How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

*********************** UPDATE Dec 03, 2009 ***********************************
I'm going back to my original suggestion to avoid COM4 (what External GPS Points at) and use GPSGate
COM4 will work sometimes (works well when another application is poking it with WM GPS API e.g. GoogleMaps)
************************************************** *************************

So many posts about GPS lag when I don't believe there is any lag on any ROM.

Lots of confusion out there so I thought I’d take a stab at this.

Some applications know how to use the Window Mobile GPS API (Like Google Maps) and some applications MUST use a com port (e.g. iGuidance). The Window Mobile COM Port Emulator (which tries to do what GPSGate does) is what causes the lag. It's that application called "Extenal GPS" DON'T use it, don't use the COM port it's set to for anything, it's the root of all evil.

********* Setup Quick GPS (Optional) *********************************************
First let’s get QuickGPS set up.
It's not set automatic update by default.
QuickGPS is not required but it will help for a quick lock for all GPS applications.

Start QuickGPS
Goto Menu Options
Uncheck - Remind Me.
Check - Auto Download when data expires.
Don't Care - Download on Active Sync (I have it off ActiveSync doesn't need anything extra)
Check - Exit QuickGPS after Download.

As soon as you click ok, it will download and exit (if it's out of date and should be out of date on a hard reset)
You should never have to run QuickGPS again (until you hard reset).

**************** Setup Google Maps (Simple) *************************************

Let's get GoogleMaps going. Basic steps are DO NOTHING !!!

You want Google Maps to use "Windows Managed" (Default), that is the Windows Mobile API.
Don't change to a com port.

Note: Don't use the “External GPS” application in Settings. It's JUNK !! There is NO COM Port for the actual GPS.

When you first start GoogleMaps the GPS is OFF !!!

You should still get a lock (on Sprint anyway). That is from the towers and cannot be used for navigation.
You will see a big circle around the dot when your lock is from towers only (Also called GPS assist).
Don't panic if you don't get a Tower Based lock. It's nice to have but not required.
But a satellite lock will take longer without it.

Turn on the GPS from the menu (Use GPS).

You will see how many Satellites are locked (constantly) and there should be no lag once it locks.
It may take some time to acquire but it's generally very quick if you already had a tower lock.

******** Setup GPSGate (Only for Applications that Require COM Ports) *****************

Now for GPSGate (only required for apps that MUST use a COM port):

I added GPSGate CAB as an attachment (This is a trial version)
Request Page http://franson.com/gpsgate/download.asp
This is the Desktop Installer http://franson.com/gpsgate/download....GpsGatePPC.exe

Windows Mobile / Pocket PC download GpsGate v2.6 build 326 for Pocket PC / Windows Mobile (1.5 MB)
Works on Pocket PC 2002, 2003, WM5 Pocket PC, WM6 Professional and Classic. Touch screen is required.
14 days free trial
Published 23. May, 2008

On Input Tab choose "WM GPS" and then Click Open. That is the Windows Mobile GPS API. Do not use any com port for input.
On Output Tab choose "Virtual COM" then click Add and choose COM3.
Leave GPSGate Running (it's running as long as you didn't click Exit) !!

GPSGate is $23.00 but there may be other free apps that work as well.

You can also check out GPSProxy (I have no experience with this or know how to set it up).
No promises GPSProxy works.
See http://www.malsingmaps.com/wiki/inde...p_GPSProxy_2.x

***************** Setup Navigation Applications ***********************************

Then configure iGuidance, TomTom etc. to use COM3.

GPSGate must be running before you start your navigation software every time.

Don’t forget to exit GPSGate when you are done or your battery will drain fast.
To exit, click the startup icon again and a menu will pop up to exit.

Other navigation apps like Sprint Navigation know how to use the Windows Mobile GPS API (no com port and GPSGate is not required). If your application requires a COM port use GPSGate and set it up correctly and you should be fine.

