Hi All,
I am keen on purchasing a GPS unit which can do the job of being Real time GPS Receiver as well as Data Logger. The reason being that I ride most of the time and only a Receiver will do no good to me, but when I drive I can use it with my Dell Laptop as a Real time Receiver.
Please let me know the units available with SiRF or MTK chips as reading thru many posts many of you have chosen, preferred, recommended one of the above chip units.
With Bike I want to track the route - speed - distance = Laptop download later
With Car I want to use the Real Time GPS System.
Also if its not too much of an asking, any one knows where I can get good India city Maps that I can use as I reside in India
Yippe !! My First Post in this Forum Hope it was not too long
Regards
Ashish
I am keen on purchasing a GPS unit which can do the job of being Real time GPS Receiver as well as Data Logger. The reason being that I ride most of the time and only a Receiver will do no good to me, but when I drive I can use it with my Dell Laptop as a Real time Receiver.
Please let me know the units available with SiRF or MTK chips as reading thru many posts many of you have chosen, preferred, recommended one of the above chip units.
With Bike I want to track the route - speed - distance = Laptop download later
With Car I want to use the Real Time GPS System.
Also if its not too much of an asking, any one knows where I can get good India city Maps that I can use as I reside in India
Yippe !! My First Post in this Forum Hope it was not too long
Regards
Ashish
Hello, Ashish,
Welcome to the forum.
A little more information would be helpful to understanding your needs, so as to better answer your questions. Are you referring to a bicycle or motorcycle? The term "bike" might mean either.
If your tracking needs are for use with a bicycle, a handheld GPS or PDA might do for your logging/tracking needs. Depending on the make and model, it might be able to download to a laptop/PC for use with a full function navigation program.
If you are wanting to use it with a motorcycle and have a bit more room, you might be able to use something bigger. A netbook or tablet might be a good size. They could have features for both logging and full route planning in a single navigation program.
Most full navigation programs do both functions. However, there are two "classes", one that does a better job of route planning (Microsoft Streets & Trips/Street Atlas/Etc.) and the other offers less routing functions with better driving graphics (iGuidance/Etc.).
Please tell us more about your vehicles and uses, so we can provide better opinions on solutions. You may also want to search this forum with keywords related to your subject. It is likely that threads related to your needs already exist on the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
A little more information would be helpful to understanding your needs, so as to better answer your questions. Are you referring to a bicycle or motorcycle? The term "bike" might mean either.
If your tracking needs are for use with a bicycle, a handheld GPS or PDA might do for your logging/tracking needs. Depending on the make and model, it might be able to download to a laptop/PC for use with a full function navigation program.
If you are wanting to use it with a motorcycle and have a bit more room, you might be able to use something bigger. A netbook or tablet might be a good size. They could have features for both logging and full route planning in a single navigation program.
Most full navigation programs do both functions. However, there are two "classes", one that does a better job of route planning (Microsoft Streets & Trips/Street Atlas/Etc.) and the other offers less routing functions with better driving graphics (iGuidance/Etc.).
Please tell us more about your vehicles and uses, so we can provide better opinions on solutions. You may also want to search this forum with keywords related to your subject. It is likely that threads related to your needs already exist on the forum.
Hi Ashish, in addition to the above, you may also look into Qstarz BT-Q1000X. It is a GPS receiver that could be used with your laptop via either Bluetooth connection or USB connection, and it also is a data logger. This one comes with MTK 2 chip. Make sure you don't buy a GPS receiver marked just "MTK", but look for "MTK 2" or "MTK II", which is the second generation of the chip (better sensitivity).
Hi Marvin, t1dunn,
Thank you for your time to reply to my query. I am sorry for the confusion, here(India) bike = Motorcycle. I am looking for Hardware unit capable of functioning as both Data Logger & GPS Real time receiver. Q1000x seems to be the type of unit I am looking for, please let me know about BT-338(x) unit from GlobalSat.
Riding a Motorcycle used as Data Logger
Driving my Car it will be used as GPS Receiver.
Is there any much comparision done on SiRF III and MKII chips, the difference and strengths. This is more acadamic interest in knowing more on GPS and these Chips.
Regards
Ashish
Thank you for your time to reply to my query. I am sorry for the confusion, here(India) bike = Motorcycle. I am looking for Hardware unit capable of functioning as both Data Logger & GPS Real time receiver. Q1000x seems to be the type of unit I am looking for, please let me know about BT-338(x) unit from GlobalSat.
Riding a Motorcycle used as Data Logger
Driving my Car it will be used as GPS Receiver.
Is there any much comparision done on SiRF III and MKII chips, the difference and strengths. This is more acadamic interest in knowing more on GPS and these Chips.
