GPS for CF-19 - SIERRA wireless GoBi2000 VS. GPS installation kit ???

I would like to have GPS into my CF-19. I found out that Sierra wireless card contains GPS, so which one will be better for GPS? My CF-19 already contains build-in Intel wireless but is Sierra card easier to install than the GPS kit? Is the normal GPS kit more stable or gets better signal than the card?

 

Intel wireless - WLAN.
Gobi - WWAN.
Different cards, different slots.
OEM GPS kit (MK1-2) is not better than GPS in Gobi2000.
It's easier to install any WWAN card than GPS card.
Aftermarket GPS kit can be much better, but it's very expensive.
Easiest way is to buy external Bluetooth GPS device

 

Damn, I have totally forgot the existance of external GPS modules. Of course, it will be much better option since it will use it's own power source and therefore it will save much more power than GPS working inside the toughbook.

 

From my vast experience, I have determined that the OEM GPS is faster to acquire satellites and is more accurate.

Real world: If all you're using it for is turn by turn navigation, then the GOBI 2000 GPS will work JUST FINE!

2 cents out!

 

I haven't done any scientific testing but with the GPS in my CF-19 I don't feel it eats up that much power that I notice a drop in runtime. And given that the Bluetooth GPSs run 8+ hours on a 1200mAh battery, the drain is obviously negligible. Plus with a built-in GPS you won't forget to charge it, leave it behind, etc. That said, installing the GPS in the CF-19 is not an easy task for someone who's not used to tinkering with things.

And with the Gobi GPS, doesn't it have an additional antenna connector that you need to route since the CF-19s only have two (main and aux WWAN?)

 

it uses the WWAN antenna(s).

 

I think getting external GPS bluetooth module saves me a lot of work. Besides the DIY work, the cheapest GPS kit for CF-19 at ebay is currently about 60 euros while getting second hand bluetooth module is only 10 euros or even less so I think I will try the bluetooth module first. GPS kit needs silicone coating to make waterproof seal but for the external module, how about just wrapping it into plastic?

The reason for GPS is that I will take my CF-19 into my long distance bike trips having GPS is great advantage, specially when I can use it at heavy rain! I'll keep the module in the bag while having the toughbook at my shoulder strap.

 

HiCanuckcam,

We appear to have the same CF-19khragam. I have a question or two which you may have an answer to. I'm looking to get the wwan/gobi module part number for my CF-19. I had purchased my unit a few months ago and at that time didn't see a need for the WWAN/Gobi feature and requested that the seller remove it. He did.

So now I'm attempting to chase down the correct information so as not too purchase the wrong item. It would be a big blessing to get this information. My search efforts have just about worn out. There are literally thousands of variations for these cards.

I'm thinking your posts may be the best clue I've seen that might offer some actual information, such as part numbers or other pertinent identifiers. Maybe I should be concerned as to the actual card being North American qualified. I'm in Southern California. Can you assist?

All feedback from this forum is welcomed in advance.

ron_of_orange
S. Calif
4:50pm PDT

 

Are u sure of that you've mentioned above? The gps on goobi is crap, much worse than the oem.


ohlip

 

OEM is awful too )
3-5 minutes cold start under clear sky etc.
u-Blox is veeery good, I can recommend it.

And I think it's better to buy WWAN modem for HSDPA or EVDO only, not the Gobi one.
They are really cheap and work very well from the box.

 

Lets not jump to the next level coz a whole day of discussion will not be enough for other module. We are talking about the difference between the two. The OEM and on the gobi only. If you still insist, may I ask you how many module you've tested on the fast. this only apply to the GPS module that can be integrated to the machine(toughbook). If you're going to ask me I've tested enough, different module brand and manufacturer and I know which is the better, best and worst, Lol...


ohlip

 

Let's believe your experience then.
For me it was enough to test CF-19MK1 OEM GPS, which couldn't see enough satellites through a very large window. I had to come away 10 meters from my small house to get a fix in a few minutes. And there is a problem using this GPS in a car.
It may be better than another option, but it's unusable for me.
USB or BT GPS with SS-3 chipset (USD <40) - under 1 minute cold start and works stable.

 

It would be helpful (in order to compare apples to apples) to know which model/manufacturer is in each OEM GPS on the CF-19 series.
I have the 19mk4 and I know it's a Sony (think I once found a PDF with the specs for the version in mk3, but it was some time ago).

I don't think the 19mk1 and mk2 have the same GPS chip as the later ones (mk3, mk4), let alone the mk5, mk6.

From my experience, with the 19 OEM GPS I struggle to get a stable signal near the window (double pane), with taller buildings around, and tall trees, but it's almost the same with the Sirf4 Techtough kit for the CF-30.

However, the 19mk4 OEM GPS, gets 8-10 sattelites on the passenger seat in the car, with no issues, and good tracking with Navigator free (used for a few hours).
On the other hand, a CF-F9 with Gobi GPS also gets good signal (5-7 sats) on a moving train, near the window.

I have a strong feeling that the same Gobi GPS gets better signal/reception in a bussiness-rugged Toughbook (CF-C1, CF-F9) than in a fully-rugged CF-19, at least that's how it was in my basic testing. Could it be because of the casing (more plastic vs. magnesium) ?
Moreover, since the Gobi GPS uses the WWAN antennas, as my mk4 doesn't have protruding wings, could this be (another) reason for the poor signal ? my WWAN works fine, though.

Didn't manage to test the Sirf4 gps on the 30, in clear view, outside, yet.

 

There are no antennas in those wings. They are just solid plastic.

 

okay... so why do we need them for WWAN cf-19s ? do they influence the signal in any way ?

 

They look better ))