Outdoor Adventure USA

We're going to talk about this topic somewhat on tonight's net on the subject of APRS.

There are never enough serial ports, I've used a Keyspan USB/Serial device for years without any trouble. You can also "split" the serial output from your GPS to multiple devices.

Imagine if you could track every vehicle on the screen of your laptop during a trip or event. This is the potential of APRS.

Well, today I downloaded the trial version of GPSgate, and I expected to have some troouble getting everything to work after reading DaveK's post on it. So I ran the setup program, and I set the virtual com ports in each program, and I now have NG Topo and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009 running split screen simultaneously !!! That was easy !!!

I had them both tracking me on my way home tonight - interesting to watch.

I still have to learn more about NG Topo software - I find the interface very annoying (some things turn on /off, some things are hard to undo, certain settings seem to have to be reset every time you restart the program, etc.), and I'm sure I am not using it correctly.

Next I have to see if I can transfer waypoints from NG topo on the PC to the Lowrance GlobalMap Baja 540c's SD card...

the adventure continues...

Larry:

Job well done. It's now time to go out and use it.

After hearing Frank's net last week, I think that there might be another toy that we need to install - APRS. We can keep track of all members of the expedition while we travel. Both Frank and Steven (the hosts of the net) promised to create a "how-to" post. I will get the details as soon as available and re-post them here for all.

Ready??

DaveK wrote:Larry:

Job well done. It's now time to go out and use it.

After hearing Frank's net last week, I think that there might be another toy that we need to install - APRS. We can keep track of all members of the expedition while we travel. Both Frank and Steven (the hosts of the net) promised to create a "how-to" post. I will get the details as soon as available and re-post them here for all.

Ready??

Definitely - I was thinking the same thing (geez, let's see: more electronic gadgets - absolutely a no-brainer !!!).

I was planning on purchasing the Yaesu VX-8R when it finally is released (now they say 12/20, but it's been delayed for 3 months already...) and it has APRS capability, so I'm hoping that will work with the rest of the system I've got in place. I wasn't able listen to the net, so I'm looking forward to the how-to post.

cruiserlarry wrote:

DaveK wrote:Larry:

Job well done. It's now time to go out and use it.

After hearing Frank's net last week, I think that there might be another toy that we need to install - APRS. We can keep track of all members of the expedition while we travel. Both Frank and Steven (the hosts of the net) promised to create a "how-to" post. I will get the details as soon as available and re-post them here for all.

Ready??

Definitely - I was thinking the same thing (geez, let's see: more electronic gadgets - absolutely a no-brainer !!!).

I was planning on purchasing the Yaesu VX-8R when it finally is released (now they say 12/20, but it's been delayed for 3 months already...) and it has APRS capability, so I'm hoping that will work with the rest of the system I've got in place. I wasn't able listen to the net, so I'm looking forward to the how-to post.

You will need something for APRS with more than 5 watts, especially if you are in the outback. You should be able to do it with the gear that you already have in your truck. A little software, a little APRS box and you will be good to go. Oh, don't forget, a little money too.

DaveK wrote:You will need something for APRS with more than 5 watts, especially if you are in the outback. You should be able to do it with the gear that you already have in your truck. A little software, a little APRS box and you will be good to go. Oh, don't forget, a little money too.

After this holiday season, that's exactly what I'll have left - a little money.

cruiserlarry wrote:

DaveK wrote:You will need something for APRS with more than 5 watts, especially if you are in the outback. You should be able to do it with the gear that you already have in your truck. A little software, a little APRS box and you will be good to go. Oh, don't forget, a little money too.

After this holiday season, that's exactly what I'll have left - a little money.

Well then, this is your lucky day. Jun's is willing to relieve you of your extra cash in exchange for some new toys. Meet me at the store?

DaveK wrote:

cruiserlarry wrote:

DaveK wrote:You will need something for APRS with more than 5 watts, especially if you are in the outback. You should be able to do it with the gear that you already have in your truck. A little software, a little APRS box and you will be good to go. Oh, don't forget, a little money too.

After this holiday season, that's exactly what I'll have left - a little money.

Well then, this is your luck day. Jun's is willing to relieve you of your extra cash in exchange for some new toys. Meet me at the store?

When do you want to go ? I'm going to try to head down there sometime tomorrow, hopefully between 12-2p, to give them a hard copy of the Ad Agreement, and try to get a check out of them...

Since this thread seems to be the catch-all of "Off-Road Notebook Computer" questions, I have some more:

I have been downloading the USGS 7.5 minute maps for my area, and was wondering how to use them on the trail. Since you guys recommended NG TOPO, I checked it out. Apparently it uses the same 7.5 minute maps, excellent. Only problem is, everywhere I looked, it got abyssmal reviews. So are these just the bad apples, or is it really that bad? And all of you that praise it, are you on the NG payroll?

Also, it is available in two flavors: Standard and Deluxe. The deluxe includes a complete USA 100k topo map, in addition to the included 25 "supergrids". What happens if I just buy the standard, but dont have a supergrid for my area? Is the map just blank?

I downloaded the TOPO explorer application, and it the interface seems a little clunky.

Can I just connect my Garmin 60csx to it, or do I need an external antenna?

sdnative wrote:Since you guys recommended NG TOPO, Only problem is, everywhere I looked, it got abyssmal reviews. So are these just the bad apples, or is it really that bad? And all of you that praise it, are you on the NG payroll?

It's not really bad, it's just not as good as it should be. Tracking one's own position while driving does not always work perfectly. It's usable, but far from perfect.

That being said, it's the only program I use when off-pavement. Nothing else can replace it. Yet.

sdnative wrote:, it is available in two flavors: Standard and Deluxe. The deluxe includes a complete USA 100k topo map, in addition to the included 25 "supergrids". What happens if I just buy the standard,

I buy it by state. I have California and Arizona so far. Per state give you the highest resolution AFAIK.

sdnative wrote:I downloaded the TOPO explorer application, and it the interface seems a little clunky.

Yes, exactly.

sdnative wrote:Can I just connect my Garmin 60csx to it, or do I need an external antenna?

Yes, most any serial (and perhaps USB) GPS connected to your laptop should work fine.