AULRO Subscriber Offer - cheap on-road/off-road GPS units

[ozzytourer]

Your Spreadsheet seems to work. Do you have to save it or anything when your finished or does it automatically save changes back to you.

cheers
Craig

[DavidB]

Hi Ranga,

Great work.

Spreadsheet worked a treat.

Dave.

[rar110]

Received the following email from DX


"Dear customer,

Thank you for your support with DX and sorry for our late reply.

We are so sorry to inform you that the item you ordered is out of stock recently and the expected date that it comes back in stock is still uncertain. We would like to know whether you are going to make a change or you would prefer to cancel it and get your refund. Please advise so that we can help you with our best.

Best regards"


Any recommendations for an alternative product from DX?

[The ho har's]

I got an e-mail on the 22/11 to say mine had been shipped and to expect in 7-10 working days...soooo hopefully will get it next week..now to work how to program it:confused:


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Ranga]

I got an e-mail on the 22/11 to say mine had been shipped and to expect in 7-10 working days...soooo hopefully will get it next week..now to work how to program it:confused:


Mrs ho har:angel:

My in-laws live at Jimboomba - perhaps I can pop around when I visit them and do it for you?

[D3Jon]

Also, lack of time has meant no DVDs sent out in ages. Also, it's a PITA trying to go back through PMs to see who wants one, so I've set up this google doc http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Aj5ltoSH6idOdDlUQzJPRzNkUVlKUWpCOHZrYVZ6O Gc&hl=en for those who want to request one.

Also, please ensure you put the addressee in the address field, just in case Auspost needs it.

Wow, the Google spreadsheet is a great idea! One I might use next time I organise anything. :) Never thought of doing that before...

What you're doing is a great service to other subscribers of this forum, but one problem might be people not wanting their addresses in a spreadsheet that anyone (with the link published on an open forum) can access.

Just a thought, keep up the good work.

Jon

[The ho har's]

My in-laws live at Jimboomba - perhaps I can pop around when I visit them and do it for you?


If that is possible that wouls be great:D we are only 15 mins from Jimboomba


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Ranga]

If that is possible that wouls be great:D we are only 15 mins from Jimboomba


Mrs ho har:angel:

Let me know when it arrives and I'll try and get over that way.

On another note, a few of my orders are starting to trickle through, so hopefully others waiting for there's might see some come also.

[The ho har's]

Let me know when it arrives and I'll try and get over that way.

On another note, a few of my orders are starting to trickle through, so hopefully others waiting for there's might see some come also.

thanks will do

Mrs ho har:angel:

[XSiV]

I got an e-mail on the 22/11 to say mine had been shipped and to expect in 7-10 working days...soooo hopefully will get it next week..now to work how to program it:confused:


Mrs ho har:angel:

Have you received this yet?

I was thinking of getting another one of these as a present for christmas but it seems that going by peoples posts, I wont receive it by then.

[biggin]

Have you received this yet?

I was thinking of getting another one of these as a present for christmas but it seems that going by peoples posts, I wont receive it by then.

Not likely!
I ordered mine 17th October, shipped 23rd Novemeber, and still haven't received it yet.

[The ho har's]

Have you received this yet?

I was thinking of getting another one of these as a present for christmas but it seems that going by peoples posts, I wont receive it by then.


not as yet will post when I do though;)


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Bushwanderer]

In these situations, where the present hasn't arrived by the required date, I enclose a photo of the item in a gift card and say that delivery is delayed.

Go for it.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[biggin]

Not likely!
I ordered mine 17th October, shipped 23rd Novemeber, and still haven't received it yet.
Finally its arrived.
I have a couple of questions though-
Does it usually come with maps from Canada rather than Australia?:eek:
How do you get it to talk with the PC?:confused:

It looks like it is going to take me a long time to sort this out!
Cheers,
biggin

[Ranga]

Finally its arrived.
I have a couple of questions though-
Does it usually come with maps from Canada rather than Australia?:eek:
How do you get it to talk with the PC?:confused:

It looks like it is going to take me a long time to sort this out!
Cheers,
biggin

Looks like I better hurry up and send you a disc! It will sort out your problems, and provide instructions on how to update it.

I'll try and send it off tomorrow.

Alternatively, you can send it to me with a return postpack and I'll do it for you.

[biggin]

Looks like I better hurry up and send you a disc! It will sort out your problems, and provide instructions on how to update it.

I'll try and send it off tomorrow.

Alternatively, you can send it to me with a return postpack and I'll do it for you.

Thanks Ranga,
I'll probably need to send you the GPS. If you do send the DVD, I still don't know how to communicate between the PC and the GPS to be able to download from the DVD anyway.

[Ranga]

Thanks Ranga,
I'll probably need to send you the GPS. If you do send the DVD, I still don't know how to communicate between the PC and the GPS to be able to download from the DVD anyway.

PM sent

[biggin]

PM sent
Hey Ranga,
Before I take you up on your kind offer, I would still like to know how to communicate with the GPS through the PC.
When I plug the GPS into the USB port, an icon comes up in the start bar for a few seconds then disappears???
I cannot see anything extra loaded in 'My Computer'.
Does this need a driver of some sort? It came with no software, so I assume its 'plug n play'.
Or is the only communication through the SD card(that will require some sort of card reader hardware)?
Sorry for being a pest, but even after you have loaded up all the goodies for me, I will still have these problems. :angel:
Cheers,
biggin.

[Blknight.aus]

not sure if the solutions going to be the same as for the one I did up for the SWMBO but.

its a windows thing.

SWMBOS came up in windows XP no dramas as a removable drive (actually 2 one for the internal units storage and one for its memory card slot)

but Vista didnt want to have a bar of it untill I installed the hacked OS and then it came up as a portable device and tried to sync with it through active sync. The first time It tried to sync I let it and that crashed the GPS so after a reinstall on XP the next time I hooked it up to the vista machine when it asked to set up the sync I selected no and then it came up as the same 2 drives that XP found on the first go round.

Hope thats of some use.

[Ranga]

Hey Ranga,
Before I take you up on your kind offer, I would still like to know how to communicate with the GPS through the PC.
When I plug the GPS into the USB port, an icon comes up in the start bar for a few seconds then disappears???
I cannot see anything extra loaded in 'My Computer'.
Does this need a driver of some sort? It came with no software, so I assume its 'plug n play'.
Or is the only communication through the SD card(that will require some sort of card reader hardware)?
Sorry for being a pest, but even after you have loaded up all the goodies for me, I will still have these problems. :angel:
Cheers,
biggin.


Basically, the only communication you need with the GPS is with the SD card. You're much better off using a card reader to do this. Even though you can communicate with the GPS directly attached to a PC, it's only in USB 1 mode which is much slower than using a card reader.

[ytt105]

Hi Ranga

I intitially read this post in August and was very interested. As I use a netbook with ozi I thought it might be something for the future.

The future may well be here! My netbook keeps losing its boot sector which requires a complete rebuild. Not really suitable for a touring GPS!

So, to save me reading the entire 27 pages to bring me up to date. Could you please advise which is the latest 5" or 7" units to get, and is there somewhere to download your stuff.

Thanks for all your work

[The ho har's]

FINALLY it has arived:D

PM sent Ranga

Mrs ho har:angel:

[The ho har's]

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Ranga


we took a trip up there this afternoon to sort out the GPS and Ranga's card reader wasn't playing fair so to stop wasting time he gave us his SD card out of his GPS and will post our to us when it is sorted:D

So thankyou again Ranga

when you come here maybe we can help you sort some of your things out;)


Mrs ho har:angel:


PS the GPS told ho har he was speeding several times on the way home:D

[DavidB]

Hi Ranga,

Received DVD. Thanks for all the work you have put in .


Dave.

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga,

Received DVD. Thanks for all the work you have put in .


Dave.

Your welcome :BigThumb:

Hope you work it out ok - if not, let me know and I'll give you a hand.

[Craig]

I ended up getting the faster model from Kelvin on ebay... and the instructions worked a treat.

Out of interest guys, I have put a 8GB SDHD card into it and it works ok. This allows me to fit ALL of the NATMAP 250K maps AND Hema Great Desert Tracks with room to spare.

I made an image of the SD Card so if it ever stuffs up I just buy another card, copy the image, and put it straight in... Hopefully I will never have to plug the GPS into the computer again (other than to up/download tracks and waypoints)

Thanks for kicking off such a great thread Ranga..:BigThumb:

Craig

[biggin]

:blush::blush::blush::blush:
Oops!

Hi Ranga,
Just as I was about to thank you for the great work you did to reprogramme my gps, I have somehow opened up WindowsCE showing the start bar, recycle bin etc, and I can't get rid of it.:eek: Is there a simple way to reboot to your settings or have I totally buggered it already?

Cheers,
biggin

[Ranga]

:blush::blush::blush::blush:
Oops!

Hi Ranga,
Just as I was about to thank you for the great work you did to reprogramme my gps, I have somehow opened up WindowsCE showing the start bar, recycle bin etc, and I can't get rid of it.:eek: Is there a simple way to reboot to your settings or have I totally buggered it already?

Cheers,
biggin

On the side where the SD card goes, there's a small hole to reset the device. You can use the stylus that lives in the windscreen bracket to reset it. Also, you should be able to simply turn it off and back on and all will be good again.

[ytt105]

Thanks Ranga! The CD arrived today. However, 'Nero' says it is a blank disc.

Don't worry about sending another one though as I have downloaded some of your stuff and have most of it is working now.

My only problem is that although I can get into the ResidentFlash2 directory but there are no sub directories there.

Would this be because I haven't upgraded my firmware, got a bit scared I might brick it.

My RomVersion is 7DB82C.YF.F.2.25
OEM Info YFCMMB
Software V3.0.11.18

Your menu works well!! But I'd like to change the splash screen and understand I need to access the ResidentFlash2 sub directories to do this.

Looking forward to your next update!! Does it have new screens for 800 x 480?

Thanks again. Great work!

[Ranga]

Thanks Ranga! The CD arrived today. However, 'Nero' says it is a blank disc.

Don't worry about sending another one though as I have downloaded some of your stuff and have most of it is working now.

My only problem is that although I can get into the ResidentFlash2 directory but there are no sub directories there.

Would this be because I haven't upgraded my firmware, got a bit scared I might brick it.

My RomVersion is 7DB82C.YF.F.2.25
OEM Info YFCMMB
Software V3.0.11.18

Your menu works well!! But I'd like to change the splash screen and understand I need to access the ResidentFlash2 sub directories to do this.

Looking forward to your next update!! Does it have new screens for 800 x 480?

Thanks again. Great work!

Which one did you buy? Be very careful if you didn't buy the one mentioned in my first post, as yours may not be compatible with the files you've downloaded!! Send me a link for the one you have and I'll check it out.

PS - sorry about the disc. Yours may have been a stuff-up when burning the multitude of discs I did :eek:

[vnx205]

:blush::blush::blush::blush:
Oops!

Hi Ranga,
Just as I was about to thank you for the great work you did to reprogramme my gps, I have somehow opened up WindowsCE showing the start bar, recycle bin etc, and I can't get rid of it.:eek: Is there a simple way to reboot to your settings or have I totally buggered it already?

Cheers,
biggin
Is the task manager (TskMgr) icon visible?

If it is, you can get rid of CE if you click the TskMgr icon, then click the Process tab, then select explorer.exe and click on the Terminate button and click on OK.

[biggin]

On the side where the SD card goes, there's a small hole to reset the device. You can use the stylus that lives in the windscreen bracket to reset it. Also, you should be able to simply turn it off and back on and all will be good again.

Thanks Ranga,
I tried the reset and it didn't make a diference. I turn it off and on with no difference. Since my last thread I found a "soft reboot" function (somewhere, I can't remember where) which then seemed to bring all back to normal. However the windows start bar keeps appearing when I click on the bottom of your new menu bar.
The explorer.exe mentioned by VNX205 is not listed in the task manager.
So the problem now is, how to get the windows start bar to disappear for good.
Cheers,
biggin

[DavidB]

Ranga,

Thanks again for the software and installation details. Worked flawlessly.

Made a small change myself.

Have put shutdown button on desktop. Don't have to press button on GPS now.

Dave.

[Ranga]

Ranga,

Thanks again for the software and installation details. Worked flawlessly.

Made a small change myself.

Have put shutdown button on desktop. Don't have to press button on GPS now.

Dave.

Good idea - might have to do that myself!

[Ranga]

Thanks Ranga,
I tried the reset and it didn't make a diference. I turn it off and on with no difference. Since my last thread I found a "soft reboot" function (somewhere, I can't remember where) which then seemed to bring all back to normal. However the windows start bar keeps appearing when I click on the bottom of your new menu bar.
The explorer.exe mentioned by VNX205 is not listed in the task manager.
So the problem now is, how to get the windows start bar to disappear for good.
Cheers,
biggin

Mate, I've never seen it do that, and it never did it for me when I tested it. Does this taskbar appear no matter which button you press (GPS, Video, Music etc?)

[JLo]

Thanks Ranga,
I tried the reset and it didn't make a diference. I turn it off and on with no difference. Since my last thread I found a "soft reboot" function (somewhere, I can't remember where) which then seemed to bring all back to normal. However the windows start bar keeps appearing when I click on the bottom of your new menu bar.
The explorer.exe mentioned by VNX205 is not listed in the task manager.
So the problem now is, how to get the windows start bar to disappear for good.
Cheers,
biggin

Try this If you can see the "start' button: click on it then >>Settings>>Taskbar and Start Menu>>tick box always hide>>OK

Cheers
JLo

[ytt105]

Ranga

Quote:
Originally Posted by ytt105 https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/768.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/gps/86836-aulro-subscriber-offer-cheap-road-off-road-gps-units-28.html#post1140040)
Thanks Ranga! The CD arrived today. However, 'Nero' says it is a blank disc.

Don't worry about sending another one though as I have downloaded some of your stuff and have most of it is working now.

My only problem is that although I can get into the ResidentFlash2 directory but there are no sub directories there.

Would this be because I haven't upgraded my firmware, got a bit scared I might brick it.

My RomVersion is 7DB82C.YF.F.2.25
OEM Info YFCMMB
Software V3.0.11.18

Your menu works well!! But I'd like to change the splash screen and understand I need to access the ResidentFlash2 sub directories to do this.

