View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
Bobm Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42
|
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:59 pm Post subject: GPS for train travel |
|
|
Looking for a GPS unit to take on board trains. Have taken a Tom Tom 500 with me and proved it is possible to get a fix which was my first concern. However apart from the fact the 500 is not really the right shape to carry about the fact the software wants to "snap" to the nearest road is less than ideal. I do have a variety of Palm PDAs with the standard connector or Bluetooth so could look for a unit to connect to one of those which would be ideal or a standalone portable unit. Obviously navigation is not an issue as I am not driving the train(!) but location and speed are. Anyone any ideas or already using a solution? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Tim Buxton Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: 14/09/2002 20:56:18 Posts: 5231 Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 10:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you want visual location on a map, as opposed to from coordinates, you'll need software on which you can turn off the 'Snap to road' function which is a feature of most road navigation software offerings. _________________ Tim |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 11:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
You could use the Memory Map OS software, but plan on purchasing some big SD or CF cards, this software is just plain old OS maps on the PDA PPC type (not too sure if it will run on Palm), this doesn't "lock to roads" and you can access speed, position etc, even speed / elevation profile is avail post run so you can analyse performance etc. Mike |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bobm Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Tim Buxton wrote: | If you want visual location on a map, as opposed to from coordinates, you'll need software on which you can turn off the 'Snap to road' function which is a feature of most road navigation software offerings. |
I would prefer visual location. Been looking on the net and have not seen this snap to road on/off feature explicity listed apart from TeleType World Navigator - which won't run on a Palm. Anyone know of software which will run on a Palm but won't snap to roads? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
neil01 Frequent Visitor
Joined: May 06, 2005 Posts: 902 Location: Leeds
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 2:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I am not sure about all trains, but can certainly confirm that I have never been able to get a 'fix' on any Virgin Voyager. The coating on the glass prevents it. (It even makes a good job of reducing the signal on mobile phones - but that is another matter).
I use a MIO 168, which from other posts seems to be quite good at getting a fix in difficult locations - certainly I have not had any problems elsewhere.
I have not had problems on any other type of train - but, although a semi-regular traveller, I tend to use the same routes and therefore only a very limited number of different types of carriage. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Skippy Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: 24/06/2003 00:22:12 Posts: 2946 Location: Escaped to the Antipodies! 36.83°S 174.75°E
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 2:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Memory Map is probably your best bet, it will show you your position on an OS map, speed, heading, elevation etc and there is no lock on road.
A word of warning about trains though, a lot of high speed trains have heat reflective windows (there is a similar problem with some car windscreens) and it is very hard to get a sat lock. Although this doesn't apply to the toilets which often seem to have normal windows. :x
If you are getting a bluetooth GPS then make sure it is one of the latest SirfStar III chipsets which has a higher sensitivity and will work better under difficult conditions.
To lock on to a satelite, the GPS must see it continuously for 30-60 seconds. In my experience, GPS units often have trouble locking on while on a train because of the large number of bridges etc which obstruct your view of the sky momentarily and the lock on process has to start again. It will also help to check the GPS status screen and get a lock on all satelites before you board the train. _________________ Gone fishing! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bobm Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Skippy wrote: | It will also help to check the GPS status screen and get a lock on all satelites before you board the train. |
Certainly agree with that. On my test run I switched the Tom Tom on once the first train was on its way and the unit failed to get a fix for the entire 15 minute journey but once I changed trains it got a fix on the station and held it for almost the entire rest of the journey - including the last leg was was the return run of the first train.
I rarely travel on Virgin if I can help it because of the windows issue - not only cutting off the mobile signal but also the GPRS on the laptop and on a personal note not too struck on the design of their coaches. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Donald Regular Visitor
Joined: Jul 18, 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Yeovil, Somerset
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: GPS for train travel |
|
|
Bobm wrote: | Looking for a GPS unit to take on board trains. Have taken a Tom Tom 500 with me and proved it is possible to get a fix which was my first concern. However apart from the fact the 500 is not really the right shape to carry about the fact the software wants to "snap" to the nearest road is less than ideal. I do have a variety of Palm PDAs with the standard connector or Bluetooth so could look for a unit to connect to one of those which would be ideal or a standalone portable unit. Obviously navigation is not an issue as I am not driving the train(!) but location and speed are. Anyone any ideas or already using a solution? |
Greetings BobM
Take a look at theis New Zealand website - I think one of the first items on the Products page will suit your needs:
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~tchart/
Regards _________________ Axim X50 & TT5, Arkon CM820 powered mount with built in sirf2 gps
Axim 5 sans GPS Rx
Ford Focus 2L Ghia, Wife, kids, dog, cats, mortgage, bank manager & taxman to support, debts, windows need painting - (I cut the grass! - its rained - it needs |
|
Back to top |
|
|
MarkHewitt Frequent Visitor
Joined: Nov 16, 2004 Posts: 1077 Location: Chester-le-Street & York
|
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:21 am Post subject: Re: GPS for train travel |
|
|
Bobm wrote: | Looking for a GPS unit to take on board trains. Have taken a Tom Tom 500 with me and proved it is possible to get a fix which was my first concern. However apart from the fact the 500 is not really the right shape to carry about the fact the software wants to "snap" to the nearest road is less than ideal. I do have a variety of Palm PDAs with the standard connector or Bluetooth so could look for a unit to connect to one of those which would be ideal or a standalone portable unit. Obviously navigation is not an issue as I am not driving the train(!) but location and speed are. Anyone any ideas or already using a solution? |
Hi,
As mentioned memory map or similar topographical software on a PDA would be your best bet.
The next bit is to get a Bluetooth GPS receiver, these will be best for your particular application as you can put the receiver right up beside the window, but have the PDA seperate so you can get a good view of the map.
Good luck |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bobm Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42
|
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for all the suggestions...looks like I am going to have to go down the Pocket PC PDA route - looks like the software choice for the Palm OS is too limited.
I just have this vision of buying a Pocket PC and the kit and then an upgrade of the Tom Tom software comes out with the ability to turn off "snap to roads" added! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
lbendlin Pocket GPS Staff
Joined: 02/11/2002 22:41:59 Posts: 11878 Location: Massachusetts, USA
|
Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
Bobm wrote: | Anyone know of software which will run on a Palm but won't snap to roads? |
Mapopolis _________________ Lutz
Report Map Errors here:
TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
Posted: Today Post subject: Pocket GPS Advertising |
|
|
We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?. Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
|