Why not simply use the GPS built into the newer EVDO cards?

MBParker

Regarding this www evdoinfo.com/content/view/1987/64/ (3Gstore Announces GPS Module for KR1 EVDO Router):
Instead of requiring this custom $300 GPS module for the KR1, plus updating its firmware to use it, if you're going to update the firmware, why not just update the router firmware to take advantage of the GPS already built-into the (newer) EVDO card?

GPS is already included in seemingly all new EVDO cards, at least those for Sprint
And this GPS can even be more accurate (not just using satellites, but cell-towers to triangulate as well).
And your forum post www evdoforums.com/thread4423.html goes into great detail about how to take advantage of it.
And though cellular GPS can get away with not being in a direct clear view of the sky, if you still had to get the GPS up there, you could (1) put the router (with the EVDO device) on the roof in say a strong plastic bag with just antenna exposed (I've done this with a 802.11g Linksys router, and it also allows the wifi to transmit & receive long range - why I did it), else use a USB EVDO "card" as the U720 and just put that on the roof (in a heavy plastic bag say) on a USB cable.

(Aside: The form's anti-spam software caused me to unliven the links so this message would post; "www " should be "www.")

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1943

AFAIK, there isn't anything in kr1 firmware that can access the GPS stream.

MBParker · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:39 pm Post subject:

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1943

tz1 · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:10 am Post subject:

The problem is that the GPS data isn't presented in a normal or easily accessible way, nor is it consistent (if you aren't in an EVDO area, are roaming, or where there is no coverage - and what accuracy?).

If someone would send me a card with the function (Sprint has EVDO), I could probe it and see.

But like signal strength (which I actually have some work toward that end), it might be buried in a proprietary stream, or even require inquiring of the tower or cell network.

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 1969

You can open the com port with hyperterminal in windows and get the GPS stream. It's been a while since I've done it but it's doable. Don't recall if it's scrambled.

You can see the GPS port number for Windows in the Device Info and Diag screen in CM.

Dialup111 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 15

Well, confirm you can see it in Hyperterminal.

The data stream is NMEA compliant.

The problem appear to be that the data stream has 2 ways of finding itself, there is the built in GPS receiver, (Qualcomm), and then there is a way of going through the towers to pick up not only the data, but the ads / maps.

By default, the Franklin CDU-680 I have is set to find its location every 5 minutes, which I suspect involve both a GPS reading and pinging a tower.

If you change the interval from the default 5 minute per 'ping' to something like 1 second (needed for navigation), then the modem virtually freezes for regular data use.

I think someone need to go to Qualcomm's site, download the software developers kit for their GPSOne system, and see how to separate out the two data streams (and to ensure that by default, the towers are not contacted and bandwidth is not used up), then the GPS can be used as a regular GPS.

I haven't figured out how to do it but I am sure it is possible if someone starts writing code (and burning firmware to reprogram the modem / chip as needed.)

As it stands, the GPS function is only of limited use and a regular GPS is still the best thing for navigation.

If there is a programmer out there who wants to try this, email me and I will give you the links to the stuff.

debennett2 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Ohio

Has there been any development in this area? I would love to use my s720's GPS function. Thanks!
_________________
Dan

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1943

debennett2 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Ohio

Thanks but what about actually USING the GPS for other things aside from tracking? Only possible via connecting directly in the PC I'd imagine?
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Dan