Looking forward to your next update!! Does it have new screens for 800 x 480?

Thanks again. Great work!

Which one did you buy? Be very careful if you didn't buy the one mentioned in my first post, as yours may not be compatible with the files you've downloaded!! Send me a link for the one you have and I'll check it out.

PS - sorry about the disc. Yours may have been a stuff-up when burning the multitude of discs I did :eek:


Ranga

I purchased my unit from Ebay back in June so don't have the link details anymore.
Additional info of my unit is
Platform ID: 5946504E44383243

Coyright (C) YF International LTD


DavidB

Very impressed with the shutdown button.
Does this work the same as the Suspend from the CE Start menu.
Could you please post the code and the icon, etc.

I think it will be the best way to turn off as you don't have to go through the YF menu when it restarts.

[DavidB]

Hi ytt105,


No it's not the same as the suspend button on CE.

This will bring up the same screen as if you pressed the on/off button while the unit is switched on. I just found it easier this way.

The icon is already in the GPSMenu/Icons folder.

The attached GPS.ini file just refers to it.

Unzip the attached GPS.zip. Then copy the GPS.ini and replace the existing GPS.ini.

You will find the GPS.ini file under Config folder in the GPSMenu folder.


Dave.

[the_initials]

Nice work lads!

[lister]

Ranga,
Disc arrived today, many thanks.
Still waiting on the unit from dealextreme ordered a month ago, remains out of stock
Peter

[biggin]

[QUOTE=Ranga;1140296]...... it never did it for me when I tested it. QUOTE]

Hi Ranga,
No, it was all my fault. I somehow activated windows CE when I was playing around with it.

The start bar now seems to appear only after I have exited a GPS program, other than that it works great.

I received your DVD today (thanks), unfortunately it seems to be blank. Not to worry I backed up a copy of all the files off the SD card into my computer at work (before I played with it). When I get back there tomorrow I intend to place the SD card into a card reader, delete all the files, then copy the back ups into the card. Hope this will work.

Thanks again for you great efforts.

[DavidB]

In a previous post I attached a GPS.ini file to show a power-off button on the screen for the Dealextreme GPS unit.

This was for the 3 button setup supplied by Ranga.

For those people that may have used the files from pezcat19 on the DealExtreme forum, ie 4 button setup you can use the attached file.

Unzip the attached 4 Button GPS.zip. Then copy the GPS.ini and replace the existing GPS.ini.

You will find the GPS.ini file under Config folder in the GPSMenu folder.


Dave.

[biggin]

Is the task manager (TskMgr) icon visible?

If it is, you can get rid of CE if you click the TskMgr icon, then click the Process tab, then select explorer.exe and click on the Terminate button and click on OK.

Hi vnx205,
It finally found explorer.com, did as instructed here then rebooted. The unit would not switch on again and I have tried to on a few times since, and nothing. I have a feeling I have done something really bad this time. When plugged into my computer, it doesn't even detect new hardware. I guess I now have a very nice paperweight.:( Thanks for trying to help anyway.
cheers,
biggin

[Ranga]

Hi vnx205,
It finally found explorer.com, did as instructed here then rebooted. The unit would not switch on again and I have tried to on a few times since, and nothing. I have a feeling I have done something really bad this time. When plugged into my computer, it doesn't even detect new hardware. I guess I now have a very nice paperweight.:( Thanks for trying to help anyway.
cheers,
biggin

Mate, if worst come to worst, I'm quietly confident I can get it working again. The last thing I want to see is someone bricking there GPS.

Try plugging it into the 240V adapter (you need a US pin adapter) and let it charge. Also, when charging you should see a faint red LED on the left hand side to indicate that it's charging. This changes blue when it's fully charged.

Have you also tried using the reset button?

Last resort, send it back to me and I'll see what I can do.

[vnx205]

Hi vnx205,
It finally found explorer.com, did as instructed here then rebooted. The unit would not switch on again and I have tried to on a few times since, and nothing. I have a feeling I have done something really bad this time. When plugged into my computer, it doesn't even detect new hardware. I guess I now have a very nice paperweight.:( Thanks for trying to help anyway.
cheers,
biggin

I had done that dozens of times with no ill effects.

Maybe you can help me with another problem. Did you have a USB connection to the computer when you tried to switch on? Does it have any message at all on the screen?

I have been able to create a problem with mine that no-one else has reported. I am trying to work out how I did it and I am wondering if you have done something similar. It isn't related to terminating explorer.exe though.

I have been able to recover by going through most of the update steps again.

[biggin]

I had done that dozens of times with no ill effects.

Maybe you can help me with another problem. Did you have a USB connection to the computer when you tried to switch on? Does it have any message at all on the screen?

I have been able to create a problem with mine that no-one else has reported. I am trying to work out how I did it and I am wondering if you have done something similar. It isn't related to terminating explorer.exe though.

I have been able to recover by going through most of the update steps again.

I did have the usb connected to the computer at the time I rebooted the GPS.
Initially it seemed as if it would start, as the initialisation wording came up, however it closed down for good after that.
Strangely though, the computer did not detect the hardware on the start bar.

[biggin]

Mate, if worst come to worst, I'm quietly confident I can get it working again. The last thing I want to see is someone bricking there GPS.

Try plugging it into the 240V adapter (you need a US pin adapter) and let it charge. Also, when charging you should see a faint red LED on the left hand side to indicate that it's charging. This changes blue when it's fully charged.

Have you also tried using the reset button?

Last resort, send it back to me and I'll see what I can do.

I've always wondered what bricking meant - now I know.
I tried the reset button - no good.
I'll try the charger when I get home.
Thanks for the offer of helping out - again, and sorry for wasting so much of your time.:angel:

[pohm66]

Ok its been 4 months now since Ranga first posted this thread...Just curious as to the general concensus now of these units.

Are they still a viable unit cos they definitely seem to be a good bang for the buck on paper?

[weeds]

Ok its been 4 months now since Ranga first posted this thread...Just curious as to the general concensus now of these units.

Are they still a viable unit cos they definitely seem to be a good bang for the buck on paper?

very happy with mine, it works a treat........just need somebody to run an ozi explorer session out in the burbs (brisbane) as i don't know my way around all that well

[vnx205]

I did have the usb connected to the computer at the time I rebooted the GPS.


That might be significant or at least it might help me track down how I have managed three times to upset mine.

I'm pretty sure that each time it happened I had a USB connection to my PC.

Or it might be just a coincidence. :p

[vnx205]

Ok its been 4 months now since Ranga first posted this thread...Just curious as to the general consensus now of these units.

Are they still a viable unit cos they definitely seem to be a good bang for the buck on paper?

I keep seeing ads for other units that are half the size and twice the price.

The screen is bigger than a lot I see advertised and I would expect that a lot of their usefulness is determined by the software and the maps you install.

I am probably easily impressed because this is my first experience of GPS, but I think they are great.

[biggin]

Mate, if worst come to worst, I'm quietly confident I can get it working again. The last thing I want to see is someone bricking there GPS.

Try plugging it into the 240V adapter (you need a US pin adapter) and let it charge. Also, when charging you should see a faint red LED on the left hand side to indicate that it's charging. This changes blue when it's fully charged.

Have you also tried using the reset button?

Last resort, send it back to me and I'll see what I can do.

Hi Ranga,
It looks like it's last resort time!
I tried charging the GPS using car, usb and 240v adaptor but none make the LED light up at all. I am fairly sure the battery was fully charged when it died.
I'll send it off to you again, but I'd hate to waste your time.
I'm not sure how you can do anything with it considering the computer can't see anything at all when its plugged into the usb port.
Cheers,
biggin

[JLo]

<<Quote If it is, you can get rid of CE if you click the TskMgr icon, then click the Process tab, then select explorer.exe and click on the Terminate button and click on OK.>>

Don't mess about with explorer.exe - thats the main interface with WindowsCE. You corrupt that and it is bricked until you can reflash CE back on it and I'm pretty confident most won't be able to do that.

I posted earlier how to hide of the taskbar.

'start' button: click on it then >>Settings>>Taskbar and Start Menu>>tick box 'Always Hide>>OK

The taskbar will always be accessible it is just hidden. CE is always running in the background literally underneath the shell menu.

Good luck biggin!

Cheers
JLo

[rar110]

Finally got mine today. It arrived about 17 days after posting.

It took about 2 mths over all. Otherwise am quite happy with it from my quick look this morning.

Will have to go back and see about loading maps and stuff on.

[biggin]

<<Quote If it is, you can get rid of CE if you click the TskMgr icon, then click the Process tab, then select explorer.exe and click on the Terminate button and click on OK.>>

Don't mess about with explorer.exe - thats the main interface with WindowsCE. You corrupt that and it is bricked until you can reflash CE back on it and I'm pretty confident most won't be able to do that.

I posted earlier how to hide of the taskbar.

'start' button: click on it then >>Settings>>Taskbar and Start Menu>>tick box 'Always Hide>>OK

The taskbar will always be accessible it is just hidden. CE is always running in the background literally underneath the shell menu.

Good luck biggin!

Cheers
JLo

Hi JLo,

You've hit the nail on the head, I recall a message after terminating explorer.exe that windowsCE was turned off. I carried on anyway and rebooted, now, nothing - not even a battery charge light.

How is it possible to reboot windowsCE when you can't communicate with the GPS?:eek:

Jeez, I hope Ranga can help. Ranga I'll send it up after Xmas if you still think you can.

Thanks all

[Ranga]

Hi JLo,

You've hit the nail on the head, I recall a message after terminating explorer.exe that windowsCE was turned off. I carried on anyway and rebooted, now, nothing - not even a battery charge light.

How is it possible to reboot windowsCE when you can't communicate with the GPS?:eek:

Jeez, I hope Ranga can help. Ranga I'll send it up after Xmas if you still think you can.

Thanks all

No problem - I'd be very surprised if it's unfixable, as I've never seen one fail yet. If it is, I'd be looking at sending it back to DX. (Note that DX will pay for return shipping if it is dead, and they're willing to accept responsibility.)

There is a way to boot the device straight up into Windows CE, bypassing all the menu system. PM me your email address and I'll send it to you tonight with instructions. If that doesn't work, I don't know what will!

[Ranga]

Finally got mine today. It arrived about 17 days after posting.

It took about 2 mths over all. Otherwise am quite happy with it from my quick look this morning.

Will have to go back and see about loading maps and stuff on.

Seeing as you're local (perhaps) let me know if you have any issues and I'll do it for you.

[JLo]

Hi JLo,

You've hit the nail on the head, I recall a message after terminating explorer.exe that windowsCE was turned off. I carried on anyway and rebooted, now, nothing - not even a battery charge light.

How is it possible to reboot windowsCE when you can't communicate with the GPS?:eek:

Jeez, I hope Ranga can help. Ranga I'll send it up after Xmas if you still think you can.

Thanks all


No problem - I'd be very surprised if it's unfixable, as I've never seen one fail yet. If it is, I'd be looking at sending it back to DX. (Note that DX will pay for return shipping if it is dead, and they're willing to accept responsibility.)

There is a way to boot the device straight up into Windows CE, bypassing all the menu system. PM me your email address and I'll send it to you tonight with instructions. If that doesn't work, I don't know what will!


I hope Ranga can help you too! Depends what has happened - if CE is corrupted you might be in strife. If it just the shell then you will be able to reload the YFAP/Resident folder from the SD card after boot. OR reflash the firmware using .wzp & .img file (to big to email) Ranga might have them. But I suspect Ranga has given you a file called YFGOToCE so that should tell you how terminal it is. Just a note on booting from the SD is that if you are using a SDHC card i.e 4gb or larger, you may have problems and it wont boot from the SD card. Don't Panic yet....if this is the case you will need to use a 2gb card. I had trouble booting into CE straight from SD with an 8gb card. Just put the file onto the 2gb card and boot from that.

If I can help PM me.
Cheers
JLo

[JLo]

Ok its been 4 months now since Ranga first posted this thread...Just curious as to the general concensus now of these units.

Are they still a viable unit cos they definitely seem to be a good bang for the buck on paper?


I have had mine for about 10 mnths and no issues as far as quality. Good receiver for a civilian GPS. For the money they are worth it. You get more than if you were to by a branded unit.

Or you could spend $900 odd dollars on a Hema unit with the same functions.
(of course it comes with maps)

While mine turned up in 10 days, DX seem from all accounts, to be a bit overwhelmed at the moment and delivery is being pushed out, so I would put off ordering 'til well after xmas.
Google YF GPS if you want some background on the manufacturer. They aren't little and I suspect supply a lot of the branded units.

Cheers
JLo

[biggin]

.....I'd be very surprised if it's unfixable, as I've never seen one fail yet........

You wouldn't believe it. After a couple of days sitting in the box, I decided to get the GPS out and try one more time to get it up and running.
Nothing.
I plugged it into my computer.
Still nothing.
I left it plugged in over night and there was a glimmer of life. The battery charge light was blue.
That got me excited but it still would not run, so I decided to put it back in the box. When I disconnected the computer lead I accidentally pressed the power button again, and guess what? She booted up, good as gold, and has been perfect since.
Thanks guys we're back in business.:arms:

Just one question though, how do you get back the startup menu page after being in a GPS program. It seems to go to a new menu page where a big green battery is shown in the middle of the bottom line, with the date and time on the left of that, and a light bulb and speaker on the right?

Cheers,
biggin.

[Ranga]

You wouldn't believe it. After a couple of days sitting in the box, I decided to get the GPS out and try one more time to get it up and running.
Nothing.
I plugged it into my computer.
Still nothing.
I left it plugged in over night and there was a glimmer of life. The battery charge light was blue.
That got me excited but it still would not run, so I decided to put it back in the box. When I disconnected the computer lead I accidentally pressed the power button again, and guess what? She booted up, good as gold, and has been perfect since.
Thanks guys we're back in business.:arms:

Just one question though, how do you get back the startup menu page after being in a GPS program. It seems to go to a new menu page where a big green battery is shown in the middle of the bottom line, with the date and time on the left of that, and a light bulb and speaker on the right?

Cheers,
biggin.

Awesome news!! Totally baffled what caused all this, but hopefully it won't happen again.

To get back to the main initial menu, the menu button is next to the power button - actually, they're the same button, except press on the left for power, and on the right for menu.

[biggin]

Now that this thread has slowed down a little recently, I have a couple of questions just to keep things going.

