Connecting a GPS receiver to a laptop. How to make a GPS navigator out of a laptop Classification by connection method
It is a very useful, and sometimes simple and irreplaceable device. With it, you can easily determine your current position, pave the way to your destination and back. That is, this equipment allows you to turn an ordinary laptop into a full-fledged functional navigator.
What is a GPS receiver
This name is understood as a system. At the heart of its work is the reception of signals from several satellites. Their average number is 6. Based on the received data, the current location of the GPS receiver is calculated. This is how such a system works.
Also on the market you can find a GPS receiver "GLONASS". Its main difference from the previously considered is in the state affiliation. That is, GPS is an American development, and GLONASS is domestic. In the technical aspect, these systems differ in that the movement of satellites used in Russian technology is not synchronized with the rotation of the Earth. This results in a higher level of reading stability. But, unfortunately, the service life of GLONASS satellites is much shorter.
Classification by connection method
This type of device is connected to a laptop using a cable. For this, the USB interface is used, which is available on almost all models of portable computers. The receiver does not require additional power to operate.
Bluetooth
Connecting an external GPS module to a laptop is done wirelessly. The distance between devices should not exceed 10 meters. The navigation equipment itself operates either from the mains electricity, or from a battery, or from batteries.
for laptop
Don't buy the first gadget you see. Correct functioning depends on several important parameters.
First, you should pay attention to such an indicator as the cold start time. It displays how long the equipment will turn on after a long period of inactivity. For expensive models, this indicator can be only a couple of seconds, while for budget options, its value can reach several minutes.
Secondly, the sensitivity of the receiver is of great importance. With a low value of this parameter, the device may stop receiving a signal even when the weather conditions change or when getting into a vehicle. An indicator of 150 dbm is considered optimal.
How to use
The first step is to install software for working with navigation equipment. Usually it comes with the device itself. If not, then you can download third-party software.
When the drivers are installed, you can launch the navigation software. Applications that come with the device usually recognize the GPS equipment themselves. But sometimes this doesn't happen. Also, this can happen when using third-party software. In this case, you must manually specify your laptop GPS receiver in the application settings.
- Laptop running under Windows control XP or Windows Vista
- External GPS receiver connected via Bluetooth
Step 1: Connecting the Receiver
External GPS receivers are connected to the laptop via Bluetooth. For details on how to connect a laptop and an external GPS receiver via Bluetooth, read our article.
Step 2. Set up the COM port
In order for the navigation program to "see" the GPS receiver, that is, to be able to receive location data from it, you must specify the settings of the virtual COM port through which the program connects to the GPS receiver. Thus, through the "virtual", which does not physically exist in the form of a wire connection, "port", data will be sent from the receiver to the navigation program. But first you need to find out these COM port settings: that is, its number in the system. You can read the instructions for the device or determine the COM port that connects the GPS receiver to the navigation program using an additional utility, such as GPSinfo - it is usually present on the disk that comes with the GPS receiver. You should install this program on your computer, run it and select the option Scan COM-ports ("Scan COM-ports"). The program will check the virtual COM ports of the system and you will see which COM port is used by the GPS receiver. At this stage, it will not be superfluous to check the performance of the GPS receiver. To do this, select the COM port that works with the receiver and click the Start GPS button. If everything works, then in the lower part of the program window the lines for receiving data from satellites of the global positioning system should "run". After finishing work with the GPSinfo program, it must be stopped by closing the program window (or by clicking Stop GPS), otherwise it will not allow the navigation program to connect to the GPS receiver.
The GPS-navigator ceases to be just an assistant in orienting motorists on the roads. Today, the navigator is able to determine the exact location, notify about traffic jams. The GPS receiver will provide information about the features of the terrain. To transfer data and download updated maps, the GPS navigator is connected to a desktop computer or laptop. Connection with a laptop prevails because of its mobility and versatility.
