Step by Step

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Hi Dave and others. First of all, thank you very much for this website. It has been an amazing experience. The quality of info here is great and Dave is the most amazing guy I have seem in forum or any sort. Always got an answer for everything!

Anyway, from a beginner knowing absolutely nothing (and lost so badly on the road) Embarassed

to now, only two weeks, I have figured out the following:
Firstly, globalpositiningsystems seems to be a good company, so I think I am just going to stick with it. I live in Glasgow, so don't want to mess about with other companies, when this one seems to be reasonably reliable. Then, I think tomtom 2 is the best software, because of the 3D view and their update of software on the website seems to be a good sign.

In spotlight website, there are three bundles. At the beginning, I thought blue tooth is the best, then cable, CF is a no no. Then I read something about the blue tooth signal disconnection problem, so, I think, forget about it. Then I thought cable will be good, no signal disconnection issue. But the wiring seems to be too messy. Now I think I am going to go for the MMF CF, as it is the tidiest solution. (although if the windcreen reflects signal, then I will be screwed!) Never thought I will go for a CF, but I think I am.

Anyway, I just try to visualise the step by step I need when I receive my goodie in two weeks time (hopefully the post office will get themselves sorted by then!). Anyone's comment is welcome. Anyone got any lesson learnt will be useful too.

[1] I suppose I need to charge the hp2210 for a few good hours (12?)before I start doing anything, when I got it brand new in the box. I read something here about I also need to charge the MMF CF for about six hours first. (does it come with a main power charge?)

[2] Then, connect PDA to PC . Is there any PDA software I need to install? Or all of them are pre-installed already? Do I switch on the PDA first, then PC?

[3] Then, I should install TomTom2 software. So, plug the additional memory card into my PDA (do I need to format the memory card?). Switch on the machines and put the CD into my PC CD rom. The rest should be straightforward or obvious, I hope. Any special step I should pay attention to? I know there is some activation code thing. I think I also need to connect to the internet at some stage. For fool like me, should it take about 30 minutes?

[4] Then, I think I won't need the pc. Just the PDA and my MMF CF card. I suppose, I should put the CF card in before switching the PDA on. (does anyone know what happen if I pull the CF card out while PDA is on, will I damage anything?) Then find a window with a clear blue sky or outdoor. Then, adjust something in the menu (where again?) to something 9600 NEMA baud rate?

[5] and that is and off i go?

[6] Okay I might need to install a mount at some stage. The airvent in smart has a knob. this could be a challenge.

(Okay, you probably notice that I should read the manual at some stage..... Wink

)

Dave, anythig you would add? Anyone got something "must do" or "mustn't do" to add?

Thank you very much for all the help from you.

Rich

Dave · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2003 12:50 pm Post subject:

Hi Rich, thanks for the great comments. You're right though, I do try to have an answer for everything :o Wink

I'll let you know my thoughts on cable vs bt vs CF.

Most people thing there's going to be a lot more cables in car when using a cabled GPS, but there isn't really. You will always need a power cable to power the Pocket PC, the only difference with a cabled GPS Receiver is you usually have another cable coming off of this cable in a Y adapter and this then leads to the square GPS Receiver that sits on the dashboard. Most people can conceal the receiver cable around the door seal. Some even managed to move the dash out slightly enough to drop the cable down the back. Depending on where you mount the Pocket PC you may have more cable, if you mount it in the center console, then you can always run the cable under the drivers mat to hide it.

Anway, CF is good if you want to use it out and about, and not just in-car. Problem is it uses up a storage slot, and also drains Pocket PC battery power when you don't have it plugged into a power source. CF cards are good for a couple of hours use, but not much more than that unless you have a portable battery charger (like this one) http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/pcmobile-battery.php

Bluetooth is really an amalgamation of the cabled and CF receiver. It gives you the best of both worlds. It doesn't drain the battery as much as a CF card would, doesn't use up a storage slot, and doesn't have any unsightly cables. The downside is you have to keep charging it. Most BT GPS Receivers have a battery length of 6 hours, so if you are going for a 6 hour journey, or forget to charge it when you get to work or home, then you will need to take a charger cable with you and you will have to plug this in. If you religiously charge the BT GPS then this shouldn't be a problem.

Personally, I prefer cabled still. Why ? I always forget to charge the BT GPS! The BT GPS is great, I'd much prefer it over a CF which can be bulky, but at the end of the day I make sure I have the best of both worlds. Here's how....

I run 2xBT GPS Receivers in-car, but the Pocket PC's are also plugged into the power cable of 2xLeadtek 9531's, so I usually run the BT GPS, but when I run out of battery power (quite often), I can switch to the Leadtek's and still have GPS! A bit of an overkill, but I'm that kind of guy! Thumbs Up

Anyway, back to your questions.

