Tracks - Auto Save

I have been using Delorme Topo USA. I have found that driving in many areas of the western US (especially when off the main roads), I lose the satellites or occasionally even lose power to my USB GPS. I have scanned many of the posts and can't find if there is different computer mapping software (prefer topographical maps) where the tracks are automatically saved - like on a hand-held GPS - if the satellites or power is lost. I have resorted to using my Garmin Oregon 400T in the cab of my truck and then transferring my tracks, waypoints, notes etc to my computer program. Anyone have any suggestions? Delorme has been of no help whatsoever.

Loosing satellite lock could be a function of where your USB GPS is located (does it have a clear view of the sky) and the age of the GPS you are using. The Oregon has a much more modern GPS chipset than, say the Delorme LT-20. What GPS model are you using? Where are you placing it?

Loss of power would probably be related to the USB connection to the laptop or the GPS. Are the cord or plugs damaged in any way?

Neither of these is a function of the Delorme navigation software you are using. Maybe it is time to replace your GPS receiver.

Terry

I don't know the model number of the USB plug-in GPS that I have - it is out in my truck. It is less than 2 years old from DeLorme. The computer is a new HP Pavillion dv7 notebook. Plugs and wires all seem to be OK. I lose the satellites when on logging roads in mountain areas - often steep valleys and lots of heavy cover. I am not as concerned with losing satellites as I am with losing the entire track when something happens. What I was asking is if any of the other software programs have an auto-save for tracks like a hand-held does? I would like to be able to save the tracks to return to certain areas when scouting for hunting on these back roads here in Idaho and in Colorado - when I lose the track entirely, I have nothing to refer to when driving some of the maze of old logging roads in the mountains. Thanks.

The DeLorme USB GPS is an LT-40 and it rides on the dashboard resting in one of those weighted holders so that it doesn't slide around.

The LT-40 is a highly rated GPS and your placement sounds fine. I don't know why you would lose the entire track because of a momentary loss of satellite lock. My experience with Mobile PC is that it wouldn't have that problem. However, it would not work directly with your LT-40 and Topo maps are extra.

Terry

What Terry said. Moving to Mobile PC is not an inexpensive solution.

Mobile PC works almost exactly like a Garmin handheld (imagine stuffing a Nuvi or Oregon into your PC). The regular track file just keeps accumulating information until you save it or clear it. Loss of GPS signal does not clear it. When the signal comes back it just resumes adding track information to the log.

You can save track information manually any time you like and give the saved track a unique name of your choosing. When you save the track information you can select the start and end times. You are not forced to save the entire track log into a single file. You can break it up into seperate saved track files by selecting the relevant start and end times to save into the file.

Like most Garmin devices, the track log in Mobile PC is a rolling buffer. That is, it only holds so much, so when it's full the new stuff coming in the front of the buffer shoves the older stuff out the back and you lose it if it has not been saved.

I don't have any idea how the others (iGuidance, Streets&Trips) handle track logs when GPS signal is lost.

...ken...

I forgot to mention that when I travel in the Canadian Rockies I sometimes encounter the same sort of signal loss you described. That's going to happen in that kind of terrain with the best GPS receivers.

If the receiver can't see the satellites, there's nothing that can be done. Those satellite signals are weak to begin with. Penetrating solid rock is a bit of a stretch even for the best technology.

...ken...

Thanks to both of you. You have answered my question -
Ken, I am happy to hear that someone other than me loses the satellites in the mountains & canyons, I was beginning to think that something was wrong with my setup. I checked the prices for Garmin Mobile PC software and it is $100 with Garmin's GPS device. It looks like the topo maps run about $125 for the DVD that covers a fairly large chunks of the country where I frequently drive off the main roads. I wouldn't need topos when I drag my travel trailer to other parts of the US - just highways and roads - and could buy the topos if I find that I need them. Thanks - I appreciate it.

I assume you are familiar with MapSource. You will need it to transfer Topo maps to Mobile PC.

If USA Topo is similar to Canada Topo maps, Mobile PC will display DEM data at 1.2 miles and above. Contour lines are shown for higher magnifications.

Terry

Attached Thumbnails

   

Ever been to the Rock Shop at Yahk, Terry? They have some really neat and original jewelry there.

...ken...

Sorry, I can't ever remember stopping for anything at Yahk. Maybe next time!

Terry

The Rock Shop is just east of town on the south side of the highway right in a curve. If you blink you'll miss the entire town and the Rock Shop.

...ken...

Thanks. I am familiar with Map Source. I am going to look into the Mobile PC when I get home and after I get the dogs fed. I am just leaving the Cabelas store in Boise, Idaho right now.
I have a friend who is an accountant in Mankota, Sask. He invites me every year to come up there and go bird hunting with him. One of these days I am going to make it.
Thanks for your help.