Possibility Of Getting GPS Working? - Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Possibility of getting GPS working?
What are the chances of getting GPS working on the Fire? The info thread has a post saying the chip in it is a MediaTek MT8127 and links to the spec page which says it has GPS on the chip, as well as an FM receiver. Curious if it requires dedicated antenna connections that aren't there on the Fire, or if it's ready to go hardware-wise and just requires something on the software side? Would be pretty awesome to get it working and use these as a dedicated car tablet, especially now that cm12.1 is booting on it thanks to ggow, and the upcoming Black Friday $35 price.

GPS would require it's own antenna (plus a couple of supporting components) since it's a different frequency than wifi/bluetooth. So even if the chip includes GPS we can't use it.
Tho in your scenario of a dedicated car tablet you should be able to use a cheap usb GPS dongle. The fire has USB host.

Use TetherGPS Works great.

Tobb555 said:
Use TetherGPS Works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
an app for GPS i would never have thought of such LOL
unfortunately i personally don't need GPS :silly:
Thanks though

Related

802.11 via XDA connector ?

They have GPS receivers that work through the bottom cradle connection for IPAQs they also have other devieces like keyboards that work like this.
Would it be possible to develop a 80211 dongle that could click into the
cradle port? is anyone working on this? is there anyone that would have
enough knowledge to beging working on this i could contact. I would love to get 802.11 for this baby.
Dan said:
Would it be possible to develop a 80211 dongle that could click into the cradle port? is anyone working on this? is there anyone that would have enough knowledge to beging working on this i could contact. I would love to get 802.11 for this baby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sorry. The XDA connector on the bottom supports USB and serial. However, the USB will only do 'Slave Mode', i.e. act as a USB device towards a computer. There are USB 802.11 devices, but they work as devices as well, and thus need a 'Master' to talk to. And there's no serial 802.11b transceivers out that we know of.
You could conceiveably build a USB device that plays the master role and feeds the IP through just like ActiveSync does, but nobody has done that yet. For the manufacturers this shouldn't be that hard, given the amount of spare processing power on these 802.11 tranceivers. (And while we're at it, we might as well incorporate a GPS connected to the serial port...)
hmm
so this won't be something that a little hacking group such as XDA developers would be capable of?
Hi
In a short time a wireless lan card will be available which you can plug into you SD Slot. See http://www.sychip.com/wlan-module.html
See ya
Mick
Helllo.
I don´t think, that the wireless lan card will work in the XDA. In the technical PDF there is a picture that shows a SDIO-Interface.
XDA still do NOT have a SDIO-Interface.
Regards
Stefan
hold on, why do u need a wireless lan card? I thought the xda was a wireless device, surely it ought to have wireless connectivity built into it? If you had a corporate wireless network, cant it just be configured to connect?
Of course it has wireless support, using GSM and/or GPRS and infrared. But WLAN support is something entirely different, and that is definitely not included.
Shouldn't be too hard to design a WLAN adapter acting as an USB master though. With the pass-through functionality built into the activesync software it has definitely been shown that the USB connection can be used for network access.
bamse said:
Shouldn't be too hard to design a WLAN adapter acting as an USB master though. With the pass-through functionality built into the activesync software it has definitely been shown that the USB connection can be used for network access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yo bamse,
Ever want to be very, very popular ? You would make hero of the month on our charts, that's for sure...
What about these guys:
http://www.datahunter.com
I know it's RS232 and not USB, but apart from that the Liberator should do the trick almost straight away, and they also advertise a module that could be built into a sleaker package:
OEM 802.11 WLAN Mini-Modules
OEM and ODM manufacturers can incorporate FCC ?Modular? pre-certified 802.11b mini-modules into their products. The Data Hunter 802.11 mini-modules have the Operating System Wireless LAN software drivers built-in. Interface options are the ones Engineers need, including high-speed async logic-level or RS232, SPI processor interface, USB and full Ethernet TCP/IP. No additional FCC certification required for the modular 802.11 data radios. Start shipping integrated WLAN immediately. Includes single antenna for bulkhead mount or dual diversity antennas
bamse said:
What about these guys [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but from their site I get the strong impression none of it is done, and they'll start work on it the minute someone orders a few thousand.
Also: they base everything on the Compact Flash 802.11 cards with some extra hardware, which is unlikely to pretend it's a PC running ActiveSync straight out of the box, so some extra work is in order.
What we need is a CF 802.11 card that comes with an SDK for adding your own code. No need for extra parts and power consumption: the card should have enough spare cycles to pretend it's ActiveSync on Windows plus the USB. (Or serial at 115.200 if that's somehow easier). Then all we need after the two manmonths of coding is a nice plastic stick-one case and we're done...
Ok, how about this then:
http://www.tuanistechnology.com/products/avaya/converter/
Or this:
http://www.autodnc.de/ctwlani.htm
You'll find a whole bunch of them out there, all serial and 115200bps, but none of the companies seem to have identified the PDA-owners a market for their produkts.
I'd say most of these products use way to much power for PDA use.
Really, let's not build stuff that's already on the PC or CF card to begin with.
Anyone found a way to access 802.11b yet? I see that Linksys has the WCF12 (The Wireless CompactFlash Card installs directly into your Pocket PC using a CompactFlash Type I or Type II slot). I think that fits the IPaq. I need one for the SX56.
I saw some creative ideas above. Anybody try matching the pin-outs yet??
:roll: Sigh. Read my lips. It won't work. It's not a matter of "pin-outs." It's far, far deeper than that on both hardware and software.
And really, would you want to access an ethernet network at 115k??? What for?
LumpiStefan said:
Helllo.
I don´t think, that the wireless lan card will work in the XDA. In the technical PDF there is a picture that shows a SDIO-Interface.
XDA still do NOT have a SDIO-Interface.
Regards
Stefan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I doubt that anyone will, it ought to be a small task to design a Bluetooth interface that will work with SDIO or SD either as a polled device or memory mapped I/O. For Bluetooth this should produce acceptable results --- for 802.11b clearly it would not.
It won't work. It's not a matter of "pin-outs." It's far, far deeper than that on both hardware and software.
And really, would you want to access an ethernet network at 115k??? What for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It certainly seems doable. What is the limitation on the SX56 that does not exist on iPaq? And since I struggled through years and years of 36K dialup before DSL, for the limited data access needed for a PDA, 115K seems like heaven. Noone is going to treat it like a workstation. But access to remote data has a wide range of applications.
The iPaq has an expansion port, the XDA does not.
Carlos:
If you have a quick look at one of the links I have provided above you should find that there are a couple of solutions available for anyone who would like to connect a 802.11 device to a serial port. They may be a little bulky and power hungry, but that can surely be taken care of.
There will be 256MB SDIO card with built-in 801.11, right? What about a 256MB SDRW card with built-in SDIO and USB-host? With the USB/serial/power/peripheral connector of the Qtek sitting next to the SD-slot you could easily build a device that connects to both "ports". Wouldn't it be nice?
wi-fi stuffs for Qtek
Hi Bamse,
Could you tell me what exactly that I would need to purchased
to have my Qtek works with wi-fi? Thank you.
None of it exists today. Everything posted so far is theoretical. It will never exist. There's no market for it.

