Thread: GoogleEarth GPSR Tracking

Originally Posted by pshadwick

The rack between Begin and current location is shown as a straight line (ie it does not follow the track of the roads) Is this normal?

No, this is not. If possible pm me with the generated NMEA log file attached and I could look at it. Or just try upgrading. Maybe it was an old bug. Chances are good though that you were zoomed in to closely. Cant tell from here.

Originally Posted by pshadwick

It seems to zoom in and out all byitself and zoom doesnt seem to be under my control.

Zoom levels are controlled with the number keys 1, 2, and 3. The numbers will only work if CommTest2's main window has focus. If, for any reason, CommTest2's main menu does not have focus, give CommTest2 focus by clicking anywhere on the window. The numbers should work then. 1 is close up, 2 is medium zoom, and 3 is far away.

Originally Posted by pshadwick

It would appear to be impractical to use this without cache, I suspect even my DSL connection could not download the maps fast enough if I'm driving at 70mph. With my cellphone internet connection I would be 15 miles from my start location before the map had completed downloading. Problem then is what do you do if you are in an unfamiliar loaction (when it would be most useful)

True. A good cache is important. The post by midiwall above addresses ways to import a cache. And PurDoom has discussed cell phone internet access at this post: Boost mobile? . Unfortunately, I dont have a cell phone to test this out. I've been relying on the cache file I've built at home. From what I hear though, once a the files are built up, minimum internet downloading is required.

Happy Cacheing.

Originally Posted by briefnotion

No, this is not. If possible pm me with the generated NMEA log file attached and I could look at it. Or just try upgrading. Maybe it was an old bug. Chances are good though that you were zoomed in to closely. Cant tell from here.

I have the latest version of Google earth (4.0.1565 beta) and the latest version of Commtest (downloaded yesterday). Playing back the NMEA log it appears that it is following the track correctly, but what is displayed is a straight line between beginning and end.


Zoom levels are controlled with the number keys 1, 2, and 3. The numbers will only work if CommTest2's main window has focus. If, for any reason, CommTest2's main menu does not have focus, give CommTest2 focus by clicking anywhere on the window. The numbers should work then. 1 is close up, 2 is medium zoom, and 3 is far away.

I cant get the zoom to work numbers 1-2-3 have no effect. I assume I have no other control over the map, pan left right etc also dont work (focus on google window)

edit: OK, I take that back, unders some circumstances the 1,2,3 does work. I need to play some more to figure out when it works and when it dosent...Paul


True. A good cache is important. The post by midiwall above addresses ways to import a cache. And PurDoom has discussed cell phone internet access at this post: Boost mobile? . Unfortunately, I dont have a cell phone to test this out. I've been relying on the cache file I've built at home. From what I hear though, once a the files are built up, minimum internet downloading is required.

Happy Cacheing.

I'll have to work on the cache, copying from another machine didnt work (but I may have screwed it up, I'll have to try again).
Thanks...Paul

0.2.8.2 (July 6, 2006)
Created Program Icon.
Menu window will now appear on top of other windows.
Added more serial port error checking. Better handling of unexpected disconnects.
Changed the text to several error messages to be more descriptive.

New features are available. Now if you want customize you speech audio alerts to an other languages or just different text, you can. The variable string list is at the bottom of the screen. Should be fairly self explanatory.

CommTest2 Download Link: http://briefnotion.250free.com/

0.2.9.0 (July 7, 2006)

• The settings screen is now tabbed to allow more options.
• Configurable speech sentences are available.
• A "Nautical" measurement system is available.
• Main screen will not take focus if settings are open.
• A new quick key option is available. "W" is window release. Similar to screen release but allows the GE display to continue on. When window release is on the program will not take focus away from other windows. This allows you to work on other programs while tracking with maps. Quick keys will only be available when CommTest2 has focus though.
• Moved the serial bytes to read field lo line up under the points in memory field.

CommTest2 Download Link: http://briefnotion.250free.com/

0.3.0.0 (July 12, 2006)

• The network link will now clear when disconnected allowing GE to return to normal.

0.2.9.1 (July 11, 2006)

• Added quick key option "w" window release to the help screen.
• Added second speech tab to settings to accommodate more.
• Added Escape Key quick key setting to announce status.

Should be a well liked update. Points of Interest or POIs can be created by pressing the backspace key. Data about how fast you were driving, altitude, and other things will also be saved in the description. Sort of like a snap shot. The description is the same as the Status speech text so edit to fit your prefs. The temp is really hot down here so testing is at a minimum. PM me if you see an error. Enjoy.

CommTest2 Download Link: http://briefnotion.250free.com/

0.3.1.0 (July 13, 2006)

• Quick key POI's with the backspace key. Press enter for a POI name and the POI will be named an incremental number. The description of the POI is also the status so you can edit what's there. You can also load POIs as a guide file and announcements will be made when you are near.

CommTest2 Download Link: http://briefnotion.250free.com/

• You can now choose a path color.
• Automenu will recognize .prc files. These are mobipocket files, an ebook file format that Geocache descriptions come in. Goto http://www.mobipocket.com for more info.
• Option for one second look ahead implemented. The current position placemark can be placed ahead of the current read position to help predict real position. Haven't decided how far to look ahead yet, GE read is every two seconds.
• Another more variables, %currentmps% (meters per second), %datetime% (last message date and time received), %latitude% (Latitude as GE sees it), %longitude% (Longitude as GE sees it)
• Zoom can be stepped up and down with the "," and "." keys.
• More code to hold activation.
• Moved position of Connect and Menu button.
• Changed connect read data blink time.
• Relaxed the method of appending to a file. This is internal.

Hi!

I just tried to install your software (CommTest2build10032). Things seem to work alright, although i can't seem to get any positionin from my GPS. I am using a Holux GR-213 Receiver. Do you have any suggestions for anything I could attempt?

I am using the newest beta of Google Earth (free version).

The receiver works fine when I read it with the Gps Viewer software that came with the GPS. It is set up on COM4 (USB physically, but some driver registers it as COM4).

Thank You!

Have the log files registerd any NMEA sentences? Or if you'd like, send it here and I'll take a look at it. Just kidding. As far as I can tell, the dev should be working. And really, If your device is sending NMEA data, then commtest2 should be properly interpret it. If not, then pm me with the raw data and i'll see whats being missed.