OpenStreetMap
Was browsing eBay noticed that there are allot of neat multi functional GPS devices nowadays. I was wondering which one would be most recommended for carrying around when logging with a bulkier LCD display device is not desired. Also thought, would be a greatly ->cheaper<- way of capturing tracks during extreme activities. Activities such as mountain biking, dirt biking, quad riding or some other activity where a conventional costly LCD display model maybe be broken. Guess I'm just gonna have to buy one and and try it.
Discussion
Comment from cantece on 8 June 2008 at 20:39
hello,
see the Wintec WBT 201 GPS Logger.
Comment from daveemtb on 9 June 2008 at 12:08
How about a bluetooth GPS receiver to use with your mobile phone, which I guess you may carry round with you anywhere? They only cose about £25 for a decent one if you shop around. I think there are logging apps available for most phones. Certainly S60 and Windows Mobile phones, not sure about others supporting Java, but I think so. Otherwise did you see the storage deopt section here: osm.wiki/index.php/Merchandise I don't know if the Navi GPS is in stock at the mo though.
Comment from black_bike on 9 June 2008 at 14:28
Hello,
I'm using the Royaltek RGM-3800. I like this device very much for taking GPS-tracks.
The price should be around 60.- Euro.
Plus:
+ Very small and light, about double matchbox size.
+ Lots of memory for taking tracks.
+ Uses two AAA-batterys or AAA-NiMH-Accus.
You can change them, if you loose power.
+ One Set of batteries last for about 8 hours of tracking.
+ Simple to use, only one button to switch it on or of.
+ Simple interface:
LED is green: Taking traces
LED is blinking green: Looking for satellites
LED is blinking red: Low Power, change batteries soon
LED is red: Some problems....
LED is off, device is off
+ Can take GPS-Trackpoints down to an intervall of 1 second
[You need new firmware for this.]
+ Starts a new GPS-Track after switching on and off.
[You need new firmware for this.]
+ You connect the device to the computer via USB-Cable.
Minus:
- You need windows software to read out data from the device.
- I don't know linux software to read out the device. :-(
- It's not waterproof. I wouldn't use it unprotected in hard rain.
Who stops tracing for OSM because of rain?
- You can't store special waypoints.
- The LED is a little bit dark. You don't see it when the sun blinks brightly.
Unclear (to me:)
I don't know if it's possible to use the device to get live
GPS data if you are on your way using a laptop.
The device gives out the data in the NMEA format. For OSM I convert the data to
GPX format using the program gpsbabel.
Have fun working for OSM.
black_bike
Comment from --IKS-- on 9 June 2008 at 14:56
I can recommend the iBlue747. I bought it from a Ebay-seller in Hongkong for EUR 60 (incl shipment).
* It uses Nokia-rechargables. Battery lifetime is longer than a day (24h).
* Storage is 4MB internal memory (commonly advertised as 32 MBit - so don't be disappointed! ;) )
* Size is about same as a matchbox and weighth due to the battery about mobile phone
* There are GPL-licensed communication softwares for the device as well as some proprietary Windows-stuff from the manufacturer.