**************** Summary for GPS Settings for different applications ******************

Google Maps (Set GPS to Windows Managed - Default) Don't forget to set Use GPS too.
Garmin XT (Set GPS to Intermediate Driver) Thanks Swoope
iGuidance (Set GPS to COM3 - via GPSGate)
External GPS (Don't use it or the COM port it's set to, it's default is COM4).
GPSGate (Input WM GPS) (Output COM3) Only use if your application requires COM ports.
QuickGPS (Set Auto Download and Auto Exit On all other options Off) This is optional and only effects lock speed.
Sprint Navigation (Do nothing it defaults to WM GPS API).

****************************** Going faster than 1 update a second ***************************

This topic does not cover trying to make the GPS Updates go faster than designed.
There is a driver over on XDA that tries to interpolate your position between updates.
That is not what this thread is about.

****************************** Other Rat holes *******************************************

That whole QPST GPS configuration thing is a complete rat hole (at least on a Sprint phone).

I hope this helps some folks.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Do you know of any GPS programs that run natively on the Windows Mobile GPS API?

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

i use garmin i love garmin but yes 2 seconds lag gps setting are configured to use com 4 automatically so i have not change anything there.

it would be nice for no lag on garmin but i beieve it impossible to get no lag on garmin.

igo8 - that i can get no lag with same exact setting on gps automatic come 4. no lag what so ever but i dont like igo8 i am a huge fan of garmin love it shame garmin can't let you configure turns or setting 2 seconds early that would solve any lag

well my 2 cents but anyone figure out garmin no lag i would be the first one to say thanks and donate ...

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Don't use COM4 !!! Geesh use GPSGate and you won't have any lag.
You can try it free for 15 days.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Float on over to Xda. There is a new GPS driver that should help with the lag.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Only from reading forums it looks like Sprint Navagation Windows Mobile GPS API.
There are probably others.

Just use your favorate Nav app and use GPSGate if it requires a COM port.
GPSGate is very light weight and very robust. Has never failed me in like 2 years.

I'm amazed Microsoft has not fixed the Virtual COM emulator and more Nav apps don't use the GPS API. But it's been like that for quite some time. iGuidance knows of the problem and recommends customers use GPSGate.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

link please ??

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

thanks so how do i actually use gpsgate with garmin ??

set up please i will give it a try if it works i willing to buy it the app


thanks

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

also with garmin xt,

go to gps (hit the little signal strength bars) then select use intermedite driver.. works very well for me.

this comes from my old mogul days..

beers

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I just explained it in the first post !!

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

that for google maps how about Garmin set up ??

ok questions i have goto external gps and turn off com ports or what ??

uncheck automatic configure GPS??

there is a lot of information missing

sorry but currently i have lag and if gpsgate can remove the lag on garmin i am all for it

also i dowload the gpsgate ppc ?? there are different version out there which is the one for htc tp 2 ?

thanks

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

First you might want to take swoopes advice (he posted a tip a couple back) as it sounds like Garmin XT can connect directly using WM GPS API (also often called the intermediate driver).

Try that first before adding GPSGate (which is covered in the first post).

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

ok i dont see gps only thing i see under setting there is external gps and that is set om com4 and automatic configure gps ?

can you help me were you seeing this intermidiate drvier ? setting and how to change it so there is no lag please??

i am newbie whne it comes to gps

thaanks

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I just added this to the opening post.

Summary for GPS Settings for different applications:

Google Maps (Set GPS to Windows Managed - Default) Don't forget to set Use GPS too.
Garmin XT (Set GPS to Intermediate Driver) Thanks Swoope
iGuidance (Set GPS to COM3 - via GPSGate)
External GPS (Don't use it or the COM port it's set to, it's default is COM4).
GPSGate (Input WM GPS) (Output COM3) Only use if your application requires COM ports.
QuickGPS (Set Auto Download and Auto Exit On all other options Off) This is optional and only effects lock speed.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

STOP don't past go, do not collect $200.00

Don't use that stupid "External GPS" Applet for ANYTHING. Period DO NOT USE, DO NOT EVER use the com port it references. That is the the most obvious thing to do poking around and that's why so many folks are messed up. It's broken. It's been broken for years.

Now roll the dice and move two spaces.

This is what Swoope said to do if you have Garmin XT.
You do this IN THE GARMIN XT Application.

Now try navigating to Boardwalk.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

ok my garmin is already set with intermediate driver and i still see 2 seconds lag...

igo8 no lag what so ever but hate the app sorry i am a huge garmin fan

so what else i can do to make garmin with no lag ??