Has anyone managed to successfully incorporate a reversing camera into Ranga's GPS? I can't seem to find any camera on the market that uses the same AV connector as the GPS.
If it is possible, what settings and/or software changes are required to make it work.

On a different tack, do you calibrate new maps using the GPS's OziExplorer software, or by using other software on a PC. I am pretty sure I need to download some new OziExplorer software ito my PC, but not sure which one.

Cheers,
biggin

[DavidB]

Hi biggin,

I ordered the YP GPS unit and wireless revering camera at the same time.

It comes with its own cigarette lighter plug with a RCA jack plug incorporated. You do not need any change in software. The GPS unit becomes the camera screen as soon as you connect the RCA plug.

I have mounted it in the bumper bar of the Disco. I can now reverse to my camper trailer and it will take me right over the ball. I now get out and wind down the jockey wheel and its all done.
I only use it for this purpose. Saves any angst between my wife & I.

The only problem I have encounted is moisture inside the camera. Silicon fixed that.

Check out the following web page.

DealExtreme: $47.70 Car 2.4GHz Wireless Rear View Parking NTSC Night Vision Camera and Receiver Set (DC 12V) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15747)

Dave.

[rar110]

Seeing as you're local (perhaps) let me know if you have any issues and I'll do it for you.

Thanks Ranga. I am on the other side of town - Wynnum. I still haven't looked to see how the maps are done. I think I might just send it over to you.

[**Discovery300Tdi**]

G'day All,

great unit's i must say got my awhile ago and had no probs since until now...


i'm trying to put a map of blackwood onto my gps and have done just that.

i first converted the image using the Img2Ozf and it askd to be calibrated..what do you put in the calibration spots??? i have now..

..A Map file &
..A Ozfx3 file

which it says to place in the same folder otherwise Ozi wont be able to find it..Now which folder would be best to put it in???

have in the past put it under hema maps on the sd card but when in the area of blackwood and moving map is running it keeps loading the Vic state map instead of the blackwood one.

plz help been trying for a while.

cheers simon

[biggin]

Hi biggin,

I ordered the YP GPS unit and wireless revering camera at the same time.

It comes with its own cigarette lighter plug with a RCA jack plug incorporated. You do not need any change in software. The GPS unit becomes the camera screen as soon as you connect the RCA plug.

I have mounted it in the bumper bar of the Disco. I can now reverse to my camper trailer and it will take me right over the ball. I now get out and wind down the jockey wheel and its all done.
I only use it for this purpose. Saves any angst between my wife & I.

The only problem I have encounted is moisture inside the camera. Silicon fixed that.

Check out the following web page.

DealExtreme: $47.70 Car 2.4GHz Wireless Rear View Parking NTSC Night Vision Camera and Receiver Set (DC 12V) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15747)

Dave.

Hey Dave,

I'm trying to get my head around the wiring requirements for this camera system. Please let me know if the following assumptions are correct:

- The camera receiver is built-in to the cigarette lighter plug, and one of the three connectors coming out of it fits into the AV socket of Ranga's GPS.
- One of the other two connectors is a mini USB, and is used to power the GPS. The third connector is not used.
- The camera plugs into the teardrop shaped transmitter. The black wire of the transmitter is connected to earth, and the red wire to +12volts.
- It is NOT possible to have the AV plug connected all the time, and have the rear image come on automatically when reversing (this will be a bit of a pain to have to connect and disconnect each time while reversing).

How did I go?

Cheers,
biggin

[DavidB]

Hi biggin,

In two words - spot on.

I only use the reversing camera when I need to use the trailer. So no problem for me.

Dave.

[JLo]

G'day All,

great unit's i must say got my awhile ago and had no probs since until now...


i'm trying to put a map of blackwood onto my gps and have done just that.

i first converted the image using the Img2Ozf and it askd to be calibrated..what do you put in the calibration spots??? i have now..

..A Map file &
..A Ozfx3 file

which it says to place in the same folder otherwise Ozi wont be able to find it..Now which folder would be best to put it in???

have in the past put it under hema maps on the sd card but when in the area of blackwood and moving map is running it keeps loading the Vic state map instead of the blackwood one.

plz help been trying for a while.

cheers simon

When you calibrated it you should have placed co-ordinates in a box for each mark you made.

Easiest if you place map & ozf files in Ozi directory. Default for Ozi is on the SD card >>> OziExplorerCE\Maps. You can put them anywhere but you need to tell Ozi where to look for them and you do this through its menu.

With Ozi open, if you still have the bottom menu bar visible you will see an open folder icon/button. Click on it and it will take you to where Ozi is looking for maps

Hope this helps

Cheers
JLo

[biggin]

Hi Ranga,
I have just received another GPS for SWMBO. If I copy my upgraded SD card to the new GPS, will this reboot with the new menus etc. or is there something else that has to be done?
You kindly sent me the DVD with the instructions, unfortunately the DVD did not work.
cheers
biggin.

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga,
I have just received another GPS for SWMBO. If I copy my upgraded SD card to the new GPS, will this reboot with the new menus etc. or is there something else that has to be done?
You kindly sent me the DVD with the instructions, unfortunately the DVD did not work.
cheers
biggin.

I'll send you another DVD - you'll need it, as just copying the SD card files isn't enough to get it working properly.

[tastrax]

Hi Ranga,

Just checking which unit you are actually upgrading at Deal Extreme (a very long thread this one!).

I am looking at one of the 7" models for a similar project
DealExtreme: $177.00 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

Cheers - Phil

[Ranga]

These ones:

DealExtreme: $101.17 5.0" LCD 372MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 Bluetooth + GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23569)

[miky]

Ranga...

Now that I'm finally getting a Defender to put one in :)
If I go get one, can you still supply a setup DVD? If so, you can pm the cost etc. to me.
Thanks.

Mike

[mattj]

My unit arived the other day.... took about a month, over Chrsitmas, so thats not too bad at all. Are the DVDs still available? I've added my details to the spreadsheet.

Cheers
MattJ

[Ranga]

I'll do another run of DVDs late this week.

[greg smith]

I have sent you a email regarding these units I would definitely like one as long as a mug[like me] can install the unit and components
Greg::(:confused:

[Snake2093]

Hi Ranga,
I ordered a system today, If it is possible can I get a set up DVD as well. Just let me know the cost and I can bring it around.
Thanks in advance
Mark..:)

[vnx205]

Hi Ranga
My unit is performing well with OziExplorer using free maps from GPS Australia, and Garmin XT using free Open Street Maps.

I want to be able to play music while the navigation software is running.

On one of the two other forums where I have found your advice, you offered this solution:

1 -The best way to minimise ANY app on these units is to press the "M" button on top of the GPS (next to the power button). This will minimise your app, making it possible to launch the MP3 player, then click your way back to where you were. This works for me!

The first part of that works for me. I can go from Garmin to the menu and start the music, but then I can't find a way to get back to Garmin. I can minimise the music player and click on the GPS icon so that I can see the screen with the Garmin icon. However, Garmin is still running in the background (I think) but I can't find a way to make it visible again.

If I remember to start the music before I start Garmin, everything works, but if I start Garmin first, I have to shut Garmin down to get both music and navigation.

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga
My unit is performing well with OziExplorer using free maps from GPS Australia, and Garmin XT using free Open Street Maps.

I want to be able to play music while the navigation software is running.

On one of the two other forums where I have found your advice, you offered this solution:

1 -The best way to minimise ANY app on these units is to press the "M" button on top of the GPS (next to the power button). This will minimise your app, making it possible to launch the MP3 player, then click your way back to where you were. This works for me!

The first part of that works for me. I can go from Garmin to the menu and start the music, but then I can't find a way to get back to Garmin. I can minimise the music player and click on the GPS icon so that I can see the screen with the Garmin icon. However, Garmin is still running in the background (I think) but I can't find a way to make it visible again.

If I remember to start the music before I start Garmin, everything works, but if I start Garmin first, I have to shut Garmin down to get both music and navigation.


Not quite sure mate - I rarely use it for both music and nav at the same time. I pretty sure when I minimise iGO and go back to the menu, do what I need to, and then go back, I simply click on the iGO icon and it resumes. Have you tried doing it with iGO or TomTom?

FWIW, I use iGO most of the time, and have no fondness for the GarminXT app at all!

[vnx205]

I just tried IGo, but when I used the menu button and clicked on the Music icon, I got the System Resource Shortage error message. Clicking the Close All button doesn't seem to do anything.

Before I start IGo, it is using about 18M of memory. When I start IGo, it goes up to about 42M. is that normal?

Are there free maps available for IGo? That is one of the appeals of Garmin. :)

[miky]

Unit ordered on 7th January (late Thursday evening) and has just arrived.

Mike

[101RRS]

Just put my name on the spreadsheet for the dvd.

Garry

[miky]

Just couldn't wait, just sitting here watching it and hoping it would jump into life and say "Hello miky, where do you want to go today" was just not cutting it :(

So... took the bull (or rather the sd card) by the horns so to speak and first backed up and then put the Australian iGo8 map on.
Awesome. Worked first time.

Now I can find my way to the shop at the end of the street....

By the way... it came with: iGo 8.3.2.80621 March 10th 2009
Whatever that means :angel:

Mike

.

[biggin]

Hi Ranga,
My curiousity got the better of me again, so I tried to upgrade the menu on the Mrs's gps using pez's instructions. I fumbled through steps one and two reasonably well and actually was confidant that I was going to pull it off. However step three has me buggered. Replacing the existing YFAP30 file in ResidentFlash2 is the stumbling block - I can't find it! There is a ResidentFlash but no ResidentFlash2.
I even looked in my GPS that you configured for me a month ago, and couldn't find it there either:eek:. Anyway I concede defeat and if it's okay I would like to send it up to you, if you don't mind me hassling you yet again.
Cheers,
biggin.

[JLo]

Hi Ranga,
My curiousity got the better of me again, so I tried to upgrade the menu on the Mrs's gps using pez's instructions. I fumbled through steps one and two reasonably well and actually was confidant that I was going to pull it off. However step three has me buggered. Replacing the existing YFAP30 file in ResidentFlash2 is the stumbling block - I can't find it! There is a ResidentFlash but no ResidentFlash2.
I even looked in my GPS that you configured for me a month ago, and couldn't find it there either:eek:. Anyway I concede defeat and if it's okay I would like to send it up to you, if you don't mind me hassling you yet again.
Cheers,
biggin.

Hey Biggin
Find residentflash and then type 2 after it. so it will look like this

residentflash2

Cheers
Jlo

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga,
My curiousity got the better of me again, so I tried to upgrade the menu on the Mrs's gps using pez's instructions. I fumbled through steps one and two reasonably well and actually was confidant that I was going to pull it off. However step three has me buggered. Replacing the existing YFAP30 file in ResidentFlash2 is the stumbling block - I can't find it! There is a ResidentFlash but no ResidentFlash2.
I even looked in my GPS that you configured for me a month ago, and couldn't find it there either:eek:. Anyway I concede defeat and if it's okay I would like to send it up to you, if you don't mind me hassling you yet again.
Cheers,
biggin.

Residentflash2 is a hidden folder - follow JLo's instructions and you should be fine. If you have dramas, give me a call and I'll talk you through it.

[miky]

Well, I downloaded the OziExplorerCE version for "Windows Mobile 5" and ActiveSync for Windows XP.
Can connect to unit with ActiveSync but when I run the OziExplorer install it will not install onto the SD card. Comes up with an error.

"Cannot copy the file. Make sure mobile device is connected, that the mobile device has space available and is not write protected, and that all setup programs have been completed."

So what am I missing here, or am I just a bit thick :confused:

Mike



.

[Ranga]

Well, I downloaded the OziExplorerCE version for "Windows Mobile 5" and ActiveSync for Windows XP.
Can connect to unit with ActiveSync but when I run the OziExplorer install it will not install onto the SD card. Comes up with an error.

"Cannot copy the file. Make sure mobile device is connected, that the mobile device has space available and is not write protected, and that all setup programs have been completed."

So what am I missing here, or am I just a bit thick :confused:

Mike



.

I never use Activesync - just use an SD card reader to copy the files.

[miky]

The file from OziExplorer site is:
pocketpc_windows_mobile_setup.exe
which can be extracted to give:
setup.exe
wm5_oziexp.WM5.cab
PKTparamM.txt
oziexp.ini
oziexp.ico

I copied these onto the sd card.
Now what? How do I actually install oziexplorer?
Running setup.exe with the card in the unit gives me the same error.

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself and should just wait for the dvd :mad:
Who once said "patience is a virtue" !! Obviously I haven't got it :)

Mike


.

[Ranga]

The file from OziExplorer site is:
pocketpc_windows_mobile_setup.exe
which can be extracted to give:
setup.exe
wm5_oziexp.WM5.cab
PKTparamM.txt
oziexp.ini
oziexp.ico

I copied these onto the sd card.
Now what? How do I actually install oziexplorer?
Running setup.exe with the card in the unit gives me the same error.

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself and should just wait for the dvd :mad:
Who once said "patience is a virtue" !! Obviously I haven't got it :)

Mike


.

Did you get a DVD of me or follow the steps in the start of this thread?

[miky]

Did you get a DVD of me or follow the steps in the start of this thread?

Hi Ranga.

I pm my address on 7th Jan as per your pm request.

It's OK, I realise you need to burn more dvds. I guess the response to your offer was amazing. I can wait.

Mike

.

[Tombie]

Can you send me a DVD as well?

Many thanks...

PO Box 44
Whyalla SA 5600

[JLo]

The file from OziExplorer site is:
pocketpc_windows_mobile_setup.exe
which can be extracted to give:
setup.exe
wm5_oziexp.WM5.cab
PKTparamM.txt
oziexp.ini
oziexp.ico

I copied these onto the sd card.
Now what? How do I actually install oziexplorer?
Running setup.exe with the card in the unit gives me the same error.

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself and should just wait for the dvd :mad:
Who once said "patience is a virtue" !! Obviously I haven't got it :)

Mike


.

Mike
The file you downloaded is the wrong version for WinCE which the GPS is running as its OS.

You want the OZICE which is specifically for Windows CE. Its the last one in the downloads section ion Ozi site. It says "Not For Pocket PC". WinCECoreRuntime for Arm CPU if your GPS is using the centrality CPU.

