Review: u-Blox 5 USB GPS Stick - New GPS 'Locator' for Microsoft Streets and Trips

You ain't alone.

I have to admit, though, that I do not really get how the u-Blox device interfaces with either of their dongles (I think there are two). Even if your laptop is not BT-enabled out-of-the-box, there are some small, neat, cheap BT dongles that have been discussed elsewhere on this Forum at length that seem to be much cleaner than the u-Blox device(s).

With respect to the prospect of the Pharos blue glow, I would hope that a unit in a BT cradle could be easily positioned where the driver could not see it or it glow. Or just put it in a sock.

The USB GPS Stick is just a USB device. The Bluetooth dock gives it Bluetooth capability. That's all.

Glenn (glennw) pointed out earlier this morning that there is now only $10 difference between the software-only version of Streets & Trips 2009, and the version that includes this new USB GPS Stick. At least some store(s) are this inexpensive. More details here: Streets and Trips 2009 now in Canada!

Even though I'm not thrilled with the performance of this new GPS receiver, for only a $10 premium I'd suggest everyone buys it. At least you will have a spare unit, if nothing else.

Gee, it seems they've got the pricing wrong on that and that everyone should jump on it before they wake up!

All right, this plan did not survive getting to the store and seeing the 10 dollar price difference between with GPS and with out. Like my I500 better but its nice to have a back up.

You pushover, you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhinman I wonder how much the Bluetooth 200 dock with RF antenna increase the sensitivity to weak signals?

I just received the answer from Navation Technology. The RF antenna mentioned on the product page of the Bluetooth docks refers to the Bluetooth antenna, not the GPS antenna. They will modify their product page to clarify this.

Ok, I wonder what the diff between the 2 dock is.

My guess as the mention an antenna is the the one dock was a higher gain bluetooth antenna and there for more bluethooth range.

Here's their answer:

I got this product from Amazon.ca, but I've been having a real hard time getting any satellites. I must admit I haven't tried it in the great outdoors yet. But I've tried it in at least 3 different buildings, in areas with no skyscrapers, with the GPS receiver right at the window, and it just says "Searching for satellites".

I tried reinstalling everything and still so. Is there anything I have to do to "activate" the GPS receiver? I didn't see any buttons on it.

Streets and Maps will sit for hours looking for a satellite and not find any. I find that hard to believe. It detects the hardware with the correct driver without a problem.

Maybe there is a way to hack the antenna to improve it? Or some other solution?

Any thoughts?

If you have it plugged directly into a USB port, it may not work. Make sure you are using the cord that came with it. I have also found it has difficulty in poor signal locations. Take it outside and see if it will work.

Terry

Wow, you're absolutely right. It only seems to work with the cord provided. I had been trying with my own cord and with directly into the laptop.

How weird is that!

I can make it work with other cords but get a 'unrecognized USB device' on returning from sleep mode. Unplugging and restoring the device solves this. As far as plugging in with no cord, Marvin spotted that and we tested it with 4 different computers that all failed (XP and Vista).

Terry

Just a brief update on my usage of this new Microsoft's USB GPS stick:

Other than some initial testing I didn't use it much. But my GlobalSat BU-353 developped some issue, and instead of trying to figure out what the problem was, I just replaced it with the MSFT USB GPS stick. I have been using it now for the past few weeks on a daily bases. It works flawlesly. No issues to report. Signal strength is just fine, and I see 10, 11, or even 12 satellites most of the time. Just make sure the Microsoft logo faces up - that's where the antenna is. If you place the GPS receiver upside down, you will receive weaker signal.

Just bought Streets & Trips 2009 with the u-blox GPS and it won't find any satellites. The PC and software detect the GPS unit and it appears to be working other than it doesn't find any satellites. Today was a perfectly clear afternoon and so far it has not found a single satellite in Auburn WA. Tried with and without the usb cable that came with it. No errors. When I unplug the GPS from the laptop, the software notices that the unit has been disconnected, and when I plug the GPS back in, the software finds the unit and starts scanning for satellites (but never finds any).

Software was bought yesterday is proper installed and registered (not a demo). The word Microsoft lights up in the GPS as expected when plugged in, and turns off when unplugged. It should find satellites, but doesn't.

Any known problems with this GPS device.

nrnoble, to Laptop GPS World.

My first instinct always in these situations is to say that most likely everything is just perfectly fine. You have installed and set up everything just the way it was meant to be. Now all you need to do is to wait. A GPS receiver sometimes needs even up to 30 minutes to acquire satellite fix for the very first time. Also, make sure you test it outdoor, and do use the USB extension cable.