PS: external GPS turn it off ?? set it at none none none ?? is it that bad??

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

where is the "WM GPS" option in gpsgate? all i see under input is com4, gpsgate direct, com port, bluetooth gps, activesync, garmin com, tcp client, udp receiver, and virtual com port

thx

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

2 seconds isn't all that much time walking or driving. You sure the lag isn't more than 2 seconds to be a problem.
If there is something that is showing you a "Report every 2 seconds" ignore it. Most GPS reporting is set to 1 second. So 2 seconds is not that bad. If you were using COM4 you will get way more lag than 2 seconds and it becomes unusable. Try driving with it set to Intermediate Driver and think you will find it works fine. I suspect the report every 2 seconds your seeing is the Garmin app itself. And 2 seconds is normally fine.

I'm not sure how to turn "External GPS" off, as long as NO application is use that COM port it should not be impacting you.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

ok thanks for all the help yes i get about 2 seconds lag and i can live with that i was going to try gpsgate man it even confusing to set it up sorry but i will live with the 2 second lag..

what so funny about this is igo8 has no lag cause if i was getting lag i should be getting lag on both app not one . oh well thanks for the help may be there is a fix down the road to improve garmin lag

thanks

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

On the Input Tab, Click the Drop Down Box.

I Must have like 20 Items in there and there is no COM4 (or any COM ports) but "WM GPS" is listed.

On the Advanced Tab you can check version.

I'm running version V2.6.0.312

Make sure you downloaded the right version.

Windows Mobile / Pocket PC download GpsGate v2.6 build 326 for Pocket PC / Windows Mobile (1.5 MB)
Works on Pocket PC 2002, 2003, WM5 Pocket PC, WM6 Professional and Classic. Touch screen is required.
14 days free trial
Published 23. May, 2008
Request download link here

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

ok thx. i had an older version of gpsgate and it didn't have that option. downloaded 2.6 and it works great now!

thx again

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

ok downloaded the gpsgate set up like you said when i go into garmin i select use gps serial / com3 franson com3 it searching but nothing happens default back to imtermediate driver

ok so what am i doing wrong ??

i just want to try the gpsgate and see if that fix a 2 second lag or not

thanks

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I have no idea why people need this. I don't find the TP2 any different than Diamond or Voque for Car navigation. If GeoCaching needs something better than so be it.

But I think folks are confusing different forms of "Lag". Someone had the "normal" lag issue from the crappy COM Port emulator (that GPSGate deals with or Good Apps that don't use COM ports) And found that "Driver" on XDA. It was not developed for the TP2 and there may be issues with other devices. Or people wanted something better than standard GPS Behavior. I really think you do not need this driver. The developers main phone is a DIAMOND. Diamond never had an issue with laggy GPS (at least the CDMA one didn't).

TP2 GPS out of the Box works great.

Also this "Driver" on XDA is a COM Port Emulator and effectively may do the same as GPSGate which is eliminate the need for Windows Mobile GPS COM port emulator.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

this is funny now.

i just used the quick gps that came with the phone..

i have not used gps gate since my mogul.. i have little lag running the garmin xt..

i find it odd that there is any when none existed with my mogul..

and what makes the igo lag free..

just wondering.

beers

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I still have the lag when I use the settings the OP had in his first thread. Dont notice it while driving as bad, but if your walking, the GPS doesnt have a high enough update resolution to be useful. You have to walk about 30-50 feet before the gps chip updates your position. I have also tried using GPSgate with GCz and still have the lag.

GPSgate is simply a program that GPS applications can use to "share" the gps chip at the same time. Its also used if your application cant "talk" with the gps chip throught the windows gps api. Its not a be-all-end-all lag reducer. Its an intermediary app used to share out the output from the GPS chip.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I hear ya. I don't notice any difference in lag between Diamond and TP2. Even driving around the block in a residential area. I will try walking with both Diamond and TP2 and see if I notice anything.

If folks say one application works and another doesn't then it's NOT the chip.

Your description of GPSGate is correct and it basically allows COM based apps to use the WM GPS API. Which is what the built in "Intermediate Driver" (aka External GPS applet) is supposed to do. But if you use that you will see HUGE lag (way more than 30 feet).