You unzip the files and copy these to the SD card. Follow Ranga's instructions for the rest of it

Cheers
JLo

[miky]

Went to the dealextreme site which was mentioned in an early post and it now says use another site: Welcome to GPSUNLOCK.NET! (http://www.gpsunlock.net)
Downloaded the menu files as instructed but there is no information as to how you actually install programs such as OziExplorer - at least I can't find any.
Thanks to JLo I should now have the correct OziExplorer files.
I assume the menu system will be looking for these files in a specific directory?
Again, there does not seem to be any instructions about this within the readme file in the menu download zip.

I think it might be best to wait for the dvd from Ranga, I would hate to stuff my nice new unit up.

Edit: read some more. Seems I should have: \ResidentFlash2\YFAP30 folder
How do I know if my unit has that?

The more I look into this, the more I am thinking I must just be patient and wait.

Mike


.

[JLo]

My ops:angel:

If it is centrality CPU they use the ARM instruction set. You want OZICE for ARM cpu NOT x86

I will edit my post to correct this
sorry for adding to you download quota!

You need to point the menu or icon to the ozicexplorerCE.exe file when it is on your SD. You do this through the menu on your GPS to either automatically start Ozi when you click on GPS icon or through menu.ini file if you want to click on the Ozi icon.

Just put all of Ozi files together in folder. From memory it should extract the zip to a folder called OziCE. Just copy the whole folder to your SD card.

Sure its in Rangas instructions.

Cheers

JLo

[miky]

My ops:angel:

If it is centrality CPU they use the ARM instruction set. You want OZICE for ARM cpu NOT x86

I will edit my post to correct this
sorry for adding to you download quota!

You need to point the menu or icon to the ozicexplorerCE.exe file when it is on your SD. You do this through the menu on your GPS to either automatically start Ozi when you click on GPS icon or through menu.ini file if you want to click on the Ozi icon.

Just put all of Ozi files together in folder. From memory it should extract the zip to a folder called OziCE. Just copy the whole folder to your SD card.

Sure its in Rangas instructions.

Cheers

JLo

OK, downloaded and put onto sd card.
Can't figure out how to start Ozi from the existing menu - which is why I need Ranga's menu I guess.

Perhaps I need to start at page 1 of this thread :( and read everything and I should find the instructions as you suggest.

Mike

.

[JLo]

Mike
I don't have the GPS in front of me so names are from memory but you should get the gist.

On the bottom menu if you scroll along you will get to settings for the 'GPS' menu button. By default it should be pointing to iGo. Change this to OziExplorer.exe from the /SDMMC by clicking down through the folders (SD card). There is alo an option to make 'GPS' button launch when youy switch on the GPS which would take you straight to Ozi (or iGo)

To get to CE you need to create a file called YFGo2CE.bld from any text editor . It needs to be 1kb in size - just add some waffle text. Put the file onto your SD card (make sure file has extension of .bld and not .txt) and do a hard reboot from the opinhole on the side (I think) of your unit. Remove the .bld from the SD or rename it when in CE otherwise next hard boot will take you back to CE.


Residentflash2 is a hidden directory. When in CE find residentflash, then type a 2 after it it. Should now read as residentflash2

YFAP30 is in here.

If you don't have the instructions you might be best to leave this part till you do. But the above GPS icon setting should'nt break anything.

Cheers
JLo

[miky]

Mike
I don't have the GPS in front of me so names are from memory but you should get the gist.

On the bottom menu if you scroll along you will get to settings for the 'GPS' menu button. By default it should be pointing to iGo. Change this to OziExplorer.exe from the /SDMMC by clicking down through the folders (SD card). There is alo an option to make 'GPS' button launch when youy switch on the GPS which would take you straight to Ozi (or iGo)


I change the path to OziExplorerCE.exe
and ticked the box to make gps launch on turn on. It now launches gps when turned on - but it is still iGo.



To get to CE you need to create a file called YFGoToCE.bld from any text editor . It needs to be 1kb in size - just add some waffle text. Put the file onto your SD card (make sure file has extension of .bld and not .txt) and do a hard reboot from the opinhole on the side (I think) of your unit. Remove the .bld from the SD or rename it when in CE otherwise next hard boot will take you back to CE.


Residentflash2 is a hidden directory. When in CE find residentflash, then type a 2 after it it. Should now read as residentflash2

YFAP30 is in here.

If you don't have the instructions you might be best to leave this part till you do. But the above GPS icon setting should'nt break anything.

Cheers
JLo

I think I will wait for more specific instructions,

Mike


.

[miky]

Couldn't help myself.. had to try it. Dismal failure I am afraid.

Put that file onto the sd card as suggested and did a reboot - nothing.
Used ActiveSync to put the file in the root of the unit and reboot - nothing.

Ah well, such is life.

I have spent too many hours on this.

Mike

[JLo]

Couldn't help myself.. had to try it. Dismal failure I am afraid.

Put that file onto the sd card as suggested and did a reboot - nothing.
Used ActiveSync to put the file in the root of the unit and reboot - nothing.

Ah well, such is life.

I have spent too many hours on this.

Mike

Sorry, my fault:angel:
create a file called YFGo2CE.bld

[miky]

Damn.
Was about to go to bed and thought...
Any how, I can now run the file manager - without being able to read Chinese :)

Trying to run OziExplorer though gives an error message - in Chinese of course. Well I am pretty sure it is an error since Ozi will not run :confused:
I think I need to be able to get Ozi to run first before I bother with a new menu system. If I can't get Ozi to run there is no point. The only things I want to use will be iGo and Ozi. If i want to listen to music i would use cd player or iPod. And I don't have a bluetooth device of any sort.

Thanks for your help anyway.

Mike

[vnx205]

It helps if you read all the instructions on the GPSUnlock site (the same information and files that used to be on the DealExtreme site) sand if you follow the steps in order.
All the files and all the instructions you need are there.
Juming in without reading all the instructions or mising steps in the procedure will almost certainly lead to frustration.

[Graeme]

I've been able to setup my GPS with a menu for Ozi and Igo. My unit has different internal names but the menu works well having replaced the path names in the menu and modified the co-ordinates for my 800x480 display. I have no desire to use the unit as a Windows computer nor to play songs etc, but I did want to be able to easily select Ozi or Igo.
Thanks Ranga.

[JLo]

The other issue is that the unlocks may no longer work because of firmware changes in the GPS


Cheers

[DavidB]

JLo,

You are quite right.
I have just tried to unlock another unit from DealExtreme using Ranga's DVD.
It worked perfectly on the prevoius 4 units (same model)
However tis time the unit has locked up. It will not go past start up screen.
Of course this is the only time I did not back up the registry(how dumb).

I have another two units arriving shortly. So before I work on these unit a lot of searching will be necessary.

Dave.

[JLo]

JLo,

You are quite right.
I have just tried to unlock another unit from DealExtreme using Ranga's DVD.
It worked perfectly on the prevoius 4 units (same model)
However tis time the unit has locked up. It will not go past start up screen.
Of course this is the only time I did not back up the registry(how dumb).

I have another two units arriving shortly. So before I work on these unit a lot of searching will be necessary.

Dave.

The "pez" menu should still work because that is started as a separate 'program' that you can start through the settings>>nav selection, but the YFAP30 changes may be where one may come unstuck. This would just mean that you don't get all the extra programs.

Some other softeware that you may want to try on the YFGPS is MioPocket. It replaces everything. Excellent stuff. GpsPasSion Forums - MioPocket 3.0 (Unlock for PNAs) (http://gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=126303)

I'm off fishing for a week.

Cheers and good luck.

JLo

[miky]

JLo,

You are quite right.
I have just tried to unlock another unit from DealExtreme using Ranga's DVD.
It worked perfectly on the prevoius 4 units (same model)
However tis time the unit has locked up. It will not go past start up screen.

Dave.

Interesting to say the least.
Dave, is the one that "locked up" on you the same one that this thread recommends (the one I bought) at:
DealExtreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23569)

The one that I got has software version: 3.09.26
but the Dealextreme link (above) says to download a firmware update:
3.0.9.11 which appears to be dated 31/03/2009

Why would I want to upload an older version than what I have?

I am glad you posted the problem Dave, I was just about to follow the instructions as per GPSUNLOCK.NET (http://www.gpsunlock.net)

Edit: Just found this explanation, so there is an update to 3.0.12.8 just looking in the wrong place
gpsunlock forum (http://www.gpsunlock.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15)

Mike


.

[DavidB]

Miky,

The units I have been buying from DealExtreme are the ones Ranga originally talked about. Model 23569.
The previous units which converted Ok were recieved in October 2009.
The one I have problems with I received this week. To be honest did not take a note of the Rom or software numbers. Just needed to get unit unlocked for a friend before he went away. I have given him my unit, which was OK.
I expect to receive new units within 2 weeks so I will check all the details then.
The problem I have is that the unit will not load past the startup page, and I cannot turn it off. I have to wait untill the battery flattens. I have tried to reinstall all the software but nothing is working, and windows does not recognise the unit.
Of course, I was silly enough this time, not to back up anything.

Dave

[miky]

Dave.
That is the unit I have and it arrived 19th January so it is most probably the same as you have problems with.
I have no idea how to backup/copy the registry. Did a Google but could not find a simple explanation.

I hope that you can find a resolution to the problem.

I am off to Tassie soon, so for me it will have to wait until I get back - mid March.

Mike


.

[mightgeta4be]

PM sent regarding purchase of gps unit and dvd

[boggo]

Hi Ranga,

Just checking which unit you are actually upgrading at Deal Extreme (a very long thread this one!).

I am looking at one of the 7" models for a similar project
DealExtreme: $177.00 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

Cheers - Phil

G'day all,
Does anyone know if these ones could these ones be used??

[up2nogood]

Mine's arrived!

Given you guys make it all sound so simple to add software to these and get them to work..... I had a good go at making it fire up. And it's done my head in. And that in the (relatively) short time of 4 hours......

Awaiting the sage's advice on how to undo what I've done......

Anyone who has limited or no knowledge of how to do stuff with these things, just get one from Ranga directly..... It will save you hours of stuffing around.......

[miky]

Have a look at the post from DavidB (couple of posts up).

If you have been locked out also it may be that the new units have had a change in firmware/software.

I will wait before tackling mine. If someone can assure me that using the existing methods of "upgrading" works then I will have a go.

Off on hols in a few days so it will have to wait until around middle of March when I get back in any case.

And your suggestion of sending the unit off to Ranga may be the solution for me if it is that tricky - assuming Ranga is still OK with that of course.

Mike

[up2nogood]

Had a chat to Ranga this morning, turns out I haven't stuffed it. Just needed to 'double tap' on the program menu from:

Welcome to GPSUNLOCK.NET! (http://www.gpsunlock.net/)

AFTER you have put the OziExplorer trial software (from www.oziexplorer.com (http://www.oziexplorer.com) - pick the one for PortableNavigationDevices) into a new folder on the SD card. The middle one is the wrong one.

Main thing is to get the CD from Ranga as it has more software on it than you can easily down load.

[DavidB]

Hi all,

Further to my previous post re locked GPS.

Just received new unit from Dealextreme.

Turned it on and it showed full charge.
Connected to my laptop (Windows 7) and automatically connected to Windows Mobile Device Centre (latest replacement for Active sync if you are not runnung XP).
All OK so far.
Before starting upgrade thought I would check the USB cable, as I had a faulty one before.
When I connected with a new cable it showed that the battery was nearly flat.

This could have been the cause of my previous problems.

So please check your USB cable with a known good one if you can.

Anyway, this time I will be backing everything up before I attempt any changes.

Dave.

[up2nogood]

And make sure you're just taking out the SD card and using a card reader on the USB cable. The GPS will either not be recognised as a mass storage device or be really sloooooow. You load and program from the SD card anyways.

[miky]

Looks like it is all good.

I will take on-board your suggestion up2nogood, and wait for the cd from Ranga. Be after I get back now - mid March.

Mike

[GeorgeZ]

Hi Ranga,

I would like to buy one of these gps units. Could you please pm me.

George

[101RRS]

Hi all,

Further to my previous post re locked GPS.



Did you hit the reset button - mine locked today but was Ok after a reset.

Garry

[DavidB]

Hi Garry,

I tried new firmware in case original was corrupted.
Did not work.

Tried to reformat registry. No go.

Can't get into windows CE.

The only thing that I can change is the boot image.

Dave.

[101RRS]

Got my GlobalGPS back from Ranga last week and thought I would put up my thoughts. I got it because I have a 12 month old cheap aldi street GPS (has actually all the tracks I have been on to date) but having a couple of cars I have found myself in one without a GPS when needing to look up addresses. So the aldi one will stay in the Freelander and I will use the Global will go in the 101. I put in a 16gb card and the system works with it but OziCE does not like it - see below.

The Aldi has a good system using Route 66 and Navteq 2008 Q3 maps. Only occasionally takes you the wrong way but mainly because of the settings I have put in it. Updating the maps seems difficult unless you pay and there no extra storage for maps etc as everything is in resident flash memory. When you switch the unit off you loose some settings - if it goes to sleep the battery runs down in a day or so. The maps are reasonably accurate and it is good with speed and redlight cameras.

The Global has Tom tom, Igo8 and Ozi and stores information on the SD card. It seems to work really well but looses some settings like time when powered off - but putting the unit to sleep seems to work well and unlike the Aldi doesn't seem to use power when asleep.

Tom Tom works really well - advises of cameras etc, no unexplained detours, and the maps seem much more up to date than the others. When the Global is powered off most Tom Tom settings seem to go and have to be put back in which takes about 10 mins with POI (speed camera alerts) to set back up. The information displayed is great but the graphics are ordinary. Dunno how to update maps as yet.

Igo8 uses Navteq 2008 maps and like the aldi version do not seem to be as up to date as the Tom Tom - we have road works nearby that are on the tom tom but not the aldi or igo. Otherwise the Igo works well but did take me on a 2 km detour yesterday and brought me back to where I started. Settings seem to be kept when powering off, display and information is Ok BUT I have 4 speed cameras and 3 redlight cameras within 3 km of where I live and it only advised of one of the redlight cameras - so something is not right there. The Navteq maps have the same version of the file that contains the camera information and the Aldi displays it really well where the IGo doesn't - so must be a Igo software issue. Maps are easily downloaded.

