Best Freeware GPS software?

[ohpfan]

I just purchased a (used) i-blue 737 GPS adapter on amazon.com [$39] for my HTC 8525, using the AT&T network. I should receive it anywhere between the 14th to 19th of this month. I am totally new to this GPS technology, and undereducated on how it operates. If anyone can help me step-by-step, I would appreciate it!

As background, GPRS (internet data) is blocked on my account, as the device has Wi-Fi. I've read good results with TomTom6 software and the best part is that it doesn't use GPRS -- just pre-loaded maps on the cell phone. I've also read high marks for Google Earth, but not really seen if it uses either GPRS or pre-loaded maps on the cell.

I'd like software that gives real-time routing without extra cost. What programs out there are free and don't freeze up the device, especially when using the voice calls? Also, are there free maps to download? Money is tight, as it's going toward my September wedding and for the honeymoon. We are planning on using the GPS Bluetooth adapter in Los Angeles, California and the surrounding areas.

Thanks for all your help!

[mikealder]

Welcome to the forum, for a start you can read up about the GPS receiver you have decided on Here don't get too hung up about the number of channels though (Crystal ball can see some discussions/ questions about channel numbers ) When stood on the ground you will see at best 12 satellites, take a few reflected signals and you still struggle to get up to the dizzy heights of 51 channels.

As for software there is plenty to choose from, but avoid the software that downloads mapping via GPRS as this can be costly unless you have a free data connection. For some "light reading" on how GPS works you might want to start with This Page - Mike

[geesss]

a list
http://www.maps-gps-info.com/fgpfw.html

[ohpfan]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I appreciate all the info linked in the replies. Over the past few days, I've chosen the iGo8 software. Any good or bad feedback on it? It was a toss-up between that and TomTom6.

A different question: do either of them support geocaching? That is, input of exact location degrees? Geocaching sounds fun! A co-worker told me about it.

[persona2020]

iGO 2008 works a treat and looks great. I think it is as fast if not faster than TomTom.
and i love the TEXT TO SPeach when it says the mane of the road, not just turn right.

It provides not just 2D and tilted 3D maps, but realistic 3D maps with building renderings in select US cities. Of course, not all buildings are rendered, but it looks realistic enough to actually help guide you along the way, especially in busier areas.

Some nice features like a menu shortcut to add 'speed camera locations with speed limit reference' on the move, and verbally announcing the GPS dis-engaging.
_________________
Persona2020

Free GPS Software

[philpugh]

[ohpfan]

This is a little off-topic, but I guess it's an extension of the topic.

I received the GPS adapter above in the mail, but I can't seem to figure out how to "set up" the 8525 to interact with it. My 8525 located the adapter file, I set it up as a Serial Port connection but that's it. What "COM" port do I use for the hardware? Then, what one for the Program?

I can't figure out how to tell if it's paired, or not. Any ideas? I'm not too experienced with Bluetooth on the 825; I can't even receive a file from another cell phone, but I can send a file to that phone.

[mikealder]

Please do not mess around with the settings in the GPS applet, this is often hidden on the phones for very good reason, messing with it results in non functional GPS, the answer is to put it back to whatever settings were there in the first place (often users don't know what the settings should be).

Once you have setup the connection and chosen an outgoing port while setting up the GPS (What com port options does the phone offer?)

If you want to see more than one or two com ports while setting up the BT connection grab the CAB file from This Thread, you will also find some GPS related information within the same thread which is about the phone you have.

Unable to receive incoming files is nothing to do with the GPS Setup/ problem, go to Settings/ Connections Tab and select Beam, make sure the "Receive all incoming Beams" is selected. This used to be for IrDA communication, but these days the HTC devices use this is accept/ refuse incoming Bluetooth data files - Mike

[MaFt]

igo8 should be fine for geocaching as you can enter coordinates directly and also there is an option to 'lock to road' or not so you can go off road with it.

like someone else pointed out though, it's not freeware...

MaFt

[ohpfan]

I think I finally got it set up by myself. I've already had it paired to my 8525, but just couldn't get it to interact with the 737. I read a hint from an iBlue 737 user on another board, who set it up via the Google Maps software menu. I set the 737 settings on the 8525 to port COM0, then I went into advanced options on my GPS software (on my 8525) and chose auto find. I haven't taken it out of the house yet though, but it seems to work in my room, as it said to turn onto another street.

As for just changing things randomly, I am very cautious with my expensive toys. I would rather ask experts on these devices than do the "trial and error" and damage it myself. I am somewhat intuitive, though; I just need a jump-start to the right path.

Thanks again for all the replies! This is a very helpful board, lots of quick replies! Other boards I've been visiting take about 24 hours to get a response!! If I have any more questions, I will most likely make another thread, as this one seems [knock on wood] to be answered.

[ohpfan]

Just a quick update. I tested the 737 on my 8525 with OCN8, and it worked!

I know that I mentioned that I have igo8, but I unknowingly tried to install both on my 8525. A friend sent me the files, then I found that the two titles are made from the same company. To be honest, I asked for freeware as I thought it was better board etiquette than just flat out asking for free downloads. Sorry for any confusion there.

As for OCN8, it does have a computerized voice, but not true "Text-to-speech". I can live with that, but I've always heard about full-size GPS's with the computer saying what exact street to turn onto -- when and where to turn. The very top of the screen says what street/city to turn onto, but in an unfamiliar area that may be hard to read the street names that quickly.

I do like that it shows the speed limit in the bottom left corner and the current speed on the top right. The voice saying "You are over the speed limit" is a bit annoying.

Lastly, I would like to apologize. I reread my last post and it sounded terse. I didn't mean it as to "drop the subject" -- just that the first question was answered. I do appreciate all replies and the helpfulness on the boards here.

[mikealder]

We do not condone/ allow software piracy and in using some files from a mate doesn't involve purchasing the files this is software piracy/ theft.

Go and purchase the software and maps then someone might tell you how to modify/ set it up how you want it - Mike

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