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-- technical question about HandyGPS (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5515)

Hey gang, hoping you can help me out a bit....

In the Nexian FAQ, they make 2 seemingly contradictory statements..... that HandyGPS would work for aviation/sailing purposes (though no aviation/sailing maps are provided, ok I can deal with that).... but that no other mapping software besides UbiGo is compatible with HandGPS.

Are they saying that HandyGPS uses a proprietary protocol, that (for instance) would not be compatible with Palm-based aviation software?? Or are they just saying they cannot guarantee its compatibility with other mapping programs (but it might work)??

In the many website transformations for HandyGPS (Marcosoft, Nexian, etc) I have noticed that the specs no longer call for NMEA compatibility, but just a "Navicom ASCII Interface Protocol"..... sounds proprietary to me.

Basically, I'm interested in this GPS module for aviation purposes. And if it simply won't work with any GPS software besides the included UbiGo app, then I'm not interested, and would appreciate knowing this in advance. Any insight you guys can shed would be much appreciated! (BTW... I tried sending a similar message to Nexian on their site, but apparently they are having server problems.)

Thank you!
- Sean

Hi Sean:

Good question and I really can't answer it. I have one ordered (sent the check in last week) and as soon as I get it, I can test with the Marcosoft mapping software (they have a demo) and see if these two can talk to each other. If they can, then I don't think you will have an issue as Marcosoft's original setup for the HandyGPS was NEMA.

Mike V.