[aprssig] Franson GPSgate Software Now Offering APRS/Findu-like Service
Stephen H. Smith
wa8lmf2 at aol.com
Thu Jan 11 15:57:28 EST 2007
In the past, I have posted about Franson Software's GPSgate software.
This useful $15 shareware Windows utility splits a serial data stream
from a physical serial port into multiple virtual serial ports. This
allows more than one program can use a GPS at the same time. For
example, you can run UI-View, MapPoint and Topo from the same GPS
simultaneously.
Over time, the original GPSgate has added modes of input and output.
The current versions can translate proprietary Garmin USB format into
generic NMEA on virtual serial ports. It can redirect GPS data to or
from TCP/IP so that a GPS receiver can be shared over a LAN. It can
redirect GPS data into a log file in addition to routing it to a virtual
serial port for later playback as a GPS simulator.
Version 2.5 was released today (Thursday 11 Jan 07) and has added yet
another feature. It can connect to a new website created by Franson <
http://gpsgate.com > and upload your GPS readings to a
previously-created free account. In turn, previously-authorized other
users of the site placed on your buddy list can then view your position
on Google Maps ala Findu. Since it forwards standard NMEA strings to
it's website, presumably, one could use raw NMEA data received from a
TNC, stripped of any packet headers also.
If you have a GPS-equipped PDA or laptop capable of running Windows, and
capable of connecting to the Internet, you can have a findu-like service
without a radio and without a ham license. Note that unlike some of
the findu-like GPS tracking services now being offfered by cellular
carriers and others , Franson's service is free.
Versions of GPSgate software that will work with this service are
available for both standard "full-size" Windows and for WindowsCE (the
version that works on PocketPCs) .
< http://franson.com >
--
Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com
EchoLink Node: 14400 [Think bottom of the 2M band]
Home Page: http://wa8lmf.com --OR-- http://wa8lmf.net
NEW! TNC Test CD
http://wa8lmf.net/TNCtest
JavAPRS Filter Port 14580 Guide
http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/JAVaprsFilters.htm
"APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating
http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths
Updated "Rev G" APRS http://wa8lmf.net/aprs
Symbols Set for UI-View,
UIpoint and APRSplus:
More information about the aprssig
mailing list