| Author |
Message |
    
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 04:39 pm: | 
|
does anyone here actually used a garmin 176 GPS and has hooked it up to a laptop and used it as an antenna for a delorme or similar program? i hear people saying it can be done , but it never mentions it on the website. so before i buy i want to know. |
Ken
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 04:59 pm: |
|
I have done it with the Garmin II and Garmin III if that helps
Ken |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 05:15 pm: |
|
thanks , i'll look into the descriptions of these two and see if they are similar. i have to go out to a store that actually carries these things and compare i guess.
rd |
ken
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 05:36 pm: |
|
Why not just use a gps antennea. I't is cheaper and works just as well. Also less wire to deal with. You just plug one end into you cig. lighter and the other end into you computer. I have used this configuration as well
Ken |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 06:20 pm: |
|
i wont always use the laptop, ken. for around town i loved my lowrance 1600 unit. it was addicting having it on the dash keeping my speed , elevation, trip timer, etc.
the laptop will be more of an extension of the unit for long road trips where i dont want to worry about running out of space for my trail. or uploading detailed maps for all the cities i'll be crossing thru to get across the country.
i was originally considering the rino from garmin. i thought it would be a nice hand held unit with frs and act as my laptop antenna. but it's release is being delayed and it doesn't have an external antenna. i still want to buy it maybe next year after i get some feed back.
rd |
Peter Carey (Pcarey)
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 07:57 pm: |
|
Rob,
Garmin's site lists an AC/PC connector so I assume it would.
http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10277%2D00
Just need to make sure Delorme would work with that model. I used to use my old Garmin 45 with MapnGo and it worked great, including directions. I still have the 45 but that was back in the day when getting 8 satellites was cool (in the vein of "I've been using GPS long before any of ya." :-)
And according to Delorme's site, TopoUSA works with Garmin. That's the way to go baby....3D mapping....
pwc |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 09:59 pm: |
|
ken,
An antenna alone won't work, you have to have a GPS processor. Most handheld GPS units consist of the antenna, a processor, and an interface.
DeLorme makes some simpler GPS units that don't have controls or a display, they're just the antenna and the processor together, that require a laptop to receive the data for display. It looks like an antenna, but, it's not just...
-L
PS: Peter, I was using GPS units a decade ago...  |
ken
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 01:42 am: |
|
Leslie
That is the one I was talkong about. I didn't know what all was in it but I knew it had to have somthing as it is much bigger then a normal GPS antennea
Ken |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 09:06 am: |
|
like i said, it would be nice not to read into the webpage and talk to someone thats done it.
i downloaded the 176 manual on pdf and it accepts a ton of different languages , so to speak.
including some that none of the other models read, but wouldn't you know i cant find the box to my delorme software to compare.
i'll just have to buy it from someone with a return policy.
rd
p.s. i invented GPS, fuck all of you.
|
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:04 pm: |
|
the response from delorme seems to suggest, when compared to the garmin-176 manual that it will track on my laptop like i want it to.
Quote:Dear Rob,
Thank you for your interest in our products!
I can tell you that if your GPS unit is a NMEA 0183 version 2.0 or higher,
your unit should track on our maps when connected to a laptop or handheld
device. You would not be able to view our maps on your GPS, but would be
able to make waypoints.
I hope this helps. Have a great day!
Amy D.
DeLorme Mapping
see next post for scan of garmin 176 manual |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:06 pm: |
|
 |
PerroneFord
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 04:54 pm: |
|
That's the common Garmin connection. You just buy the interface cable that has that thing on one end, and the PC connection on the other. Or you can buy that has that 4 pin connection on one end, and a 12V plug and PC Connection. That's how I have mine hooked up. I also use a Rockwell external antenna. Works like gangbusters and I never lose lock. Not even in parking garages.
Enjoy your new GPS |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 05:46 pm: |
|
thanks P
that helps alot as i was contemplating the difference between those two plugs. i think i'll go with the first one as i dont want to have a cord cluttering up the dash unless i'm using the laptop.
are you saying the rockwell antena will fit the Garmin? i will look into it and post back, the garmin external antenna is listed at ~$100 on the garmin site, i figure i can get it for 80 or so.
rd |
PerroneFord
| | Posted on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 12:05 am: |
|
There are a number of external antenna that will fit. The Garmin use a common coax connection on the unit. My unit is a mil-spec unit usually found on the backpack of special forces guys (my Ranger buddy has exactly the same unit). It has a different connection, but has a custom cable to connect them.
Look for the mighty mouse antenna. It's one of the best on the market, at a fair price. Buying the one I have new would set you back a few hundred bucks. The Mighty Mouse is around $70 and worth every dime. |
Peter Carey (Pcarey)
| | Posted on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 01:28 pm: |
|
Hay Rob, I may have that first kind of cable Perrone was talking about to sell ya. Of course, not until I get the sway bar. :-)
And I think I still have my external suction mount thingy for the garmin ant. It basiclly is just a connector cord where you remove the ant. from the unit and stick it on the end of a suction mount.
