Re: GPS Interface Software

[John Peterson <jaypee@netcom.com>]

On Fri, Apr 02, 1999 at 01:54:49PM -0800, Brian Lloyd wrote:
> At 10:46 AM 4/2/99 -0800, you wrote:
> >
> >   I've noticed one topic that hasn't come up on the list yet; GPS
> >interface software, so here's some food for thought. Personally, I
> >think this is one of the more useful pieces of software. I like having
> >the ability to upload "user" waypoints and routes to the unit before a
> >flight, as well as the ability to download the flight track when I
> >return home (mostly for soaring flights).
> ...
> >   As I mentioned above, I own a Garmin, so I don't know much about
> >the other units. Could some of you shed some light on what the general
> >situation is for some of the other manufacturers???
> 
> The main problem is that there is no standardization other than the NMEA
> output messages.  Any interface for uploading and downloading routes will
> have to be customized for each vendors' box.
> 
   Yup, absolutely. Michael's idea is that it would be much better to have
one single piece of software to do this, rather than a different one
for each type of unit. Not an easy task, but possible in principle (just
getting the protocol info is unquestionably the most difficult part since
in most cases it will require reverse engineering).

   What I was looking for, was some feedback from owners of other units.
Unit type, availability of software, and if the manufacturer has any
concept of "fair use" and publishes the communication protocol for
anyone to use, or takes the amoebic slime ball approach and zealously
guards it.

-- 
 ___|___  | John C. Peterson, <jaypee@netcom.com> | "Once you have flown,
  -(*)-   | you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there
  o/ \o   | you have been, there you long to return." -- Leonardo da Vinci.
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