wynpret

Here's a real stupid newby question I know, but could anyone please tell me whether GPS software can generally run off any GPS hardware?
I.e. if I decide to buy a TomTom BT GPS receiver and get TomTom maps of Europe with it, could I then later buy Garmin maps of Africa and use it on my TomTom BT receiver or do I need to get a Garmin GPS receiver also?

Pocketbrain

As I understand it, it should work. The GPS receiver should send standard data to your PDA. Most GPS receivers don't have branded navigation software associated. I have a Holux GPS receiver and Mapopolis. Of course, research the receivers you are looking at to ascertain whether they are actually generally compatible.
Try Jake's tutorials:
GPS 101
GPS 201
(X)

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lawman

Originally Posted by wynpret

Here's a real stupid newby question I know, but could anyone please tell me whether GPS software can generally run off any GPS hardware? I.e. if I decide to buy a TomTom BT GPS receiver and get TomTom maps of Europe with it, could I then later buy Garmin maps of Africa and use it on my TomTom BT receiver or do I need to get a Garmin GPS receiver also?

If you get a BT GPS with SiRF III, you can use it with NMEA mapping programs.

Garmin mapping applications (i.e. Mapsource, Nroute, and GarminQue for PPC that came with my Garmin GPS10 Deluxe package) uses the Garmin protocol so you needed to have a Garmin GPSr (i.e. GPS10). However, since GPSProxy is now out (freeware), you can now use SiRF III GPS units with Garmin software.

What GPSProxy does is essentially convert NMEA protocol to Garmin protocol. Do a search in the software tutorial section on this site for my HowTo guide if you want to know how to use GarminQue software with any SiRF III GPS unit, or just search for GPSProxy.

I use my Mapsource, Nroute, GarminQue, OCN5, Pocket Streets, other GPS utilities with the RBT-2010 SiRFSTAR III chipset, and BT-338. Works very well.

When I go geocaching or driving, I revert to and fro between my BT Garmin GPS10 and my SiRF III GPS units. My GPS10 supports both NMEA and Garmin protocol but it does not have the sensitivity of the SiRF III when you drive into the city.