in-car GPS PC, which software?

[HangOver]

Hi All

I am toying with the idea of building a custom in-car computer, Pentium, XP based. I have the hardware sorted, (in my head) I just need to raid my garage and get a small 12v screen courtesy of e-bay.

I want it to play mp3’s but primarily I would want to run a GPS system from it.

I know what I’m doing PC wise but it’s the GPS bit that has me stumped
I know I would need to buy a GPS receiver, USB mouse type but what software would I need?

Ideally it would be freeware, (some hope) but I don’t mind paying for it if it does the job.

So, any suggestions??

Thanks
Steve

[51jay]

check out www.advantechdesign.com.au
Track Ranger Pro V 5 $199
GPS unit
various maps allready on CD/DVD
I was thinking along the same lines but just with 12" notebook

[HangOver]

Hi

I have decided I am going to use http://www.oziexplorer.com/
software, you can download a trial and it doesn't seem too difficult to use and can use most maps. Also it seems very popular in Oz so map exchanges may be a possability.

My PC project will be a long time in the making, I have the Oziexplorer software, all the PC bits, (excluding the GPS mouse) just too much other stuff demanding time at the moment but if I ever get it going it will post a pic or two.
I only really need to wire up a PSU with voltage regulator from the current 12v in the Rangie. I might just take the easy route and buy an inverter though. We'll see.

Looks like the page you were looking at does not include any maps?

Quote: "Using almost any laptop PC and GPS device, and maps on CD / DVD you have purchased from Advantech Design or scanned yourself "

If you already have a laptop your are 3/4 way there apparently you just need the GPS mouse thingy, (about $80 on ebay if you search) and the GPS mapping software, oh and some maps.

goodluck with it anyway

[George130]

What maps do you currently have? Would be worth doing a project on this as its what I want to do down the track.

[HangOver]

Originally posted by George130
What maps do you currently have? Would be worth doing a project on this as its what I want to do down the track.

I haven't bought any maps as yet, i prob. will if I get this gps pc up and running one day.

But... with this oziexplorer software it looks like you can use your own maps, (scanned) as a basis and calibrate it to gps coordinates.
I could be wrong as I haven't tried to do this yet, (no GPS reciever) but if I manage one day I'll let you all know.

It might be easier to buy ready done maps on a CD but if you can download scanned maps and add them for free that's got to be better hasn't it?
Just not sure how complicated/time consuming it will be.

If i get it started ANF finished I'll do the project thingy with lots of info & pics

[Phoenix]

There are a number of already done maps for oziexplorer around the place. NSW is completeley don,e I think vic is on the way, and tas was done, but a legal issue popped up.

Have a look at gpsaustralia.net :wink:

[HangOver]

hmmmmmm .......

I get an error page from:

http://www.gpsaustralia.net
http://gpsaustralia.net
http://www.gpsaustralia.com.au
http://www.gpsaustralia.com

Is it just me?
Any other good tips for maps would be welcome, I'm sure I will need them when I satrt/finish this project

[Phoenix]

the address (.net) is right, but the webpage seems to be down at the moment.

[George130]

I have half of NSW and I have VIC comming frm my brother in law. He is using Ausi explorer on a PDA.

[HangOver]

Originally posted by Phoenix
the address (.net) is right, but the webpage seems to be down at the moment.

that site is up today, thanks for the tip, lots of info & maps by the look of things.

I best start checking ebay for a usb mouse. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/