Laptop GPS World

I think I've found the problem (crossing fingers)...

When I started having the problems with the BU-353, I simply plugged in the MS receiver into the system, leaving the BU-353 installed. Today, I completely removed the BU-353, including the system drivers.

The new MS receiver didn't skip a beat all day after that. I randomly checked and had 9-10 satellites the entire time.

I'm almost 100% sure that there was something in the 353 that was causing the system to get completely bogged down, so even the MS receiver wasn't receiving the messages (or sending them) fast enough.

The new BU-353 will be sitting at the house sometime this week. When I get it, I'll do the re-install of it and put it in my original location as I had it before.

As to the questions in the last couple posts, nothing has changed in the truck, the computer system or my power inverter.

I'm surprised you are going with another BU-353. The prolific driver was an excellent usb-serial convertor in its day but many of the newer drivers are better. I particularly don't like its inability to realize it is already installed, but I think that is to allow more than one virtual serial port. Not something that is important these days.

Terry

Good detective work, malaki86.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Well, I *thought* the problem was resolved. The Microsoft receiver worked perfect for about 18 hours. Now, I'm lucky if I have a signal while I'm sitting still.

I'm at my wits end on this one...

Now I'm REALLY gonna lose it.

I got up this morning and the GPS was fine (sitting still). I moved about 200 feet, no signal at all (Garmin nuvi was sitting there with a perfect signal).

I pull out of the dock and get a lock. Start driving, no signal.

About 120 miles or so, the gps got a lock. It kept the signal perfectly for the next 450 miles. Not once did it drop out. Keep in mind that I haven't moved anything, installed/uninstalled anything, etc. Everything is exactly the same as it's been for the past week... Also, I've drove the same route the past 2 weeks - back and forth on the exact same roads.

Ideas?

Which GPS receiver are you talking about. If the S&T one, you might want to try a different USB extension cable. Or maybe you have an itermittent/ dirty connection in the USB socket on the laptop.

Terry

The S & T one is plugged directly into a usb hub (no ext cable). I've also had it plugged into different ports, including directly into the laptop trying different ports. Same results.

Although I haven't had a Pharos USB GPS for long enough to experience it, I understand it has an internal battery to maintain GPS information for a short period. Is it possible that cell is not holding a charge so if lock is lost, it takes quite a while to restore? Do you still have your BU-353 or the new one?

Terry

The S & T receiver is only 1 week old. I just got home and have the new 353 sitting here. I'll be "trying" to install it on Sunday when I go back out.

Sorry, I thought you said it was an old one. I would look at thorough testing without the hub as it is not recommended.

Terry

The story is now on two pages, and I may no longer remember every detail, so I will try to summarize what we know. Correct me if I missed something.

The issue seems to be intermittent. Your GPS setup (laptop + USB GPS receiver + navigation software) can get a good lock on several satellites while your truck is parked, but while the truck is in motion, the setup will likely only get a lock on 2 or 3 satellites, or none at all.

You get the same results:

• with different USB GPS receivers
• before and after you reformatted your hard drive
• with different GPS software
• with or with out USB hub

and nothing has recently changed in your setup. You are using the same hardware, software, and the same truck.

The next thing I would do, is to try your setup in your car, instead of the truck.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

I'm going to try that today/tomorrow. The wife and I are taking a small road trip.

But, you did a great job in summarizing ;-)

Well, I think all is good now. I installed my new BU-353 today and it seems to be working fine. I drove a little over 100 miles and always kept at least 7 satellites locked. The funny thing is that I forgot to double-side tape it to the dash before I left and the receiver fell onto the floor and worked itself under the passenger seat.

So, I'm guessing that if I can maintain 7 satellites while underneath a metal seat, it should do quite fine when it's back on the dash (knocking on wood).