Wired GPS with PDAs

astyy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 15

Hi guys, I hope this is relevant to this forum.

Does anybody know if you can use 'wired' GPS with the latest generation of PDAs (XDA Mini S, XDA Argon etc) which appear to be standardising on mini-USB connectors. I'm guessing that they only support Bluetooth for GPS - and I dont understand why since Activesync runs through the mini-USB which used to require a COM port.

The reason that I ask is that in business scenarios hard-wired items that dont require additional batteries and the miracle of bluetooth pairing are sometimes more suitable.

Thanks in advance for any advice if only to confirm the above.

mikealder · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:38 pm Post subject:

Sorry to disappoint but Bluetooth is your only option, the mini USB connector on the phone is not capable of acting as a Host Controller so it will not see the GPS unit even if you plug it in.

Once configured correctly though you should find a BT device works fine, and it avoids more cables strewn all over the car - Mike

astyy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 15

Mike

Thanks for the quick response. I have found that choosing a GPS that doesn't decide to switch off when loosing BT connection, with its own charging cable spurred from a PDA cradle isn't a bad solution.

I still would prefer a wired GPS for use in blue-collar industries.

robertn · Frequent Visitor Joined: Feb 06, 2005 Posts: 564

I agree wired connections are better for many industrial/commecial installations. I also found that ruggedised PDAs were cheapest (at 3-4 times the price) in the long run, for the blue collar workers I dealt with, and these almost always have serial capability. It was too long ago for any info I have to be useful, howevr have a look at the Symbol range of products.

mikealder · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:45 pm Post subject:

As the units you mentioned in the OP were both HTC phones (re-badged by O2) take a look at the O2 Orbit or its HTC equiv the P3300 Artemis, these devices are phones and have the GPS built in, this should be even easier to use - no BT to configure or mess with, just a single wire to charge the phone etc - worth considering when you next upgrade - Mike

astyy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 15

I agree, the Orbit is very good and I've done a lot of work with it, such a shame it hasn't got a 3.5" screen.

astyy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 15

Mike

Your comment re: USB Host Controller - is this a hardware, application or o/s limitation?

Thanks

mikealder · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:30 pm Post subject:

It is hardware related not OS, some devices have been supplied with USB capability, the HTC 7500 or T-Mobile Ameo can use certain USB devices such as memory sticks, mice and keyboard etc. This connection is only via a special lead and interface lead but it works very well for low powered devices - Mike

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