Data Hacking

Chapter 2 — Building GPS Data Cables and Power Cords
The easiest way to solder these is to heat up the wire from the cable, coat that in solder,
and then put the coated wire against the appropriate pin. Using the soldering iron, heat up
the appropriate pin in the cradle and when the solder melts, take the soldering iron away to
fix it. This minimizes the risk of short circuits and splashing solder on something important.
8. Make a hole in the cradle exterior for the wire to come out of. Once you have done that,
reassemble the cradle and then confirm that you can access your GPS from the iPAQ via
the cradle.
Testing the Connection
The easiest way to test the connection is to use simple software, and software doesn’t come much
simpler than WinFast Navigator. This application is available free for download (the best, most
reliable source for this can be found at www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=
Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=15) and can be installed and up and running on a Pocket PC
device in minutes. Once installed, you should find Navigator showing on your Start menu.
Set your GPS to the NMEA data transfer protocol (more than 95 percent of units support this
standard, and although it is old and a bit slow compared to the more modern SiRF, it is still
likely to remain popular for a long time to come). Now connect the GPS to the cable connected
to the cradle and seat the iPAQ in the cradle. Tap View and then Diagnostics. This will present
you with another screen devoid of data, as shown in Figure 2-28. This is the diagnostics screen,
and it’s best to be sitting on this when you try to connect.
You can find more information on these protocols in Chapter 9.
FIGURE 2-28: WinFast Navigator
If you don’t see any data appear onscreen when connected, there is a problem somewhere —
usually the wrong settings have been input. Connecting to the GPS unit can involve quite a lot
of trial and error until you find the correct settings.
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