Friday, February 7, 2014

Using an external USB GPS with Android devices (or Laptops)

The very first post on this blog Using an external bluetooth GPS with Android device is creating quite a bit of traction for my blog lately. This may be because not a lot of stuff on the Internet with appropriate keywords is available on the subject. This realization makes me write this post. What if you have a USB GPS instead? I am going to share my experience here.

Assuming that you have a USB GPS which can spit NMEA sentences (most of them do, as I know of), you can connect it to your Laptop through a standard USB port and use an appropriate software to collect location and other information from the GPS, or start logging data in a file for later use. I shall cover that in a later post.

What if you don't have a USB GPS already, and may be planning to have one? Well, go for it. Generally they come in two shapes: in a USB stick like your flash memory stick; and in a mouse-like appearance - GPS chip in a case connected to a long cable to USB port. Mine is of latter type, I bought it from Amazon (UK) for about 30 GBP, it looks likes this. Here is a picture of mine (with an OTG cable lying around).





Now that you have to connect the GPS with your Android tablet or Smartphone, you don't have a standard USB port on your device. What you will need is a small piece of hardware called OTG (on-the-go) cable. Here is an example on Amazon. This is a small cable with a micro-USB male interface on one end which plugs in to your Android device, and a standard USB female port on the other end to plug in any USB device, including your GPS - like I show in this picture.




Now that your hardware side is ready, you will need an appropriate App to communicate with the GPS. In the past I have used several Apps, e.g. USB GPS, USB Terminal etc., but lately I have come across a new and simple App which I would recommend for the purpose. It is called You Are Here GPS. To be able to use GPS signals with your other favorite map software, enable mock locations in Android Settings > Developer Options - as seen in this screenshot.




Now run You Are Here GPS and tap 'Connect'. You will start to see NMEA sentences appearing in the terminal. This app doesn't have a long list of settings, just the serial baud rate option. If nothing appears, or appears wrong on the screen, try changing the baud rate. Now send this running app to background without killing it, and open your favorite map software to receive data from USB GPS.







135 comments:

  1. nice article,
    i will try this.
    wish me luck.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, Great job...

    I have a nanopc-t1 device and a GY-GPS6MV2 GPS module that is based on NMEA standards and runs on UART, I really need to make android to recognize this module as main GPS.

    Can you provide me the source code please?
    I'm in a hurry please help me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, but there is no "source code". If all your hardware are compatible, your GPS should work just as fine using an OTG cable and the app mentioned in the post.

      Delete
    2. I have a UART GPS module, and I don't want to use RS232 to USB convertor.
      If you could provide me the source code, I'd be able to make some changes to read the NMEA data from UART serial port instead.

      Thank you.

      Delete
    3. Sorry, I don't quite understand what source code you are talking about. In this post I have named only Android app which is developed by somebody else, not myself. If you think modding that app can be of any use to you, please write him. Sincerely hoping you find a get-around.

      Delete
  3. it is possible to use the GPS mobile phone (android), as receptor?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean you want to receive GPS data on your mobile phone? This post describes exactly that. Your mobile phone is a perfect receptor of GPS data as long as it has the appropriate combination of OS and Apps, and USB connectivity. Phone or tablet doesn't make any significant difference other than the screen size and resolution....

      Delete
    2. Ok, now this is a different scenario. I am assuming you have built-in GPS on your phone (or tablet) and want to use that on the other device. You don't need a USB cable for that. Install "You are here GPS" on the recipient device and "Bluetooth GPS Output" on the GPS-server device; and pair them over Bluetooth.

      Delete
    3. My trablet is very simple, does not have Bluetooth :(

      Delete
    4. Then you are probably out of luck. If you have hardware limitations, you may have to upgrade the hardware.

      Delete
  4. thx! going to give a try on my banana pi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome! Best of luck with your project, I would love to hear from you again on your experience.

