Off Road Notebook Computer

[cruiserlarry]

The only issue (other than a very un-intuitive interface, IMO) I have with NG Topo is whenever I set it in tracking mode, it will randomly stop tracking after a period of time, and I have to reset the tracking feature, losing my previous track. The GPS is not losing signal, the computer was not hibernating, just tracking stops. I'll have to check your settings next time we get together to see if I just set it up wrong (don't seehow, but it's possible, I guess... ), or if my program has a bug...

I had the same problem. It's a GPS setting in Topo! I changed the setting (I'll check which setting tomorrow) and it now tracks perfectly and never stops.

I never did find out what setting you changed to correct NG Topo from randomly shutting off the tracking feature, but I've solved my problem a different way:

MAXIMUM RAM !!!

My Toughbook now has 4 gigs of ram, and the Topo works flawlessly (still has a lot of program flaws, though...like not saving your changes as the new defaults for the next time you load it, etc... ).

So, the GPS / mapping programs definitely benefit from lots of ram- if you are going use GPS tracking / APRS in your vehicle with a laptop, make sure you max out the ram for your machine !!!

[DaveK]

I stumbled across the following last night: National Geographic has reduced the price of its State Series Topo maps Topo!) by 30% and is offering free shipping. For $69.95 you can pick up any state (some states are combined in one box) - see http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/gate ... 9/247.html .

[cruiserlarry]

Sounds like a great deal - now if they could only improve their software interface

DaveK - With all the info and discussion on mapping software, maybe we should set up a dedicated forum for "Mapping Programs", to keep it separate from this thread, which is more hardware-specific...what do you think ?

[DaveK]

Sounds like a good idea. We could certainly get several reports from different software users.

I am still concerned that you are having interface problems. While I have had my share of issues with the NG product over the last 10 or so years, I have worked around all of them and have the program set up now to work perfectly and simply - no crashes, no glitches and no bugs. The fact that I had the program running for 8 days straight in the Parashant was the proof that I had hit upon the right combination of setting etc. Keep in mind that at the same time I was running the NG Topo!, I was also running Garmin Topo and all the necessary APRS programs that we needed to have this system working, including AGW Packet Engine Pro and Agw Tracker. Everything was running simultaneously and utilizing the input from my GPS. Again, no crashes or problems.

Each day, while on this trip, it was a simple matter to turn the computer on each morning, and with a couple of clicks, be up and running. I'll offer to help you with this to get you going if you would like.

[sdnative]

The description mentions "updated street overlays". How does this work? One thing that is important to me is the ability to update the street maps along with the detailed topographic information. Does this product support and does NG offer yearly updates on street maps?

[cruiserlarry]

I am still concerned that you are having interface problems. While I have had my share of issues with the NG product over the last 10 or so years, I have worked around all of them and have the program set up now to work perfectly and simply - no crashes, no glitches and no bugs.

My problem is with the design of the user interface - not crashes or bugs. The features seem poorly organized and confusing to implement. You cannot set defaults, so each time you run the program, you have to setup your map, zoom level, etc, again. Anytime you change one option, it seems to cancel out other options which then have to reset. If you are tracking, and you try to check another point, you have to reset tracking again, losing your previous points. I hope it's just my lack of familiarity with NG topo that is the issue, but given the ridiculously poor "help" available on the program, it's hard to tell...so I look forward to having you show me the ways to cure my issues with this program.

I am able to run 5-6 different GPS oriented programs at once with no problem, thanks to GPSGate - a great program for anyone who needs to run multiple GPS tracking programs simultaneously.

[cruiserlarry]

The description mentions "updated street overlays". How does this work? One thing that is important to me is the ability to update the street maps along with the detailed topographic information. Does this product support and does NG offer yearly updates on street maps?

You probably need to contact NG to find out - the information on their website is more nebulous than the program interface, IMO...

I would suggest using a different program for street maps - there are so many high quality programs available it seems silly to settle for one that's marginal or difficult to use. Microsoft Street and Trips 2009, and others are more street-oriented, and have updates available (to purchase, of course ) annually.

[DaveK]

The description mentions "updated street overlays". How does this work? One thing that is important to me is the ability to update the street maps along with the detailed topographic information. Does this product support and does NG offer yearly updates on street maps?

Eric:

The Topo! program is just Nat Geo's use of the USGS topo maps, essentially unchanged from what the Geologic Service created, except that they have put them seamlessly together in their State Series. The USGS maps were never really intended as a street oriented mapping source, and I have never relied on its street information except in very general terms. It is the topography, artifact and trail information which make the USGS topo maps such a standout.

For me, I rely on a separate street navigation system, not connected to either the Topo! program or the GPS that I use for Topo!, for use while in town. It is updatable and very accurate.

As far as the reference to updated street overlays, this is not really a function related to street navigation, per se. If you have the program, v4.xx, there is a function which will merely highlight existing roads or trails. No names are provided and no navigation assistance is available. With a connection to the internet, this function is updatable, meaning that a new road or trail may be added to your maps that will be highlighted when this function is turned on. This "updatability" feature is not a reference to the addition of new streets or name changes as you would expect with a street package.

Hope this helps.

[sdnative]

Got it. Thanks.

I have an older version of Street and Trips, so I guess I can use that. I'll look into GPS gate as well.

[sdnative]

I just purchased the NG State series California maps. They came as 10 CDs. I thought they were DVDs?

Anyway, does anyone know if the program will accept waypoints from the GPS? I essentially have my GPS connected to my TNC and the GPS data relayed to the computer. So theoretically I should get not only my position but other APRS data as well plotted on the NG maps. Anyone tried plotting APRS positions on the NG maps?

EDIT: the GPS settings look pretty comprehensive, so I think it will work. Will test later this week.