entranceHow to turn on gps on a laptop. What is a laptop GPS receiver
If you need to connect a GPS receiver to your laptop to track your location, but you don’t want to buy it, then in this article you will learn how you can just as well use an Android phone as such a GPS receiver. Of course, the phone must have GPS and both devices must also have Bluetooth to be used as a wireless connection.
Phone setup
On google Play Market you can find many applications designed to transfer GPS coordinates via Bluetooth, for example: GPS over BT, GPS2Bluetooth, Share GPS, Bluetooth GPS Output (paid). I liked GPS over BT the most, but if you are unable to transfer GPS data using this application, please try the applications listed above.
Before starting the application, make the following preliminary settings:
- Pair with Bluetooth phone with a laptop.
- Turn on the GPS option in your phone.
Run GPS app over BT, the app will automatically search for satellites, determine the location and start transmitting data to the laptop connected via Bluetooth.
To see a map of satellites, click on the "Menu" button on your phone and select the appropriate item.
Setting up your laptop
Configure a virtual serial port for the bluetooth device in the laptop. To do this in Windows, follow these steps: open the "Devices and Printers" window (Start> Control Panel> Hardware and Sound> Devices and Printers), find the Bluetooth paired phone among the devices connected to the laptop, right-click on it and select the command context menu"Properties".
Then in the properties window switch to the "Services" tab and put a check mark next to the "Serial port (SPP) ..." item and click on the "Apply" button. After a short wait, you will see the COM port number, which you will need in the future to connect the GPS receiver in the navigation program for Windows.
Download on your laptop and install the desired navigation application, for example: SAS.Planet, Google earth, 2Gis, etc. I prefer SAS.Planeta (it does not need to be installed), so below will be the GPS receiver setup for this program. In general terms, the setting is similar in other programs.
Download, unzip and run the SAS.Planet program. Select the command "GPS> Settings" in the program window.
In the opened "Settings" dialog box on the "GPS" tab, make sure that the "COM" item is checked in the "GPS type" group. In the Port field, select desired number port, the one mentioned above (in my case, COM8). The speed can be left alone, according to the documentation, when connected via the NMEA 0183 protocol at a speed of 4800 baud / s, GPS data is transmitted once a second. Click on the "GPS On / Off" button, then on the "Apply" and "OK" buttons.
In the main window of the program, your location should be displayed on the map, and on the panel on the right, other details (speed, distance traveled, altitude, azimuth, etc.).
Navigator - modern software , which allows you to determine your location in real time and display the result on the display of the device on which it is installed. This feature is very useful for finding your way in unfamiliar terrain and planning a route to a given point. Especially navigator in demand among car drivers, because he is able to warn in advance about traffic jams, traffic jams and, in accordance with them, adjust the path.
What navigators exist
Initially, navigators appeared as autonomous devices, performing only the function of determining the location and planning the route. They are compact in size and can be easily installed in any vehicle using a stand. The disadvantage of such devices is the impossibility of changing or configuring the software by the user. Those. the navigator worked only with a single program installed during its manufacture.
Moreover, the cost of such a device is quite high, given that it performs a single function. But with the development of technology and the emergence modern smartphones the need for autonomous navigators is gone. Mobile devices on the base have a GPS module and support the operation of all available navigation applications... But few people know that it can also be used as a navigator.
It is quite simple to do this and even an inexperienced user can perform the setup. Using a laptop PC as a navigator is economically beneficial. You don't need to buy a separate device, but just install the required programs and start using the new capabilities of your device.
Moreover, there are a number of laptops with a built-in GPS module:
- YOGA Book series;
- a number of laptops from the company;
- 12 Rugged Extreme;
- CF series.
What you need to know to use your laptop as a navigator
But not all laptops have an integrated GPS module. Therefore, to connect portable computer to the satellite system external adapter required... There are many such devices that differ in design and connection. The most convenient are wireless GPS receivers, which are connected to a laptop via USB or via Bluetooth.