      Delete
  5. I was very impressed Using an external bluetooth GPS with Android devices.it's good

    ReplyDelete
  6. How much accuracy we can expect with this antenna?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to answer your question in two parts.First, what you are seeing here in pictures is not an antenna, It is the GPS itself, which comes with a ceramic patch antenna like many other GPS modules and receivers. What this cord extension allows you is to mount the GPS on top your vehicle for a better/unobstructed sky view so that you get a quicker fix, and perhaps slightly better positional accuracy.

      Secondly, no amount of antenna can in fact improve your positional accuracy substantially. What antennas give you is better signal reception which means the GPS picks up weaker satellite signals, resulting in perhaps '"seeing" more satellites, therefore giving you the best possible accuracy. Actual GPS positional accuracy depends mainly on other factors like sky view, satellite positions, their numbers, atmospheric and other interferences, etc etc. In practical terms, most standalone consumer grade GPS receivers will give you positional accuracy between 5 and 10 meters, even if you attach an antenna to it.

      Hope that helps.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for this exhaustive answer.
      I'm interested are there some sort of antenna as Trimble AG15, which would somehow functioned on tablet devices to increase accuracy (better signal reception) to 20cm.
      Such as those used in agriculture, as this example http://efarmpilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/efarmpilot_datasheet.pdf
      There is app for navigate in agriculture, so I searching for cheaper anntena,GPS.

      Sorry for my bad English :)

      Delete
    3. Your are welcome. Again, as I said before, antenna by themselves are not capable of improving GPS positional accuracy that much. What you will need for centimeter accuracy is called a differential GPS system. A D-GPS system involves a fixed base station (whose position is accurately known) and which send correction data to the handheld/backpack rover unit over radio or internet. Of course, these systems are considerably expensive, not really a personal undertaking.

      Delete
    4. Thanks, again! :)
      I hoped it would somehow work out, becose in agriculture GPS Navigatio works with device (e.z. Trimble EZ 250) and GPS reciver (antenna AG15) and accuracy is pretty precise, about 15-20cm.... but on mobile device that is not posible, so I was wrong.

      I have navigation but I was hoping that this would work out, but it does't matter.

      Delete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I currently use the Garmin Map 62s connected via USB to my Samsung Notebook for using with OS maps. This allows the live tracking etc. However I’m thinking of getting the Samsung Tab S 10.5 4G which should be able to run the OS maps, stored on the memory card, and it does have its own built in GPS. But for getter GPS reception I was thinking of using a remote GPS unit on the 4x4 roof however I’m not sure if this would work and I’d like to try to find out before buying one.

    Do you have any info on this sort of setup. If I was to plug in a GPS unit as you show above would it read the signal ok or could it corrupt the internal gps signal and not work at all?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you can safely switch to Samsung Tab and an external USB GPS which you can mount on your 4x4. What you have to do is to switch off the tab's internal GPS by turning "Location Access->GPS" off from Android settings. That way the internal GPS will be temporarily inactive, and the only GPS data that the software receives will be that from the external device. However, I am not familiar with "OS Maps", for tracklog you may want to install "Orux Maps" app. My own tab also has got an internal GPS, and I have had no problem with this setup.

      Delete
  9. I have set up the you are here GPS to work on my at100 Toshiba along with my USB GPS as you described. With this running in the background it works fine on my copilot nav software but after a period of time on the road it stops working. The list of locations stops in the yahgps so that copilot shows no GPS..... the only way to get it going again is to completely close the tablet down and restart it. Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suspect some 3rd party utility is killing your YAH GPS app in the background.

      Delete
  10. Hi,
    Just taken possession of a Quad core Tablet and thought I'd try and utilise an old USB Mapfactor GPS unit.

    I have downloaded the Navigator Software but.... don't have a satisfactory solution.