Nook Color "standalone" GPS... there's gotta be a way...

I've seen these simple USB GPS receiver antennas that hook to a laptop for GPS duties so naturally I'm thinking why can't this be done for the nook. Ideally we would have a dual/split port so power could still be supplied at the same time.
I'd rather have this config since I don't like the idea of tethering to a GPS capable cell for privacy reasons and it ties up the cell too.
Why couldn't this be possible? Is it just a matter of the Nook recognizing the GPS antenna and being able to get a software package to recognize it?
Any ideas?
With CM7, and a bluetooth GPS reciever, this is no problem. We will never be able to build a GPS into the device, but we can get close enough...
Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.
KDOG2020 said:
Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not following, sorry.
I just ordered a "kit" for my NC actually - a car window mount, and a stand-alone BT GPS. I plan on attaching the the GPS to the window mount via velcro, and leave it in the car. You don't need USB at all (nor would it work, since our nook does not currently support usb host). Just get a BT module, and leave it in the car; connect it to the nook when you need it. done.
Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?
KDOG2020 said:
Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, let me fill ya in then.
What i am talking about are standalone recievers - nothing more than a GPS and BT transmitter. No screen, no frills. Most have batteries that will last for weeks, and are small enough to store anywhere in the car when not in use. YOu can see a good selection here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...eiver&keywords=bluetooth+gps+receiver&ie=UTF8
Hope that may give you some new ideas.
Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?
KDOG2020 said:
Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, i guess i cannot guarantee, but in theory, ANY BT gps should work with our system, since all GPS's transmit in the same standard. All you should need for software on the nook will be:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
Assuming my GPS arrives sometime soon, i will be able to give ya some first hand advice.
You will still need a data connection if you intend to use Google Maps for your GPS software.
If you want to use it without a data connection, you will need something like this:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa&feature=search_result
"maps stored on your phone, not downloaded"
Also note, Bluetooth range is very limited on the NC. My BT GPS has to be within 2 feet of the NC to connect.
That is true, a stand alone program is the best, but google will cache the maps if you pre-plan the route.
As for distance - with a car mounted GPS< you really don't need to worry about that - the GPS should be by the windshield anyway, so keeping it close to the nook isn't an issue..
What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)
KDOG2020 said:
What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd still need a data connection. The best probable solution would be to tether to a smartphone that has GPS - so the Nook has a data connection for the Google Maps and Navigation, and GPS data from the phone's GPS.
I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.
rogerdugans said:
I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result
I had trouble with some GPS apps.
I was able to use the GPS and data access on my Motorola Cliq to have GPS voice guided navigation.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12076390
That is how I accomplished it.
If you have a hardware GPS, then you only need the 1 app, which is even easier, but I still recommend wifitether or barnicle for data access (you can download the maps for offline use if you plan ahead.)
colorado_al said:
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually tried those apps to no avail, which is why I started looking for the other puck (not as accurate but easier to connect) and alternative solutions.
I actually had looked at all of the other (non- Google) nav apps for Android before to use with a now unused Droid (original) but found them all to be ... less than desirable for various reasons.
Note that I am NOT trying to discourage this project- it is possible, I am certain, but much like linux navigation software... lacking a certain "polish" if not functionality.