I think the types of lag are getting confused.

Perhaps it (the chip) changed from 1 sec to 2 seconds to save battery in the chip and folks navigating by car didn't notice a problem but folks walking do. But that only confused the normal bogus Microsoft GPS COM Port emulator lag that has been around for a long time.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Could be. the "lag" I am referring to is the actual update resolution of the gps.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 255w in my fiances car, and when I fire it up, put my Garmin MobileXT on my TP2 next to it (with both of them set to the same zoom level) you can definately see the lag. They are both using the same City Navigator mapset, and the Nuvi's resolution is alot higher than the TP2.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Ok I just ran the Diamond side by side with TP2 both locked on 9 Sats with Google Maps.

I walked up and down my driveway about 100ft long and I could see myself reaching the street almost real time on both. As soon as I turned around and walked a few steps they switched 180 degrees. Pretty impressive actually. If anything the Diamond lagged the TP2 a little more.

There is no "NEW" problem with the GPS in the TP2. Maybe it's not good enough for some folks but there is nothing broken here to fix. Just the normal setup confusion which causes massive lag (like a block behind). If you are seeing like a block behind then it's just the normal WM 6 crap you have to deal with (covered in the opening post of this thread).

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Make sure you are going outside when testing. I was walking in the house with 9 sats and it was not responding well at all (Both Diamond and TP2). As soon as I went out side it was responding great. I tested with Google Maps (since we all have it and can use WM GPS API). If Google maps works then all other apps can work to, some with a little extra work (i.e. GPSGate or similar).

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I have to disagree. The position update is "jumpy" on my unit. Thats the lag I am referring to.
I will try to make a vid in the next day or so showing both the Nuvi and my Mobile XT unit side by side. The Nuvi updates its postion several times a second, and makes for a nice smooth moving cursor. On the other hand, the GPS chip in the TP2 updates position every 2 or 3 seconds, or every 30-50 feet, this makes the cursor move in a "jumpy" fashion, and when your walking its more noticable.

When your using Google Maps driving, you can see the cursor "jumping" up the highway instead of smoothly moving. Thats the lag I am referring to. CoPilot 8 Live isnt as bad as most, a it extrapolates your position based upon your speed and last location in much the same way that the modified driver over at XDA does.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I don't see the jumping at all. I have seen it over the years when you have a marginal lock, tall building etc. and I understand what you mean. Mine is smooth. Like you said I'm getting several updates a second with google maps.

Use google maps if you can so we can all compare apples to apples.

There is probably a GPSTrace app we could show exactly what is happening on each others phone.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

In input in gpsgate did you hit the open button at the right of WM GPS and see the icon under WM GPS turn green?

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I just checked iGuidance GPS update rate. It's once every 2 seconds. On both the HTC Diamond and on the Touch Pro2. Once every 2 seconds for driving is fine !!! You won't miss a turn.

I don't know how fast Google Maps updates but it looked plenty responsive while walking around.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Thanks. I updated the Opening Post with a little more detail.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

Glad I could help.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

On the Tomtom site we can see (at least in France) that Navigator 7 is now compatible with HTC Touch Pro 2 ..

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

I did a few calculations.

Given 1 GPS Update every 2 seconds:

At 60 mph you are moving at 88ft/sec.
So that equates to a 1 GPS update every 186ft.
That's about every other house AT 60mph !!!
That's plenty often.

At 30 mph you would get 1 update for each house.

You walk at approx 3 mph (that's fast).
That equates to 4.4 ft /sec
So that equates to a 1 GPS update every 8.8 ft.

So 1 update every 2 seconds is plenty enough for Walking, GeoCacheing or Car Navigation.

One thing folks might be seeing is with more screen you can see a lot more references as you move and if you zoom in a lot and drive, say 30mph, yes the screen will jump about 88ft every GPS update. Some applications may poll more often or do their own interpolation. But for normal use TP2 is the same as prior phones and is fine.

Re: How to configure your GPS for No Lag !!
 

do you know if there are any other apps out there that do the same thing as gpsgate, but for free? or is gpsgate the only one that can select the actual WM GPS port?