Although, IMHO, I'd go with the cord that has the 12V power as well. Sucks putting batteries in all the time.
pwc |
Peter Carey (Pcarey)
| | Posted on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 01:29 pm: |
|
PS I invented acronyms. |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 11:23 am: |
|
well i dont know about some scuktion thingy. i am drilling into the dash and hard wiring this baby in. i was biddin on one without the cords and stuff on ebay but the price shot up and became a rip off..
i'm buying new now. just cant decide on color or BW i hear the color isn't so good during the day but is the best at night.
i will be buying an external antenna, i'll check out the mighty max
rd |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 03:11 pm: |
|
THE OFFICIAL FROM GARMIN:
Quote:Thank you for contacting GARMIN International,
Yes, you can take our unit and use it as an antenna to do real-time-tracking on a PC. Since we do not sell units direct to the public you will have to purchase the unit through a
dealer. The 176C is a new unit and we do not have older units that we have sold to our dealers.
As for the rebate program, it is only for those fixed mount marine units listed on our website under promotions. If you have any other questions please let us know.
Happy Navigating!
Best regards,
J. Knowles
Product Support Specialist
Garmin International
will let you know on monday if the bastards were lying to me.
rd |
PerroneFord
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 11:46 pm: |
|
Rob,
I don't know that I'd go for the color. The monochrome is a lot easier to look at. Usually sharper as well. Ever been to a TV studio? Notice that all the video alignment equipment and critical studio monitors are B&W? Far easier to make them sharper and cleaner than color. Keeps some dough in your pocket too..
Enjoy your GPS!
-P |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 10:44 am: |
|
yes, but the allure of color has succumb me, even after warnings of the color being washed out in bright sun. my cousin has a color screen in his acura, built in. i go back and my lowranced looked like a fish finder after.
anyway, i got the color for the price of BW, should be here tommorow or monday
rd
(never been to a tv studio) |
PerroneFord
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 11:30 am: |
|
Let us know how it goes.. I wish I could afford one of them fancy units... I'll just have to live with my 14" laptop screen!
-P |
Peter Carey (Pcarey)
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 02:18 pm: |
|
That Lowrance IS a fish finder. I was thinking of hooking up the depth sounder to the dif. so I could see how much clearance I had, but then it'd probably only work in water.
If you're using the garmin just as an antenna and using a laptop in the rig most of the time, shouldn't be a problem.
pwc |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 05:01 pm: |
|
Around town the garmin will be the main GPS long trips the laptop will be the main GPS.
the 176c is a fish finder too,, just have to get e the shizit to hook it up.
the lowrance is missing the sonar plug so you'd have to split it open.
i actually hae an above water deoth guage i'm going to rig up in the range rover, and implant the beakon in the rear bumper.
hehe
rd |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 12:32 pm: |
|
got the unit installed last week and have been playing around. the antenna blows, it takes a bout 15 minutes to lock on and is slow to update speed and things. i am pretty sure the Range Rover windsheild is not helping having all those wires.
(ezpass for toll roads is even effected buy the heated windsheild)
i havn't bought the computer cable yet so i havent tested it with the laptop.
need to look into getting an external antenna soon.
the color is awsome, doesnt fade too badly in the sun, completely acceptable.
rd |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 12:37 pm: |
|
Hmmm..... my Garmin came with a cable.... guess that's just different with different models...
YES! the wires in a heated windscreen really screw up reception, making an external antenna a must.
Hope you enjoy it....
-L |
perroneford
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 12:53 pm: |
|
Rob,
Believe me, the external antenna will change everything. Look into the ones I told you about. You won't be disappointed. And you'll maintain lock where others are having trouble. Don't pay more than about $75 for one though.
Glad you're enjoying the unit. You may want to look into changing your lighter plug hot all the time like I did if you want to have your GPS on all the time. I never shut mine down.
-P
-P |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 01:08 pm: |
|
yes, i didn't mention it but i did grab the power from the lighter as i was in a hurry. the old truck was hard wired and was much better. it lets you use the ellapesed time and all those features.
i'm going to run a wire direct from the battery as it's easier than searcing for a hot lead.
i cant say how easy it was to install, you take out that center tray and you can fish anything down to the bottom of the dash with ease.
i do have the cable , actually.. i forgot, i just wished it wasnt serial port, i thought i read something about USB so i was going to look into that.
i'll post a pciture later.
glad to hear the external antenna cures all.
later
rob |
perroneford
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 01:55 pm: |
|
What's the matter with serial cable? There isn't much data going across that wire. Serial works quite well..
-P |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 04:42 pm: |
|
well i dont know how fast it is but it's so clunky and 1980's looking ;)
actually, i thought i came up with a pretty cool thing. i have all the wire laying in the dash behing the clock, to access it you just pop the clock out and the cord is right there.
of course my clock was broken so that was some of the motivation.
rd |
gp (Garrett)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 05:54 pm: |
|
yeah the cable should have come with it for sure. my 176 did. and it takes between 30 sec. and 2 min. to start tracking 3 or more satilites. seems a bit long. |
perroneford
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 09:56 pm: |
|
With my external antenna, I locked 6+ satellites in under 30 seconds. Usually in 20 seconds or so. Warm starts and cold starts are different and cold starts take longer. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page