Moving maps in OziExplorer

My journey of woes with OziExplorer continues;

For some reason can't get my Garmin Oregon GPS to connect with moving maps. The GPS itself is set to GPS normal and NMEZ in/out.

In OziExplorer configuration have set:

COM: com port 3 (after doing the search to find the right port), parity none, stop bits 1, NMEA baud rate 4800.

Have read all the helps including the helps from Smarter Safety which were posted a while back.

Still despite this my Oregon will not connect. Have run the NMEA simulator ok so know what to see when the GPS connects, flashings etc.

Has anyone got any clues as to which way to go ?

Thanks,

Hi Mullockgrubber

You probably have done this too but just in case ...

I have an Oregon 300 and selected that model in File/Configuration/GPS in OziE. Have you found your version of the Oregon in that option?

Do you have the System/Map file & Data File Path set correctly?
Do you have the Map Images path correct?
Moving Map, tick NMEA Check Sum box/

Try a different BAUD rate as well.

I had trouble with this when connecting a blue gps to a netbook running windows. I cant remember the right value as do not use it any more.

Rich

Thanks for all the suggestions which I tried out a while ago, no success. This is on my desktop and the laptop. Will have another read of the helps and see if I can sort it out.

Gotta say this OziExplorer is the most difficult thing I've seen in a long time.

No worries.
I have been able to connect a bluetooth gps to a netbook and run Ozi, so it is possible.

Can you try some other software to see if the GPS is being picked up - I think there are some around. At least that way you can verify it is Ozi.

Also are you using a trial version or did you buy it, I can't remember if there is a difference there but worth checking.

Silly question but do you have bluetooth enabled on you laptop?

Any way good luck,
Rich

Thanks Rich, no the laptop does not have bluetooth and the Garmin is not bluetooth equipped. The OziExplorer is the full version and has all of the Garmin (and other) drivers in it. Have selected the driver for the Garmin model I have.

Can load across the waypoints and tracks to the computer but not the NMEA data needed for moving maps.

Anyhow will give it a rest until another burst of enthusiasm or I stumble across a guru who can sort it out.

Hi MG,

I had a shitload of trouble getting my Garmin to work with OziExplorer too. Tried everything like you obviously have and finally read something about a little program I needed called "Garmin Spanner".

It somehow changes the encoding of the data from the GPS to OzEx......don't know how, but it worked for me.

Not sure what operating system your using, but it doesn't work with Vista or Windows7.....I have XP running on my 10inch laptop, so it worked, no problems.

So download it and give it a go!!! Let me know how you go. If it doesn't work message me and I'll go thru my setup in detail.

Here's the link to SPANNER : Garmin Spanner Download

Goodluck

Bandito (Steve)

Hi Bandito and thanks for bringing this up. Unfortunately the laptop has Vista on it and notice the spanner program will not work with Vista.

But thanks again. Gotta say, with OziExplorer everything is a struggle.

Have you tried using the PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA? It's in the configuration settings on the COM tab. I found I could change to this setting, but you do need to make sure the GPS is set to Garmin (I dont have the Oregon, but did this with an older eTrex) and it was able to send the gps location to the moving map. I think from memory, when I wanted to transfer the waypoints back and forth, I had to go back to NMEA, but not sure on that.

I'm guessing you are starting the NMEA communication with the GPS (Ctrl S) or from the drop down Moving Map menu within OziExplorer? Even though you've connected them up, you do have to tell OziExplorer to "communicate" with the GPS.

Hope that helps you out. It's great when its working and your out in the bush looking for places. We've found some great water holes using the maps, much better than camping just anywhere.

Wayne

mullockgrubber wrote:Hi Bandito and thanks for bringing this up. Unfortunately the laptop has Vista on it and notice the spanner program will not work with Vista.

But thanks again. Gotta say, with OziExplorer everything is a struggle.

Ok fair enough you have Vista.

