Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
GPS for your lappy? Not sure how many people are interested in such a thing, but I'm looking into setting up an integral GPS unit for my m570ru.
I'm still looking to get my hands on a service manual - it would make the process a lot easier. But, regardless, I'm going ahead with building one anyways.
Why, you may ask? Well, there are two reasons. Firstly, I just need a project. I've been bouncing between ideas for a while, and am getting ansy to start really digging into my lappy. Second, it really bugs me that my buddies iPhone can do something that my M570RU can't. I don't care if they're different devices, etc, yada yada. It's the principle.
Oddly, I don't even particularly care about GPS as a general rule. It's just kinda cool is all
Parts are being ordered next Friday, so the build should start shortly thereafter.
Here's the plan:
v1: Building the GPS module as an external USB powered device. At this point, it will communicate with the lappy over a virtual serial port set up over USB. This is actually a very simple project. I'll be using the EM406A SiRF III model ( http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=465) which will just stream positioning data over the serial connection to the lappy, where (at least to start) a simple program will parse and display location information.
v2: Part of a grander scheme for me*, I'll be removing my DVD drive (I already have an external drive for when needed) and mounting the GPS unit inside the drive bay. I'll take over the lappies' internal com port(Who uses that serial port anyways?), and grab power from the DVD drives power. I REALLY wish service manuals were accessible. Ah well. Power switch for the GPS on the old drive bay panel, where the open button once was, and we're good to go.
Later planned projects center around the drive removal - space is so critical, and I practically never use my DVD drive anyways, so it's a natural way to go. I'm considering a DIY compact flash reader/SSD drive, as I'll have a drive connection free and who doesn't want more storage space?
Other concepts: I could readily set up a bluetooth version of the GPS module rather than USB. Power off a rechargeable lion-poly battery, and we're good to go: the software is identical either way; just utilize a bluetooth serial port instead of the USB one. Bluetooth modules are fairly inexpensive in the grand scheme of things, so it's not entirely impractical.
This would give a cool homing beacon thingie, as you'd be tracking the location of the GPS unit rather than the lappy itself, but unfortunately it would be limited to bluetooth range. At least you wouldn't need to worry too much about losing it!
Any thoughts? Would anyone be interested in an external usb power gps receiver?
GPS unit for the lappy
Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by Wintersdark, Jul 7, 2008.
