Hi....new user
Just got XDA2 set in post as a company phone...great.
Acouple of things:
Can I use TomTom3 via the Bluetooth link...Ive been told its "iffY"?
Im using a Motorola BT car kit at the moment, will the XDA pair with it. Reason I ask is that my brother is a SKY engineer and they all have the above but they refuse to pair automatically.
Finally, is there a cradle especially for the XDA2 with a wired charger?
Ta
Graham
Hello Graham
I'm a newbie myself but trying to learn fast, I don't think the xda will pair-up with the motorola. Have a look at this website, I think its a great website they really help me when I first had my xda. The address is www.eXpansys.com. You will fine everything you need for your xda II
Thx
M8.
As long as you're XDAII is running the v1.60 ROM or later it'll work fine with a BT GPS. If it's running an older ROM you can d/l the update from www.my-xda.com and flash it to improve the BT Stack.
The best cradle IMHO is the Carcomm CDAII Cradle, see here. They're available in the UK from TotalPDA.
TT3 and XDA2 work faultlessley for me
Xda II & gps kit
can someone reccommend some mapping software which offers some decent & relatively detailed coverage of Northern Ireland.
Nothing I have looked at so far, inc "pocket streets" has even A class roads included outside Belfast city centre.
not a lot of use to me and many other people like me.
Thats what is holding my gps purchase back. well that and finding a good reason to justify my buying one.
TOMTOM works fine for me too. The only problem is that it doesnt show the names of the streets you are driving past. A car navigatin system does do that.
tomtom bluetooth
I've had my xdaII and tomtom 3 with Blue tooth reciever for 6months.. NO problems. works fine.
TomTom & GPS
Just thought I would add my thoughts as I have been a user of GPS and PDA's for sometime now.
I currently use a Garmin Etrex Vista connected via a cable to an Ipaq (This will be changing to my new XDA2 as soon as the lead arrives).
I have no real problems using Tom Tom software (but it does require a soft reset occasionally). You can view streetnames whilst driving if you go to the map view (not the navigator view).
This setup option is the most expensive using a PDA but gives the most versatility if you want to use your GPS to do other activities using the equipment ie boating, biking, or walking, when talking the PDA may not be suitable.
Consider the kits available on Ebay for around £125 that include a suction mount (vent mounts break your car) the power and connection cable and the software.
I also use Memory Map Navigator which is very detailed Mapping Software using Ordnance Survey Maps. The software is expensive, but if you really do have a use for it (or just love digital maps) it is very good.
Related
I have just been following all the developments with the Bluetoth Stack Problems etc, after actually I had Ordered the Holux BT GPS Receiver.
I am still awaiting delivery, but after reading the last thread under GPS/Bluetooth got a bot dissappointed as a lot of people seem to have problems with the Reception.
I actually did some research before ordering and the reviews were promising. So in real life, what are the problems with the actual GPS itsself and how is the reception?
Even though I haven't tried Towas BT Fix, but I must congratulate as it seems very impressive the job he has done. I have downloaded all is required in terms of software fixes.
Please share your experiences with the Holux BT GPS and if anyone likes to do a preview perhaps?
I've already posted my comments in another thread but to summarise - it doesn't work ver well at all. I've used a Navman/iPaq combo - worked quite well, a Nokia LAM1/9210 - worked surprisingly well too, then a CF GPS in an Axim - worked extremely well, then this Holux device with an XDA II - the worst so far, by far. I'm assuming that the problem isn't with the XDA II as it uses a 400 mhz xScale 263 cpu which should be more than sufficient. I had read that these things would pick up a decent signal from within a rucksack or pocket, and indoors from a few feet from a window, but not in my case.
I can't wait to see what other peoples experiences are.
Ged.
How did you get the holux to work with xda2, I am having no luck with it.
I just installed towas patch, when I chose the holux it allowed me to assign a serial port "com4 chosen" this then appeared under gps in tomtom, works great and the headset works at same time, it did prevent me synching via bluetooth which was working fine before, but that is no hardship as I am unlikely to be synching by bluetooth while running tomtom.
P.s. I tried changing com ports for the gps but it didnt help so I removed my bluetooth desktop pc bluetooth profile, went to settings/bluetooth, told it to sync by bluetooth, it searched for and found my pc bluetooth dongle, when I click finish Towas patch pops up, I selected activesync and it now all works, the guys a genius with programming.
Got my Holux working too
Even though I was very nervous about the Holux, it has proved for me working very well, but it did take a bit to get things working.
At first, I removed all bluetooth devices, then installed Towas' Patch and then added the BT Devices (Holux + HBH-65). The HBH-65 worked well all the time, but once I loaded the Holux supplied software GPSviewer, it kept crashing and froze or it automatically kept rebooting. Tried all different ports but no success.
