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JakeRich · 03-07-03, 04:23 PM

Bucky, we have answers:

Do maps have to be stored on one or the other or can they both be used at the same time? Both can be used at the same time.

Will this [Axim 300] run the pda/gps ok? Yes, it will. The only limitation is the memory at 32 Meg will limit the maps you can actually have loaded at one time, but 32 Meg should be plenty. The one package I know doesn't run will in 32 Meg is PocketMapNavigator from Space Machine but most of the rest fit comfortably in 32 Meg.

Would this [Holux USB] hook up directly to the Axim? No, you cannot hook usb devices to the Axim. It does not serve as a USB host at all.

Is it possible to use the Navman software on a PDA/GPS setup other than the Navman...For example Holux? Don't know this one personally, I suggest you check at www.gpspassion.com.

Why is say the Pharo so much more expensive than the Holux. Only Pharos knows!

Would it be better to buy a low end GPS like a $100 Garmin Etrex or something similar and interface it with the PDA? That way I could go geocaching and leave my expensive PDA in the car.

BINGO! Yes, that is the way to go. I have a Magellan Meridian Gold that I used for "outside" work, and have connected it to my Axim by the serial cable from Dell, a gender changing null modem from Radio Shack and the serial cable from Magellan. As long as the GPS has a serial output and you can get the cable from the GPS manufacturer, you can connect the two. If you are handy with a soldering iron and can get the connector for the GPS, you can even make a very short connector cable yourself.

The strangeness with Serial ports you referred to seem to be associated with the fact that Activesync is constantly looking at the port on the Axim to see if the machine has been put in the cradle or attached to the sync cable. As soon as it sees the change, Activesync starts and grabs the port outputs. The effect is that the GPS unit cannot get its own signals through to the mapping software.

To preclude that happening, some of the Mapping software will let you control the com port directly. I use Mapopolis, which has that feature. I start Mapopolis, light off the GPS unit, then when Mapopolis has finished its startup routines, I tell Mapopolis to connect to the GPS. It captures the port and starts looking. I then plug in the serial connectors from the Magellan to the Ax and it connects. This sequence works every time.

I would suggest you browse over at gpspassion.com for a while, then check with www.Mapopolis.com to see the free demo software they have. You can just buy the Florida maps, or the entire country if you wish. The maps are a bit expensive, but they are accurate and the voice prompts on the top end maps are really handy when you are driving around. You don't have to look at the screen to know what you need to do! (MY old eyes don't need the strain, either!

)

03-07-03, 04:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
JakeRich Aximsite Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 7,873 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Bucky, we have answers: Do maps have to be stored on one or the other or can they both be used at the same time? Both can be used at the same time. Will this [Axim 300] run the pda/gps ok? Yes, it will. The only limitation is the memory at 32 Meg will limit the maps you can actually have loaded at one time, but 32 Meg should be plenty. The one package I know doesn't run will in 32 Meg is PocketMapNavigator from Space Machine but most of the rest fit comfortably in 32 Meg. Would this [Holux USB] hook up directly to the Axim? No, you cannot hook usb devices to the Axim. It does not serve as a USB host at all. Is it possible to use the Navman software on a PDA/GPS setup other than the Navman...For example Holux? Don't know this one personally, I suggest you check at www.gpspassion.com. Why is say the Pharo so much more expensive than the Holux. Only Pharos knows! Would it be better to buy a low end GPS like a $100 Garmin Etrex or something similar and interface it with the PDA? That way I could go geocaching and leave my expensive PDA in the car. BINGO! Yes, that is the way to go. I have a Magellan Meridian Gold that I used for "outside" work, and have connected it to my Axim by the serial cable from Dell, a gender changing null modem from Radio Shack and the serial cable from Magellan. As long as the GPS has a serial output and you can get the cable from the GPS manufacturer, you can connect the two. If you are handy with a soldering iron and can get the connector for the GPS, you can even make a very short connector cable yourself. The strangeness with Serial ports you referred to seem to be associated with the fact that Activesync is constantly looking at the port on the Axim to see if the machine has been put in the cradle or attached to the sync cable. As soon as it sees the change, Activesync starts and grabs the port outputs. The effect is that the GPS unit cannot get its own signals through to the mapping software. To preclude that happening, some of the Mapping software will let you control the com port directly. I use Mapopolis, which has that feature. I start Mapopolis, light off the GPS unit, then when Mapopolis has finished its startup routines, I tell Mapopolis to connect to the GPS. It captures the port and starts looking. I then plug in the serial connectors from the Magellan to the Ax and it connects. This sequence works every time. I would suggest you browse over at gpspassion.com for a while, then check with www.Mapopolis.com to see the free demo software they have. You can just buy the Florida maps, or the entire country if you wish. The maps are a bit expensive, but they are accurate and the voice prompts on the top end maps are really handy when you are driving around. You don't have to look at the screen to know what you need to do! (MY old eyes don't need the strain, either! )