Regards
Ashish
Personally, if the motorcycle had room and I had a decent financial budget, I would go with a "tough" model of a tablet with a solid state hard drive. A full function PC is a better investment, in my opinion, than a single function GPS unit. You would also need a way to mount it... Something that would allow you to easily remove it for security.
I am a MS Streets & Trips user and fan. AutoRoute is the European version as I recall. It should cover both functions, logging and route planning. However, I don't know if the maps cover your area.
Like you, I don't know the differences between the two receiver technologies... I am a fan of the Pharos 500 and Globalsat BU-353 units; they are both SirfStar technology.
I am a MS Streets & Trips user and fan. AutoRoute is the European version as I recall. It should cover both functions, logging and route planning. However, I don't know if the maps cover your area.
Like you, I don't know the differences between the two receiver technologies... I am a fan of the Pharos 500 and Globalsat BU-353 units; they are both SirfStar technology.
t1dunn,
I rode for over thirty years and taught for about ten. I can assure you that the last thing you want on a bike is any distraction like a tablet or similar. I think Ashish is right in wanting to just log the GPS data as he rides without the distraction of a nav device to worry about. There are enough people in bigger vehicles out there trying to kill you that you need to keep an eye on.
An option that a friend and I have is the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. It has a high sensitivity receiver in it. It's a full function GPS nav device that is compact, rugged and with battery life similar to most Bluetooth receivers. This could be used as Ashish wishes. He can stick it in the top of a napsack or mount it out of the way but with a good view of the sky and let it log as he rides. He has a handheld that fits in a pocket and can be used for on-foot navigation when he's stopped. And he can use it with the USB connection as a GPS receiver for his laptop in the car .. just set it up on the dash and go.
My friend has used his on a couple of bike trips this summer in that way .. log the ride, use it to find places when he's stopped, or stop to check it if he needs guidance with the bike. He uses a Nuvi in the car so he doesn't connect his to his laptop. I have connected mine to my laptop a number of times and it works better than any of the five GPS receivers that I have (two Bluetooth and three USB).
But a solution like that is much more expensive than just getting a data logger like the ones from QStarz or Globalsat. Both companies have good reputations so the main issues for Ashish will be to select one that has the features he wants at the price he wants and to buy from a dealer he has confidence in. Preferably with a no-questions return policy if the device doesn't work quite as expected.
...ken...
I rode for over thirty years and taught for about ten. I can assure you that the last thing you want on a bike is any distraction like a tablet or similar. I think Ashish is right in wanting to just log the GPS data as he rides without the distraction of a nav device to worry about. There are enough people in bigger vehicles out there trying to kill you that you need to keep an eye on.
An option that a friend and I have is the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. It has a high sensitivity receiver in it. It's a full function GPS nav device that is compact, rugged and with battery life similar to most Bluetooth receivers. This could be used as Ashish wishes. He can stick it in the top of a napsack or mount it out of the way but with a good view of the sky and let it log as he rides. He has a handheld that fits in a pocket and can be used for on-foot navigation when he's stopped. And he can use it with the USB connection as a GPS receiver for his laptop in the car .. just set it up on the dash and go.
My friend has used his on a couple of bike trips this summer in that way .. log the ride, use it to find places when he's stopped, or stop to check it if he needs guidance with the bike. He uses a Nuvi in the car so he doesn't connect his to his laptop. I have connected mine to my laptop a number of times and it works better than any of the five GPS receivers that I have (two Bluetooth and three USB).
But a solution like that is much more expensive than just getting a data logger like the ones from QStarz or Globalsat. Both companies have good reputations so the main issues for Ashish will be to select one that has the features he wants at the price he wants and to buy from a dealer he has confidence in. Preferably with a no-questions return policy if the device doesn't work quite as expected.
...ken...
I, whole heartedly, defer to Ken's significant experience. I would suggest, with all respect, that the unit I proposed could be configured out of sight, also, and still provide more bang for the buck.
Hi Ken/t1dunn, Marvin & others
Ken, I thank you for your suggestion & reading thru many reviews I believe that this unit is very likely a good choice, however the pricing is over my budget.
Having a tablet is not very feasible for the conditions here in the city (India).
BT-Q1000X seems to be a good option which is closest to my requirements. Any other suggestions? How about BT-Q1300 nano?
Regards
Ashish
Ken, I thank you for your suggestion & reading thru many reviews I believe that this unit is very likely a good choice, however the pricing is over my budget.
Having a tablet is not very feasible for the conditions here in the city (India).
BT-Q1000X seems to be a good option which is closest to my requirements. Any other suggestions? How about BT-Q1300 nano?
Regards
Ashish
Do the new cell phones which have a satellite gps application have a logger function? If so, might that be an option? It would also need download capabilities. If such a phone is available, at least it would offer more functions than a dedicated handheld gps... And, maybe for free/cheap with a service contract.