Finally, I had to Hard-Reset the XDA2 and then first install Towas's BT Patch before pairing any devices or installing any applications. Then I tried some third party software and finally Mapopolis and saw it working perfectly (COM 5, 9600). For some reason, GPSviewer is not compatible with either the XDA2 or Towas's Patch at any setting.
The Positioning is very good and usually have 8 sats locked out of 10 visible. I saw the device to be very accurate, perhaps to about 1-2 metres on Mapopolis. I even get around 3-4 Sats locked when I am indoors (thats either on the top floor or near a window. First time to fix is always around 30secs and hotstart seems immediate to me. The only matter which has got to me was that while driving, the positioning seemed to be lagging behind and Mapopolis came up with streets which just passed. I am also quite pissed off with the male voice of mapopolis as it sounds awful. I have now ordered TomTom V.2 and will keep u guys posted how that goes.
PS: The BT Handset works well at the same time as the GPS, but still missing the Handsfree BT Profile.
Anyone any update about O2 (UK) ROM Update?
I found no lag with Tomtom2, it was on the button and extremely accurate, does anybody know if the battery can be swapped out of this unit in the event of a failure once warrany is out?
I would think so. I took mine apart to see what was inside and it's very similar to one that you'd find in a cordless phone. Nothing special really and there are lots of companies out there that supply custom or specialist batteries.
Analyst said:
I have just been following all the developments with the Bluetoth Stack Problems etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i take it ur talking about the prolems "when you change the baud rate on the GR-230, it would lose communication via Bluetooth"?
if so the review on pocketgps.co.uk for the unit is quite good. its available @
http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/holuxgr230.php
but it explains that its a firmware prob with units shipped B4 Dec 03, which can B fixed.
Hope this helps. ive just ordered 1 myself, £95 off ebay, will do nicely if it works, i shall let ya'll know.
Smiley
I will soon have my hands a nice new XDA II and I want to use it with a GPS system because I do quite a bit of travelling, UK, Europe, USA and the Middle East, my 1st question is
Should I go with blueTooth, Bearing mind the problems that have been reported with Bluetooth and XDA II???
What is the best system to buy to use with the XDA II, Bluetooth, car powered mouse or CP type????
The only limitations are the following
what ever system I use must be able to be powered from the cigerette lighter as some of my car trips could be up to eight hours, this includes the XDA so twin leads are a must so that I'm able to trickle charge both at the same time
Lastly, I've seen maps available for UK, Europe, USA but not the Middle East, am I missing something, like the GPS systems available here in UK don't work in the Middle East or are no maps are available
Any comments much appreciated by a newbe to XDA II & GPS
Best Regards 2
Go for Bluetooth
I have a bluetooth GPS, and they are better tested then the wired ones, If you buy the software, you get a limited number of maps, if you go to the sellers website, you can download the rest (ofcourse you have to pay a small fee, but they are there), If you find the test, (link somewhere on this forum) you will see that about 95% of them are based on batteries and a wire to the sigarete lighter (so you can choose)
Secondly there are no longer problems with bluetooth, if you download the patch, or have a newer rom version, then everything goes as smooth as a baby
I myself have the NAVMAN, bluetooth, and very happy, but the best tested was the fortuna (i think). actually there was not really a bad one
I would say have fun
Re: Go for Bluetooth
lummac said:
I have a bluetooth GPS, and they are better tested then the wired ones, If you buy the software, you get a limited number of maps, if you go to the sellers website, you can download the rest (ofcourse you have to pay a small fee, but they are there), If you find the test, (link somewhere on this forum) you will see that about 95% of them are based on batteries and a wire to the sigarete lighter (so you can choose)
Secondly there are no longer problems with bluetooth, if you download the patch, or have a newer rom version, then everything goes as smooth as a baby
I myself have the NAVMAN, bluetooth, and very happy, but the best tested was the fortuna (i think). actually there was not really a bad one
I would say have fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for info lummac, can you advise what 'Navman' version you are using as I've visited there web site and there's couple of GPS's I like but there is no reference to being able to use with the XDA, I've emailed navman tech support, but no reply.
Best Regards
I would say have fun[/quote]
Dont. worry
I still bought the navman 4410, and received the patch from them to get it to work on my MDAII , and gues what, IT WAS TOWAS patch, plus reference to this forum for help. :wink:
So that was their official patch. but I had already downloaded the patch before i bought it, works very very good constantly about 7 to 8 satalite connections
And yes at navman they relpy very slow, I only reveived a reply after about 2 weeks.
But If you bought it, and need to have the "official patch" from them, just e-mail me, and I will be more than willing to forward it
If you are using the gps in car only, save money and get a wired system, you still need to power the xda so I see no advantage in having "wireless2 bluetooth.
lummac, Thanks for info about the patch, I might take you up your offer as the one you mention is one of the NAVMAN's I was considering getting, do you know where I can get street maps for the middle east, I only really interested in the UAE.
cruisin-thru, You mention going the wire route, what one do you recommend so I can find more about it,
The main reason for going blue tooth not for wireless but for the fact I don't have to loose one of sockets in the XDA.
