Using Garmin Nuvi 700 series with other programs...

I have heard nothing but praise for these devices and am getting ready
to grab one, but one of my *basic* requirements is to also use it a
plain GPS antenna and have it pass the information through the USB
connection, as I drive around, to a third party program (the other
program expects NMEA sentences). I read the on-line manuals, talked
to store people (what a waste), and can't find a definitive answer...

Can it be used in that mode? Does it have to be switched to that mode
(instead of as a mass storage device)? Do I need a special cable?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide some useful info.

Chris

On 04/05/2009 18:24, Chris wrote:

Apparently its possible using Franson GpsGate software, if you put the
Nuvi in diagnostic mode: http://franson.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8447
GpsGate can output the NMEA sentences to a virtual COM port etc.

I presume the Nuvi can't be used for navigation when its in diagnostic mode.
It would probably be simpler / cheaper to just get a basic USB GPS mouse
instead, or as well as the Nuvi (GPSGate is not free).

--
Craig Wallace
http://craig.neogeo.org.uk
http://www.neogeo.org.uk

e
7
de.

Thanks. That's a bummer. So, a Nuvi cannot be used to provide input
to third-party software, like Streets and Trips. I know that's not
they were designed for, but it would be fairly simple to allow for
this, and Garmin should at least say that up-front.

But, if they can't be used for that, how are they used for Fleet
Management? I could have sworn I saw Garmin even selling special USB
cables for them, for the Nuvis, so they can be used for Fleet
Management/Tracking.

Chris

wrote (with clarity & insight):


They sure don't output NMEA natively.

But you can get a cheap Holux mouse to do it. They have a magnetized
base and are waterproof.

I really appreciate the info!

You are right, I know I can the Holux receiver, but don't want to have
two devices - if I can avoid it. Is there anyway to plug them into
the USB port and then listen to it for any NMEA info? I thought
Garmin had a USB protocol to do that. May be I am using the wrong
term, I don't know. For example, I am using an older Garmin GPS18 and
communicates with the application through the Garmin USB protoclo.
Nothing similar for the Nuvi?

Chris