I have Garmin software on my laptop. Does anybody know, is this device compatible with Garmin software?

What type of Garmin software do you have? That GPS should work fine with the software version of Garmin Mobile PC. However, if you are using Garmin nRoute, you would need GPS Gate Express to translate its data into something nRoute could understand.

Terry

Hi Terry

Yes I am using Garmin nroute software, Bluechart Atlantic v 9.5 with unlock map for adriatic sea. Can you explain more about GPS Gate Express, how it is working and where to download it, if we speaking about software.

Stajp

Hello Staj,

You can download GPSGate Express. It is free to try for 14 days then if you want to keep it you will have to pay for it. It is not expensive.

Most GPS receivers send data in a format called NMEA. nRoute does not understand the NMEA protocol. It only understands Garmin's proprietary protocol. Garmin's proprietary protocol is based on NMEA but it has some additional information in it that is not in the NMEA standard.

GPSGate will take the standard NMEA data from a non-Garmin GPS receiver and it will convert it to Garmin protocol so that nRoute can work with the non-Garmin receiver. This will allow you to use any receiver with nRoute instead of having to have a Garmin receiver.

...ken...

Hello Ken,

I found GPS bluetooth SJ 5286A reciver also, suppose to be compatible with garmin nroute software. What is your opinion, so I can finally make decision which one to buy, or I need GPS Gate Express with this device also.

Stajp

I cannot find any information about the technology of the Prestigio. That is, I cannot find what GPS chip it uses (eg. MTK, SirfStar III, etc.) nor what type of antenna it has and I cannot find what data protocol it sends. By default I have to assume it sends NMEA data. It is not made by Garmin so there is no reason to expect it would send Garmin protocol.

So you would probably need GPSGate to use the Prestigio with nRoute.

The Sheng Jay receiver uses the SirfStar III GPS chip. This is current technology and is an excellent GPS chip. This receiver uses a patch antenna. This is a very good type of antenna for good performance. The SJ sends the standard NMEA 0183 protocol.

So you would definitely need GPSGate for the Sheng Jay receiver to work with nRoute.

I have no experience with either GPS receiver but any receiver with the SirfStar III GPS chip will give good performance.

...ken...

Finally I bought SJ 5286A, install Franson GpsGate, adjust in the advance setup and all working fine. Took some time to find how to do it. Working fine.

Thanks Ken.

Stajp

Hi Stajp,

I'm very glad you were able to get things working and I'm happy that you let us know that it worked. Sometimes we never hear from someone if they were able to get things working or not. It really helps when we get feedback. Thank you.

Was it GPSGate settings that took some thinking? It is an excellent program but it took me some time to learn it.

...ken...

Yes GpsGate took me some time. I am playing with nRoute now, getting familiar.

Stajp