Connected adapter immediately starts searching for "visible" satellites... This entire process takes up to 30 seconds. To display a map of the area and your location online, you need to launch the installed laptop navigator and activate the Bluetooth function (if necessary). Synchronized with the GPS receiver, the laptop will display all the necessary information on the screen with high accuracy.
Several navigators can be downloaded on the net for a laptop:
- GIS Russa;
- Garmin MobilePC
- OziExplorer
- CityGuide and others.
Most of them are free laptop navigators. However, many electronic cards will have to be purchased separately for money.
Advantages of using the navigator via a laptop:
- large display and a clear image of the picture;
- the ability to install any software;
- no need to buy a separate navigator;
- compact size of the GPS receiver;
Perhaps the only and significant disadvantage of using a laptop as a navigator is the problem of its reliable fixation in the car. In such cases, it is best to take a companion with you on the road, who will hold the laptop and at the same time give directions.
Unlike many "gadgets", the laptop has a significant advantage - versatility. One and the same device can serve its owner as a work tool, an entertainment center, a music player, a cinema ... The field of application of laptops is very wide. With the help of simple actions from a laptop, you can even make GPS navigator... To do this, you need to solve only three problems: equip a laptop with a GPS receiver, install the appropriate software and conveniently place it all in the car.
Welcome, welcome!
The GPS receiver can be connected via USB or via BlueTooth. USB GPS receiver is more convenient in terms of power supply. He does not need a battery or an additional cable to connect to the cigarette lighter, there is no need to charge such a module at home. A USB receiver can be in the form of an antenna and a wire, or it can look like a regular USB flash drive.
The second option is more compact, but there may be problems with the quality of signal reception; such an antenna should not be placed on the dashboard and not brought out. However, modern GPS receivers are quite sensitive, so in most cases you can choose any option. The BlueTooth receiver is convenient because it can be used not only with a laptop. Such a receiver is suitable as an external GPS for a pocket computer or smartphone.
It's all about the cards
There are quite a few navigation programs that you can install on your laptop. They differ functionality and available maps. It is quite a tedious task to list them all, but a few words must be said about the main programs. For off-road travel, the OziExplorer program is suitable. It allows you to use conventional scanned maps of the area. Paper maps so far outperform electronic ones in terms of quality and topography details. But for driving on the roads and in the city, it is better to use programs that work with electronic GPS maps.
CityGuide is famous for its high-quality and detailed map of St. Petersburg, as well as the ability to receive information about traffic jams. For GIS Russa there are many free cards drawn by enthusiasts. Garmin MobilePC is an in-car navigation software from the world leader in navigation. The Garmin MobilePC interface is closest to a conventional car navigator and is simple and understandable even for a novice user.
Now let's try to take off with all this!
The most difficult thing is to install the laptop in the car so that it does not fall or slide while driving, on sharp turns and during emergency braking. The easiest mounting option is the passenger in the next seat, holding the laptop firmly in his hands. At the same time, you can appoint him as a navigator, then the driver will not be distracted by the screen at all. You can try to fix the laptop to the dashboard using a non-slip base. Not the most reliable option and only suitable for small laptops. You can securely mount a laptop of any size using a dedicated car bracket. Such a mount is not cheap, but the design inspires confidence and allows the driver to use the laptop on their own without worrying about its safety.
Using a laptop as a navigator is quite justified. Large display, versatility, the ability to use different navigation programs. Considering that regular navigators with big screen, which are put in place of a two-din radio tape recorder, are quite comparable in price to a new mid-range and even high-end laptop, the laptop + GPS turns out to be not only convenient, but also economically justified solution. Therefore, to all those who appreciate functionality and do not want to carry a bunch of different equipment, we recommend just getting a small GPS navigator for your laptop, solving the navigation problem once and for all.
The article was prepared by the specialists of "Susanin"
The GPS-navigator is no longer just an assistant in orienting motorists on the roads. Today the navigator is able to determine the exact location, notify about traffic jams. The GPS-receiver will provide information about the terrain features. To transfer data and download updated maps, the GPS navigator is connected to desktop computer or laptop. Connecting with a laptop dominates due to its portability and versatility.
