Globalsat BT-359W Bluetooth GPS Receiver

PCcivic25 · 09-16-2006, 12:21 AM

I am considering using the Globalsat BT-359W Bluetooth GPS receiver http://www.globalsat.com.tw/eng/prod...l_00000076.htm

From looking at many threads, it seems that bluetooth hasn't been very popular because of its various problems. However, this is a new reciever and it is made by the same company as the popular Globalsat BU-353 USB GPS reciever. I was wondering if anyone has tried this reciever and can comment on its performance. I will also appreciate any comments from anyone after looking at the specs for Globalsat BT-359W.

wuudogg · 09-17-2006, 12:56 PM

I have two globalsat receivers... the BU-353 (USB) and the BT-338 (Bluetooth).

I prefer the speed of the wired USB receiver upon startup.

PCcivic25 · 09-17-2006, 07:01 PM

Alright, my first reply to my first post. Thanks for the input.

redgcoupe · 09-26-2006, 03:05 PM

I recently just setup my CarPC and have this GPS unit and it very accurate but the draw back about being wireless is that I need to start the unit up and then wait for it to connect to my CarPC via bluetooth first then wait for it to connect to my GPS navigation software and sometime StreetDeck won't recognized the GPS com port....and when it does connect it sometime lags. It could be that I don't have enough RAM (currently on 512MB)...I am waiting for my new RAM (1GB) to arrive and test it again...but my finally thought is that its more trouble than its worth. I am considering to go get the previous BU-353 USB model instead...direct power connection is more realiable. I like to go for the newest and latest but sometime it just turn out not to be the greatest.

This is only good for those who also have laptop and smartphone for "on the go" outside their car.

Here are some pictures...everyone love pictures

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PCcivic25 · 09-27-2006, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the helpful input redGcoupe. I decided about 2 days ago to go ahead and order it. I should be receiving the gps receiver soon. Hopefully, Iguidance 3.0 and 1 GB of RAM will run more smoothly. If not, I can always return it and exchange it for the BT 353.

redgcoupe · 09-27-2006, 09:42 AM

You're welcome. and guess I was late on see your post..seeing that you already purchased it.
and I got my 1GB RAM yesterday and testing it again...there's no more lag but it still suck to have to turn the unit on and connect it to the system and wait about 10 sec and then connect it to my streetdeck navi. Also the lock-on to satellite suck when going into and from parking garage...it keep displaying "Zero Satellite" No signal or weak signal; no satellite...and I have my bluetooth adapter in my trunk and the unit by me so that I can turn it on each time i get in the car; more often than most result in weak signal....I add an extension cable to the front w/my bluetooth adapter..only then it will work better...anyway to save my headache with all these wireless connection problem..I just order the BU-353...

rod555 · 10-04-2006, 08:57 AM

I used the BT-338. Is just fine for mobile
In the other hand, the deviation in static position for this GPS mouse is REALLY
big

PCcivic25 · 10-06-2006, 02:55 AM

I finally tested out the Globalsat BT-359W bluetooth receiver with Iguidance 3.0. The receiver is connected through a Kensington Bluetooth V2.0. Everything has run really smoothly. I securely placed the receiver on my sun visor where it is easily reached. The computer automatically connects to the gps receiver. Iguidance 3.0 also has no problem connecting to the gps receiver without any further actions. The receiver is very accurate.

The time frame for connection and gps position fix is suprisingly very short. Navigation is instantly ready to go in a matter of a second or two after powering the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver then shuts off after 10 minutes of not detecting a bluetooth signal. I have achieved these results consistently over a 3 day period. I have yet to run into warm and cold start time frame of 38 and 42 second. So I do not know what those specs are referring to.

The only negative I have run into is that I must first power up the receiver before every use, but it’s not too much of a hassle just reaching above and pressing the on button. It would have been great if it also automatically turns on when detecting a bluetooth signal. So far I am very please with its performance, style, and flexibility.