USB GPS antennae

[v-lux]

Ive recently got hold of a Netbook to run Multimap and i'm wondering if those that know could make a recommendation for an antennae?

[JennyTyger]

Al, we got ours from buyBits - the one we use is similar to this one: http://www.buybits.com/product/1532.aspx



Generally with these type of antennae if you don't use the same USB slot each time, there might be issues with the COM port allocation in Memory Map. Doug is alos a bit of an expert on MM.

[syncroandy]

Al, I have a Globalsat BU353 unit, which uses the 'Sirf' chipset, and it's been spot-on. Has a waterproof housing so can be placed on the roof if you want, though I've found it's fine on the dashboard.

[Aidan]

I got the 65 channel one off ebay from Germany about £35, really quick to capture, good under trees, good magnet and waterproof, though I've never put it on the roof; works fine with XP and MM2005 and with other software that I've got and works on both the laptop and the tablet no problem

[v-lux]

So it seems that the main competition is between the Sirf Star III and the Skytraq venus 6 chipsets.

Price is pretty good for all of them......hmmm

Doug, what do you use?

[ELVIS]

I used a £15 ebay cheapey. Had multimap on my laptop and it got me to Bosnia ok

[ninja.turtle007]

Can you run multimap without an Internet connection if you have one of these or am I just being stooping?

[JennyTyger]

@Al - I think Doug uses a nautical antenna which is suspended on the van ceiling (I think Aidan said that it doesn't update that quick).

@Tom - the program most of use is Memory Map (not MultiMap) which is a standalone program and uses a GPS receiver to pick up position. No internet connection is required.

[v-lux]

Ahh, my bad, I'm always getting the two mixed up.

Memory Map is what I meant!

[ninja.turtle007]

Ahh, my bad, I'm always getting the two mixed up.

Memory Map is what I meant!

That's how I read it on my first read!! Then realised you had typed multimap and thought it may be possible to use as gps.


On memory map does it provide sat pictures aswell as maps?

[Mudlark]

If like me you resent cables getting in the way of everything you can opt for a rechargeable/bluetooth antennae. Mines been faultless so far, about 6 hours use from a full charge and just velcro's onto the dash.

I also have installed MM on the iphone now which works very well albeit with the small screen. I find it enough for orientation on the 25k scale maps; and it track records too.

The iphone multitasks Tom Tom, Memory map and the itunes simultaneously which has brought benefits in really decluttering the dash.

[syncrodoug]

Hi Al
I use the same as Aidan - works a treat.
Mine lives permanently on the roof!
Doug

[syncrodoug]

Just read Jenny's last post.
Yes I did try a 'nautical' GPS receiver (expensive), nicely encapsulated etc but I was mislead by the eBay description and after consulting the manufacturer I discover it is only suitable for relatively slow moving vehicles ie boats!
It's still firmly attached to the roof for when I'm moving slowly!"

[v-lux]

Thanks everyone, ive ordered a Globalsat BU353 Sirf Star III antennae.

Looking forward to having a tinker with the mapping set up

[jebiga41]

If like me you resent cables getting in the way of everything you can opt for a rechargeable/bluetooth antennae. Mines been faultless so far, about 6 hours use from a full charge and just velcro's onto the dash.

I also have installed MM on the iphone now which works very well albeit with the small screen. I find it enough for orientation on the 25k scale maps; and it track records too.

The iphone multitasks Tom Tom, Memory map and the itunes simultaneously which has brought benefits in really decluttering the dash.

the iphone has its own built in gps tho is the other one stronger ?take it you have it linked by bluetooth yes ?