    I have the "You Are Here GPS" software running and after 15 minutes or so have a lat, long and accuracy - whick look OK
    I have changed the SETTINGS to allow Mock Locations
    The Navigator Software sort of works and shows a position but when I look at GPS data it states that it has zero satellites.
    Initially I was in the house (with receiver hanging in front of window). I then sat in car. Then moved car. Every now and then the software states that it is recalculating but still 0 satellites.

    Any suggestions anyone - perhaps the GPS receiver is 'past it' - probably 8 years old

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess this is perfect. Don't worry about 0 satellites, because in "mock location" settings your client app will get only the location, not the satellite ephimeral data. so it will always be 0 satellites.

      Delete
  11. Useful post, but I am trying to get more accuracy and am trying the RTKLIB application ported to Android as RTKGPS+. I also acquired a brand new u-blox 8 chipset USB GPS receiver. Can't get the app to talk to the receiver yet though. Technologically it's a different ball game for me.
    Any experience?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the same experience, I have a u-blox 7 USB GPS/GLONASS dongle. The external device is not cooperating with the app. I wonder why.

      Delete
    2. Jorn and Rodge, I never had a chance to test an USB GPS in RTK/DGPS settings, nor did I test specific receivers you've mentioned. I would recommend you consult your GPS's documentation to see what is different, and contact YAH GPS programmer, just in case he knows what's going on. Sorry!

      Delete
  12. i think it is very useful to school children and it gives security to them while traveling and gps should improve some more features

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow that looks like a cool gadget that could make my Tab cooler! gonna try! thank you:)
    Shashaa
    Android Course in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am starting to assume that you (like most other Indians) go everywhere, say 'Wow!' without even reading... and then leave after dropping a link. Correct me if I am wrong.

      Delete
  14. No offense please, is this a common practice in India to use use others' blogs for own advertisement? I had to delete several such comments before this.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well, I decided to keep this for others to see how obnoxious many Indians might get.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey sayedur, Its just a mutual thing. you could drop in to my blogs and comment the same way. no offence taken:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the invitation, but I don't solicit. I consider link dropping distasteful.

      Delete
  17. I like the sound of this solution but have one question. Is it possible to have a power pass-through using the external GPS device, or is not possible with OTG in use? I. E. Use the external GPS and have my phone plugged in to a power supply simultaneously?
    Is it compulsory to leave a dodgy link as well? 😉

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like the sound of this solution but have one question. Is it possible to have a power pass-through using the external GPS device, or is not possible with OTG in use? I. E. Use the external GPS and have my phone plugged in to a power supply simultaneously?
    Is it compulsory to leave a dodgy link as well? 😉

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ian, unfortunately my knowledge on the variety of tablets/phones is pretty limited; and I have not come across any device which can have OTG in use and still can recharge the battery. If a device comes with a dedicated power connector like most phones of the bygone days used to have, this could be possible, but I don't know if any such device exists these days. Sorry!!

      Delete
    2. There are OTG cables with power pass through (or charging):
      https://www.google.com/search?q=otg+with+charging&biw=1397&bih=1065&tbm=isch&imgil=peMr8znhUnbkhM%253A%253BnzUp528zpTl92M%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.amazon.com%25252FMicro-Cable-Power-Samsung-AtomicMarket%25252Fdp%25252FB009YPYORM&source=iu&pf=m&fir=peMr8znhUnbkhM%253A%252CnzUp528zpTl92M%252C_&usg=__cJkVzYz4jQsoixvUiFz1GB-wPPI%3D&ved=0ahUKEwiqrvWqoL_NAhUO62MKHar8Ay4QyjcIOw&ei=D2psV-rqJ47WjwOq-Y_wAg#imgrc=peMr8znhUnbkhM%3A

      Delete
  19. Hi Sayedur. Thanks for responding. I though that may be the case, but it's good (?) to have it semi-confirmed!
    Cheers
    Ian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No problem!! But your query raises a valid question - how long a device lasts in one go when the GPS is draining its power too? I had my Nexus 7 tablet running for 7-8 hours before it died off. But I am pretty sure my phone will not last that long. In that case, bluetooth GPS will be the alternative, you can simultaneously power up the device. I wrote another post on this blog on that option.

