OCN5: Solution for running CF GPS on WM5 devices such as Dell Axim x51(v)

joekee · 06-01-06, 11:08 PM

We came out a temporary solution for the HAiCOM 303III and Globalsat BC-337 (should also work for most generic CF GPS) running on Dell X51 finally.

Dell and its PDA vendor HTC provided us a patch file (see link below) to solve this problem.

Instruction to install:
1) Download and unzip the file here.

2) Copy the CAB file to your PDA, locate the file on your PDA using File Explorer and tap on it once to start the installation process. At the end, tap OK to reboot your PDA.

timm · 06-02-06, 08:02 AM

I downloaded and installed this on my x51v last night and I was able to get a good stable fix from my HAI-303E from a cold start in around 45 seconds! I'm still testing to see if this really is 'the fix', but its a lot better than using our cf gps's as expensive paperweights. It looks like I can finally use my gps again!

Trib · 06-04-06, 12:13 AM

Does the patch really work with all of you? I am planning to buy the HaiCom GPS for my Dell Axim x51v.

ronbo76 · 06-08-06, 12:38 PM

I have a Holux CF 271 and never had a problem with it under WM2005 and Pocket Streets. In fact, it works perfectly with the box checked "Let WM manage access."

Every other s/w package other than PS has problems finding and using this gps. ONC5 has to be the worst because if it loses the GPS, it often needs a soft reset to find the gps even with this patch. In addition, ONC5's recommended setting is to uncheck the access management box.

gillyg · 06-14-06, 04:24 PM

I have installed the fix and used the HI-303E with I-GO. Although it locks on to the sattys quickly and fixes the position the signal does not remain locked for that long. It does come back again but is intermittent. I tried using various settings in the WM5 GPS setting including none at all. The software definately finds the GPS card on COM4 and correctly identifies it as 'other NMEA'.

It doesn't seem to work with tomtom and will not lock on to the sattys.

joekee · 06-14-06, 06:17 PM

Gillyg,

TomTom has their own GPS connection layer installed when you install their TomTom Navigator as well as the voice packages. So, the driver may not work correctly.

Now, with the i-GO, does it constantly disconnect the GPS after x minutes or does the disconnection happens randomly? Can you reproduce this on a consistent basis?

joekee · 06-16-06, 08:17 PM

Gillyg, is it possible for you to uninstall TomTom GPS program, re-install the CF driver patch and re-test? I am just trying to see if that would solve the TomTom Nav5 incompatibility with CF GPS issue on WM5.

FYI: You may re-install TomTom GPS from the App CD1.

robinli · 06-21-06, 09:42 PM

Is there any other procedure to activate it? I am using OCN5, WM5 and HI-303E. I download and install the patch. I plugged in the GPS into the CF slot. Started the OCN5 and then went to setting to try to detect the GPS. Nothing happened.

Tryied to select COM4. But still couldn't find the GPS.

What and where is "Let WM manage access."?

ronbo76 · 06-22-06, 12:11 AM

It is on the Settings page; middle tab called System called GPS. From there, you will see the Access tab.

With a CF GPS, the recommended settings (normally) are for WM to manage access with a hardware port of COM4, 4800 baud and Program software port COM1.

Unchecking the WM management access box is ONC5's recommended setting.

If you have the program GPSview installed on your PDA, try running it to see that GPS is being found with its Scan command. GPSview should work with the patch installed and after finding your GPS will display raw GPS satellite tracking data.

Another thing you may wish to try is one recommendation ONC made. That is to remove your CF GPS card prior to starting the program. Once you see the legal splash screen, reinsert the card prior to tapping the Yes button.

An indication your GPS is working (with any program) is that if it has an indicator light, it should go from solid on to blinking on which indicates the program is communicating with it.

06-22-06, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by ronbo76

An indication your GPS is working (with any program) is that if it has an indicator light, it should go from solid on to blinking on which indicates the program is communicating with it.

