Mobile GPS navigation system
with Garmin eMap

A lighter version of the CarterGPS solution

by John Stead, Orangeville, ON email jstead@CarterRV.com Here is another angle on computer trip planning. This is a much "lighter" approach when compared to the setup described in "CarterGPS". The Garmin eMap GPS unit is used since that is the model I have. You may apply the same methodology to you own GPS model. The GPS unit is used all on its own. The "route" is programmed into the GPS in preparation of the trip. The MapBlast web site generates route information (www.MapBlast.com). "GPS Utility" is able to read MapBlast files so that you can upload the data into your GPS receiver. Happy RVing from John, Nancy, Paul and Jake. Connections: a) The GPS has a 12v accessory plug which is connected to the cigarette ligher socket. b) The map light, (for daytime driving), is plugged into the accessory socket on the dash beside the GPS. Required Components: a) The Garmin eMap GPS (or equivilent). b) An automotive power cable and a data transfer cable (I use the combination cable shown). c) The "GPS Utility" program from Alan Murphy in UK. d) Access to an internet enabled computer. Optional Components: a) The proper GPS mounting bracket. b) The map light, (for daytime driving), is plugged into the accessory socket on the dash beside the GPS. Route Preparation: The following instructions are primarily from the "GPS Utility" documentation. I have removed and/or changed some steps to reflect the way I do it. Please Note: This function relies on MAPBLAST continuing to include the coordinate information in the Step-by-Steps Maps file. If MAPBLAST discontinue doing this, then this facility will then no longer be available. To make use of this facility: a) Link to the MapBlast site using your web browser. www.MapBlast.com b) Select "Directions" and enter the start and end addresses for your route. c) Select "Get Directions" to get the route map. d) At this point, the "address" bar of your browser will be full of characters like ..... "&multiIC=43.588732:-79.644410:8:Mississauga,+ON:44.564241:-80.942841:8:Owen+Sound,+ON&BEE=1" Change the very last part where it says "BEE=1" to "PMS=25" then press ENTER. This will redraw the map with the needed resolution for the GPS Utility and your GPS receiver. e) Save this page as an MB, HTML or HTM file in some suitable directory (Note in MSIE 5.0., there are 2 options -- 'Save Complete' and 'Save Html Only'. Use 'Save Html Only', as this is sufficient for GPS Utility and it saves cluttering up your system with lots of graphics). GPS Utility usage: Now use GPS Utility to Open that file. You will be asked for a waypoint prefix (default is 'W') and a route number for storing the Route. The waypoints will be generated with a suffix sequence number, see Automatic waypoint naming. Note: the Freeware version of GPS Utility is restricted to 10 waypoints per route and it does not have the Continuation Route facility. Check the waypoint and Route tables to make sure you have collected the information. Upload the waypoints, route and track to your GPS receiver in the usual way.  Questions and Answers  Q: Why did you chose the "GPS Utility/MapBlast" combination? A: "MapBlast" is rated in the top 100 web sites by PC Magazine. "MapBlast" has Canadian address capability. "GPS Utility" is less expensive than "ExpertGPS" and appears to have all the same features including the MapBlast data reading. Q: How can I get in touch with "Harold J. Carter"? A: You can email John Stead at jstead@CarterRV.com with any questions. John will summon Harold and present your information.  Related Links  Garmin eMap GPS Link to Garmin eMap GPS page. GPS Utility Link to GPS Utility. CarterCam Rear View Camera System Make your own for $140.00 ($88.00 ) CarterComm, Mobile Internet Communications Cellular internet anywhere, anytime.  Reciprocal links  RVing - The Midwest Connection A non-commercial site for the exchange of information about RVing in the Midwest. RV Hometown! Where full-time RVers and wannabes share their dreams and knowledge. RV Companion Magazine News & entertainment for the road... RVzone.com The Internet RV & Camping Guide  Other Links  Highland Pines Campgound home page Link to Highland Pines campgound near Fergus Ontario. www.carterrv.com FundDealerNet is an Internet based portfolio asset management platform that has been developed to meet the operational requirements of corporations that are part of the financial services sector, such as banks, trust companies, mutual fund/securities distributors and credit unions. If your fincanial advisor is using this application, you as a shareholder will have access to your portfolio online, anytime, anywhere.	(1) Driver (pilot) view
	(2) Garmin eMap GPS The Garmin eMap GPS provides a visual map of the road ahead including compass bearing, speed, distance travelled, and the name of the next cross road or highway exit. I purchased the Garmin emap Deluxe package which included an 8mb card, and PC interface cable.
	(3) GPS Utility  $40.00 GPS Utility is an easy-to-use application that provides management and manipulation of GPS information. You can use it to transfer data to/from a GPS receiver and store the data in PC files in one of several text formats.
	(4) GPS mounting bracket The GPS mounting bracket enables you to position the unit in your line of site while driving. There are other ways of mounting the unit to the dash but this proper bracket will ensure visibility of the LCD display.
	(5) GPS data/power cable The Garmin GPS data/power cable provides connection to the power source and the interface to the laptop serial port.
	(6) Map light for GPS The map light is used to make the LCD display on the GPS visible in the daytime. Without it, the sunlight will over power your view with glare. The light shining accross or down the LCD display combats the sunlight block. Get one at WalMart or Canadian Tire.

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