Global Positioning Systems    1/27/2024

GPS stuff
We currently use our Android phones running the TomTom app for navigation. Points of Interests (POI), and addresses are matched locally unless Whole Map is toggled. A data connection is not required as maps are stored on the phone. Many unlisted POI’s were added to a file that could be copied to the phone. However, TomTom improved the process by using a browser to tediously add each POI. The TomTom 720 is not used anymore and the 1605 is used to receive traffic alerts when driving through metropolitan areas.

The non-premium navigation system of the Prius do not have real time indication of compass direction. I put in an OEM dimming rearview mirror without a compass before realizing this. Even the old Ody has this.

Odyssey 2000 with factory navigational system made by Alpine. Tough to find Points of Interests (POIs) by name as it requires a Category - the programmers are obviously not users of the product. POIs are under categories which they may not fit, so it’s many, many click, cancel combinations to finally find the destination. Why not ignore the category when the name is known?

In October 2012, played with and returned a Garmin nuvi 50. Added a POI file. It is unacceptable that, unlike the TomTom, it does not find internal POIs and added files with one search. You must go into Extras and search only one file or combine everything into that single file. Another what were they thinking of design!

The TomTom via 1605 is a higher resolution 6” GPS unit than any of the 4.3” or 5” models. A welcome addition is the free FM broadcast traffic receiver which shows where and for how long traffic is backed up. It uses a web browser to update and copy over POI files rather than the Mass Storage Class (MSC) or rather like a hard drive. Other than that, it functions similarly to the 720. It does not have North indicator unlike the 720.

Bought a refurbished TomTom 720 in September 2008 to avoid having to work with 2 separate pieces of hardware. Battery life is less than 1.5 hours. As the battery won't hold much of a charge, it requires an external power source to run. Additional software was installed to show altitude.

1. The text resolution is more coarse than the Axim, but inputs include voice as well as text input.
2. Putting additional software on it enables it to do IQ Routes, which is a database of travel times of major roads. It also has Advance Lane Guidance for major highway interchanges, and Map Share to update your existing maps. The alert is only 0.5 mile prior to the exit.
3. The maps work on both the Axim and 720.
4. A complaint I have is the number of POIs are not as complete as other GPS manufacturers. POIs can be added with 3rd party software in the ov2 format and one search will go through all files.
5. Bluetooth hands free interface for cell phones.
6. MP3 player with built-in FM transmitter.

Globalsat BT359 bluetooth GPS receiver based on SiRF III chipset (spare)
Dell Axim X50v PDA has a VGA screen (recycled)
TomTom Navigator 9.465 software (not used)

Start the bluetooth on the Axim, swing it into landscape mode, turn on the BT359, fire up TomTom application and then it only runs for an hour before the battery dies. However text resolution is excellent.

Microsoft Streets & Trips pairs easily with certain USB bluetooth dongles and the BT359. It's because Microsoft’s Windows XP bluetooth stack is inconsistent in connections, while Windows 7 is much improved. With the proper dongle, it works. There are not that many POIs, but GPX files can be imported.

Streets & Trips uses Navteq maps, while the TomTom uses Teleatlas. I have noted major differences in the roads of Morcote, Switzerland. The Navteq maps have more roads and appear to be more accurate.