Ipaq HQ Forums - HP iPaq 65xx Series Initial GPS Report

Ipaq HQ Forums - HP iPaq 65xx Series Initial GPS ReportPlaying with built in GPS

OK, HP has not let us in on what GPS software will or ill not work with the "Built In" GPS receiver the 6500 houses, so I decided to throw a few programs at it myself.

Before I share my findings, I want to point out that the comments I am making are from my own experience. I did not investigate all possibilities. If it worked fast, it worked...

* The first package I tried was an older version of Ostia, from Pharos. This version works WONDERFULLY with my Pharos BT GPS. Ostia was not able to detect the internal GPS. Like I said, It was an older version and I made no efforts to seek support for this.
* The next package was Microsoft's Pocket Streets 2005. Man, I loaded the software in 2 minutes(including maps for areas around me) and had a GPS fix (off the current map) within 10 minutes of piddling. Only problem is my town is not in the online downloadable maps list, BUT IT WORKS!
* The next package is a new GPS Package from Akron called, MobiNavigator. No Dice, the display was off and it didnt seem to want to look for an internal solution, only Bluetooth. I made no efforts to seek support for this, so there may be hope, just not at this moment.
* Last, but not least, OCN (On Course Navigator). Installed, auto detected internal GPS, sat in window for 5 minutes... FIX. I have grown with and loved Ostia, but this may be my new champion of GPS Software. The 3d mode is wonderful. I got this fast fix and decided to map my way to lunch. I chose Jack's on the University of Alabama Campus and let it chart my course. From where I am, there are 3-4 direct routes that would work fine, but it chose the best. (right through the Quad on Campus) When setting up some of the features, there were some minor flaws that are a result of the non-standard 240x240 pixel screen the 6500 has, but they were not that bad.

Conclusion
This built in GPS works well and gets a fast fix. I had some problems getting a fix inside, but was able to by a window. I do not have documentation for the 6500 as of now, but I hope it has the Com port and baud rate the GPS is operating at in it. ( Com7 / 5400b )