OziCE - this was the first time I have used the CE version and works really well. I loaded some of my own maps and all worked. In the computer section of the forum I raised the issue I was having with a 16gb SD card. Well OziCE does not seem to like the big card. It loads OK but when you exit Ozi and then put the Global GPS to sleep and then wake it up and then go into Ozi, Ozi cannot find the OziCE.exe file. All works OK when you can enter and exit Ozi with the Global GPS on but as soon as it goes to sleep Ozi seems to be killed off. Works all OK with the 2gb card - I will try a 4gb card later in the week. The other problem is that each time Ozi is switched on it has to index the maps which can take up to 30 mins when I have 6gb of maps on the card which delays its use. These are just management issues and maybe I just need to load the maps I need for a trip and not have the lot loaded.

Overall I am really impressed with the GPS - it really exceeds my expectations - thanks once again to Ranga for his generous offer.

Oh - I accidently hid the Windows Task bar on the bottom - how do you get it back and is there a simple way to align all the times and dates in all the various applications in the GPS?

Cheers

Garry

[maggsie]

Has anyone purchased the aluminium body GPS with the 4.3" screen?

Regards
Maggsie
04V8Disco

[up2nogood]

Anyone know how to get the WinCE menus (on top of the screen) and the date display out of Chinese?

I can't follow Ranga's instructions as I can't read Chinese!

Kinda stuck on these points:
16. Tap the YFAP30 button then choose Edit | Copy in the menu up the top.
17. Tap the blue left arrow up the top.
18. Double tap the ResidentFlash icon.

I worked out which Chinese writing is edit and copy, but I have no 'residentflash' icon. All I have is:
Australia_83_0_2290
GPSLOG
GPSMenu
Igo8
Navigator
OziCE
YFAP30
Shell
ttnavigator

Am I missing a crucial part? Or is it hiding in one of these folders?

Still need to ditch the Chinese bits tho, any assistance appreciated!

[JLo]

Anyone know how to get the WinCE menus (on top of the screen) and the date display out of Chinese?

I can't follow Ranga's instructions as I can't read Chinese!

Kinda stuck on these points:
16. Tap the YFAP30 button then choose Edit | Copy in the menu up the top.
17. Tap the blue left arrow up the top.
18. Double tap the ResidentFlash icon.

I worked out which Chinese writing is edit and copy, but I have no 'residentflash' icon. All I have is:
Australia_83_0_2290
GPSLOG
GPSMenu
Igo8
Navigator
OziCE
YFAP30
Shell
ttnavigator

Am I missing a crucial part? Or is it hiding in one of these folders?

Still need to ditch the Chinese bits tho, any assistance appreciated!

Make sure unit is fully charged before starting. Stop, re-read Rangas notes one step at a time.

1. I assume you have created a text file called YFGo2CE.bld in notepad or similar editor and put this on your SD card in the root and done a hard reset by pushing the recessed button near the card slot and thus have made it into WinCE. Having achieved this navigate to SD card and remove/rename YFGo2CE otherwise you will always boot to WinCE.

Also assume that ActiveSync is working between PC and GPS.

2. From Windows explorer in CE find \ResidentFlash folder and select it.
3. Start onscreen keyboard from bottom right of screen
4. Place a 2 after the ResidentFlash so it looks like ResidentFlash2

ResidentFlash2 is a hidden folder. Follow the rest of your instructions.

Haven't had problems with languages so not sure what causes this. Other than changes from within WinCe. When the new YFApp30 is installed it should fix the language. Not much help though when its in Chinese to start with.

Hope this gets you on the right track.

JLo

[Ranga]

OK, so after receiving and modding a few new units last night, it appears some are indeed shipping with Chinese firmware. Sneaky buggers!

Normally, an end-user would never see this because they never get to see the Windows CE running in the background. Us modders do see this, so we need it to be in English.

Don't despair, there is an easy fix. By downloading this firmware FromDX3.0.9.11.rar (http://www.mediafire.com/'dnzoxztthun) and following the instructions below, this will change the firmware to an English version (a little older version, but works fine).

Put the two files extracted from the RAR file you download in the root of your SD card. Then, power off (not sleep) your GPS and turn it back on. A blue upgrade screen should appear. The unit will then start up and prompt you to press OK - do this. After upgrading, please remove the two upgrade files from the SD card. (This firmware update fixes some problems with the FM Transmitter.)

Hopefully this should allow you to continue the mod process in English ;)

[up2nogood]

Put the two files extracted from the RAR file you download in the root of your SD card. Then, power off (not sleep) your GPS and turn it back on. A blue upgrade screen should appear. The unit will then start up and prompt you to press OK - do this. After upgrading, please remove the two upgrade files from the SD card. (This firmware update fixes some problems with the FM Transmitter.)



Sounds good. One thing tho, where's the 'root' of the SD card?
I put those files into YF30AP folder. I have NFI if this is the root. That said it did nothing, so no win.
Any other ideas?

For all you other guys, just get the damned thing from Ranga directly, this is beyond the computer luddite's ability to work out.

[fraser130]

Sounds good. One thing tho, where's the 'root' of the SD card?
I put those files into YF30AP folder. I have NFI if this is the root. That said it did nothing, so no win.
Any other ideas?



The root means "next to" the YF30AP folder.
If your card appears as a drive, open the drive, then copy them to the open drive.
Does that help?

Fraser

[lewy]

anyone notice these run very hot,have used mine a lot lately. almost to hot to touch.bottom left as you look at the screen.

[GeorgeZ]

Ranga, can you please contact me as I would like to buy a GPS from you. Please PM me or contact me on: george.zouev@rmit.edu.au

[101RRS]

Ranga, can you please contact me as I would like to buy a GPS from you. Please PM me or contact me on: george.zouev@rmit.edu.au

Why not send Ranga a PM through the AULRO messaging system? See the "Private Messages" area near the top right of the screen under your welcome message.

Garry

[up2nogood]

Just when I thought I was getting closer.....

So the instructions for the loading worked fine after I guessed which Chinese icon is copy, paste, edit, etc.

I got the main menu displaying TomTom, iGo8 and OziExplorer. But when I clicked on any of these icons I got a Chinese error message.

By this stage, I had been told about the English file (see earlier post) and I added it to the root menu. Loaded it and off we went in English. Then discovered this undid everything I'd just got to work! Mofo!
But then it would no longer select a menu path under Select Navigation Exe. It will no longer save the menu path, the unit will not allow me to click on the 'floppy disc' icon. Then I figured out the stylus had become inaccurate with the English language update and I had to tap the screen way above the function I wanted to select. Off we went again....

Then I got it to move to the GPS menu after working this out by tapping the screen all around the function I wanted to select. So I started the deleting of the YFAP30 folder. Most of the way through and it automatically went to a calibration screen. I thought this was a good thing, I went through the process of calibrating where the stylus pointed to and then completed this test.
At the end of the test, I selected OK and it restarts the test, not closes it.
So the screen I am now stuck on is the 'Hardware Test(Version :3.0)' one. As it went to this while I was (most of the way through) deleting the YFAP30 folder, I suspect I now do not have enough programs to run the machine.
And it won't get off it..... But I have now got the stylus working properly. But I can't get off the test screen.

I've tried turning it on and off. I've tried reloading the SD card with the original files from the CD and putting that in and I've tried powering it on and off a few times.

Anyone have any more ideas?

And, once again, anyone who wants one buy one of these I have some advice. Buy the entire functioning machine from Ranga. It's great to have a go at stuff, but I think this is much the same as trying to fix your own hernia.

[rocket rod]

Ranga

I'm keen to get one of these units from you as my HP Travel companion, Ozi CE combo just died so I started to look for a bigger screen unit. The HP had an 800x600 4.3" screen so the display was great for Ozi was great but way too small in practise. What's the resolution like on one of these units and Ozi? Do they come with Aust maps for street navigation.

Rod.

[JLo]

....
At the end of the test, I selected OK and it restarts the test, not closes it.
So the screen I am now stuck on is the 'Hardware Test(Version :3.0)' one. As it went to this while I was (most of the way through) deleting the YFAP30 folder, I suspect I now do not have enough programs to run the machine.
And it won't get off it..... But I have now got the stylus working properly. But I can't get off the test screen.

I've tried turning it on and off. I've tried reloading the SD card with the original files from the CD and putting that in and I've tried powering it on and off a few times.

Anyone have any more ideas?

And, once again, anyone who wants one buy one of these I have some advice. Buy the entire functioning machine from Ranga. It's great to have a go at stuff, but I think this is much the same as trying to fix your own hernia.

The GPS runs through this 'test' loop if the menu program cannot start or because its program files are corrupt or because the registry has issues. You need to reflash with a file called YFAPP.WZP

I don't know what files Ranga has given you on the CD. If no also check the GPSUnlock.net site. http://www.downtr.net/find/YFAPP.wzp.html
All is not lost.

[alfa3276]

Ranga

I'm keen to get one of these units from you as well, been looking for new GPS unit for Mrs for a while and come across this.

Alfa3276

[Ranga]

Just a gentle reminder that I'm more than willing to help out AULRO subscribers with modding their GPS. I see this as my way of giving something back to the AULRO community that has given me so much. Without wanting to sound rude, unless you're willing to cough up the small cost of subscribing, please don't expect too much help from me.

I'm fairly time-poor (who isn't?!), and as such I don't always respond instantly to this thread or PMs regarding this thread. But I do give much greater priority to the (almost daily) PMs from subscribers than to non-subscribers.

This by no means is a rant or a whinge - subscribe, and I'm quite happy to help you out if you need it, and I've actually made a quite a few new friends along the way! :D

PS - this is clearly mentioned in the very first thread in this post, as are questions I often receive in PMs. I don't expect everybody to read all the way through the small novel that this thread has become, but please at least read the first post before sending me a PM! :p

[Utemad]

G'day all,
Does anyone know if these ones could these ones be used??

I was wondering that too. The Deal Extreme site has a huge range of these units and there are units with slightly bigger screens and faster processors for around the same price.

DealExtreme: Search for gps navigator (187 products in 27 categories) (http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.gps%20navigator#413)

I was going to order the one listed in this thread today but now it looks like I have a lot more looking to do.
Unless someone has a reason why the SKU 23568 is the better one to go for?

Also what is the difference between SKU 23568 and 23569?

Reading some of the comments on DX it looks like the specs on some of the units are a bit misleading.

[RaZz0R]

I recently ordered this GPS from DX - SKU33231
DealExtreme: $79.71 4.8" LCD MSTAR 400MHz Windows CE .NET 5.0 Core GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter + Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.33231)

I got it because my head unit can do the bluetooth & just wanted a GPS that I could crack open. (I work in IT so I fully understand these are all running on a windows CE 5.0 .net core version - found it pretty easy to work out how to re-jig the menus from gpsunlocked.net as well :) even unlocked a old GPS running wince 4.5 called a Logic Gear Nav & got Ozi explorerCE running on it no problems.

Which is what I plan to do to this one. I got it due to price 79 bucks US, the 400Mhz processor & the 4.8" screen is the size I was after - it also takes micro SD cards so I am guessing it can do SDHC cards as well.

I have also read up that the MStar processor picks up the GPS's a might quicker then the YF ones. I'll post my thoughts on it next to a Garmin & Hema GPS that I have been given by mates to unlock.

Seems Ozi explorer maps are easy to copy between GPS's as well lol :) makes getting them up & running easier :)

The only thing I don't know about this GPS is how many channels it runs for the GPS. But either way - I'll post up my thoughts when I get it - took about 2 weeks for them to send it via EMS so 3 ~ 4 days to my door - should get it Saturday or next week. :D

Considering I got an old Logic Gear Navigator running the Pez menu, Ozi explorer, Route66 & Tomtom Nav 7 - I think getting these up & running should be easy as :)

[RaZz0R]

Finally I got the GPS delivered today.

So far I am very impressed with the unit - not much to them really :)
The touch screen is very good - the unit is fast next to the Hema & Logic GPS's I have modded for mates as of late.

I like the windscreen mounting hardware - it seems pretty strong! I also like the backing clip - it holds the stylus pen & also has a flip out stand! :) Very handy!!

This one came with Igo8 - Was easy to find the aus maps for this ;) along with speed camera info etc, etc. Like the voice & night mode ;)

So far I have loaded Oziexplorer on & the Pez menu - both worked as expected.
I have also just installed the "MioPocket 3.0" menu\skin from GPSPassion.com (GpsPasSion Forums - MioPocket 3.0 (Unlock for PNAs) (http://gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=126303))

I had to change the paths in the install scripts - but was easy enough - the install has worked fine :) Just have to work out how to set it all up now :)

In bright sun if your looking on an angle to the GPS - you can't really see it - esp with sunnies on - other wise - have the screen pointed up at you & its fine - just gotta find the right angle.

Unlike the GPS's I have played with so far - this one does not connect to active sync - instead the internal memory & the SD card come up on the PC as just USB drives. So - apart from the using the device it self - I can't hook in to windows CE via active sync - YET. Seems its all in the firmware - not on the internal flash memory. The good part is that I can copy data at full USB2 speeds to the GPS instead of the slow crap from active sync!! YAY!! It is also running the new SDHC card format!! Even better!

While I have been playing all night with it - I have had it plugged in to the USB - seems while its on & doing things connected to USB it doesn't charge the battery - which I think suxs - tho given its more for in car only its not a big problem.

I have tomtom 7.xx ready to load up to try out - I also found out about another on-road GPS mapping software called "Destinator 9" with aussie maps from 2009 Q4!! So I will be trying these out later on.

All in all - So far I highly recommend it - the Pez menu works from GPSunlock.net & is easy to setup (Well for me) It plays music & Divx\Xvid movies fine as well.

If anyone decides to get these I am more then happy to help out with how to edit & setup both the Pez menu & the Miopocket menu.

I'll update in a few days after I have setup everything for a final report ;)

***Note:
All I am really doing is changing the start up menu's - adding in more programs & tools & changing skins & colours. I am NOT changing firmware's at all & wouldn't recommend you do unless the firmware matches the unit you have!!
If you are totally stuck - I can also help with links for Igo8 aussie maps & other GPS software\maps via PM.

[Ranga]

If you are totally stuck - I can also help with links for Igo8 aussie maps & other GPS software\maps via PM.