1) Yes you do, and no you don't. Power it on, it will have minimal power. Configure it so it comes up with Windows Mobile 2003 on screen and you see a START menu. Plonk it into the desktop cradle which is connected to your PC and power, whilst it's charging it you can still use it, just make sure you leave it on charge, and leave it overnight, this will give it a good charge. Regarding MMF, you shouldn't really need to charge it for that long. Basically all GPS Receivers have either a backup battery, or a capacitor on-board which stores a little power and this acts as a backup battery so you don't lose the all important almanac data (which will then require a 12.5 minute TTFF fix). That's why some Receivers do state the first fix may be extended to 15 mins. Most of the time it's not required as they already have had some sort of a test out of the factory. If you also insert the MMF into the 2210, then it will give it enough charge, usually a couple of hours will be enough.

2) Before connecting it to the PC, you need to install ActiveSync that comes on the CD, then once that's installed, power on the iPAQ, insert it into the cradle and it should connect to the Pocket PC. You can then whilst charging it install software.

3) Most of the time the storage cards don't need formatting. Make sure you are connected to the internet, install TomTom Navigator 2, then activate it via the PC. Be warey, you may want to do this from your home PC, because this will keep the registration code also in your PC registry, so if you go to reinstall it at anytime, you won't have to re-activate it.

4) Once installed, and you have enough battery power, go outside (don't do it near a window), freeze yourself for 10 mins, and you should get a position. Before this though I would make sure you install the latest TomTom drivers from their website. TomTom Navigator 2.24, GPS 2.08 (this will require a soft reset of the iPAQ)

5) yes

6) that could be a challenge, it depends on how much in depth and diameter the knob sticks out. Take a photo and mail it to me and I'll let you know if I think it will pose a problem.

Manual, what's that ?

Anything I would add ? Send us a whole bunch of cash if it works first time Thumbs Up

Nah, you should be okay. Post on here if you do get problems. Most of us check the message boards before our email, so it's always best to post here. My email is always backlogged mostly by 5-7 days, so reaching me it's best to post here.

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Dave, might I ask:

[1] Is the CFMMF firewire connector can fit the fag charger which we use to charge our pda hp2210?

[2] I am thinking (for once!) surely the cabled gps also need power from something, probably from PDA, just like CF MMF? ISn't it?

Thanks.
Rich

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 7:36 am Post subject:

1) Rich it can't fit a standard charger cable, but it does come supplied with an in-car charger.

2) Cabled GPS Receivers get the power from the cigarette lighter socket. These cables (including the Haicom version) both charge the Pocket PC and give power to the Mouse at the same time.

The main problem with CF based GPS Receivers is that you have to have the Pocket PC switched on, the card inserted, and you have to be in the GPS Application, then switch on the virtual power button within the application, then and only then will the CF card start receiving satellite signals.

With a cabled mouse, all you do is switch the ignition on, and it starts acquiring satellites, no need to plug it into the Pocket PC. Same goes for Bluetooth, as soon as you switch it on, it starts to acquire satellites. This is the main reason a lot of people avoid CF cards, because it means you have to do all that work before you start receiving a signal, which in most cases means more sitting there obtaining a fix.

With a cabled/Bluetooth connection, you can switch them on as soon as you open the car door, spend time putting bags/cases into the car, by the time your butt hits the seat, you will already have a fix, so you can then switch on the Pocket PC, run up the application and immediate start driving, and it will have received an immediate fix. You can even start driving befor e loading the app because in theory the cabled/BT GPS already has a fix.

I guess it depends on how you do things, you could always have the Pocket PC running as soon as you open the door and start acquiring a fix, but I've always found I have had more time sitting around doing nothing in a car with a CF card.

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Dave, help. This is doing my head in!!! I think I am missing something here.

I thought CF MMF Haicom can be used as a mouse anyway. So, it should not be a problem if I am in a hurry.

[1] Looking at the spotlight package, I am wondering, if the in car charger can be connected to the pda, how do I connect the mouse to the pda? (where is the cable?) Any spotlight staff can jump in to answer the question too. Does that cable charge and transfer data between the pda and the mouse at the same time?

[2] Dave, can I charge the mouse without using/via the pda?

thanks,
Rich
need feng shui consultation for your business?
Try www.chiwing.co.nr

Revvin_Kevin · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 11:03 am Post subject:

Rich,

I have recently bought the Haicom MMF/IPAQ2210/TTN2 package from Global Positioning Systems. I assume this is the same bundle which you're thinking about? If so, you'll not be dissapointed - the Haicom would appear to be a very versatile reciever with good enough performance for the average user and if you buy the bluetooth slipper Dave previewed you have a 3 modes in one device.

