USB GPS vs internal

So from reading around here it seems the internal gps signal can be easily blocked?

I am going to be using the GPS mainly only in my vehicle and i already have S Streets & Trips. I am thinking that the external antenna will better suit me as I can velcro it to the dash and get great signal strength.

I also anticipate getting a WWAN sled and i have seen the DIY internal GPS and dont want to do that much work LOL

so i guess i answered my question, so heres another, what are some antennas i should look at? and where to get them?

 

This is Cap's favorite

USGlobalSat Incorporated

And here's my pick

http://www.holux.com/JCore/en/products/products_content.jsp?pno=273

Both use the sirfIII chipset
The second link model cost about $15 more and is more water resistant , and more compact

Gps city in alberta canada is where I buy mine


Alex

 

With my CF-29, I use a GlobalSat BT-359 that connects via a USB bluetooth adapter. I use MS Streets and trips for software. This seems to do all I need and eliminates the need for wires. It is a small receiver that I just throw on the dash and go. The only drawback is that sometimes it seems to take a minute or so for the bluetooth to pick up the BT-359 but once it grabs it, no probs at all (prolly something I've got set up wrong).
You can pick them up on FleaBay for $25 and the Bluetooth adapter for about $10.
Good luck

NEW inBox GlobalSat BT-359 BT359 Bluetooth GPS Receiver - eBay (item 120622561009 end time Oct-16-10 14:24:17 PDT)

 

Hey Tomcat,
How does the Holux compare to the Gosget?

 

@ gmgfarrand

The Gosget BU-363 looks quite similar , uses the same reliable chipset, and about the same size, only from a look at it omitting the led indicator




Alex

 

Cool, I have the Gosget and its been stellar...
Mostly use it on my ipod touch with MotionX software or some of the other navigation stuff...

 

The Holux is the one I us on my CF-18. I have tried others but this worked the best. I got mine on feabay for about $35.00

 

I'm not so old that I can't learn a new trick once in a while(every year or so). I'm not sure why the battery is needed as the BU-353 has a cold start time so short its irrelevant, but I'm going to try one. If the Holux unit is as good as the GlobalSat, there is no need for more accuracy for any practical uses. If you don't REALLY need the wireless I would stay away from the Bluetooth units, just something else to screw up. I have a 10' USB extension cable on the BU-353 on our landing craft, should be a no-no, but we have no problems with it.
CAP

 

Today i looked at the PD and SO patrol cars (im a firefighter) that got laptops and GPS within the last 2 months. both use the BU-353, so that seals the deal for me on my choice!

 

Actually I sold out of the Holux and decided to try Caps recommend BU-353
I have sold over 30 Holux and no problems ,I usualy don't change models if they work well but the BU-353 was $20 cheaper so I saved some money




Alex

 

Even though I enjoy the custom internal one, when I'm in my car, I use this one; USGlobalSat Incorporated

However, it's not really transferable to other vehicles.

I used to have a 353, but I gave it to my brother (which he used every day for quite a while until his company bought him a magellan).

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a USGlobal Sat unit, but I've seen great results out of plenty of others.

 

Interesting unit: GlobalSat MR-350 Bulkhead GPS Receiver (Waterproof)

Requires a specialized hookup, though:

BR305-USB2 USB Cable Set
or:
BR305-RS232 RS232 Cable Set

It's been added to my " Must Do" list for when I finally get around to completing my In-Vehicle installation of my CF-29 Mk3 Toughbook (not looking forward to drilling big holes in the roof and "snaking" all those connector cables; GPS, WWAN, WLAN, Two-Way; through the interior ).

 

Back when I bought it, it was two separate part numbers, and included either the USB or the Serial adapter. But yes, they are very good water proof units. Because they are usually higher than anything else in my cars, they have slightly better ability to not worry about overhead coverage. They also offer a very clean look if you want it to be permanent inside a vehicle.