Help I've found a Naman 4400
I just located a NAVMAN 4400 all the bits and software, very good price, can I use this one with a XDA II with the Patch?????
im looking for some gps software that would be suitable for motorcycle use , i allready have a garmin gpsII and have made cable to conect to xda 2 , now im looking for software , any suggestions , how suitable would tom tom be? note xda mounted center of dash area.
thanks in advance
ia
I can't see why TomTom would be unsuitable, it works on-foot and in-car, has a very simple touch-screen interface for quick access.
I bought TomTom for my car, but I'm current driving my motorcycle full-time so I occasionally use it on my bike.
I'm using the TomTom Bluetooth and with the Bluetooth GPS unit in one pocket of my riding jacket and my XDA in the other it still routes OK when I'm on the bike (but I can only check it by pulling over :-().
Phil
TomTom should work fine on a motorcycle, unless you use a headset then the voice prompts won't be of much use though. If you haven't already sorted a mount for your XDA then take a look at Brodit's new waterproof PDA case and motorcyle mount. It's based on an Otterbox and is the ideal housing for all weather m/c use.
http://www.touratech.de/shop_uk/en-us/dept_369.html
here you can find the same otterbox but with a beautifull premounted handlebar bracket...
I boutght it for XDA2 and it works perfectly for it and FZ6, with fortuna clipon in the front or in a bags......
:twisted: :evil: :twisted:
Rups
I use my Qtek with a BT rikaline gps and tomtom3 on my motorcycle everyday. The devices are both under the transparent plastic cover of my tank bag, so the touch screen still works (despite some reflections, but still ok). For audio direction I use a wire headset installed in my helmet (BT devices I've tried will not play directions, only phone com.). I installed a 12V socket so I'm never out of battery. When I am on a long trip on motorways I can play some music so it is really working quite well. And this installation is easily removable, so I can use it in my car or elsewhere. That's it ! ;-)
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=news&id=2419
I use a nice rubber band.
TomTom 3 does it for me
Just returned from my 5wk/9000km holiday on the motorcycle with the GPS in the tankbag and the XDA behind the tankbag window and TomTom3 giving directions in my helmet. Mainly for this I bought the XDA and TT and I was not disapointed at all.
It worked super; in the evening planning the route over minor roads -the only time I used paper maps- and next day just driving on the directions in my ear and on the screen leaving all my attention for the scenery and the road. Not only the navigation but also the POIs where great: gas tank almost empty, just navigate to the nearest gas station; time to stop for the night, just navigate to a camping.
1 minor disadvantage was the cord to the helmet for the audio which I regulary forgot to disconnect (luckily I had a spare cord). I hope someone will come up soon with a hack for the XDA to redirect the regular audio to BT.
Ronald
thanks for all of the above , ive decided to go with tomtom and i think ill go the extra way and get a bluetooth unit,
what do we think of the TomTom Bluetooth wireless GPS receiver , any good, is it worth spending any more on another model , whats the battery life like on this model, and can you run it off a 12v feed? and is it happy with the xdaII and whitch bluetooth stack?
prob looking at the below from expandsys
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=TOMTOM3BTUK
your coments please
thanks
henny
anyone? tomtom bt gps verses any other? for use with xda2,tt3 on motoabike sugestions please,
thaanks
ian
I've got a motorbike (well 125cc scooter but i ride it every day of the year and to every place i can). I use a gps unit and personally i wouldn't bother with a mount, the bike is too open for it and really would any waterproof stuff work properly or make it simply too bulky. Also, if the mount was to fall off (maybe not applicable in a car but alot more bumps and vibrations on a bike) then you'd risk breaking your xda 2, not cheap !
My setup is just the xda in its leather case with a fortuna clip on bt gps unit (which worked first time), i stick the xda in my inside jacket pocket and the small gps unit in my side pocket once it has a signal. Beauty of being bluetooth, i leave it at the window side to pick up a signal while i'm putting my gear on and then just stick it in and get on the bike as it already has a signal ! Genius!
I run a single headphone up through my helmet so i can hear the directions and after one or two rides you'll get used to how it works and not have any problems at all. Also the temptation to take your eyes off the road to look at the unti is too much and i wouldn;t like to do it.
There you go my 10pence worth from someone who does ride a bike and use a gps.
Oh also, i use navigon navigator after using tomtom3 for some time. Very fast routing even if you "forbid" motorways. tomtom would take an age to route big distances if i set this. Also has a nice tip of saying "take first ext on the roundabout onto the A4400" etc, which is good when your a bit uncertain as you can always check the big signs used by the goverment !
