GPS for train travel

Bobm · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42

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?

Tim Buxton · 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.
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Tim

mikealder · 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

Bobm · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42

neil01 · 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.

Skippy · 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.
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Gone fishing!

Bobm · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42

Donald · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: GPS for train travel

MarkHewitt · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:21 am Post subject: Re: GPS for train travel

Bobm · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 04, 2005 Posts: 42

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!

lbendlin · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:52 am Post subject:

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