Good stuff - nice to have someone in Melbourne who can help out also. ;)

[RaZz0R]

Good stuff - nice to have someone in Melbourne who can help out also. ;)

For sure mate - more then happy to help - I was going to re-sub to the forum but my work contract just ended :( So I figured I can return some small amount of the help to the forum that has helped me hugely in the rangie project I started but ended up stopping due to getting another rangie that was all setup.

So - I feel it is the least I can do :)

Still have to work out ozi explorer 100% but I am almost there. (in terms of the more detailed\less detailed maps - got it running 100% first time)

Are we allowed to "share" raster maps? I got a heap :angel:

[boggo]

I'd just like to add I bought a 7in screen GPS off Deal Extreme($177), and loaded OziExporer straight up, no modifications needed at all. The menu it comes with is fine and works perfectly well as is. The unit is great, mounting hardware is excellent as mentioned above, and hasn't fallen off over rough terrain and I feel isn't likely to either. Screen size is majestic compared to those tiny, overpriced Hema things!!
Incidently, I have zero experience with GPS units of any sort, and found that getting OziExplorer onto and working on these cheap units is childs play!

[miky]

I'd just like to add I bought a 7in screen GPS off Deal Extreme($177), and loaded OziExporer straight up, no modifications needed at all. The menu it comes with is fine and works perfectly well as is. The unit is great, mounting hardware is excellent as mentioned above, and hasn't fallen off over rough terrain and I feel isn't likely to either. Screen size is majestic compared to those tiny, overpriced Hema things!!
Incidently, I have zero experience with GPS units of any sort, and found that getting OziExplorer onto and working on these cheap units is childs play!

Can you give us a link please?

Mike

[boggo]

DealExtreme: $190.63 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

Looks like there's been some inflation over the new year!! $13!!!

I've also replaced the 2GB SD card with an 8GB(high speed) SD card in order to fit all the topo maps(and more) for OZ, and it works perfectly.(they say the biggest card you can use is a 4GB one, this is incorrect!)

Matt

[Landover]

Ok, it's taken me days to get through this post ( I need to lay down now).

I want to get one of these units and give it a go. Can you people please confirm that the current version can still be modified as per the current procedure.

Ranga, Do you currently have any unit to sell or is it best I order direct and get the CD sent to me. If I require the CD do I still add my name to the list or PM you.

Thanks for this offer.

[RaZz0R]

Guys - have at look at my last few posts - there is a link to DX & GPSpassion where they have guides to installing the different menu's & applications + tools you might need.

You can download all of these for FREE!

For those in vic - I am happy to show you how to do this ;) 3
As for a CD - well I guess I could do one for the Pez menu & share the love if its ok with Ranga? While some may not sub (I have in the past) I believe they also help to the knowledge of this forum (That & I know what hosting costs are) so I am more then willing to share the love ;)

[Snake2093]

Ranga,
It was good to finally meet you and get the GPS up and running. I must say it is a great little unit. Only used it on road so far, but soon will try it off road. Look forward to chatting more.

Mark

[JLo]

DealExtreme: $190.63 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

Looks like there's been some inflation over the new year!! $13!!!

I've also replaced the 2GB SD card with an 8GB(high speed) SD card in order to fit all the topo maps(and more) for OZ, and it works perfectly.(they say the biggest card you can use is a 4GB one, this is incorrect!)

Matt

The SD card standard changed between 2gb and 4gb SD to SDHC. 4gb cards are SDHC, so if you are buying a unit that is 4gb compatible it should take all SDHC cards. For some reason though with the YF units when you need to update/reflash it will only work with the original card - so keep it handy.

I noticed the price increase on the 7" too.
Cheers
JLo

[Utemad]

Anyone ordered one recently?
My order is 'awaiting stock'. Its been 11 days.

What is the longest anyone has had to wait?

Their website says 14 days max to your door I think.

[Landover]

Anyone ordered one recently?
My order is 'awaiting stock'. Its been 11 days.

What is the longest anyone has had to wait?

Their website says 14 days max to your door I think.

I ordered one on the 20/3/10 and got an email saying it was shiped on 21/3/10, and to expect 7-10 working days for delivery. Still waiting though.

[Landover]

I ordered one on the 20/3/10 and got an email saying it was shiped on 21/3/10, and to expect 7-10 working days for delivery. Still waiting though.


GPS arrived today so took 10 days.

[Utemad]

GPS arrived today so took 10 days.

Thanks
I just sent a message to DealExtreme as I ordered mine about 2-3 days before you. Still says awaiting stock.
Maybe they accidentally sent mine to your place. Do you mind dropping it off at my place :p

[biggin]

I have bought two of these units.
One arrived within two weeks and other in six weeks.
Others have had similar experiences.
Don't worry, it seems they will get there.........eventually!:D

[Utemad]

I'm not concerned that it won't come at all. I just wanted to play with it over Easter.

[5teve]

looks like i'll b in for a wait too as i ordered a 7" one last night.... oh well.. time to learn patience!

Steve

[Utemad]

Got a reply to my email. My unit was sent today :)
For everyone else the status now reads that there is a 'temporary stock shortage'.

I should have it in 2 weeks I guess.

[5teve]

rather surprisingly mine shipped on friday... 2 days after i ordered it! wow!

should be here in the next month now :)
Steve

[5teve]

well its here... and its big and surprisingly solid...

Now what :) ?

I guess i better get maps etc on it!

Steve

[Ranga]

I've now uploaded the files and instructions onto a server as a collection of compressed files. For those wanting to download them, send me a PM and I'll send you the link and password.

Hopefully this will save those having to wait for me to burn them a DVD, which as many of you know, sometimes takes some time! :angel:

[Utemad]

Well the download works. Did it this morning and picked my unit up this morning too.

Doing the install now :)

Thanks Ranga.

[DavidB]

Hi all,

I, like a lot of members, am greatly appreciative of Ranga, for the excellent effort he has done and continues to do regards DealExtreme GPS units.
I used his original DVD to set up my unit. I did not change the YFAP30 folder, as I had some problems.
After using it for the last 5 months, I have come to the conclusion that I don't use a lot of the software supplied. I only want to use it as a GPS unit. I am not interested in Bluetooth, Games or FM etc.
As such, I have designed a simplified GPS Menu system.( refer to the attached pictures)

If it is of interest to anyone, I have included the files in zip format. Just unzip and copy the files to the folders as per the instructions below.

1.background.bmp to the Backgrounds folder.
2.Left.ico to the Icons folder.
3.I have included 2 Gps.ini files, one for Garmin (Garmin GPS.ini) and one for iGo 8 (iGO GPS.ini). Pick which one you need and rename it to GPS.ini, then copy it and Tools.ini to the Config folder
Please note the above mentioned folders reside in the GPS menu folder on the SD card.

Please, before you change anything remember to back up your original GPSMenu folder.

Hope this might be a help to someone.

Dave

[101RRS]

I also have a Ranga special and works really well :).

I am fitting a small camera to the back of my 101 and would like to view it on the GPS. It has an AV in socket on the side but I do not know how to activate the AV in using the tools and menus loaded on the system.

Any ideas?

Garry

[biggin]

I also have a Ranga special and works really well :).

I am fitting a small camera to the back of my 101 and would like to view it on the GPS. It has an AV in socket on the side but I do not know how to activate the AV in using the tools and menus loaded on the system.

Any ideas?

Garry

Hi Garry,
I have the same Ranga special with rear camera. If you wire up your camera powered up via reversing lights, you can keep it plugged in to the AV port all the time.
The camera image will come up whenever you are in reverse, when not it will revert to whichever screen you were using previously.
Between myself and my wife, we have two different cheap "wireless" cameras (one from DX, other from ebay) and both work well even though build quality looks poor.

[101RRS]

So if I understand correctly, you do not have to switch on AV in via a menu but it will automatically come on if it is getting a signal through AV in.

I will give it a try with my digital camera first.

Thanks

[biggin]

So if I understand correctly, you do not have to switch on AV in via a menu but it will automatically come on if it is getting a signal through AV in.

I will give it a try with my digital camera first.

Thanks

That's correct, when it see a video signal at the AV port, that image comes on automatically. So when the camera is switched off (ie car not in reverse), the screen will revert back to whatever screen you were using.:)
Cheers biggin.

[Ranga]

That's correct, when it see a video signal at the AV port, that image comes on automatically. So when the camera is switched off (ie car not in reverse), the screen will revert back to whatever screen you were using.:)
Cheers biggin.

Where did you connect it to the reverse signal?

[biggin]

Where did you connect it to the reverse signal?

Reversing light wiring on drivers side.

[Deefa]

My father in law just fitted a reverse camera to his Disco recently,I had alway thought that they where a bit of a gimmick, but after driving his car for a bit You tend to use it quite a lot!

It may be possible to just set a switch on the av cables or the power to the camera and when you dont want to look at Nav screen just flick it on and camera comes on?

[biggin]

My father in law just fitted a reverse camera to his Disco recently,I had alway thought that they where a bit of a gimmick, but after driving his car for a bit You tend to use it quite a lot!

It may be possible to just set a switch on the av cables or the power to the camera and when you dont want to look at Nav screen just flick it on and camera comes on?

If you are referring to the YF GPS's, YOU DON'T NEED A SWITCH!
Just plug it in and power up the camera from the reversing light circuit.
The camera will override the GPS when it is powered up and the GPS will work normally when it isn't. There is no need to plug and unplug the AV - leave it connected all the time (unless you want to use it when not in reverse of course:angel:).

[vnx205]

Something I had not realised when I bought the "Ranga Special" GPS was how many hours of amusement it would provide.

It is a very useful device and I have found it a great help planning trips, navigating in unfamiliar cities and towns and navigating offroad.

However, I have also found that it is possible to spend ages modifying it, trying new things and learning something along the way.

After the making the changes recommended by Ranga to make it more useful, user friendly and attractive, I found that there are a lot of other changes that are possible. I changed the splash screen and the wallpaper to personalise it a bit.

I started with OziExplorer and Garmin, but then tried TomTom and preferred it. Then I found some Australian maps to replace the Canadian and US maps that came with Igo8, so I decided to give that a go. At the moment, it is my choice because of the way it presents the information. Although I suppose the real test is how good the maps are.

Then I discovered that there are other skins available for Igo8. I was expecting the new skin to just change a few colours or something like that, but it is much more than that. It makes quite a difference to the way you use the thing.

One of the reasons I bought the YF unit, apart from the fact that it seems to be remarkably good value for money, is that it allows you to fiddle with it and try different things. At the moment I can use any one of the three on-road navigation programs. The more I use Igo8, and the more I fiddle with it, the more I like it.

[101RRS]

I have found the IGO8 maps are no where near as up to date as Tom Tom.

Garry

[5teve]

the maps for Igo i am using are feb 2010..... seem pretty accurate over here so far...

I'd agree about IGO tho... i havent used much else.. but it seems pretty good and easy to use. The skins i havent played with much... but i had one that seeed to be pretty rough.

Only thing i have found is that miopocket tends to screw the tts up on Igo whereas it was working fine before.

Oziexplorer will be going on shortly!

Thanks

Steve

[Utemad]

I use TomTom as I find it more intuitive than Igo8 but Igo does have some nice features.

[Basil135]

This is wetting my juices... ;)

Does anyone have a link to the units they are buying? I am looking for a unit that will run Igo, Ozi & a reversing camera.

Thanks...:)

[vnx205]

Go back about 42 pages to the post that started this thread. There is a link there.

[5teve]

This is wetting my juices... ;)

Does anyone have a link to the units they are buying? I am looking for a unit that will run Igo, Ozi & a reversing camera.

Thanks...:)

i would recommend this... its Huge! :D it actually doesnt interfere with the view at all.. and seems to work nicely in the deefer...

DealExtreme: $170.41 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

I also got mine in under 10 days from order... which must be a record for DX

Steve

[haggisbasher]

Hi 5teve... just wondering if you have the external dimensions for this unit please. I have a cut out i would like to try to fit it too, but cannot find any details on the web for the GPS. Am very keen to get one!

Chris

[JLo]

This is wetting my juices... ;)

Does anyone have a link to the units they are buying? I am looking for a unit that will run Igo, Ozi & a reversing camera.

Thanks...:)

I have had some minor issues with newer units running the 600mhz cpu
- firmware is different so the full update (YFAP30) as mentioned on here won't work and isn't really necessary anyway. You are still able to use the new menu shell though (GPSUnlock.net).

Don't let this stop you, they are great units for the money.

Cheers
JLo

[5teve]

Hi 5teve... just wondering if you have the external dimensions for this unit please. I have a cut out i would like to try to fit it too, but cannot find any details on the web for the GPS. Am very keen to get one!

Chris

Hi Chris...

Will get you some dims... PM me if you dont get them as i have a lot on at the mo... and im forgetful!

I was surprised how big it was, but also how small it seems in the deefer in the sense it doesnt impact on view.

Getting more impressed with it now too.. i have IGO running well, unlocked it with miopocket (SD card install dare not do anything else!) and also have Ozi explorer running nicely and quickly too!

by the way does anyone know the largest scale maps for WA that are available? best i have seen is 1:250000 which isnt really 'best'!

Thanks

Steve

[haggisbasher]

Many thanks! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Chris :)

[5teve]

Hi Chris

overall its 185mm x 120mm x 20mm connections on RHS towards the rear and power button on top rhs

Thanks

Steve

[haggisbasher]

Cheers

Chris

[TheLoneRangie]

I picked up one og the faster units, works great, got OzExplorer CE working fine.
I can not seem to get the camera to go but, is there a trick that anybody knows

[vnx205]

The more I use mine, the more I like it.

My latest project is to fine tune the Igo8 skin to suit my tired old eyes.

I downloaded a new skin from here:

www.i-go8.com customize your iGO8 !:Ultra Dimka skin radar speedcam! (http://www.i-go8.com/)

I really like what it offered, but found some of the text a bit small. However i found a way to edit the files to enlarge the text used for street names and for the data displayed on the left hand side. You can choose between several things like GPS time, time to destination, time of arrival, distance to go and a dozen other things.

I still have a couple of things to adjust, but this is what the navigation screen looks like now. The text on the left is about 50% bigger than it was.

I found a skin that made the navigation screen look like Tom Tom and liked the look of that, but the voice files were Italian. :)

[wobbs_disco2]

Hey guys

can someone please PM me the weblink to the instructions to modify the unit? I have PM'd Ranga a couple of times now and he is obviously busy!