If you really get frustrated you can do what I did and buy a small USB GPS and use that. They are only about $35 delivered. I did this after spending months trying to get my Garmin to work. It's too takes a little bit of fiddling around, but works well.

I bought mine thru FleaBay. Here's and example :

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GlobalSat-BU-353-Automotive-GPS-Receiver-/320624930307?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item4aa6bc2e03#ht_5963wt_1265

If you do this you can then just dedicate your handheld for outside nav stuff and just keep the USB GPS just for the car lappy. Will run easy just sitting on the dash or they have a magnetic base that will stick to the roof.

If you go down that root and have any probs, just message me and I'll help you out.

GL

PS: I just bought myself a Google Nexus-7 (made by ASUS) from OfficeWorks for $250, it runs on Android just like most mobile phones. 32GB storage and any of the Android apps you want to run on it. You can also use the internet on it thru your mobile phone data while your away from your home interent.............I bought it to run OziExplorer for Android on it. It has a 7inch screen and does a great job of running OzEx. The android version is just $25 and the Nexus-7 has a built in GPS. Bought a windscreen mount for it from Ebay for just $14 and it's great. Gave it a test run the other day and it performed well.

I might do a small video to show it off here soon.

Google NEXUS-7

Thanks Bandito for all of your assistance. Actually had not thought of getting another GPS and one of those USB jobs may be the easiest way to get around it.

The tablet looks interesting as well, just to run Ozi if you get what I mean. Smaller and more convienent than a laptop. Another good option to check out.

Thanks again and if you do a video I will keep an eye out for it.

Cheers

Just sent an order of for the GPS, will see how it goes.

Cheers

mullockgrubber wrote:Just sent an order of for the GPS, will see how it goes.

Cheers

Good move....I should have explained I got the Garmin going after I had bought the USB GPS. So now it works on the lappy, but it was all a bit too late.

Give the USB GPS ago, if you have any trouble shoot me a PM and I'll help you out.

Good luck.

Bandito (Steve)

mullockgrubber wrote:
Can load across the waypoints and tracks to the computer but not the NMEA data needed for moving maps.

You mention PC & laptop, are you inside your home?
Your GPS IS receiving satellites?
You don't load the NMEA data, your GPS does.
May seem like dumb questions but you haven't actually mentioned that your GPS is talking to your puta?

Thanks Nightjar, am trying both desktop and laptop, the GPS is near the window where it can get a signal. Have tried the laptop outside where naturally there is full signal.

It would appear the GPS is not sending NMEA data to the computer. For example can't get "Show GPS Fix Data".

Will have another crack at it either later tonight or tomorrow.

Cheers

Wayne wrote:Have you tried using the PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA? It's in the configuration settings on the COM tab. I found I could change to this setting, but you do need to make sure the GPS is set to Garmin (I dont have the Oregon, but did this with an older eTrex) and it was able to send the gps location to the moving map. I think from memory, when I wanted to transfer the waypoints back and forth, I had to go back to NMEA, but not sure on that.

I'm guessing you are starting the NMEA communication with the GPS (Ctrl S) or from the drop down Moving Map menu within OziExplorer? Even though you've connected them up, you do have to tell OziExplorer to "communicate" with the GPS.

Hope that helps you out. It's great when its working and your out in the bush looking for places. We've found some great water holes using the maps, much better than camping just anywhere.

Wayne

Sorry Wayne, missed your post. Yes tried PVT and to be honest a hell of a lot of other settings as well. Anyhow the quest continues.

Hi MG,
Found my notes for setting up my Garmin Rino using USB connection.
I noticed your model is Oregon the Rino uses the same settings.
See how you go.


