Laptop as GPS

Before you part with your money.....do some homework. Dont get caught out buying 1 cable and then realising you need a different one so you can plug both your GPS AND laptop in for power while driving. Remember ..you will need to run power to both your GPS and your laptop. Special cables are available and sold as 1 unit.

I am not sure what state you are in but id suggest you call Brian at GPSOZ on
02 9516 5186 he is very good and will give you facts. Or at least contact a professional in your state.

Ange.

I have been using a Laipac GPS mouse for 4 years now with complete reliabiity.

This device plugs into the USB port on the laptop and does not require a power cable.

Mine has a magnetic base enabling me to sit it on the roof.

The thing tracks 12 sattelites and has great accuracy.

I have also used hand held GPS units in the past connected via the serial port,
but they require batteries or a power cable.
The USB GPS mouse is the only way to go as far as I am concerned.

I am a professional mariner and marine engineer as well as owner of enginesaver and I use the GPS mouse setup to automatically navigate vessels up to 35 metres in length via the autopilot.

We are seldom more than 10 metres from our desired track.

I use commercial navigation software as well as a free program called SeaClear,
Which I highly recommend.
I have used this program for land based navigation also.

http://www.sping.com/seaclear/

Hope this helps.

To get Seaclear to see your mouse you have to select it's comport.
Do this by starting the program & selecting: Tools, Properties, Comm tab.
Then you can select the comm port.

There is also a small program called GPSDIAG which allows you to see which comport your GPS is on and all the satellite data coming down.

See http://www.commlinx.com.au/gps_diag.htm

This site is the home page for laipac products and free software and drivers.

I have absolutely no business connection with this company, only a satisfied customer.

Yep this is the go.... Mag ant on roof, cable to USB & your away....Looking at some voice direction software as well...