[HELP]***GPS experts coming***[HELP]

sonynvx-d7 · 03-10-2006, 12:04 PM

hi everyone, i imported a car from japan with a GPS system(not build in), it's a SONY NVX-D7 model, build in gyro sensor, digital map cd. i can turn on the system, it shows 6-8 gray spots on the screen which i assume those are satellites, when the car is moving those gray spots are changing the position either, after study the manual, it turns out the gray spots means the satellite is not available. maybe it's only working in japan, i hope i can peel off the GPS part and connected with my laptop, is that possible???

Marvin Hlavac · 03-10-2006, 01:57 PM

I tried to Google for more info on the unit, but the few pages found were all in Japanese. I suspect the main issue with your unit is going to be the lack of map coverage for your area. It likely has just a map of Japan loaded.

I'm not sure if you can use the GPS receiver of the unit. But perhaps you could sell it on eBay instead (to a buyer in Japan), and buy yourself a new GPS mouse-type receiver. They are quite inexpensive (~$80 or less).

sonynvx-d7 · 03-10-2006, 02:16 PM

thanks!

you are quite right, it seems this system only works within limited area: latitude 20.40'00"-47.20'00"(north),longitude 119.00'00"-159.00'00"(east). is that means it can't receive GPS signals out of that range? as far as i know, each time i turn it on, it show Japan's local time, which makes me believe it still received something from the satellite doesn't it?

there's a navi-bus cable out there, i'd like to change it into com or ps2, so i can connect it to the computer, is there any suggestion???

Marvin Hlavac · 03-10-2006, 02:32 PM

Yes, the GPS receiver part of the unit should function anywhere in the world, but the whole unit will not do what it is supposed to do if outside of its map coverage area. The map data is stored internally (the map data is not downloaded from satellites).

There may be a way to connect the GPS receiver to a laptop if you really want to. I don't know. But others may know.

MatrixPC · 03-10-2006, 03:37 PM

The receiver will work any where in the world.
If you have maps for your area you can use it.

sonynvx-d7 · 03-11-2006, 08:25 AM

problem is there's no map available for the area where i lived, and it's almost impossible to crack the map format in the cd. so only choice left it separate the GPS signal out of the system and connect it to the computer. i'm trying, and hope to get ideas from all of you. =)

Scouse Monkey · 03-11-2006, 09:06 AM

build a carPc and use the screen for GPS and get a touch screen for music and controls etc. much more satisfying than trying to fix that thing for use in america

sonynvx-d7 · 03-11-2006, 10:06 AM

what i'm doing is part of building a carpc.
the idea is to maximize the usage of what we have

b8bboi · 03-11-2006, 10:11 AM

just buy a ******* GPS receiver instead of trying to interface that unit to your laptop. It's only around 40 bucks and will save you lots of time and headache.

Chris31 · 03-11-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by b8bboi

just buy a ******* GPS receiver instead of trying to interface that unit to your laptop. It's only around 40 bucks and will save you lots of time and headache.

Unless it has a built-in DR and ripping it out can be worthwhile.