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sparafina · 09-06-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by eviltoaster

I've been wardriving for some time now, and still haven't gotten a gps due to lack of information. I've done a fair share of research on gps, but haven't bought one for fear of incompatablility. I just have a few questions and if anyone could answer them that'd be great.

Do all gps units have driver serial emulation?
Do GPS units pretty much work with any program (gps i/o program standard?)
In Wifi, Programs work with devices of a certain chipset, anything like that in GPS?
Is there any "standard" GPS device that everyone uses (in wireless the standard is orinoco gold. Anything like this in GPS?)
Which GPS devices offer the best OS Compatability? (98 XP OSX PPC etc)
Am I just being paranoid about this whole gps thing?

Thanks in advance

The majority of GPS units have a serial output, either through a serial port, USB and now some are shipping with Bluetooth
Most consumer units ouput NMEA, which most programs support. Manufacturers can add to the NMEA standard with vendor specific data.
Like wifi there are a number of different chipsets. Common ones are Garmin, Motorola, Trimble, Rockwell, and SiRF. GPS units are typically self contained units and they communicate via a serial device. As long as the program supports NMEA, then compatibility should not be an issue.
Many people use a Garmin handheld model with a display and some use the puck style. Personally, I prefer GPS using SiRF chipsets because they get a faster lock and are more sensitive than other models.
Because most GPS output NMEA they are compatible in terms of reading data from the unit. The compatibility issue is frequently about the serial port versus USB and the lack of serial in newer notebooks.
Yes, you are being paranoid, but that's not a bad thing. If you only want the GPS for wardriving/navigation then budget for $100-$130. If you want to use it for hiking or other uses then the sky is the limits.