My A7 Accessories......Case, Bluetooth, GPS

Ok, 1st here is the case I got on Buy.com It is Neoprene outside, soft leather on the inside. It says USAGear on the bottom outer corner.
I like the case, but it is just a touch small.
You should be able to see by the pics that the upper corners just barely stick out of the edge.
It does a great job of protecting, but I opened the door to my van once and it slid off the seat and hit the ground - the corner of the cast hit first (top edge of the A7) and the A7 corner hit 2nd. Left a nasty concrete mark on the A7 - Really ticked me off.
Trying to find a little larger case with a keyboard....
Pics....
http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=220177260
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/7348/casefrontbig.jpg
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4531/caseopenbig.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5945/casecornerbig.jpg
The pics are large to make it easier to see what it is like.
I will reply to this with other accessories.
Nice case! I've been looking for one for mine
Bluetooth dongle ....
Ok, here are the bluetooth dongles I bought on eBay. They plug in to any USB, worked perfectly on a Dell laptop with XP and an Asus laptop with Win-7. No extra drivers needed.
After installation, I just paired the A7 with the laptop. Then when browsing files on computer using Windows Explorer, you can right click a file and "send to". Choose the A7 and it sends quickly and painlessly!!
Great deal! Only $2.50 each and free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...48984&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1933wt_1139
GPS for A7
Here is the GPS receiver I bought on eBay. It is Bluetooth, paired with the A7 with no problem, worked fine.
I used bluetooth gps provider to turn the gps on and off. It is free on the market place.
I used GPS Status to verify the GPS functions. Worked great.
I need a good GPS program to use that has maps etc. and will work WITHOUT PHONE. Most of the programs only work if u use the phone function on the phone. A7 don't have that.
It cost me $40 on eBay.
Here is the link for the GPS:
http://www.holux.com/JCore/en/products/products_content.jsp?pno=227
and here is the Holux link:
http://www.holux.com/JCore/en/home/index.jsp
I wanted the 1200E, but won the 1200 on ebay. It works fine.
Anyone know of a good GPS software that has maps but doesn't need 3g or phone to work?
Do you know what chip is inside the gps receiver..
Mr.Pete2u,
Thanks for the information about the dongle. I just purchased on E-bay.
I do not see the GPS receiver that you mentioned. I really want to have that option for my tablet.
Is there a link?
Thank you so much for sharing this information.
Diania
I edited the gps post and added the links.
I am thinking of purchasing the GlobalSat BT-368i Bluetooth & USB GPS Receiver,
Works on all platform,
http://www.usglobalsat.com/bt368i/
acid123 said:
I am thinking of purchasing the GlobalSat BT-368i Bluetooth & USB GPS Receiver,
Works on all platform,
http://www.usglobalsat.com/bt368i/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also looked at getting that one. I bid on several on eBay, and won the Holux. Let us know how it works.
copilot live works great and only 4.95 on market
ninetoes49 said:
copilot live works great and only 4.95 on market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check out copilot live. Most of the programs that are "live" or similar i found need the phone to work. They use google maps and you need an ongoing data connection while driving - not a good option since the phone is left out of the A7.
GPS for A7
I got my bluetooth GPS receiver working with both Mapdroyd and Maps in my pocket. I have only been able to check my static position so far, but it was found quite quickly. Not sure how it will perform on the move.
These apps are available on one of the markets, not sure which one I got them from. Getjar, slideMe or the Appstore.
What I would like to try next is create a route, import to the map program for the gps to follow. Any ideas?
Also, anyone been able to mount the a7 in a vehicle?
Mrpete2u,
Thanks for adding the information.
Does this configuration work to give the map of where you are at that time? Are you tethering it to your cell phone via the Bluetooth dongle?
Regarding co-pilot, will that work without a tether to a cell phone? Thanks,
Diania
acid123,MrPete2u,
Are there differences in the two GPS systems other than one offers USB and Bluetooth?
Thanks,
Diania
How can you access it? It's
not available to me on the market...
CoPilot Live
The only version of CoPilot that I could find was the North Amaerica version on Amazon Appstore. Nothing shows up on Market. It was $19.99 and it works great with a Qstarz 818XT GPS receiver and BlueGPS.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Hey there anyone,
I notice the elocity has a docking port... For what? I cannot find anything to dock it with.
okantomi said:
How can you access it? It's
not available to me on the market...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to google
rooCASE
Just bought a rooCASE for my wife. Fits perfect if you like it very snug. I checked the dimensions before I ordered it....
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HXO5FM