The car charger normally supplied with this bundle will only power the IPAQ. This is fine if you use the Haicom as a CF reciever but NOT if you want to use it as a mouse. To do this you need the Haicom charger which will connect to both the IPAQ and the Haicom via the firewire/PS2 cable, powering them both and allowing them to communicate. The firewire/PS2 cable is supplied with the Haicom, the charger is NOT.

I had to persuade Global Positioning Systems to substitute the Haicom charger for the normal one (they are the same price). The Haicom part number is CHG-IQ38, the GPS part number is A748.

I wired in a separate cig lighter socket in my car to a permanent live and connected the Haicom to this so that it is permanently powered in the car. All I have to do is to connect the IPAQ and away I go.

Go here for a pic of my Haicom as a mouse. See other threads concerning the Haicom 303 MMF for more comments.

To mount the IPAQ I bought a Brodit mount and Proclip from here to mount the IPAQ as I found the suction device a bit ugly and wobbly. Now all I have to do is drop in the IPAQ and I'm off. There is a Proclip for the Smart car.

Revvin_Kevin · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 11:08 am Post subject:

PS.

Rich, if you want to talk more about this bundle and set up, PM me and I'll give you my phone no.

Kevin.

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Hello Dave and Revvin_Kevin, thank you for your note.

Dave, could I get a fix when I am driving? Or this is one of the steps I need to do when stationary (in theory and in practice)?

Revvin_Kevin, thanks for your info. Spoke to spotlight. They said the firewire cable is not included. I found it very weird. If the item is supposed to be multi use, surely the cable should be included. Anyway, with the haicom charger, do you charge the PDA via the mouse or you have two charges and one for each?

Thank you all.

Rich
need feng shui consultation for your home and business?
Try [url]www.chiwing.co.nr [/url]

Revvin_Kevin · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:18 pm Post subject:

Rich, the cable IS included.

It is a Male mini-1394 (mini USB) to PS/II (mouse type) connector. The PS/11 end connects to the haicom charger. What is not included is the Haicom charger. This charger powers/charges BOTH devices and allows them to communicate with each other. By leaving the Haicom permanently attached to this you will not need to wait for the first fix, which is best done stationary.

Go here for pics and a description of what's included 'in the box', hopefully it will make things clearer. The charger you need is the one marked with a single *.

Spotlight are mistaken, trust me on this!

Kevin.

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Thanks Kevin. When your pockage arrives, does everything come in as individual complete sealed box? One for pda, one for tomtom, one for the haicom and one for mount and a charge?

I think I am going to stick with this bundle and don't look again. I have been changing my mind the sixth times by now.

Kevin, by any chance you know much about gettinga fix while driving?
Where is Dave? Is it his day off?

Thanks,
Rich
Need feng shui consultation?
try [url] www.chiwing.co.nr[/url]

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 3:47 pm Post subject:

I wish, I'm just very tired from working the entire weekend getting some really good reviews ready for you all! Wink

and I'm coming down with some dreaded lurgee.

You need to really obtain the fix when stationary, this is the best practice. You could and can obtain a fix whilst driving, but it may be extended and depending on line of sight to the sky and the receiver being used, you could have anything up to 45 minutes to wait before you obtain a fix.

Rich · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 29, 2003 Posts: 61

Thanks Dave. Hmmmm.... you are doing some reviews.... . I wonder if it is going to cause me changing my mind with this current bundle again......
:P

Thanks,
Rich
need feng shui consultation
try www.chiwing.co.nr

Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:09 pm Post subject:

Quite possibly! I would act now and get them ordered before you don't have the option to :D

Revvin_Kevin · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:13 pm Post subject:

Rich,

The 'bundle' came in 2 separate packages, probably slightly larger than A4 size and about 2" or so in depth. They esentially consisted of the Haicomm box and the iPAQ box. Smaller bits and pieces were added in the other boxes or in the envelope outside the box. Don't know that that makes sense, but they won't go through the letter box if that's what your thinking. Mine needed signing for as well.

As Dave says first fix after power up is best done stationary, which is a bit of a drag as when using it in CF mode you are essentially powering it up, each time you connect it. That's the main reason I use it in mouse mode in my main vehicle, leaving it permanently powered up. The reason I went for the 303 MMF is so that I could occassionally use it in CF Mode in other vehicles or on foot. This dual functionality is, for me, the main advantage of the 303 MMF.

Once on the move TomTom will tell you when the GPS loses it's fix. There are little bars telling you strength of fix and how many satellites it can see. Also, the map freezes and it makes funny little noises. You can also bring up the GPS screen which will give you all the information you require.

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