Cheers

[Ranga]

Hey guys

can someone please PM me the weblink to the instructions to modify the unit? I have PM'd Ranga a couple of times now and he is obviously busy!

Cheers

PM sent ;)

[rijidij]

This is wetting my juices... ;)

Does anyone have a link to the units they are buying? I am looking for a unit that will run Igo, Ozi & a reversing camera.

Thanks...:)


i would recommend this... its Huge! :D it actually doesnt interfere with the view at all.. and seems to work nicely in the deefer...

DealExtreme: $170.41 7.0" Touchscreen 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367)

I also got mine in under 10 days from order... which must be a record for DX

Steve



I bought the same unit as Steve from DealExtreme. They are also showing up on Ebay.au $181 + free postage >>>> 7" GPS (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/7-GPS-Navigation-System-Bluetooth-2GB-SD-IGO-Map-/170478127106?cmd=ViewItem&pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item27b149c802) <<<< It appears to be the same unit. They say they will preload maps of your country, but I contacted the seller to see if he sells the SD cards sepperately and he said yes, but the Aus maps were 2006.

Cheers, Murray

[biggin]

I now have Garmin, TomTom, Igo8, Route66 and OziExplorer all working on "Ranga's GPS". I'll try to get Destinator up next. Anyone done this? What else can I put on?:D
I wish I could work out how to put extra icons on the new navigation menu page though.
Oh yeh, another problem - I can't find the off button for the Route66 program either. I don't think it's got one.:eek:

[vnx205]

I now have Garmin, TomTom, Igo8, Route66 and OziExplorer all working on "Ranga's GPS". I'll try to get Destinator up next. Anyone done this? What else can I put on?:D
I wish I could work out how to put extra icons on the new navigation menu page though.
Oh yeh, another problem - I can't find the off button for the Route66 program either. I don't think it's got one.:eek:
If you look on the SD card in GPS menu and then in Config.
Open the GPS.ini file in a text editor.

Each icon has two parts like this:

#IGo8
ICONXPBUTTON
x = 329
y = 105
NewIni= \SDMMC\IGO8\IGO8.EXE
SizeNormal = 63
SizePushed = 52
ScaleAlpha = 100
IconNormal = ..\Icons\igo.ico
ScaleAlpha = 80
IconPushed = ..\Icons\igo.ico

TEXT
x = 335
y = 155
Text = iGo8
Size = 16
FrameColor = 000000
Weight = 700
Color = FFFFFF
CreateFont

A bit of copy and paste and change a few of the details and you should be able to add an extra icon.

You may need to fiddle a bit with all the x and y co-ordinates if you need to make room for too many icons.

[Ranga]

"Ranga's GPS"

LOL - I wonder if this is my 15 minutes?! :P


If you look on the SD card in GPS menu and then in Config...

Thanks vnx205 with your help with these GPS devices - I simply don't have the time to answer all the questions, so many hands make light work ;)

When fiddling with the GPS Menu, you can use GPSMenu\SystemInformation32.exe to run it on a windows PC so check on the GUI (graphical user interface) to see how it looks. Applications won't run, but at least you can check the appearance.

[vnx205]

If you get bored with the standard splash screen for IGO8, you can always change it too.

This is my current one, a combination of the loading image for the Dimka skin and my own vehicle.

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/16/2005444/loading.jpg

I had already changed the splash screen that appears when the unit is switched on and the background for the GPS menu to include my Defender.

Maybe I have too much time on my hands. Now that I have Tom Tom, Garmin, IGO8 and Oziexplorer working more or less as I want them, i have had to find other things to fiddle with to learn more about the way this thing operates.

EDIT: This is what my GPS menu looks like. It is a screenshot of it displayed on my computer using the program Ranga mentioned above. The only difference is that as I have Ubuntu as my operating system rather than Windoze so it is running with WINE. So for anyone who was wondering, you can use it in Linux.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[pohm66]

I got a "Ranga GPS" ® ;) a while ago.

Haven't had much chance to have a decent play with the maps etc other than IGO8 and the bluetooth, so now getting back into the finer points of the product and great to see so many people having a crack at tweaks etc and putting it all in this thread.

Now just got to sit down and go through it ALL.:eek::eek:

One question though... I'm looking to get a reversing camera, is the format NTSC?

Cheers....

[Ranga]

One question though... I'm looking to get a reversing camera, is the format NTSC?

Cheers....
Welcome back!

This is the one I bought last time DealExtreme: $47.70 Car 2.4GHz Wireless Rear View Parking NTSC Night Vision Camera and Receiver Set (DC 12V) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15747) however it was faulty, so I sent it back and got a refund. I'll let you know how my replacement goes. BTW DX will refund not only the item price, but also shipping costs back to Hong Kong for any item DOA. Pretty good service that.

PS - thanks for the tip about Gordon Country! Spent a lovely long weekend out there a while ago ;)

[vnx205]

Once you have found the GPS.ini file in the GPS menu folder, you can shuffle your icons around and add or remove them as you wish. (Especially if you save a backup copy before you start.)

if you particularly want part of your background visible or if you have too many icons, you can make two rows.

So you can have this:

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/16/2005444/Screenshot-SystemInformation%201.6.1%20IniView%20%28493x285%2 9.png

instead of this:

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/16/2005444/Screenshot.png

[pohm66]

Glad you enjoyed the place Ranga.... always plenty of firewood around especially for the winter camps.

[Landover]

I don't know if it's just mine or are others experiencing this.
If I put my unit into sleep mode instead of powering off it comes back to the GPS screen but is locked up and nothing happens. If I press the button on the top and power down and restart all comes up fine. Sometimes it totally locks up when returning from sleep and can't power down and have to press the reset button.
Does anyone know a fit for this or do I just power down all the time.

[vnx205]

I haven't ever had that happen. I just tried Garmin, Tom Tom, Igo and Oziexplorer and they all behaved as they should.

Are you talking about having it in Sleep mode for a long time, like sveral days or weeks? is it possible that it has something to do with the battery running down because it is in Sleep mode for so long?

[land864]

Ranga
Are these stilll available?

VNX
Is that background near the breakaways out Coober Pedy way?

[Landover]

I haven't ever had that happen. I just tried Garmin, Tom Tom, Igo and Oziexplorer and they all behaved as they should.

Are you talking about having it in Sleep mode for a long time, like sveral days or weeks? is it possible that it has something to do with the battery running down because it is in Sleep mode for so long?


It does this on , Tom Tom and Igo8 app not sure about ozi as I haven't played with it yet. It happens if I put it into sleep and go into the shops and return or battery runs down, when I power on it's locked up. It shows the last place I was and looks normal but the screen does not respond.

[vnx205]

Ranga
Are these stilll available?

VNX
Is that background near the breakaways out Coober Pedy way?

It is a bit further north, halfway between Cadney on the Stuart Highway and Oodnadatta. It is part of the Painted Desert or Painted Hills, depending on which map you look at.
Have a look here.
Google Maps (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&sll=-25.335448,135.745076&sspn=58.48668,79.013672&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FZMtVv4dwnMGCA&split=0&hq=&hnear=Ankata+Painted+Desert+Rd,+South+Australia+57 10&layer=x&g=Ankata+Painted+Desert+Rd,+South+Australia+5710&ll=-27.989551,134.667664&spn=0.925259,1.234589&z=10)

[land864]

Thanks :)

[Utemad]

Mine doesn't do that. Have you tried reloading the firmware?

[Landover]

Mine doesn't do that. Have you tried reloading the firmware?

might give that a try and see what happens. Thanks

[Ranga]

Just a quick update to let you know I've just received a delivery of these DealExtreme: $101.17 5.0" LCD 372MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 Bluetooth + GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23569) as mentioned in the opening post, and they are noew shipping with WinCE6.0 operating system (instead of WinCE5.0).

This means the menu runs a little faster, they turn on a little quicker, but as yet TomTom does NOT work on these devices.

[biggin]

Just a quick update to let you know I've just received a delivery of these DealExtreme: $101.17 5.0" LCD 372MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 Bluetooth + GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter + 2GB Maps SD (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23569) as mentioned in the opening post, and they are noew shipping with WinCE6.0 operating system (instead of WinCE5.0).

This means the menu runs a little faster, they turn on a little quicker, but as yet TomTom does NOT work on these devices.
Cheers Ranga,
Does it still run the other stuff or is it only TomTom trouble.

[Ranga]

Cheers Ranga,
Does it still run the other stuff or is it only TomTom trouble.

A couple of observations I've made so far with the new 6.0 models.

First, the good:

iGO8 and Oziexplorer still work
The menu runs faster now.
You don't have to hold the power button down for a few seconds to turn it on.
Different startup tone plays, and you can choose a new tone from within the device.
The menu is different - no need to keep clicking to get to the settings option.
The menu options are all in a different order.
The time and date seems to stick now. When you set the time and date it no longer gets reset when you restart the device.


The not so good:

Tomtom no longer works, as it's not compatible with Win CE 6.0
I don't think we can update the look and feel of the default menu GUI.
The LED on the side glows red when charging like before, but when charged no light shines. When the unit is turned on, the LED glows blue.


I guess I'm not overly concerned about Tomtom, as I'm more of an iGO8 fan anyway.

Not being able to change the menu isn't too bad, given the new menu layout functions much better, and I would probably avoid using it and have the modded menu run on startup.

[Basil135]

Hi all.

My units are on their way from DX. I was just wondering if anyone has opened one up & can tell me where the GPS antenna is located in the unit?

I would prefer to mount mine up high by the mirror, but am concerned that the signal might be degraded too much.

Has anyone else mounted their unit up there, and if so, how did you find the signal?

[XSiV]

Hi all.

My units are on their way from DX. I was just wondering if anyone has opened one up & can tell me where the GPS antenna is located in the unit?

I would prefer to mount mine up high by the mirror, but am concerned that the signal might be degraded too much.

Has anyone else mounted their unit up there, and if so, how did you find the signal?

Before you go and pull it apart you might want to try one of those signal boosting external gps aerials. I have one for my Magellan which I purchased before I bought the this DX gps. I have it mounted on the roofrack I had it plugged in recently when using the DX gps and it made a great improvement in finding/keeping a signal.

Just a thought. The one I have is here (http://www.gpsoz.com.au/External_Aerials.htm#RA46)

[Basil135]

Before you go and pull it apart you might want to try one of those signal boosting external gps aerials. I have one for my Magellan which I purchased before I bought the this DX gps. I have it mounted on the roofrack I had it plugged in recently when using the DX gps and it made a great improvement in finding/keeping a signal.

Just a thought. The one I have is here (http://www.gpsoz.com.au/External_Aerials.htm#RA46)

Thanks for that. I would prefer to have an external aerial, however I dont think these units will accept a plug-in one.

I guess that hard-wiring it in is always an option:angel:

Here is the one that I have bought: https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21039

[XSiV]

The ones I'm talking about don't plug in they receive the signal and then re-transmit it from a transmitter in the cab so the signal the unit picks up is a lot stronger.

[Basil135]

The ones I'm talking about don't plug in they receive the signal and then re-transmit it from a transmitter in the cab so the signal the unit picks up is a lot stronger.

Gotcha...

Thanks for that. Might be well worth it if the signal is no good where I want to put it.

[Basil135]

I really want to use the attached pic as the background for my GPS, but whenever I re-size it, I loose half the image.

Is anyone able to re-size it for me to 480 x 272 ?


Cheers.

[DavidB]

Hi Basil35,

Try these.

Attachments are in jpg and bmp format.

I think for background it should be bmp

Dave.

[DavidB]

Hi Basil35,

Sorry only jpg attachment worked.
Here is bmp

Dave.

[Basil135]

Hi Basil35,

Try these.

Attachments are in jpg and bmp format.

I think for background it should be bmp

Dave.

Thanks for that Dave.

Works perfectly.:D

Appreciate the help. Now my GPS Looks like Factory Fitted Original Equipment.

[Basil135]

And the mandatory picture of how it all turned out. ;)

Sorry about the quality...:(

[TELF RRC]

And the mandatory picture of how it all turned out. ;)

Sorry about the quality...:(

That's cooool!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[povman]

Just a quick question that I haven't spotted in the thread is:

I want to get one of Rangas gps but I run a mac? Can you use this gps with a mac and does anyone on here run and mac and have the experience in setting one up, especially with ozi explorer?

Thanx guys, love the help that people give on this site and it's much appreciated.

Cheers,
Povman.

[Ranga]

Just a quick question that I haven't spotted in the thread is:

I want to get one of Rangas gps but I run a mac? Can you use this gps with a mac and does anyone on here run and mac and have the experience in setting one up, especially with ozi explorer?

Thanx guys, love the help that people give on this site and it's much appreciated.

Cheers,
Povman.
It doesn't matter what OS you use, as all the files needed are on the SD card. Keep the SD card as FAT or FAT32 (as it is shipped) and you'll have no dramas.

Now all you have to do is subscribe for an extra level of support ;)

[Stewie]

I've been bying these units DealExtreme: $103.76 5.0" LCD 372MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 Bluetooth + GPS Navigator w/FM Transmitter + 2GB Maps SD (http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23569) for some time now (bought about 10 so far) for myself and friends/family. They work just fine, despite being Chinese "noname" (actually known as GlobusGPS). They come in at around $130 including delivery. I've now bought enough of them that I'm confident they're not dodgy.

One downside is the default interface software - it's a bit clumsy, and IMHO damn ugly! Also, it only comes with road navigation software.

But, the best thing is, after some modification, I clean this up and ultimately get it to run OziExplorer CE - and any other software supported by Windows CE, including the road software it's shipped with.

I'm happy to modify them for AULRO members for free. This includes installing a much nicer "skin" (interface), installing the OziExplorer CE software (demo version - license is $40), and setting it up so when you click the GPS option, instead automatically running the Igo8 road navigation software, it pops up another menu with a choice of Igo8 or OziExplorer, plus a few other bits and pieces.

Unfortunately, I can't supply off-road maps if they're copyrighted, but they're easy enough to put onto the SD card if you source them elsewhere yourself.

The Hema on-road/off-road unit is similar to this, and has off road maps. However, it has a smaller screen, and costs about $800 more than the units I get.

"Please note that this offer is now only available to AULRO subscribers. If your not willing to support this wonderful site, I'm not able to support you. I have no interest in profiting from giving assistance, so the least you can do is help keep this site running by becoming a subscriber."