A few Nook HD questions

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a 7" tablet to install in my car, I'm not looking for anything super high spec as I'm literally just going to use it for mapping and playing music. That being said, the nook HD looks like a really good spec for the price..
I've just got a few questions
It doesn't have GPS, but I assume it will work using a bluetooth GPS once I've installed CM10?
I understand it uses a proprietary usb cable, how far does it stick out? Does anyone have a picture of it? This may be me only problem mounting it in dash as I wont be able to find a right angled one!
Yes, you can use a Bluetooth GPS puck. I haven't gotten Google Maps to work with it yet but I have gotten other programs to see it. A 3rd party GPS program should work with it. I'm still planning on testing that theory but to much family stuff has been going on right now to actually do it.
With the connector and the way the cable is wrapped right next to it it sticks out about an inch (just a little under that) from the bottom of the device. I'm pretty sure that to much pressure on that part of the cable will make is useless so you would have to make allowances for it. Also, it needs more power than a normal micro usb cable to actually make it charge. The AC adapter puts out 1 volt at 2 amps.
Got Sygic working today. Had to use this program to get it working though. https://play.google.com/store/apps/...?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDYsImRlLm1vYmlsZWouYnRncHMiXQ..
Other then that seems to work quite well. I should mention that I am on CM10.1.
I got Google maps to work fine with my phone using Bluetooth for gps and Wi-Fi for data.
Have to see up maps to accept debug data and use bluetooth gps programs on both devices
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

OTG GPS & Charging on 5th gen?

I see a thread about OTG charging not being possible due to the Amazon kernel that is a few months old, has anything developed as far as this? I'm planning to install one into my cars dash and it would be great if I could also add a GPS module to it but obviously I need charging capability since it will be inside the dash and always plugged in.
RushNY said:
I see a thread about OTG charging not being possible due to the Amazon kernel that is a few months old, has anything developed as far as this? I'm planning to install one into my cars dash and it would be great if I could also add a GPS module to it but obviously I need charging capability since it will be inside the dash and always plugged in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You get one or the other. That's unlikely to change as such use does not benefit Amazon (no clicks). You might consider a Bluetooth receiver which would leave the USB port available for charging.
Davey126 said:
Nope. You get one or the other. That's unlikely to change as such use does not benefit Amazon (no clicks). You might consider a Bluetooth receiver which would leave the USB port available for charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic I never knew bluetooth gps modules were a thing! Do you personally use one? I'm not too keen on modern android especially when it comes to separate devices like this, will I be able to use it with any maps app and be able to set the default gps device or will it only work with certain apps designed specifically to use one?
RushNY said:
Fantastic I never knew bluetooth gps modules were a thing! Do you personally use one? I'm not too keen on modern android especially when it comes to separate devices like this, will I be able to use it with any maps app and be able to set the default gps device or will it only work with certain apps designed specifically to use one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search Amazon "GPS receiver bluetooth". Pricier than usb receivers. I do not use one; prefer devices with integrated chip. However, I have tried a USB receiver on this device to verify it works. No personal experience with BT receivers. Another poster mentioned an app that would permit reception of GPS data from another device such as a phone. Good luck.

Categories

Resources