The Bluetooth function is convenient for the laptop to find the navigator because it does not need additional equipment. Which is very convenient for saving space. It is required to turn on the GPS receiver. Run the Bluetooht function on a powered laptop. Go through the control panel to the folder " Bluetooth devices", Click the" Add "button. Select the name of the navigator in the list of detected devices. Launch the settings wizard. If for some reason wireless connection cannot be used, a USB cable will help to connect the devices. Often the GPS receiver is automatically detected by the laptop. If there is no automatic detection of the GPS navigator, you need to use the driver disk. It comes complete with a GPS navigator. Otherwise, the drivers for the required model can be found on the receiver manufacturer's website.
Navigation on a laptop has more functionality and clarity than a portable GPS receiver. From a variety of maps, you can choose the most suitable one, quickly plan and coordinate the route.
How to make from laptop gps navigator
Unlike many "gadgets", the laptop has a significant advantage - versatility. One and the same device can serve its owner as a work tool, an entertainment center, a music player, a cinema ... The field of application of laptops is very wide. With the help of simple actions you can even make a GPS navigator from a laptop. To do this, you need to solve only three problems: equip a laptop with a GPS receiver, install the appropriate software and conveniently place it all in the car.
Welcome, welcome!
The GPS receiver can be connected via USB or via BlueTooth. USB GPS receiver is more convenient in terms of power supply. He does not need a battery or an additional cable to connect to the cigarette lighter, there is no need to charge such a module at home. A USB receiver can be in the form of an antenna and a wire, or it can look like a regular USB flash drive.
The second option is more compact, but there may be problems with the quality of signal reception; such an antenna should not be placed on the dashboard and not brought out. However, modern GPS receivers are quite sensitive, so in most cases you can choose any option. The BlueTooth receiver is convenient because it can be used not only with a laptop. Such a receiver is suitable as an external GPS for a pocket computer or smartphone.
It's all about the cards
There are quite a few navigation programs that you can install on your laptop. They differ in functionality and available maps. It is quite a tedious task to list them all, but a few words must be said about the main programs. For off-road travel, the OziExplorer program is suitable. It allows you to use conventional scanned maps of the area. Paper maps so far outperform electronic ones in terms of quality and topography details. But for driving on the roads and in the city, it is better to use programs that work with electronic GPS maps.
CityGuide is famous for its high-quality and detailed map of St. Petersburg, as well as the ability to receive information about traffic jams. There are many free maps for GIS Russa, drawn by enthusiasts. Garmin MobilePC is an in-car navigation software from the world leader in navigation. The Garmin MobilePC interface is closest to a conventional car navigator and is simple and understandable even for a novice user.
Now let's try to take off with all this!
The most difficult thing is to install the laptop in the car so that it does not fall or slide while driving, on sharp turns and during emergency braking. The easiest mounting option is the passenger in the next seat, holding the laptop firmly in his hands. At the same time, you can appoint him as a navigator, then the driver will not be distracted by the screen at all. You can try to fix the laptop to the dashboard using a non-slip base. Not the most reliable option and only suitable for small laptops. You can securely mount a laptop of any size using a dedicated car bracket. This mount is not cheap, but the design inspires confidence and allows the driver to use the laptop on their own. without worrying about its safety.
Using a laptop as a navigator is quite justified. Large display, versatility, the ability to use different navigation programs. Considering that standard navigators with a large screen, which are put in place of a two-din radio tape recorder, are quite comparable in price to a new mid-range and even high-end laptop, then a laptop + GPS turns out to be not only a convenient, but also an economically justified solution. Therefore, to all those who appreciate functionality and do not want to carry a bunch of different equipment with them, we recommend that you simply get a small GPS navigator for your laptop. solving the navigation problem once and for all.
The article was prepared by the specialists of "Susanin"