The Bluetooth function is convenient for finding a navigator by a laptop because it does not need additional equipment. Which is very convenient to save space. The GPS receiver needs to be turned on. Launch the Bluetooth function on the laptop that is on. Through the control panel, go to the "Bluetooth Devices" folder, click the "Add" button. In the list of detected devices, select the name of the navigator. Launch the setup wizard. If for some reason wireless connection cannot be used, a cable with a USB connector will help connect the devices. Often the GPS receiver is automatically detected by the laptop. If there is no automatic detection of the GPS navigator, you need to use the driver disk. It comes with a GPS navigator. Otherwise, drivers for the required model can be found on the receiver manufacturer's website.
Navigation on a laptop has more functionality and visibility than in portable GPS receivers. From a variety of maps, you can choose the most suitable one, quickly plan and coordinate the route.
Today, GPS navigation has become commonplace. So it won't surprise anyone. Naturally, there are many devices on sale in the form of mobile GPS navigators installed in the car. But some users are not satisfied with them. Drivers decide to use their own laptop as a navigator. Well, the idea is good. But there are a few important points to pay attention to.
Basics of GPS Navigation
Before talking about what a laptop navigator is, you should take a short digression into the history of the global positioning system (GPS). The idea came up in the 1960s. last century. It was implemented 20 years later. Now, speaking of GPS and without going into technical details, it can be noted that the entire system is built on three main components. These are space satellites, ground receiving and transmitting stations and navigators themselves.
Satellites revolve around the Earth in circular orbits (20200 km) with a frequency of 11 hours 58 minutes, making a full circle in a sidereal day (23 hours 56 minutes). GPS navigation, roughly speaking, is based on measuring the difference in the time of transmission and reception of a signal. In this way, the distance between several points is determined. The satellites rotate in six planes (four satellites in each). There are 32 modules in one segment. This makes it possible to determine the location of any moving transceiver with high accuracy.
Using maps
With the development of computer technology, electronic cards appeared in the world. Of course, a laptop navigator can use them, but there is one small problem. The fact is that without a GPS connection, it will be simply impossible to track the current location either on the navigator itself or on the laptop. Such maps are suitable only for figuring out the desired route of movement, nothing more.
It goes without saying that modern electronic charts are very accurate. There are even 3D models. Naturally, they are all updated periodically. Probably, there is no need to explain that there can be many reasons for this, for example, the construction of new residential areas, the laying of new roads, etc.
Choosing a GPS Receiver
All idealists should immediately upset. No laptop navigator will work without a connection tool. In this case, there are two main solutions. Probably, any user will object, they say, why connect a standard navigator to a laptop if you can use it standalone? Note that connecting a laptop to a global positioning system has its advantages. Agree, the laptop has a larger screen.
The first way is to use an antenna. Plus it is that the antenna can be freely moved. In the second case, a special device is used, similar to a regular USB flash drive. But both devices connect to a laptop either via Bluetooth or using a universal USB port. What exactly to choose, everyone decides for himself. A flash drive device for a laptop is best, although signal loss may occur in some cases.
Software
Although a laptop GPS navigator has accompanying software in terms of installing the same drivers or maps, nevertheless, many experts recommend using third-party software that is universal for all types of devices connected to laptops from different manufacturers. A laptop navigator, when combined into one system, can use two types of software: offline programs and applications that require the Internet or GPS.
For example, the Microsoft Auto Route app is best for exploring local attractions. There is detailed description, say, monuments or museums, as well as detailed instructions for the driver. The only negative is that you will have to constantly monitor updates, because construction does not stand still. In the case of using programs with an Internet or GPS connection, the chances of finding the shortest route and avoiding some unforeseen situations increase significantly. This is understandable, because you can control your location on the map at any given moment. Moreover, the latest information about the state of roads in terms of traffic jams, etc. is always transmitted from the satellites.
