Re: GPS Interface Software

["D.F.S." <dfs@xmission.com>]

> 
> |   I've noticed one topic that hasn't come up on the list yet; GPS
> 
> Not sure how much this is relevant to this forum, so I think any
> further discussion should be kept away from here, 
First off, I gess I must be mistaken as to the intent of the mailing list.
I thought it was all about planes, computers and the linux OS.
I think This is a perfect subject along those lines.
GPS interfaces and devices.
Sticking computers and the most accurate navigational system to
come along yet in the cockpit is a great goal. 
The OS would need to be open, reliable, fast and give good performance
on cheap hardware, ie.
LINUX.

What am I missing?

Secondly, with a dozen messages a week, what is the "Bandwidth" issue.

If this is not the intended use of this mailing list, I have a dormant
mailing list up and running we can start a list with that direction.

> but speaking of GPS
> - last Saturday someone at my gliding club claimed that he saw an ad
> for a PalmPilot GPS reciever add-on, it seems to cost an arm and a leg
> (around 800-900 USD, including a PalmPilot III), but in return you get
> to program your own GPS.
> 
> Anyone have any experience with it to share?

Yes and no.
I bought a palmpilot/GPS cable a few months ago.
It didn't come with any software and was at one of those surplus/odd lot
computer places. Cost me $5.00.

I have not seen TSIP programs to talk to my trimble units so I would
need to write something anyway.

The cable is just a regular serial cable to fit the pilot.
There IS a version of linux for the palm pilot, but it doesn't
look quite ready for normal use.

I guess the question is what do you want from a "Programmable" GPS?

A laptop or palmtop or motherboard built into a metal case and mounted
under the seats in the plane running linux could do incredible
things with the info the GPS can provide.

A $50.00 laptop from someplace like EBAY and $100 for a GPS rcvr and
antenna could give you a realtime, moving display system using LINUX
and some of the software packages listed in the FAQ which would stomp
all over any "Official" Aircraft navigation system which cost up to
60 times the money.
Granted it is not certified, but it is damn cheap insurance and a very
nice SUPPLEMENTAL navigational aid.

I thought that was one of the goals of the list.

Marc


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