Data Hacking

Chapter 7 — Making Connections
If you receive error messages when using the software, follow these steps to resolve the problem:
1. Ensure that the cables are properly connected and working properly.
2. Make sure that the GPS is turned on and powered up properly.
3. Ensure that the input/output format (interface) on your GPS receiver is set to support
the NMEA protocol (usually, if given a choice, use NMEA 0183 version 2.0 or later).
4. Make sure the COM serial port is set to the same speed as the GPS unit. For most
devices, 4800 bps is the appropriate speed to use.
5. Ensure that the COM port that was selected during configuration is the same port to
which your GPS receiver is actually connected. On the Tools menu in MapPoint, click
GPS, click Configure GPS Receiver, and then select a different COM port from the list
if necessary.
6. Exit or change the settings for other programs or applications that use the same COM
port you have configured for the GPS receiver.
7. Make sure that your GPS device does not require a specific mapping program to work
properly. Although it is rare, some GPS receivers can only be used with specific software
packages. For example, some TomTom units are locked to the software and cannot be
used with other software packages.
8. MapPoint cannot detect GPS receivers that connect to the PCMCIA slot in your computer
(these are common on laptops).
9. A GPS for use with MapPoint must be configured to use a COM port with a number
below 20. COM ports above 20 will not be recognized as being a GPS device by the
software.
If your GPS receiver cannot find satellites, follow these steps:
1. Make sure you have properly installed your GPS receiver, and that you are using both
the correct COM port and a functional cable.
2. Make sure your GPS receiver has been turned on, is connected to your computer, and is
running for several minutes in a location where it has a clear view of the sky. Check to
see if the GPS itself is tracking satellites.
3. Make sure the COM serial port is set to the same speed as the GPS unit. For most
devices, 4800 bps is the appropriate speed to use.
4. Make sure the COM port that was selected during configuration is the same port to which
your GPS receiver is actually connected. On the Tools menu in MapPoint, click GPS, click
Configure GPS Receiver, and then select a different COM port from the list if necessary.
5. Exit or change the settings for other programs or applications that use the same COM
port you have configured for the GPS receiver.
6. Make sure your GPS device does not require a specific mapping program to work properly.
Although it is rare, some GPS receivers can only be used with specific software packages.
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