Possible? Run two gps applications at once

**xBrady** · 02-15-2005, 04:39 PM

Is it possible to run two GPS applications at once? I was about to start on a small application that uses the com port your GPS is on to grab info every once in awhile and I don't want it to interfere with the already running navigation system.
Is it not possible to read from a com port from two seperate applications?
Thanks

**nottastocker** · 02-15-2005, 04:41 PM

I don't see why not, it seems that NMEA protocol is a passive one... but then again, I have never personally used a gps system myself.

**edikp** · 02-15-2005, 04:46 PM

Give this site a browse: http://curioustech.home.insightbb.com/xport.html.

I use an OEM GPS receiver (Garmin GPS25LV) which has two com ports. Probably you want to invest on one of those.

**ppgt94** · 02-15-2005, 04:47 PM

You'll need a software (or hardware) com port replicator. Do a search for one on the forum. I have a freeware version that works but I forget what it's called.

*edit* edik beat me to it. That's the one I use.

**dodgetimes2** · 02-15-2005, 04:48 PM

GPSGate maybe?

**Vacheron** · 02-15-2005, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by dodgetimes2

GPSGate maybe?

I'm using GPSGate to run 3 GPS applications simultaneously. (Netstumbler + 2 Navigation packages) and it has worked perfectly on XP ever since I intalled it. Two thumbs up from me.

**hihidamon** · 02-15-2005, 05:12 PM

Maybe you should consider this bluetooth receiver from Emtac. I know its bt and runs on batteries and costs more, but it is capable of connecting to 4 devices simultaneously via the bt virtual com ports straight out of box.
http://www.gps4fun.com/trc_bluetooth_trine.php

I have one of the earlier ones (without multilink support) and it works like a charm always!

**xBrady** · 02-15-2005, 06:00 PM

Thanks for all of the information guys! I probably wouldn't go for getting a new GPS device as the application I am making will be released to forum members and I don't want everyone that uses it to have to get a new GPS module

If all it requires is an external application then that will work for me. I'll try one of those two apps and get started right away on the programming.