What is up with Bluetooth and why won’t my software run on new computers?

Recently, I have had several conversations with folks about the changes in Bluetooth. More to the point, Bluetooth technology has changed over the past few years so that software written for the older model is not compatible with the new model. That means, the software you used on, say, an Recon computer a few years [...]

Why can’t my Tablet-PC read my USB-connected GPS receiver?

I’ve written several times about COM ports and GPS receivers. Interestingly, in the last two days, I have spoken with four different folks about how this works, particular in regards to setting up a GPS receiver through a USB port on a tablet computer. It is valuable to understand how this works to [...]

The “Mystery of the Shifting COM Port”

I had an interesting case this past week that while unique, might shed light on some problems. A researcher has been using a CompactFlash GPS card in a Recon handheld computer without problems for nearly a year now. He e-mailed me that the GPS was working, but was coming in on a different [...]

Why do I need a Passkey for my Bluetooth GPS receiver?

You too? Seems that everyone gets stuck on the ‘Passkey’ requirement for setting up a Bluetooth GPS. Here is the scoop to save you frustration. Firstly, keep in mind that Bluetooth is like a USB cable, only wireless. That means, each device can only connect to one computer (though one computer [...]

WAAS, EGNOS, RTCM, RTK and a sea of acronyms!

Today, I received another question about the difference between differential GPS, WAAS, EGNOS, RTCM, RTK, and other “high end” tools that augment the standard GPS signal. In this blog, I will try to simplify the systems so that they are understandable.
Overview of GPS receiver function
The GPS receiver works because each satellite in the GPS [...]

Comparing sub-meter GPS accuracy

For the past year or so, I have been interested in sub-meter GPS receivers.  There are several on the market and they basically work in the same fashion.  I will write another blog later on how they work, but for now I want to focus on one particular aspect that is confusing to a lot [...]

COM ports simplified

Communication ports, or COM ports, are one-directional routes for communication. That is, they create a path for GPS receivers and other devices to communicate with the computer. If you want the details on how they work, Google away! Here, let me tell you what you need to know in order to get [...]

Feeling Blue…tooth

A few years ago, I predicted Bluetooth would die and pasture with video disks and the like. On the contrary, it is increasing in popularity as a type of connection between computers and computers and peripherals and phones, etc. I think of Bluetooth as a wireless USB cable, not as a type [...]