Device Compatibility
In order to connect a laptop GPS navigator directly to the system, you first need to install the drivers. This is done in the standard way. Either the "OS" itself will detect the device and install the appropriate driver, or you will have to install it manually using the original distribution. Next, you will need to synchronize the laptop navigator with the computer system. When using a cable and a USB port, there should be no problems. When connecting via Bluetooth, you will need to activate the connection on the laptop (it is always active on the receiver), and then proceed to search for devices. When the receiver or navigator is detected, the connection will be established. You can get to work.
Advantages and disadvantages
There is much disagreement about the pros and cons of such integrated systems. But it is not difficult to formulate the most important theses. The main advantage is that the considered system has a higher accuracy in determining the current location. But the main disadvantage is the size of the laptop. After all, it is clear that you cannot put a laptop on a panel under the windshield - there is not enough space. And leaving him on the seat next to him is also not an option. Well, you won’t turn your head to the right every couple of minutes!? Now it is worth thinking about the advisability of using such systems. At least in cars it is very inconvenient. Trucks are another matter. Truckers who travel on European routes certainly have a place to place such a unique GPS system.
Unlike many "gadgets", a laptop has a significant advantage - versatility. One and the same device can serve its owner as a working tool, an entertainment center, a music player, a cinema ... The scope of laptops is very wide. With the help of simple actions from a laptop, you can even make GPS navigator. To do this, you need to solve only three tasks: equip a laptop with a GPS receiver, install the appropriate software and conveniently place all this in the car.
Welcome, welcome!
The GPS receiver can be connected via USB or via BlueTooth. USB GPS receiver is more convenient in terms of power supply. It does not need a battery or an additional cable to connect to the cigarette lighter, there is no need to charge such a module at home. A USB receiver can be in the form of an antenna and a wire, or it can look like a regular USB flash drive.
The second option is more compact, but there may be problems with the quality of signal reception; such an antenna cannot be placed on the dashboard and not brought out. However, modern GPS receivers are sufficiently sensitive, so in most cases you can choose any option. The BlueTooth receiver is convenient in that it can be used not only with a laptop. Such a receiver is suitable as an external GPS for a pocket computer or smartphone.
It's all about the cards
There are quite a few navigation programs that can be installed on a laptop. They differ functionality and available cards. Listing them all is a rather tedious task, but a few words need to be said about the main programs. For off-road travel, the OziExplorer program is suitable. It allows you to use the usual scanned maps of the area. Paper maps still outperform electronic maps in terms of quality and topography details. But for driving on roads and in the city, it is better to use programs that work with electronic GPS maps.
CityGuide is famous for its high-quality and detailed map of St. Petersburg, as well as the ability to receive information about traffic jams. For GIS Russa, there are many free maps drawn by enthusiasts. Garmin MobilePC is an in-car navigation software from the world leader in navigation. The Garmin MobilePC interface is closest to the usual car navigator and is simple and understandable even for a novice user.
Now let's try to take off with all this!
The most difficult thing is to install the laptop in the car in such a way that it does not fall or slide while driving, on sharp turns and during emergency braking. The easiest mounting option is a passenger in the next seat, holding a laptop tightly in his hands. At the same time, you can appoint him as a navigator, then the driver can not be distracted by the screen at all. You can try to fix the laptop on the dashboard using a substrate with a non-slip base. Not the most reliable option and only suitable for small laptops. You can securely install a laptop of any size using a special car bracket. Such a mount is not cheap, but the design inspires confidence and allows the driver to use the laptop on their own without worrying about its safety.
Using a laptop as a navigator is quite justified. Large display, versatility, the ability to use different navigation programs. If we take into account that regular navigators with a large screen, which are put in the place of a two-din radio, are quite comparable in price to a new laptop of a medium and even high class, then a laptop + GPS turns out to be not only a convenient, but also an economically justified solution. Therefore, to all those who appreciate functionality and do not want to carry a bunch of different equipment with them, we recommend that you simply get a small GPS navigator for your laptop, solving the navigation problem once and for all.
The article was prepared by Susanin specialists