      Delete
    2. Yes. I had already seen that blog - which was what brought me to this USB blog. I can't seem to tie down a definitive answer as to whether or not I can have my Moto G 4G phone (with BT v4.0, A2DP, LE) connected to my vehicle's existing Bluetooth and a Bluetooth GPS device at the same time. Any idea?

      Delete
    3. I didn't think of scenarios like yours when I wrote this blog. But now that I am getting my head around configurations I have never thought of, will definitely help me improve my future blogs. Your questions are truly rewarding in that sense, thanks Ian. As regards your specific question, I have heard that some hardware are capable of pairing to more than one Bluetooth devices, but I never did that. How about putting your Moto to a test, and perhaps do some research on its capabilities (advertised and/or hidden)?

      Delete
  20. Excellent tips. Really useful stuff .Never had an idea about this, will look for more of such informative posts from your side.. Good job...Keep it up
    gaming mouse

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First, I don't know how Uber app works. But I still assume, if Uber can take location information from the phone's internal GPS, it should also be able to take it from an external GPSs using mock location. I don't see how Uber can block this OS service from an App level. Then, you can boost your GPS reception by having a "super-sensitive" (low dB) GPS receiver, and attaching a GPS antenna on top of your taxi.

      Delete
    2. When I enable mock locations then turn the Uber app I get a notification that the Uber app doesn't work while mock locations are turned on.

      Delete
    3. Now this is unfortunate that Uber app deliberately refuses work with Mock Location enabled, and I am sorry that I don't know of any workaround. You might want to write to Uber developers, instead. Let's see what they have to say.

      Delete
  22. Nice post but all the news tablet or smartphone have a gps built in.
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct! Even many older models have built-in GPS. But many of them are not as responsive as a dedicated GPS unit. Moreover, in some situations a GPS antenna mounted on your vehicles rooftop really helps. It would not be a good idea to tie your smartphone/tablet on top of the car's roof, when you require better signal acquisition.

      Delete
  23. HI,

    I bought an USB GPS Ublox7 device/dongle.

    I have installed the android u-center GPS evaluation App on my tablet and tried to test it
    I have installed "You Are Here GPS" and nothing.
    the devices LED blinks but all the apps don't detect it.

    Is there a console and a list of commanda to send to the device?

    I detected the device using another USB GSP app:

    Device Info
    Device Path: /dev/bus/usb/003/005
    Device Class: Communication Device (0x2)
    Vendor ID: 1546
    Vendor Name: U-Blox AG
    Product ID: 0bbd
    Product Name: not in db

    Interfaces
    Interface #0
    Class: Communication Device (0x2)
    Endpoint: #0
    Address : 131 (10000011)
    Number : 3
    Direction : Inbound (0x80)
    Type : Intrrupt (0x3)
    Poll Interval : 255
    Max Packet Size: 64
    Attributes : 000000011
    Interface #1
    Class: Communication Device Class (CDC) (0xa)
    Endpoint: #0
    Address : 1 (00000001)
    Number : 1
    Direction : Outbound (0x0)
    Type : Bulk (0x2)
    Poll Interval : 0
    Max Packet Size: 64
    Attributes : 000000010
    Endpoint: #1
    Address : 130 (10000010)
    Number : 2
    Direction : Inbound (0x80)
    Type : Bulk (0x2)
    Poll Interval : 0
    Max Packet Size: 64
    Attributes : 000000010

    thanks for reply
    lucian

    thanks in advance for any advice
    lucian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. do you solve this problem. I have the same problem. I have U-blox 7 and I use android on a rooted smartphone. please let me know at veronesiumb@live.com

      Delete
  24. I think You are here GPS supports only Prolific chipset USB devices (i.e. serial to USB converters). UBlox uses different device/driver and it is not supported

    A full support of current USB GPS devices would be really appreciated

    Regards,
    Jordi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a UBlox bare module too, but use that with my Arduino projects, not with android devices. I will check that, and come back later.

