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    USGLOBALSAT.COM Sale

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Toughbook, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    enter GOBBLE09 to receive your 35% discount... i just bought a bunch more EM408s!

    Just thought I'd post this info in case you aren't on their mailing list!

    Rick
     
  2. canuckcam

    canuckcam Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks!!!

    ... I'm still trying to find a SiRFIII USB receiver with SMA (or MMCX) connector. With the EM408s, I can see that it only puts out a TTL/RS232 signal? I wonder if I can adapt a PL2302 module to work with that 408. The 5pin cable are discreet wires, not a ribbon cable?

    I want to mount everything in a nice neat box in the back of my truck. Just obsessive-compulsive about making it look unique with a single 12v power in, single USB-in and Ethernet jacks along with SMA connectors for my aircard, GPS and WiFi.


    Edit: Hmm.. this is a USB to TTL converter for $15RMB. That's like, $3.50! http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail.jhtml?item_id=e448177be00235ad482535ad9819e472&x_id=0db1
    of course I have no idea how to buy or ship or communicate. :)
     
  3. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    Yeah... The 5 pin cable are 5 separate wires each leading to the cable ends... Easy to cut, tin and solder.

    You may be over thinking the issue.... Why would you want what was in the link? (If you could even read what was in the link!)

    Why not a ribbon cable with the 5 pin cable soldered to the end to plug into the EM408?... Then you can place the antenna where you wish.

    Just curious...
     
  4. canuckcam

    canuckcam Notebook Evangelist

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    Because I need a USB-TTL adapter in order to use the TTL signals coming off the EM-408, right? My initial thought was to try to build it into my CF-30, but since it's still new I'm reluctant to start disassembling. :)
     
  5. mnementh

    mnementh Crusty Ol' TinkerDwagon

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    Ummm dewed...

    We're all digging on the EM-408 as a BUILT-IN INSIDE the Toughbook... if you're looking for something to mount EXTERNALLY & plug in via a USB hub, then you'd be time & arse-ache ahead to just get any of dozens of USB external GPS modules available online or eBay for $15-35. Just look for the Sirf III chipset and you pretty much can't go wrong... Cap'n has a model he's quite fond of recommending that's available quite reasonably; ask him what it is.

    mnem
    To USB or not USB? That is the question...
     
  6. canuckcam

    canuckcam Notebook Evangelist

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    ... ahh okay, I was thinking of simply tapping into the built-in USB lines to the WWAN sled so thus EM-408 to a USB-TTL converter. Forgot that I can tie directly to the motherboard!
     
  7. capt.dogfish

    capt.dogfish The Curmudgeon

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    CC,
    If you're going for an external GPS just get a USGlobalsat BU-353 ($36.95 with free shipping at Amazon right now). I have never had a failure and have had them immersed in salt water, not just spray, actually dunked in the ocean. All the GPS you will ever need if you aren't planting soybeans or land surveying.
    CAP
     
  8. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    You know as much as I crow about the EM-408... In my next vehicle (Most likely a Ford Exploder) I plan on installing a Carputer (Or Truckputer in this case) I am thinking about a USB GPS.... Either that or stringing up a Sarantel right beside the plastic bobble-head doll on the dash.

    EDIT - My mother-in-law can get lost in a paper bag... Has anyone tried the Nav units that UsGlobalSat is selling cheap?
     
  9. canuckcam

    canuckcam Notebook Evangelist

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    Make sure the Exploder doesn't have a metalized windshield otherwise the Sarantel would work, but not to its full potential. My friend has an XM antenna inside his car and it drops out every time a truck drives next to it! Moved it outside and it's perfect.

    The USGlobalsat nav units are simply WinCE 5.0 PDAs running Nav-N-Go iGo 8 ( http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/eng/igo_8_description) nav software. As per my inquiry, the included maps seem to be one or two editions behind the most recent ones released (can be purchased on the Nav-N-Go website) as I assume it's loaded at time of manufacture. And AFAIK all WinCE GPS units are hackable simply by modifying an .INI file to load the "desktop" instead of the GPS software.
     
  10. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    It's back on.... enter Jingle09 to get your 35% discount! I just ordered a bunch more EM408s...