Please note, I make NO profit from this, and I'm not a business. This is simply a hobby, and after receiving plenty of help from the AULRO community, I'm happy if I can give something back. I've already done a few for some AULRO members, and they seem very happy with them.

If you want units for other friends/family, I'm happy to help, but would appreciate something for my time it takes modifying them :cool:

As a DIY alternative, I'll try and post a How To soon... then you can modify it yourself and save me doing it ;)

Ranga,

Do you still have these available and if so which version are you now importing?
I'm either looking at one of these units or a netbook with external monitor.
Both have Pro's and Con's.
Pro for the Duel Extreme is compact, great forum feedback, onboard GPS, Bluetooth.
Con for the Duel Extreme is running Windows CE (not to sure about what it can run i.e video, itunes, office apps, Oziexplorer, Google Earth etc). Storage space. I believe it can only run Oziexplorer CE which requires you to plan your trip in Oziexplorer first and then export to Oziexplorer CE(?)

Pro for the net book is full windows os. HDD storage. can be used as a notebook when removed from the vehicle. Can run Oziexplorer.
Con for the netbook is that it is larger, probably need an external monitor mounted on the dash, cost of purchase and accesories, power supply.

So as you can see, I'm split down the middle. I have a 4wd trip comming up at the end of June and would like something to prototype while I'm away. I'm currently building a laptop version to see how it goes but after reading all of the forums about how good your units are I'm tempted to take the plunge.

regards.

Stewie.

[Ranga]

Stewie,
I'm waiting for a decent tablet style netbook to become my touring solution. The Deal Extreme jobs are great for small trips and road navigation. I guess it's horses for courses.

[Stewie]

Stewie,
I'm waiting for a decent tablet style netbook to become my touring solution. The Deal Extreme jobs are great for small trips and road navigation. I guess it's horses for courses.

Ranga,

I agree. It is horses for courses. I'm just trying to find the right horse for ALL of my courses :)

Do you still do the Duel Extreme systems or are they now all sold out. I have followed your original thread all the way through to page 46 (was up till 4am rading them) and everyone seems to be a fan of the systems you have been flashing. They really look like a simple and cheap way of getting some gps mapping to work in your vehicle and the way that some users have customised them (from your instuctions) looks great.

I'm currently rebuilding an old laptop to take on the trip I have comming up at the end of the month but didn't really want to throw too much money into it as it's only a prototype to see how all of this gps moving map stuff works. Put it this way, if I buy a gps receiver for the laptop (which I need to get a gps signal) it's gonna cost me about the same as one of the Duel Extreme units you were selling and then if I decide to go that way I'll have a gps recieve spare. I suppose I could always try and sell it on here or eBay.

Are you suggesting that for outback 4wd trips that a netbook/laptop/tablet PC would be your prefered choice over the Duel Extreme?

Am I right in tinking that the Duel Extreme can only only run Oziexplorer CE which requires you to plan your trip in Oziexplorer first and then export to Oziexplorer CE(?)

Thanks again for the great thread you started.

[RaZz0R]

Hey Ranga,

The GPS units are working well from DX - however I too want to go the tablet route or netbook - my main issue is power supply for it all - any good solutions?

[Stewie]

Hey Ranga,

The GPS units are working well from DX - however I too want to go the tablet route or netbook - my main issue is power supply for it all - any good solutions?

Apprently there is a 12v power supply available. I'll look into it for you and let you know.

BTW. Do you have any DX units in stock as I'm getting a bit desperate for the upcoming trip?

Ta Stewie.

[Ranga]

Ranga,

I agree. It is horses for courses. I'm just trying to find the right horse for ALL of my courses :)

Do you still do the Duel Extreme systems or are they now all sold out. I have followed your original thread all the way through to page 46 (was up till 4am rading them) and everyone seems to be a fan of the systems you have been flashing. They really look like a simple and cheap way of getting some gps mapping to work in your vehicle and the way that some users have customised them (from your instuctions) looks great.

I'm currently rebuilding an old laptop to take on the trip I have comming up at the end of the month but didn't really want to throw too much money into it as it's only a prototype to see how all of this gps moving map stuff works. Put it this way, if I buy a gps receiver for the laptop (which I need to get a gps signal) it's gonna cost me about the same as one of the Duel Extreme units you were selling and then if I decide to go that way I'll have a gps recieve spare. I suppose I could always try and sell it on here or eBay.

Are you suggesting that for outback 4wd trips that a netbook/laptop/tablet PC would be your prefered choice over the Duel Extreme?

Am I right in tinking that the Duel Extreme can only only run Oziexplorer CE which requires you to plan your trip in Oziexplorer first and then export to Oziexplorer CE(?)

Thanks again for the great thread you started.

The Deal Extreme version would be OK, but personally I'd prefer a netbook (not a notebook). They're also cheap enough to justify having both - the DX unit for usual on-road, and a netbook for bigger trips.

BTW, if you're looking for a GPS for a laptop, one of these would probably work DealExtreme: $31.34 High Sensitivity Mini USB GPS Receiver (200CM-Cable) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.34881).

[Ranga]

Hey Ranga,

The GPS units are working well from DX - however I too want to go the tablet route or netbook - my main issue is power supply for it all - any good solutions?

Just get an inverter.

[RaZz0R]

won't it just sux too much from the batteries using it all the time tho? (Duel setup - but in series)

[Stewie]

won't it just sux too much from the batteries using it all the time tho? (Duel setup - but in series)

Jaycar do a 12 volt variable power supply for around $60 - $120.

Other than that I would go with an invertor. I've been told that invertors are safer as the power supply is constant as it would be if it were plugged into the mains. I've been told that using a 12v variable power supply can sometimes damge your notbook and "brick" it.

Once there is nothing plugged into the invertor or it is turned off it wont draw any amps from the battery.

[RaZz0R]

ok - cheers for the info ;)

[rijidij]

Would it be fairly straight forward to get Ozi CE and IGO to work on a tablet PC like this one ? ........ 7" Touch Screen TFT LCD Win CE 5.0 Tablet PC w/ WiFi - Black (533MHz) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.39640) ........... It comes with a USB GPS receiver.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/06/738.jpg

I have a 7" GPS unit (Dealextreme) with IGO, but I think I would need a tutorial to install Ozi. I'm just wondering if it's simpler on a PC rather than a GPS.

Murray

[miky]

I have one of the original units - see start of this thread. iGo works great. Used it in the UK recently.
But I reckon it is a bit small for OziExplorer.

Have just ordered a 7 inch unit (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367).

Hopefully, I will be able to get OziExplorer working on it.
May need some help though :)

Mike

[Timj]

Well I have purchased one of the later 5" CE 6.0 units from Deal Extreme and have managed to get IGO8 working on it with up to date maps and such like but I have a problem with it not finding any satellites. Doesn't matter how I connect or disconnect the GPS receiver it still won't see a single satellite. There are a couple of posts on the Deal Extreme site about the same thing but no replies from anybody with information and I can't find anything on GPSUnlock either.

Does anybody else have any experience with the same problem?
Is there any new firmware available for these later units? (SKU 33738)

Thanks,

TimJ.

[slug_burner]

Did you insert your approx location? If the GPS receiver has not previously been working then it has to try and solve a solution for the first time and will take a long time unless you prime it with an approx location.

[101RRS]

Well I have purchased one of the later 5" CE 6.0 units from Deal Extreme and have managed to get IGO8 working on it with up to date maps and such like but I have a problem with it not finding any satellites. Doesn't matter how I connect or disconnect the GPS receiver it still won't see a single satellite. There are a couple of posts on the Deal Extreme site about the same thing but no replies from anybody with information and I can't find anything on GPSUnlock either.

Does anybody else have any experience with the same problem?
Is there any new firmware available for these later units? (SKU 33738)

Thanks,

TimJ.


Try hitting the reset button on the side as it then goes back to the defaults which does have the GPS connected to the software. You will loose any settings you have put into the GPS software and will have to set them up again.

Garry

[Timj]

Hi Slug Burner,

I can't find anywhere to do that. I know there is an option to do that on the Garmin unit I have but I can't find anywhere on this one.

Thanks,

TimJ.

[Timj]

Hi Garry,

Have reset it as well and that didn't help. I have even changed the comms speed of the link to the GPS receiver to 4800 baud since that is what is in a config file I saw when looking through the files in the root directory.

Actually what I might try is changing that config file to match the default that the program autodetects which is 38400. But I can't tell what it is a config for since it isn't named.

Thanks,

TimJ.

[101RRS]

Also be aware that the build of the model you have does not like vibrations like corrugations causing problems. Mine died very early on a recent trip I did mainly due to the poor quality suction mount allowing the GPS to bounce around a lot.

When I got home I pulled it apart and the problem is the power/computer input port. The leverage of the charging cable bouncing around has caused some sort of break or dry joint stopping the battery from being charged. If I push the charging cable all the way in it does not charge but if I put it in half way it does - charges when pulled apart but not when together. The actual GPS works fine as did Rangas mods but I would ditch the standard suction mount and get something more robust. Also disconnect the power lead when on rough sections.

I do not have the capability of doing the micro soldering needed to resolder mine and it is not cost effective to get a professional to repair it so I will probably get another and use it as indicated above.

Garry

[Ranga]

Some units have given me trouble with iGO finding satellites. I fixed it by going into Menu/Settings/GPS and unticking GPS enabled. This let me select the Autodetect option in the bottom right hand corner, and then it worked fine. Might be worth a try.

[Timj]

Hi Ranga,

Done that numerous times and it doesn't help. It sees the GPS receiver and connects on port 1 at 38400 but it still doesn't see any satellites. It was not seeing any satellites when I was using the Route66 that came with it either so I am thinking it could be hardware. On the deal extreme web site it seems that this is a problem with quite a few of these units and so far there are no knowledgeable replies. Some seem to have come good just by leaving them for a few hours running but this one hasn't responded to that or all the other resets etc that I have tried.

Damn. It seems quite a good package apart from the fact that it doesn't work. :(

TimJ.

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga,

Done that numerous times and it doesn't help. It sees the GPS receiver and connects on port 1 at 38400 but it still doesn't see any satellites. It was not seeing any satellites when I was using the Route66 that came with it either so I am thinking it could be hardware. On the deal extreme web site it seems that this is a problem with quite a few of these units and so far there are no knowledgeable replies. Some seem to have come good just by leaving them for a few hours running but this one hasn't responded to that or all the other resets etc that I have tried.

Damn. It seems quite a good package apart from the fact that it doesn't work. :(

TimJ.

Bugger - on the upside, Deal Extreme will pay for the return postage on faulty items. The return process is a little slow given DX's communication speeds, but I've had one return which was process to my satisfaction.

[RaZz0R]

Hey Ranga,

Are these units using the phone towers or actual sat connections? Even tho it says its connecting to satalites - it just makes me wonder.

One of the units that was bought for a mate is having the same issues as Timj's. One of the things I would like is one of these GPS units with more RAM then 64mb.

With the orignal GPS unit I was wondering how bad the screen was in the sunlight? The unit I have seems to be really shiny when it comes to sun.

Last thing - does anyone have any feed back about the 7" screen units?? IE: How the screen is in the sun & how fast they are??

[Ranga]

I'm pretty confident they're using actual satellites.

Direct sunlight has never been an issue for me, as it rarely hits the unit with the Defender windscreen being so vertical.

[DavidB]

Hi Timj

I had a similar problem problem with mine. Although my unit runs on CE5.
Try this.

Open iGO. Go to Settings then to GPS.
Untick GPS Enabled. Now click on Baud rate and change it to 4800 (Just click on the Baud Rate figure and it will drop down).Now click GPS Enabled again.

If this does not work check GPS Status in the original machine software. This should show you if it is a hardware fault.


Dave

[miky]

... does anyone have any feed back about the 7" screen units?? IE: How the screen is in the sun & how fast they are?


I have one on order. Tell you when I get it.

Hoping to run OziExplorer on it.

[RaZz0R]

yeah I am sure you can do that easy enough - if ya need help let me know ;)

But can you say - run ozi & play mp3's in the back ground no problems???
I am mainly wondering about the screen & sun - so yeah :) let us all know ;)

[miky]

My 7 inch screen unit has arrived.

7.0" Touchscreen (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26367) 400MHz CPU Windows CE 5.0 GPS Navigator w/ Bluetooth Handsfree + 2GB Maps SD

Runs iGo and seems very similar to Ranga's original unit.

So iGo is good, and I like iGo - does what I want.

But the real reason I got it was to run OziExplorer. I use Ozi heaps on a laptop.

Ranga, if you think your OziExplorer install instructions will work for this unit can I get a copy?

Cheers, Mike

[Ranga]

I've been meaning to update my instructions and files for a while now, to suit both size units and both Windows CE 5 and 6.

I'll endeavour to do this next week.

The menu will work with both versions of CE, but will need to be resized to suit the size of the GPS.

[miky]

Thank you for all your efforts Ranga.
Will look forward to your updated instructions.

7 inch didn't seem a lot until I got it!
Sure looks big. I think I will need a mount to fit it in the Defender. Would take up too much window space if fitted to the window with supplied kit I think.

Mike

[Ranga]

Thank you for all your efforts Ranga.
Will look forward to your updated instructions.

7 inch didn't seem a lot until I got it!
Sure looks big. I think I will need a mount to fit it in the Defender. Would take up too much window space if fitted to the window with supplied kit I think.

Mike

Yeh, you also have to be careful that plod don't see it as obscuring vision either - bookable offence up our way.

[biggin]

In my D2, you could cover more than half the windscreen and the only thing obscured from view would be the bonnet. They're not really designed for the taller gentleman.:D

[feral]

I received my unit on Friday and have spent a most enjoyable weekend adding Oziexplorer.

I usually run a laptop with a 10.5" screen, Oziexplorer, Natmaps & UBD City & Regional maps and this would be used when we are on the road, but I wanted something for running around town and the odd occasion of having to go somewhere without the laptop.

So I bought a "Ranga GPS" :p and had intentions of running Oziexplorer with all the maps.

But no...this is not the case. Oziexplorer CE can run the Natmaps but it will not run the UBD City & Regional Maps. So my GPS unit is pointless:(

I have not found a hack and even Oziexplorer say on their site the UBD does not run on CE.

Any clues if UBD can run on the GPS?