      Delete
  25. Great Blog, first one I've ever bothered to read :)

    I came to the conclusion too that a cabled solution would soon run out of power, and the bluetooth devices are prohibitively expensive, Yorkshire short arms and deep pocket syndrome, but it is a lot to pay for something to live on the roof get forgotten and stolen.

    I do already have a GPS antenna I got a while back for Autoroute use, so I at least know it does function, there must be a pass through lead out there, maybe Korea, Taiwan or China etc have one, must check out Aliababa,

    Come to think of it I might have something in my garage which has a USB 2 std two way USB connector on it for some other device long since thrown away, but I keep all cable, I must be a hoarder :) :)

    Any other off the wall ideas to allow power to get to devices???.

    KevB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kevin. You are right that a cabled solution will draw power from your device, but then, when you activate the internal GPS or Bluetooth, they also increase device's power drain. A wired solution may be draining more than bluetooth or internal GPS, but the net difference is really not that big, though I have never had a chance to measure how much power is drained in each of these situations. I can do an 8 hour shift with my NEXUS 7 and external GPS.

      I have never come across a two way USB cable that you've mentioned, so, no idea about that. If I had to work longer hours, I keep my phone handy as a backup for the tablet - I will only have to merge the data from both devices later.

      Delete
  26. I haven't read all the comments but I have a Nexus 7 (2013) tablet in my car running Google maps. Can I just get one of these antennas and plug it in and then change the settings to allow mach? Do I have to run a 3rd party app, because I really prefer Google maps and want to keep using that at all costs.....if possibe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So all I'm looking to do is just add an external GPS antenna to my tablet....even if I need to take apart the unit, unsolder the factory antenna and solder the connections to the external antenna, that's fine too. Just need to know it's possible before I jack up a perfectly fine tablet lol

      Delete
    2. 1. Yes, you can use of these external GPS (not just an antenna) with Google map, but need a 3rd party App like the one I have mentioned in this blog.
      2. This is a totally different scenario, I guess you need to be skilled in hacking electronic gadgets for being able to successfully soldering an external antenna to your tablet, and a thorough understanding of antenna technology. I am not qualified to give you any advice on that, but I see a prospect of you bricking a good Nexus.

      Delete
    3. I haven't seen that app yet so I'll check out the quality of that 1st before I go crazy and tear things apart.
      And stupid me for forgetting my Audi already has a GPS antenna mounted on the roof that the factory navi used. I haven't messed with the all the stuff I changed in my car for over a year because AT&T had been screwing me and not letting me tether my phone to the tablet. I finally got that taken care of this past weekend so now my tablet is finally working as intended....well except for the GPS lagging due to the tablet being mounted in my dash. As long as I can find out which wires are the ones for the built in antenna I think it should be fairly easy to switch to an external antenna. I'll be trying it thus week sometime and I'll get back to this thread and post my results. Maybe that'll help someone in the future :)

      Delete
    4. It has been quite a while npw, curious to know the outcomes of your experiment :)

      Delete
  27. This is a small cable with a micro-USB male interface on one end which plugs in to your Android device, outdoor antenna

    ReplyDelete
  28. my device reports mydevice is incompatable with you are here any other sugestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You may want to talk to the developer of "You Are Here GPS" app.

      Delete
  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  30. My navigation app Opencpn requires that I input the comport that gps is on. How do I find which port You Are Here is using

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would suggest, you contact the developer of You Are Here GPS App. I found him very responsive and cooperative.

      Delete
  31. I came within a hair's-breath of buying a USB GPS dongle, as I couldn't get my old Bluetooth GPS one to work with my Android tablet, no matter what software I tried from Google Play Store.

