I just placed an order for a Holux GR-236 from buygpsnow.com which should be here early next week. (thanks Aximsite for the 10% off code!) While I'm waiting, I've been looking around for software that I can use with it on my X30. Not necessarily the big mapping software (which I'll look into later), but utility software. Something like Ministumbler which I believe has GPS capability. Can anyone recommend their favorite GPS apps? (free and pay are both fine) Thanks!
Something like Ministumbler which I believe has GPS capability.
Ministumbler does have GPS logging. I'd like to find a PDA app that uses GPS to log driving performance data, like what automotive magazines use for road tests.
If you're into geocaching (GPS-guided high-tech treasure hunts), I'd recommend GPXSonar (http://gpxsonar.homeip.net/default.aspx) for decoding and displaying GPX files downloaded from Geocaching.com.
If you just want to know where you are and some Points of Interest nearby, Pocket Streets (free with Microsoft Streets and Trips) does a good job.
When you decide to buy GPS navigation software, stay away from Arkon's MobiNavigator. It's a rebranded iGuidance package, so I figured I'd support Arkon since their hardware is very good. From multiple emails back and forth with their customer service, it looks like the version I bought (their first and only version) will NOT be made WM5-compatible despite the fact that iGuidance has a patch that makes it so.
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Ministumbler does have GPS logging. I'd like to find a PDA app that uses GPS to log driving performance data, like what automotive magazines use for road tests.
Wouldn't that require direct hookup to the car's computer? That'd be very interesting, but it sounds very expensive. :)
I highly recommend the free Loxtrax program available at Magnalox. (I am not affiliated in any way with the site other than as a user.)
It creates GPS logfiles that I record/store on my Axim and is a great way to chart courses, check speeds, elevations, etc. It then can be used with Google Earth or other mapping programs... You can also add in pictures later to turn it into a travelogue.
Here is from the website:
Magnalox visualizes GPS logfiles as annotated, interactive tracks displayed on maps or in three dimensions using Google Earth. It can be understood as a new kind of travelogues, which can enriched with texts, photos and links.
If you're into geocaching (GPS-guided high-tech treasure hunts), I'd recommend GPXSonar (http://gpxsonar.homeip.net/default.aspx) for decoding and displaying GPX files downloaded from Geocaching.com.
I haven't tried geocaching yet though I am somewhat familar with it. My coworker and I have setup a cache near our workplace which seems to get some traffic once in awhile.
With the addition of GPS to my PDA, I may explore the geocache scene in further detail. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
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When you decide to buy GPS navigation software, stay away from Arkon's MobiNavigator. It's a rebranded iGuidance package, so I figured I'd support Arkon since their hardware is very good. From multiple emails back and forth with their customer service, it looks like the version I bought (their first and only version) will NOT be made WM5-compatible despite the fact that iGuidance has a patch that makes it so.
So what mapping software would you recommend? They look visually about the same to me, I really haven't dug deep into researching them though. Most of the time I will be using the GPS with my laptop where I have Street Atlas. But for shorter trips and misc events like geocaching, it'd be fun to have some mapping software for the PDA. Thanks again for the info!
I highly recommend the free Loxtrax program available at Magnalox. (I am not affiliated in any way with the site other than as a user.)
It creates GPS logfiles that I record/store on my Axim and is a great way to chart courses, check speeds, elevations, etc. It then can be used with Google Earth or other mapping programs... You can also add in pictures later to turn it into a travelogue.
Oooh, that looks pretty darn cool. Thanks for the link!
So what mapping software would you recommend? They look visually about the same to me, I really haven't dug deep into researching them though. Most of the time I will be using the GPS with my laptop where I have Street Atlas. But for shorter trips and misc events like geocaching, it'd be fun to have some mapping software for the PDA. Thanks again for the info!
Stan
From just about all accounts, iGuidance is good software. I LIKE Arkon's version of it on my x50v with WM 2003SE. The only problem is that if I were to upgrade to WM5, Arkon's version won't work.
[Edit: You're NOT using an x51v like I originally assumed.]
I'd recommend that if you want software based on iGuidance, get the real deal and just stick with iGuidance. They update fairly regularly.
I haven't tried OnCourse Navigator, TomTom, or Destinator so I can't really vouch for them. There are a few sticky threads in the GPS section that weighs pros and cons. Look for ones started by ikehiker. He's the GPS guru on here.
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Last edited by Inertial; 01-27-06 at 11:25 AM.
Reason: Dangit. I've got to learn to READ.
For Navigation software I use Pharos Ostia, it is very accurate and smooth running. I have heard some complain that it isnt "user friendly" but I have no trouble using it, just a matter of taking the time to learn the features and how to use it then its simple. For Geocaching I use Delorme Topo and the Pharos Ostia together and it works great.
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When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight... US Marines!
For Navigation software I use Pharos Ostia, it is very accurate and smooth running. I have heard some complain that it isnt "user friendly" but I have no trouble using it, just a matter of taking the time to learn the features and how to use it then its simple. For Geocaching I use Delorme Topo and the Pharos Ostia together and it works great.
You're a cacher too? Cool! What's your user name? Mine is, of course, Inertial .
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Side note, I definately agree with the comment about the quality of Akron's hardware, I just got my Arkon mount the other day and have been very impressed, so much so I did a little write up about it, http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=114701 if you need a mount Arkon is the way to go in my humble opinion...
__________________
Semper Fi,
The Gunns
When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight... US Marines!
Last edited by USMC - Retired; 01-27-06 at 11:40 AM.
From just about all accounts, iGuidance is good software. I LIKE Arkon's version of it on my x50v with WM 2003SE. The only problem is that if I were to upgrade to WM5, Arkon's version won't work. [Edit: You're NOT using an x51v like I originally assumed.]
Yeah, I don't plan on getting a new PDA anytime soon, so my WM2003SE and X30 will do me just fine. :)
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I'd recommend that if you want software based on iGuidance, get the real deal and just stick with iGuidance. They update fairly regularly.
I'll research that one and see if it will suit my needs. I definitely like buying software from companies that regularly support/update their stuff.
Quote:
I haven't tried OnCourse Navigator, TomTom, or Destinator so I can't really vouch for them. There are a few sticky threads in the GPS section that weighs pros and cons. Look for ones started by ikehiker. He's the GPS guru on here.
Sounds good, I will do that. Thanks again for your help and information!
For Navigation software I use Pharos Ostia, it is very accurate and smooth running. I have heard some complain that it isnt "user friendly" but I have no trouble using it, just a matter of taking the time to learn the features and how to use it then its simple. For Geocaching I use Delorme Topo and the Pharos Ostia together and it works great.
That one doesn't look too shabby to me. The feature list looks good anyways. :) Do they have support forums and decent customer support? Thanks for the info!
Same as here, USMC - Retired
Side note, I definately agree with the comment about the quality of Akron's hardware, I just got my Arkon mount the other day and have been very impressed, so much so I did a little write up about it, http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=114701 if you need a mount Arkon is the way to go in my humble opinion...
Thanks for the info on the software and mount. I'm getting the 'free' Akron vent mount from buygpsnow.com with my order, so I will see how that works. Not real optimistic on the stability of a vent mount, but we'll try it out. If that doesn't work, then I'll go for one of the fancier ones like the Akron 715. Thanks!
So far I have not needed to use thier customer support or any forums, just used played with the software and help guides and found what I needed. One thing I found that I liked is the ability to change the voice prompts to my own custom set. I'm going to have my wife be the voice and change the default "You are off route" to my wife saying "Who told you to turn there STUPID!"
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Semper Fi,
The Gunns
When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight... US Marines!
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