M1000B, I bought it last year on Ebay for about $80 and used it to feed my netbook PC during a big trip I did last year. Worked in trains, planes and automobiles, including tracking in the French TGV at 300Kph +.

It also comes with a little GPS program to run on your PC or PPC. So now it also feeds my PC+EQ6 :D

I have no affiliation with the mfr, just a very satisfied user. Oh, it works with any bluetooth dongle.

[leinad]

What benefit does it bring ?

[mldee]

Not a great deal...:P That's why I had never bothered.:)

Basically just that EQMOD will talk to it and ensure you have accurate position and time information for your location. Not so important in a fixed obs, but may have some value if you're out traipsing around from a dark spot in the country with your PC-controlled goto.

[sheeny]

I think I have the same one, but I didn't get any software with mine.:sadeyes: I haven't successfully linked to it from my lappy...

I use mine with TomTom software in my phone as an impromptu GPS when going somewhere new.;)

Al.

[mldee]

You can google for the software..it's called 'Mini GPS viewer_PC.exe'

Instal an el cheapo Bluetooth dongle on the lappy and it will generate a virtual serial port service. Pair the GPS unit to the BT and then select the serial port as the BT service. Once it's connected, then run the GPS viewer and setup the correct comm port etc. I used 9600 n81 and it connected OK.
This then sets the 9600 as the default speed for the GPS, and is a compatible speed with EQMOD.

If you bring up EQMOD and select GPS, it will now show the GPS data and time.

Well, at least mine did!:P A small, but notable, exercise in trivia:D

[sheeny]

Thanks Mike. Just downloaded a copy. I already have the dongle.

Al.