    It just dawned on me while reading this blog that all of my earlier attempts were with an unrooted tablet. Having rooted it in the interim for other reasons (ads), I've just had another go and am elated to find that the app 'GpsInfo' works perfectly with my rooted-tablet! Probably all of the other alternatives that failed previously for me work as well, though I haven't re-tried them.

    So, just a heads-up for anyone that may come across this blog and are experiencing the same problem - and another reason to ignore those that say that there's no valid reasons for rooting your device.

    ReplyDelete
  32. 'You are here' consistently fails to see my GPS dongle. I have allowed it in mock locations, and temporarily disabled the tablet's GPS with no success. (Nor does USB GPS work). Do I really have to root my Nexus 7?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rooting is not a requirement here. There must be other issues, such as GPS's Serial-to-USB interface compatibility. You may want to contact the YAH's developer.

      Delete
  33. I'm fed up with how inaccurate and buggy my truck GPS is. I'm converting an old laptop to a GPS device, can't be any worse than a Garmin or a Rand McNally.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm fed up with how inaccurate and buggy my truck GPS is. I'm converting an old laptop to a GPS device, can't be any worse than a Garmin or a Rand McNally.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John, your converted laptop GPS would perhaps be more accurate than a Garmin type handheld, if your buy a latest multi-constellation (GPS+GLONASS+Baidu+Galileo) GNSS receiver. Battery could be an issue, however, unless you'd replaced the old one lately.

      Delete
  35. Dear
    I have question for you, what about the phone GPS, for example if i open goole map, what GPS the GOOGLE map going to use? the phone one or the usb one?
    I have done this in the computer connect USB GPS with google earth but i have to add some code found online to make the map recognize this GPS,
    is this going to be the same, as I have issue with my mobile GPS and some time is not working and i need to have external GPS for better navigation .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Google's Map app uses a combination of GPS, WiFi and Cell network to get a position, and on my phone it refuses to work if I choose not to use WiFi and/or 3G data connection. In my opinion, for the applications I suggested in this blog, Google's Map should be at the very bottom of the list. I would recommend Orux, Locus, gVsig, etc.

      Delete
  36. Does this work on a laptop and how?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'This' won't work on a Laptop, which will require a different set of software, obviously not Android app.

      Delete
  37. Hello, what kind off USB GPS Mouse do you use in this Blogpost?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that was said in the blog with an Amazon store link.

      Delete
  38. Hello, does somenone know if "You are here GPS" APK works with the new GPS antenna from USGlobalSat called BU-353-S4 ? (see link http://usglobalsat.com/p-688-bu-353-s4.aspx#images/product/large/688.jpg). Hope to get an answer from someone who tested it. Thank you in advance for suppot.
    Jerome

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please contact the developer of YAH GPS, he might have an answer.

      Delete
  39. I guess its time for me to try this kind of USB GPS device. It seems to be more interesting to use for some special purposes. More on this, I hope you will be able to post more details on how to use it in a simple way. Thanks for knowing us this excellent tips.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi. I Plamto buy a Teclast X98 Pro (android 5.1 and Windows 10) which has not at all GPS. Could it works with a USB connected GPS device as explained in your blog?

    Fernando
    1

    ReplyDelete
  41. do you thing there is a way to get a VK-172 working with android

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, I don't know how different these mouse GPSs are. If you already have one, why don't you give it a try, and share the experience for the benefit of all?

      Delete
    2. Hi, a little late for answer but it can be useful for futur user of the VK-172 (Ublox7) GPS receiver.
      You have to install "GNSS Commander" in Android.
      Once program started, go in Parameters (3 dots at top right of program).
      In "GPS data", go in "GPS input" and select "USB apparel".
      In "Additional settings" select "Generic (test version)".
      In "Mock position" activate the function.
      Go back in "parameters" of Android itself and go in "Developper option".
      Click on "Mock location" and select "GNSS Commander".
      Then go in your navigation software and it should work.
      I'm with Android-x86 6.0 r3, and this is the only way I get this GPS dongle working.
      Hope this help.