Setting up Garmin Rino 650 to run with OziExplorer
Open OziExplorer
Click= Configuration
Click= GPS
Find= GPS Port
GPS make= Garmin
GPS model= Oregon
GPS upload/download datum= WGS84
GPS Symbol Set= Garmin Oregon
GPS Parameters= Number waypoints 10000
WP name length= 32
Tick= Lower Case Characters
Number events= 500
Number tracks= 500
Number track points= 1000
Number routes= 50
Number WP’s/route= 250
Click= Save
Click configuration= COM
Com port =4
Stop bits= 1
Tick =Garmin USB
Tick= Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA
Tick= APB..RMB..RMC..BWC
DOT= Driver 2
Auto pilot= Com port 1
Click= Save…………………………………
Power Rino
Press= Setup
Press= Systems
Press= Interface Garmin Spanner
Press= Garmin Spanner and wait for new page. (Do not press any more buttons)
Connect Rino to Laptop with USB lead.
***Map does not show yet**
To use moving map, when Rino connects and message appears; Do you want to access Mass Storage?
Click= No
Press Start/Stop NMEA Communication……………
To Upload/Download tracks &waypoints
Disconnect Rino from Laptop
Repeat first 4 steps
Connect to laptop again
When asked Mass Storage. Click= Yes
Now waypoints & tracks can be uploaded/downloaded

Thanks Nightjar for your effort in typing all of that out which I have printed. I'll have another go this weekend, there are a few parameters which are different to mine so will double check.

Notice you are using driver 2, tried that but no luck.

Anyhow will try again. Gotta say OziExplorer is not any easy thing to get going and no doubt others whom have run into trouble will be reading this.

Cheers

Something else to try if you buy a GPS Mouse GPS;
OzieExplorer set up using USB Mouse GPS
(GPS Receiver- Model: GM1-86 bought from Ebay)
Using your PC or laptop. (After initial loading of the following information OziExplorer can be set up to your personal settings)
Plug USB mouse into Laptop
Click – Start
Right click – My Computer
Click – Properties
Click – Device Manager
Scroll down and take note which Com Port is in use by your USB Mouse.
Open OzieExplorer
Click – Configuration
Click – System
Tick – Load last map
Tick – Set last zoom & position
Tick – Show Zoom window
Map scroll increments = 100
Data File Datum – WGS 84
Map File Path – C:\OzieExplorer\maps
Data File Path – C:\OziExplorer\data
Click – Save
Open configuration again.
Click – Maps
Distance units – km’s
Speed – kph
Altitude – feet
Bearings – True
Country or Region – South & East (SE)
Lat/Long Display – Deg, Min, Sec
Tick – Create Map Thumbnail
Blank Map Datum – Australian Geodetic 1984
Alternative Grid – UTM
Click - Save
Open configuration again.
Click – Map Images
Data1 – C:\OziExplorer\Maps\Natmap250k-Sheets\Mapsheets-CD1
Data2 - C:\OziExplorer\Maps\Natmap250k-Sheets\Mapsheets-CD2
Click – Save
Open configuration again.
Click – GPS
GPS Make – USB Mouse
GPS Model – All Makes
GPS Upload/Download Datum – WGS 84
GPS NMEA Output Datum – WGS 84
Click – Save
Open configuration again.
Click – Com
Com Port – 7 (Which ever Com Port when you checked Device Manager)
Parity – None
Stop Bits – 1
Upload/Download Baud Rate – 9600
NMEA Baud Rate – 4800
Garmin USB – Untick
Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA – Tick
Serial Port Driver – 01-Tick
02 Untick
Click – Save
Open configuration again.
Click – Moving Map
Screen Update Rate – 1
Store Track Point Interval – 50 – Metres
Always Check for More Detailed Map – Ticked
Dock Controls – Tick
Scroll Method – Keep Map Centred on Position
Scale – 1-5
NMEA Check Sum – Ticked
Use Depth Sentence – Untick

When up and running features can be altered to personal preference.
Map Images Details to suit your preference of maps.

Again thanks Nightjar, this is most helpful. Have printed it all out so when the mouse GPS turns up will get it going as well.

cheers,

My GPS mouse receiver turned up, followed Nightjars instructions (with a couple of small variations) and it works.

At last have moving maps, did a test drive and it all goes and is very accurate.

So on the road to mapping at last.

Cheers