GPS Tracking / Milage logging

**lbarouf** · 02-28-2009, 10:38 AM

Hi guys,

I've been contemplating the idea of adding a Mac Mini to my Volvo for some time. I think I found so far these best of breed for some needs:

-Navigation: RouteBuddy
-A/V Entertainment: Front Row
-OBD-II data import and display: Movi from Yhasi

BUT, so far I think I'm missing at least 1 last software solution to push me to do it. One to generate a log of my milage, spent between personal and business to income tax purposes mostly. If I have a computer with internet access in my car, I need at least to be able to do this.

Does anyone know of a solution for logging milage on Mac OS X (that would read the GPS position, not to be inputted manually!)?

Also, has anyone integrated their Mac Minis with a head unit such as Pioneer that has a 7"+ display? Touch screen is a nice to have for me, I can always use a mouse. I would rather have a nice integration with a radio for sound and display instead. The alternative, to use the upcoming Lilliput display isn't bad, but integrating the display in a car that doesn't really have spot for a display doesn't appeal to me too much (unless you can submit a pic of a completed Volvo project to inspire me).

Thanks...

**Jirka Jirout** · 03-01-2009, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by lbarouf

BUT, so far I think I'm missing at least 1 last software solution to push me to do it. One to generate a log of my milage, spent between personal and business to income tax purposes mostly.

Are not all the miles buisness-related? You are testing your carputer which you might eventually perhaps want to market, aren't you? :-D

If I have a computer with internet access in my car, I need at least to be able to do this.

Does anyone know of a solution for logging milage on Mac OS X (that would read the GPS position, not to be inputted manually!)?

Yes, GPS Gate (http://www.gpsgate.com) works very well for us.

**colindunscombe** · 03-06-2009, 11:51 AM

There is a Centrafuse plugin that does exactly what you want.

http://forums.fluxmedia.net/plug-dow...entrafuse.html

I run my Mac Mini using Windows XP (mainly for the integrated GPS). Works well!

Colin

**lbarouf** · 03-07-2009, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jirka Jirout

Are not all the miles buisness-related? You are testing your carputer which you might eventually perhaps want to market, aren't you? :-D

Yes, GPS Gate (http://www.gpsgate.com) works very well for us.

:-) Nope, I don't think it would be that popular...having a computer in your car just to do tracking and logging when small devices, MUCH cheaper exist? No, I just want to leverage the fact of having an internet connection and GPS, so I can do more than navigation.

**lbarouf** · 03-07-2009, 10:36 AM

Thanks guys. GPS Gate vehicule tracker seems like a nice polished product. I don't see well how I would operate it to seperate personal usager and work related. It's windows based, and monthly or yearly membership.

Centrafuse seems great. unfortunatly only on windows, but if I can get all I want, maybe I would switch from MacOS X to windows for that reason. Any screenshots of the OBD-II info and the drivebook plug-in windows? I really like this idea. I can't find details on how to export the drivebook details.

**Jirka Jirout** · 03-07-2009, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by lbarouf

Thanks guys. GPS Gate vehicule tracker seems like a nice polished product. I don't see well how I would operate it to seperate personal usager and work related. It's windows based, and monthly or yearly membership.

The subscription works well. As for the separation of business and personal trips, you can insert custom attributes into position update messages and work with this data later (for reports etc.) - just look at the documentation.