I tested the GPS logger with a bunch of PC based realtime GPS applications. To use the GPS logger in this mode, you need (a) to have serial output (e.g. using the SparkFun "LPC Serial Port Boot Loader Interface"); (b) enable the GPS logger configuration (e.g. set "GPSCONFG.TXT" options: mode=pass, format=raw, pass_serial_speed=4800, gps_output_sentences=gga,vtg). Use a terminal program to verify that the sentences are being emitted.
Initially, I used a serial port speed of 9600bps, but soon found that a few applications assumed 4800bps (the strict NMEA standard rate) and did not allow for anything else to be specified. I moved to testing everything at 4800bps. Also, I haven't pre-programmed my Lassen iQ, so it currently only spits out the factory default NMEA sentences: GGA and VTG. For some applications, GSA and ZDA would have been necessary or desirable.
Applications were chosen because either (1) I currently use them, (2) they are reasonably popular and many people use them, (3) they make another useful test case. I'd be interested in additions to the list.
The majority work without problem: I'm not surprised because the GPS Logger in pass mode simply spits out the same NMEA sentences it receives from the Lassen iQ. But now there is some clear confirmation, and I know that no work (apart from changing the default serial port output speed to 4800) is required for the next release.
Mapping applications
The purpose of these applications is very clear: they provide some form of real-time mapping, navigation combined with further features, such as saving log files, etc.
- Microsoft AutoRoute 2007 with GPS Locator: popular road trip planning and real-time directions: succeeded!
- Google Earth Plus: using real-time GPS in Magellan/Serial mode with NMEA: succeeded!
- GooPs: for Google Earth, providing GPS tracking and navigation: succeeded!
- BUNGEE: for Google Earth, providing LIVE GPS tracking: succeeded!
- Earth Bridge: for Google Earth, as a GPS bridge: failed: the diagnostics showed that the NMEA sentences looked fine, but application stated that it could not get a fix.
- MeHere: networked GPS tracker for Google Maps and Google Earth: succeeded!
- TopoFusion: GPS mapping software for Windows: succeeded!
- GPS TrackMaker: providing real-time navigation: succeeded!
- Memory-map V5 European Edition: route-planning and mapping software: succeeded!
These applications survey local wireless networks and can associate the results with GPS positioning information, typically used when scanning from a moving vehicle.
- NetStumbler: wireless network analyser tool: succeeded!
- WiFi Hopper: wireless network discovery and site survey: partially succeeded: NMEA sentences seen in diagnostic window, but not shown in main window because of license expiry.
- WirelessMon: 802.11 wireless monitoring tool: succeeded!
These are various tools used for diagnostic purposes, to show, interpret, convert or do other presentation and manipulation activities on the raw data itself. Most of these would have preferred more NMEA sentences (other than GGA and VTG) to work with.
- GPSDiag: performing simple interpretation and presentation of NMEA data: succeeded!
- GPS Utility: manage, manipulate and map GPS information: succeeded!
- GPS Express: variety of reception, interpretion and mapping functions: succeeded!
- VisualGPS: command monitor and graphical viewer of NMEA data: succeeded!
- NMEA Sentence Logger: file and network logging of NMEA data: succeeded!
These use GPS timing information to display clock, provide local or network time.
- GPS Time and Test: provides clock synchronisation: failed: needs to see ZDA sentences which I do not currently have configured.
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