I just installed Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 w/ GPS. Hardware detected OK, including port identification. Even while outside, I am unable to acquire any satellite signals. I tried this on 2 different laptops running XP Pro and both act the same. I bought this used so I don't know if MS will cover under warranty. Any tips to get the unit to grab a signal?
I know you probably did, but just in case.
Did check the box "Start GPS tracking"? On the first attempt after setup it usually wants to have Configure GPS run once.
Did check the box "Start GPS tracking"? On the first attempt after setup it usually wants to have Configure GPS run once.
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I know you probably did, but just in case.
Did check the box "Start GPS tracking"? On the first attempt after setup it usually wants to have Configure GPS run once.
Did check the box "Start GPS tracking"? On the first attempt after setup it usually wants to have Configure GPS run once.
I had a similar situation happen to me. Finally traced the problem to a broken wire in the wire from the gps receiver to the usb connector. After being told sorry we don't support that model anymore by the receiver manufacturer, I finally resorted to cutting off the problem connector, replacing it with a new connector and it has worked fine since. Personal observation-it would have been a whole lot less of a problem to throw the thing in the trash and purchase a new receiver.
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I had a similar situation happen to me. Finally traced the problem to a broken wire in the wire from the gps receiver to the usb connector. After being told sorry we don't support that model anymore by the receiver manufacturer, I finally resorted to cutting off the problem connector, replacing it with a new connector and it has worked fine since. Personal observation-it would have been a whole lot less of a problem to throw the thing in the trash and purchase a new receiver.
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That may end up being the ticket for me too, but I am trying to stay on the cheap. Is it possible to buy just the Microsoft/Pharos 500 receiver by itself cheaper than other receivers? I bought this package on EBay (slightly used) so I am not sure I will be able to get it covered under warranty.??? Meanwhile I opened up dialog with MS Support and followed all their troubleshooting advice, including running a utility called GPSDiag. It shows "data" coming in, so it appears to be communicating properly. Problem is, it also reports no satellite reception. At this point I am hoping to either get MS to replace the hardware under warranty or return this to the store that sold it to me. Then I will start over and perhaps spend a little more to buy new this time.
You are absolutely correct, ktrack, 4800 baud and NMEA compliant, which covers most of GPS receivers on the market these days. These units are inexpensive, and I'd go very likely with a simple USB GPS receiver such as Globalsat BU-353. It has SiRFstarIII chipset,so you get very good performance.
However, before you spend your hard earned money, there is still a slight chance your existing GPS receiver is good. Sometimes it just takes much longer for a GPS receiver to start working for the very first time. Connect it to your laptop, bring it outdoor so it can see the sky in all directions, and then let it just sit there for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes start you Streets & Trips to test it.
However, before you spend your hard earned money, there is still a slight chance your existing GPS receiver is good. Sometimes it just takes much longer for a GPS receiver to start working for the very first time. Connect it to your laptop, bring it outdoor so it can see the sky in all directions, and then let it just sit there for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes start you Streets & Trips to test it.
I do keep hoping and find it hard to believe there could be a hardware problem, but I left it outside last night for about an hour. I did not start S&T, but I used the GPSDiag testing program on it and it reported no satellite connection. It was busy sending "empty data" however. I just hope MS will warranty the unit without a hassle. I bought it used, so I might be out of luck. Anyone know how MS warranty is on the GPS-500?
From what I've heard from other users, MS is actually very good with accepting returns and/or processing warranty claims. But I'm not sure if you qualify because you bough it used from someone else .
The saga continues. Here's how the MS support went. They passed me off to the hardware manufacturer, Pharos, after all testing failed. When I went to the Pharos site, it stated clearly that a 1 year warranty applied to the original purchaser (aka, not me)
Luckily, the fellow I bought this from is taking it back for replacement of a tested unit. Either way, I'm out the shipping, not to mention all the hassle. Buyer beware!
Thanks to all who gave suggeestions for troubleshooting. Now the waiting begins for me to get the replacement and get going.
Luckily, the fellow I bought this from is taking it back for replacement of a tested unit. Either way, I'm out the shipping, not to mention all the hassle. Buyer beware!
Thanks to all who gave suggeestions for troubleshooting. Now the waiting begins for me to get the replacement and get going.