Hi All,
I was communicating with Qstarz company support and for both units. Both Q1000X and Q1300S were discussed. The surprising responce I get is that both although function as Data Logger + GPS Receiver, the GPS receiver is not Real Time. Now it beats the purpose of having both the functions in one.
Can anyone please clarify this for me, t1dunn, Ken, Marvin, help required.
I am looking forward to have the unit with me for my road trip from the 14th jan. I have to purchase, ship it to India, so time is short... Please Guide.
Regards
Ashish
I was communicating with Qstarz company support and for both units. Both Q1000X and Q1300S were discussed. The surprising responce I get is that both although function as Data Logger + GPS Receiver, the GPS receiver is not Real Time. Now it beats the purpose of having both the functions in one.
Can anyone please clarify this for me, t1dunn, Ken, Marvin, help required.
I am looking forward to have the unit with me for my road trip from the 14th jan. I have to purchase, ship it to India, so time is short... Please Guide.
Regards
Ashish
From what I see, the 1000s has a manual switch on the side so you can put it in log mode or nav mode. Log mode would be for when you want it to save data internally (as in on your bike) Nav mode would be what you would select to use it as a Bluetooth GPS receiver with a naigation program on your laptop. Sounds like real time to me!
Qstarz BT-Q1000 Bluetooth GPS Receiver - Review
The 1300s is the keychain model (I have the non-logging version of this - BT-Q890 ) so would probably not have as long battery life.
Terry
Qstarz BT-Q1000 Bluetooth GPS Receiver - Review
The 1300s is the keychain model (I have the non-logging version of this - BT-Q890 ) so would probably not have as long battery life.
Terry
Hi All,
I asked for clarification again on the Real time GPS receiver function, the response was the same as promised - it is A Real Time GPS Reciever. The question was misinterpreted to cause the confusion.
Regards
Ashish
I asked for clarification again on the Real time GPS receiver function, the response was the same as promised - it is A Real Time GPS Reciever. The question was misinterpreted to cause the confusion.
Regards
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
They actually gave you the right response the first time, if you want to take the term realtime literally.
The literal truth is, there are, literally, no realtime consumer GPS receivers on the market.
The technical truth is that the design of the GPS receiver requires that the firmware in the receiver do some computations on the information received from the satellites before declaring a position coordinate. This computation is complex and takes a measurable amount of time. The result is a delay between the time you are at a particular point on the earth and the time the receiver either logs the coordinate for that point or sends it to a PC nav program to display your position on a map.
In another thread about this subject my testing showed that the delay is typically one to five seconds between the time I pass an identifiable point (say, the centre of an intersection) and the time the vehicle icon on the map display shows me passing that point.
The second response you got is a more realistic response. For all practical purposes ... any typical use of a GPS receiver and it's data ... it's close enough to realtime to consider it so. For practical purposes.
If you had asked me, without qualifying it with a detailed description of what you intended, I would have given you the first answer. Technically, by the true definition, it's not realtime. But that shouldn't be any concern for you. As far as performance, the Qstarz are rated as good as any consumer receivers on the market. That's all that matters ... unless you have some really wierd, totally customized application that requires some incredible degree of time-based accuracy.
For things like geocoding photographs or reviewing routes travelled after the fact or doing in-vehicle navigation, these things do a great job. They are, technically, "near-realtime" devices.
Y'er welcome...
...ken...
They actually gave you the right response the first time, if you want to take the term realtime literally.
The literal truth is, there are, literally, no realtime consumer GPS receivers on the market.
The technical truth is that the design of the GPS receiver requires that the firmware in the receiver do some computations on the information received from the satellites before declaring a position coordinate. This computation is complex and takes a measurable amount of time. The result is a delay between the time you are at a particular point on the earth and the time the receiver either logs the coordinate for that point or sends it to a PC nav program to display your position on a map.
In another thread about this subject my testing showed that the delay is typically one to five seconds between the time I pass an identifiable point (say, the centre of an intersection) and the time the vehicle icon on the map display shows me passing that point.
The second response you got is a more realistic response. For all practical purposes ... any typical use of a GPS receiver and it's data ... it's close enough to realtime to consider it so. For practical purposes.
If you had asked me, without qualifying it with a detailed description of what you intended, I would have given you the first answer. Technically, by the true definition, it's not realtime. But that shouldn't be any concern for you. As far as performance, the Qstarz are rated as good as any consumer receivers on the market. That's all that matters ... unless you have some really wierd, totally customized application that requires some incredible degree of time-based accuracy.
For things like geocoding photographs or reviewing routes travelled after the fact or doing in-vehicle navigation, these things do a great job. They are, technically, "near-realtime" devices.
Y'er welcome...
...ken...