Cardy
ruppia said:
http://www.touratech.de/shop_uk/en-us/dept_369.html
here you can find the same otterbox but with a beautifull premounted handlebar bracket...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Brodit Otterbox M/C solution is IMHO much nicer, the mount is a machined metal bracket with a quick remove clip to allow it to be affixed/disconnected from the mount easily and it has a cable out facility to allow connection of a charger or GPS etc.
See here .
Does screen toggle work with TomTom software? What I mean is that I usually use IntelliNav that came with my Belkin Bluetooth GPS. I toggle the screen off with a Media Player configured hardware button, and listen to the directions through the headset in the helmet (while the PDA is in the Pocket).
Personally, I don't feel like making a mount on the motorcycle for the XDAII, and I wouldn't want to take my eyes off the road to look at it either.
I've tried Mapopolis, but the voice instructions are HORRIBLE, and they've disabled screen toggling. The same is true with CoPilot Live Pocket PC 5.
It's absolutely imperitive that I can shut the screen off, and still have audible INTELLIGIBLE navigating instructions.
Does anyone have an audio file of what the TomTom software sounds like?
Do you mean the screen backlight? If you toggle this off then TomTom continues to work and announce direction changes etc.
griffog said:
Do you mean the screen backlight? If you toggle this off then TomTom continues to work and announce direction changes etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean the power to the screen.. so that there's no light and tapping it does nothing. If you want to do me a favor to test it... In Media Player, go to Tools>Settings>Buttons. Then from the "Select Function" pop-up menu, choose "Screen Toggle"... press a hardware button to assign the function. Uncheck "Un-map buttons during background play." Then run TomTom, and press the hardware button to turn off the screen.
With Mapopolis and CoPilot Live 5, the screen goes off, but then comes back on right away. I hate it!!
I am currently using an XDA1 with an o2 carkit, Haicom 204e and TT5 wih no problems, however, I am considering ungrading to a Seimens SX66 (Blue Angel?) and using a bluetooth GPS receiver. My questions are:
Is there a carkit available for the SX66?
Are there any problems I am likely to encounter with compatibility (I have noticed a few people reporting issues with TT5/bt/Blue Angel and don't want to upgrade to somthing that doesn't work)?
Thanks.
I think it will no work your idea :roll:
I think you better buy a universal and benefit from WM 2005 while you are at it. You obviously don't need quadband - so I would say a universal is a good device
Deke, is there any need to upgrade if you are happy with your present setup?
Well, I would like a gps system that can be moved from the car, and also a PDA with integral WiFI - an SX66 would satisfy both of these requirements (if the bt gps were battery powered).
Also, Mrs Deke's XDA1 has suffered some damage and won't last much longer. She says an XDA1 is all she needs, but I'm reluctant to get her a s/h XDA1 if I can use this opportunity to replace my system and let her have my XDA1.
But if the SX66 won't run tt5 properly with a bt - or if there are other issues I'm not aware of - then I'll just get her a used XDA1 and I'll keep mine.
I've also been looking at the HP 6365 - any thoughts on that?
I have a registered tt6 which I bought for £70 odd. It worked fine in my old orbit. Then that one broke, what happens is it doesn't respond to screen touch, fortunately as I have the rollerball set as a pointer I can actually use it though slow. The reason for saying this is that I haven't yet sent it back because tt works on it, whereas the new phone using the exact same memory card and set exactly the same as the other phone, tt doesn't find the gps device.
I am using 9600 baud com 9.
Phoning 02 results in lots of baming i.e. ring tom tom, or ring the number on your bill, or go into an o2 shop.
I have spent much money on these premium rate options (except going into a store as yet) but non of them want to own the problem suggesting I phone (at premium rate) yet another number.
The reason I haven't yet gone into an 02 shop is mainly because last time I went in to ask an orbit question I knew about four times as much about the darned thing than the spotty herbert who is wanting to be the next millionaire by selling phones for company's who don't know how to provide an after sales service.
I note that the operating system for the latest orbit is most certainly better than the old one, and it occurs to me the problem might be a hardware one.
Is there a cluster of this problem or am I just unlucky?
Took it into o2 shop this morning, forst he tried to say it was tomtom then I showed it working on the other orbit I have, then he tried to say we have had a lot of trouble with tomtom that is why we use palm pilot, so I said, have you got a demo copy? Yes, right put it in here. Sure enough it didn't find the gps receiver either.
So reluctantly he agreed to send my new phone for repair.
Hmm, you spoke to a muppet, the config is Com 4 at 9600 Baud, or if you have TT 6,020 or 6,030 installed (which you should have) just select the inbuilt GPS receiver option when configuring the GPS within the TomTom application - DO NOT mess around with the GPS applet on the device as this can screw things up unless you know what you want from it - it is best left alone for this very reason - Mike