      Delete
    3. Thanks Mark.

      I made the same configuration with my Ublox neo-6p and it works well. But, it does not display the accuracy.
      Do you know how to make the accuracy appear?

      Delete
    4. @mark twain
      what did you meant by select this :
      Click on "Mock location" and select "GNSS Commander".

      is it choose debug app ?

      thanks

      Delete
    5. @mark twain
      what did you meant by select this :
      Click on "Mock location" and select "GNSS Commander".

      is it choose debug app ?

      thanks

      Delete
  42. I'm trying to get this app to work on a tablet with a GPS that works perfectly on my laptops. When I run the YAH app I get the same as the screen shots on this board. But here's the thing... these results are not legitimate NMEA sentences which is probably why I can't get any navigating software to recognise it.
    How did you get this thing to work when it's putting out unrecognisable sentences?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John, I think you are close. Did you try changing the baud rate from the tiny hidden menu on its top right corner?

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. That baud rate is set to 4800. If I change it to 9600 the displayed sentences stop scrolling and so presumably disconnects from the GPS.
      I don't understand why the scrolling sentences are showing the GPS is putting out no position ie: $GPGGA 000.00....0000.00 as in your example, and shows no fix.

      Delete
  43. What's the best GPS navigation system for truck driver?
    gps проследяване

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First of all, my knowledge on the latest GPS hardware is not up to date; secondly, I don't know what could be different in requirement on a truck. Having said that, I assume any good GPS capable of providing quick fix would be fine. The rest is just personal preference of screen size, software interface, etc. If getting a fix is an issue inside the truck, one with an external antenna might help.

      Delete
  44. PERFECT! This was the exact information that I was looking for. This is the way Internet articles should be written, well all articles for that part, with the 3 S principal: 1) Stand Up, 2) Speak Up, 3) Shut Up!

    Great and useful article!

    ReplyDelete
  45. First of all, Thaks so much for the article
    following the explanation, I tried to connect an external usb GPS (ublox neo 6P, from navilock company)which was designed for windows operating system, but it did not work. you are here gps is not running, even when i change the baud.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Good afternoon! Can I apply to the program YOU ARE HERE developer with the request ? ( This forum specified in the description of the program ) Please make a selection baud 38400 in programm. very necessary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The developer for YOU ARE HERE is deceased.
      The best choice I have found for support of high speed (updates>1 per second) and the higher baud rates that are required (38400/115200) is GNSS Commander.

      Delete
  47. Anyone who used ublox 7 that not support with "you are here GPS". I 've found some app work with 3rd party software like google map. It 's called "GNSS Commander". you can set to use usb to connect and work with mock location.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have ublox neo-6P. Could you please explain me how to set it to use usb and work with mock location

      Delete
  48. You don't even need a complicated gadget to track someones location. Just phone and simple application like this one here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Graham, but this post is not about cell phone tracking.

      Delete


  49. use these two , google map would work with Android and external GPS device.
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.globalsat.android.gps.pl2303.provider&hl=en

    USB GPS from Global Sat
    http://www.amazon.in/GlobalSat-BU-353-S4-USB-GPS-Receiver/dp/B008200LHW?tag=googinhydr18418-21&tag=googinkenshoo-21&ascsubtag=b1276caa-0928-407a-940b-650cc8660103

    ReplyDelete
  50. GPS can be attached via Bluetooth with your smartphone. To buy best truck GPS experts advice and guidelines can be proved informative.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Question, I bought an external GPS antenna that can plug into the plug where the stock internal antenna connects. When plugged in it didn't work. Any ideas? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Antenna for which GPS? What is your GPS hardware?

