The computer end of my Locator cable has come apart. Anyone know where or how to obtain a new Locator, or just the cable?

Many USB GPS devices will work with Streets & Trips. The GlobalSat BU-353 should fill the bill quite nicely and is popular here.

Terry

Flygirl, welcome to the forums. The older model of the Microsoft's GPS Locator has been discontinued, and I suspect one of the reasons might have been the fact that many users experienced the same issue like you have. The new unit that Microsoft includes now with Streets & Trips 2010 will unlikely break so easily like the old version.

Thanks again for the info, so impressed with the fast replies! I just ordered a new 2010 program for my own use, but the company locator, which I used daily, has broken. Several of us have the same problems, so we were looking for a solution rather than all having to purchase the 2010 program. I just shared with my supervisor and waiting for a reply. Thank you again!

If you don't plan on purchasing more w/Locator bundles at this time, than I'd go with Terry's suggestion of BU-353.

Hi Flygirl,

Something else to consider when looking at the economics. Depending on how old the other Streets&Trips version are, you get a new set of map data with 2010. The version with locator isn't a lot more expensive than buying just a seperate locator.

On the other hand, by just getting a new GPS receiver like the Globalsat BU353 or one of the Qstarz models that are also getting good reviews you get a better quality receiver and avoid doing an upgrade installation sooner than necessary.

...ken...

Ken, where do I find Quartz locater. Sounds much more efficient! I don't make the decision about upgrading programs, each of us get approval on a per need basis but for those of us who have a 2009 program and the only problem is the antenna, we need to just replace them and IF they are stronger, they might last longer to give us a backup when we do purchase a new unit...so we need to know about them. This is SUCH good news. Some of us have been looking for replacements for a long time but apparently no one obviously came to this site! GREAT!!!
Thanks,

I've used the Bu-353 a little bit - mainly for testing and development. It seems to be much better at getting a signal than the older Microsoft 'puck' (sounds like the same one as you broke) or even consumer devices.

For example, I was able to get a suitable GPS signal for testing with it set up indoors about 10m from the nearest window (and these weren't large windows but smaller house windows). True, the reported and observed errors were not great in that kind of situation but at least it was reporting the best it could - most devices wouldn't even try in those circumstances.


Richard

Flygirl, your search engine is your friend. You can search for Globalsat BU-353 or just BU-353. You can also search for Qstarz ... but be sure to spell it better than in your latest post or you won't have much luck.

Here's the Qstarz web site:

Qstarz

And the Globalsat US site:

USGlobalSat Incorporated

You can use their online dealer locators to find one near you or use your search engine if you want to find an online seller.

...ken...

While we have experience with a several excellent QStarz GPS, they are Bluetooth models. Unless you have Bluetooth for your laptops, I suspect USB is a better choice. QStarz presently makes one USB GPS device but I think the BU-353 would be easier to source and set up.

Terry

The GlobalSat BU-353 is also a *bunch* more durable than either the older or newer Microsoft models. It's completely sealed so it can be placed on the outside of the vehicle (it has a magnetic base so don't set it on your hard drive). Once you own one you can expect it to be pretty much bulletproof for a very long time ... unless you let your dog use it as a chew toy.

...ken...

Some of the Qstarz models are dual, Bluetooth and USB. So it is the user's choice which connection they use at the moment. (BT-Q818X and others.)

But for the sake of simplicity I'd go with BU-353.

P.S. To use the above mentioned Qstarz BT-Q818X via USB with Streets & Trips, you'd need to convert the baud rate down to 4800 with GpsGate. That would just add to the expense and complexity of the setup.

Okay, so I've learned my lesson. I won't mention Qstarz products in the Streets&Trips forum again.

...ken...

Ken, don't be too hard on yourself . Yesterday I used my Qstarz BT-Q818X with Streets & Trips just fine without GpsGate. As long as Bluetooth is what the user needs, it works. But the refresh rate needs to be lowered down to 1 Hz, otherwise your GPS position will be lagging. The Qstarz utility software can easily adjust the refresh to your choice of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Hz.