GPS Solution NEEDED!

phuz · 07-24-2008, 02:58 PM

I am sick of fighting this fight.
I need a RELIABLE USB GPS Receiver that is both accurate and visible through rear-window tint (shouldn't be an issue, I know this)

I originally had a Serial-port Deluo GPS and over the past 6 years its been great, but I think it's getting flaky. I recently purchased a new USB receiver from them and something just isn't right...it would jump around and have trouble locking position sometimes...whatever. I got an RMA for that and ordered the new Pro+ SiRFstarIII that is supposedly Sony's new chip and can track up to 20 satellites. I got it today and get this....when plugged into THREE different computers, all with XP, I get the "A USB device on this computer has malfunctioned" and it will not install the driver and work.

UGH!

So I call DELUO and politely demand that a replacement be overnighted but ironically the manager is not available to speak. I left a voicemail and now we play the waiting game. I can almost guarantee that they will deny this and I will be forced to accept returning this unit, AGAIN, for a refund.

If that is the case, I no longer want to deal with Deluo, and I will spit on them whenever I hear their name mentioned. This is absolute BS. I am leaving in 6 days (for 11 days) and I don't need, but WANT a reliably functioning GPS...that is all I want!

This is a ****ing joke.
Excuse the rant.

phuz · 07-24-2008, 06:14 PM

OK, now I think I'm ready for an headache.

Someone explain this to me.
In the office today, I tried the GPS installation on 3 different XP (SP2) machines....and got the error above. In the CarPC after work, I got the same error. I brought it home and tried it on my desktop, and guess what? It works...not only that, but I have the damn thing in a door jamb that is 10' from any window and it is still locked to 10 satellites!

So now I know that I don't have a defective unit, but why the hell won't it work on the other machines? This is nuts.

DarquePervert · 07-24-2008, 06:57 PM

BU-353

'Nuff said.

Bugbyte · 07-24-2008, 07:08 PM

BU-353 is the trusty standby.

kibble · 07-24-2008, 07:18 PM

Awwwww! Where was something like this BU-353 when I was looking for a GPS solution!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

bambam · 07-25-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

BU-353

'Nuff said.

Agree. I own one and couldn't be happier....very reliable

DarquePervert · 07-25-2008, 06:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kibble

Awwwww! Where was something like this BU-353 when I was looking for a GPS solution!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

Available from numerous online retailers.

A better question..
Where were your researching and comparison skills when you were looking for a GPS?

Marvin Hlavac · 07-25-2008, 06:35 AM

> ordered the new Pro+ SiRFstarIII that is supposedly Sony's new chip

Sony and Sirf are two different manufacturers. Your unit is either a SiRFstarIII or Sony, but not both.

> why the hell won't it work on the other machines?

It is suggested in manuals of USB GPS receivers not to plug the unit into USB ports before installing the driver software (from the included CD). Could this be an issue in your case?

phuz · 07-25-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Marvin Hlavac

> ordered the new Pro+ SiRFstarIII that is supposedly Sony's new chip

Sony and Sirf are two different manufacturers. Your unit is either a SiRFstarIII or Sony, but not both.

> why the hell won't it work on the other machines?

It is suggested in manuals of USB GPS receivers not to plug the unit into USB ports before installing the driver software (from the included CD). Could this be an issue in your case?

Double checked, this one is the SiRF unit. I did install the software first, but it didn't matter. As I stated, I tried it on my desktop at home last evening and it worked great, so I did the unthinkable....I pulled out the CarPC, and did a re-install of everything. I was up til 2am but it's all installed and the GPS is working great.

User friendly plug-n-play my ***.

kibble · 07-25-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Where were your researching and comparison skills when you were looking for a GPS?

When I was looking for one, I was looking more for just a module that I could put inside the computer and connect to one of the USB connectors on the mobo. I wanted to have a coax connector on the case so that I could attach an active antenna to it that would be mounted on the roof of my car. Most of the ones I saw as complete units were to pricey to take apart, but this was a while ago. The setup I have now works just fine and is quite reliable.

I guess these things have really dropped in price! Oh, well, If I ever need another one I'll know what to get!

figfry · 07-25-2008, 11:18 AM

IVe got my BU-353 like wedged between the back seat and the left side wall of the car, its pretty invisible to the eye, I still get around 8 satellites and it can barely see out the rear window. And its inexpensive.

phuz · 07-25-2008, 11:35 AM

Well, I have this new SiRF in the car, underneath the rear shelf, under the insulation, on top the sheet metal....and through the rear window tint. I got 9 satellites this morning on the way to work. 100% out of sight.