      Delete
    2. I have an Ellipsis 7 android tablet that I'm trying to connect a GlobalSat AT-65SMA GPS Antenna via IPEX U.fl/IPEX to SMA Female(hole) Pigtail 30cm for Mini PCIe Wifi MHF3 MHFIII (Hirose U.FL 0.81mm) which plugs directly into the circuit board. I have been using the free version of Back Country Navigator in my off-road vehicle on which I want to mount the antenna to the roof. When plugged in the Back Country app didn't work like the internal antenna. I don't know what I need to do. Thanks for addressing this topic and for responding.

      Delete
  52. I also need to install a new GPS device for my car. Thank you for sharing interesting information about it, it really helped me a lot ...

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi,
    I'm glad that I've found your article. I'm going to use an external receiver and an Android tablet in some agriculture works with a tractor. I need to fix the receiver about 3 metres from the side of the traktor, on the mower.
    I've found some receivers, but in the specipication there is not Android mentioned. Do you think it would work with Android anyway? That receiver is offered on aliexpress, it's called G.Receiver TOPGNSS Ublox M8030-kt
    The receiver parameters:
    1 UBLOX6010 high efficiency GPS chipset
    2 high sensitivity (-161dBm)
    3 even if the satellite signal is weak, the first position is still very fast
    4 support NMEA0183 communication protocol
    5 built in large capacity, can be stored to achieve rapid satellite signal data
    6 built in ceramic antenna
    7 strong magnetism can be adsorbed on the vehicle
    8.100% waterproof and non slip bottom
    9 USB or RS232 connection interface
    10 LED indicators show GPS positioning
    LED light dark: not enabled
    LED light: to find the signal
    LED flashing: positioned
    11 ENGOS WAAS is supported.
    Frequency: L1, 1575.42 MHz
    C/A Code: 1.023 chip rate MHz
    Channel number: 48 tracking channels
    Sensitivity: dBm -161
    Precision
    Location: 2.5 meters, RMS 2D
    2 meters, RMS WAAS, enable 2D
    Rate: 0.1 m/s
    Time: 1 s satellite synchronization
    Coordinate data
    Default: WGS-84
    Receiving time
    Re reception: average 0.1 seconds
    Hot boot: an average of 8 seconds
    Warm boot: average 35 seconds
    Cold and warm boot: average 35 seconds
    Related restriction
    Height: 18000 meters (60000 feet) high
    Rate: 515 M / S (10000 knots) maximum
    Gravity: less than 4G
    Shake: 20 m / s * 3
    power
    Main power input: 5V ~ DC input 3.3V
    Power consumption: 56mA

    Any ideas if it works ith Android?
    Michal, Poland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi mate,

      Ive got the same USB GPS receiver. Have you been able to connect this to Android?

      Cheers

      Delete
  54. Good article
    I have found a lot of useful information here,
    Thank you for your article

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thank to share valuable information. I also need to install a new GPS device for my new car. Can you share a article on Fast Charge USB Data Cable .

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am unable to find "are you here GPS" app. Does anyone know of an alternative app that will do the same function of enabling an external usg gps device to work with an android tablet ??

    ReplyDelete
  57. Opps, last comment Should read "you are here GPS". and "enable an external USB device ....etc

    ReplyDelete
  58. up-date. I have found the You Are Here GPS app on the Apkmonk.com web site. Have downloaded it to my android tablet, but when I try to open it, it keeps stopping after the first window. Has anyone experienced this and if so found a work around or alternative app that would enable a USB GPS device to talk to the tablet ?? Cheers GT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks for that GT just found and downloading now did you get it to work

      Delete
  59. hi just bought this GPS looking for the app in play store but cant find it and the link you gave doesnt work
    can you repost link
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
  60. A bit late to the party, but...

    This USB GPS receiver: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008200LHW/

    Works with: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.pilablu.gpsconnector&hl=en_US&gl=US

    ReplyDelete