This is not completely accurate. I have a 303MMF, and on the Haicom models, a solid LED means it is searching for a GPS lock, and a blinking light means the receiver has a 3-D lock. It will do this regardless of whether it is communicating with your device or not. I have mine in my car hooked up to my Arkon mount in mouse mode, and the LED will stay solid until it has a lock, and then blink when it locks on - even if the PDA is not in the mount. It receives power from the mount, and will obtain a lock without the PDA being attached. (The nice thing about doing this is the receiver gets a lock every time you drive the car - even if you don't use the software/PDA. This allows me to get faster TTFF because the receiver gets a fix at least once a day whether I'm using the PDA with it or not.)

Regards,

Gary

joekee · 06-22-06, 02:24 PM

Gatownsend and ronbo76: Both of your are correct in intepreting the GPS red LED light behavior. 303MMF LED behavior is completely opposite from the 303E due to the chipset used.

303MMF (uses SiRF Chipset):
Solid = no fix/searching
Blinking = GPS fixed

303E (uses EverMore chipset - discontinued):
Solid = GPS fixed
Blinking = no fix/searching

ronbo76 · 06-22-06, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by joekee

Gatownsend and ronbo76: Both of your are correct in intepreting the GPS red LED light behavior. 303MMF LED behavior is completely opposite from the 303E due to the chipset used.

303MMF (uses SiRF Chipset):
Solid = no fix/searching
Blinking = GPS fixed

303E (uses EverMore chipset - discontinued):
Solid = GPS fixed
Blinking = no fix/searching

I had to go back to the manual on this one because the casual observation is that the solid LED does not begin to blink until a software program activates the CF GPS. That would be the layman's definition of a program communicating with the GPS. However, my Holux GR-271 manual states something to the effect that when reliable GPS signals are obtained, the solid LED will change to a blinking LED to indicate signal acquistion/GPS fixed.

This troubles me because I have seen where upon activating ONC5, the LED will blink but the ONC5 GPS icon remains red indicating that the program does not know/believe the GPS has acquisition as per the specs.

I tested this this morning using GPSview, PS 2006 and ONC5. GPSview and PS2006 never have a problem finding the GPS, getting the blinking LED and resolving a position. ONC5 will get a blinking LED but sits there for up to three minutes before the GPS icon goes green.

BTW, I am familar with TTFF and the importance of giving the GPS a clear shot of the satellite sky. It is kind of like shooting a sextant which I have done for a living.

scottdw · 06-22-06, 08:41 PM

Does this only work for OCN5 or will it help for other programs like Mapopolis???

Thanks,
Scott

gillyg · 06-24-06, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by joekee

Gillyg,

Now, with the i-GO, does it constantly disconnect the GPS after x minutes or does the disconnection happens randomly? Can you reproduce this on a consistent basis?

joekee,

I could not tie it down to any specific time frame so yes the disconnection does happen randomly. I tried using different settings in the WM5 GPS settings as well as leaving it blank. There just seems to be nothing to tie it all in, which is why it makes it so frustrating.

frad · 06-24-06, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by joekee

We came out a temporary solution for the HAiCOM 303III and Globalsat BC-337 (should also work for most generic CF GPS) running on Dell X51 finally.

Dell and its PDA vendor HTC provided us a patch file (see link below) to solve this problem.

Instruction to install:
1) Download and unzip the file here.

2) Copy the CAB file to your PDA, locate the file on your PDA using File Explorer and tap on it once to start the installation process. At the end, tap OK to reboot your PDA.

Hi Joekee,

I actually came across this patch on buyGPSnow.com (which appears to be where you work) and then found this post on Aximsite.

I have been looking into a Compact Flash GPS solution as opposed to a Bluetooth one since that way I only have to worry about providing power to one device, i.e. my PDA.

I read a great review on the Holux GR-271 Slim Compact Flash GPS Receiver and decided it was the one for me. However I have an Axim x51v and after reading some posts on Aximsite I am starting to have my doubts.

I would like to purchase this CF receiver from buyGPSnow.com, but can anyone confirm that this patch actually works with an Axim x51v and the Holux GR-271? This page on buyGPSnow.com claims it does: http://www.buygpsnow.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=540
"Now fully supports devices running WM5 such as Axim x51(v) or iPAQ 4705, etc."

Thanks for your input.