How to Test Windows Mobile GPS
Many newer Windows Mobile smartphones or PDAs include a GPS receiver. Global positioning system receivers use radio signals from 24 satellites in Earth's orbit to help you figure out where you are on a map. Testing the GPS in your Windows Mobile PDA or smartphone before you depend on it to give you accurate directions is a good idea. This will also help you learn how to use your GPS software ahead of time.
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Instructions
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Built-in Software
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Start the GPS or map software that came with installed on your Windows Mobile device from the "Start > Programs" menu. The default settings that came with your device will probably work fine.
Buildings can block the GPS signal, so it is a good idea to hold the device near a window or perform the test outside so that the WM device has a clear view of the sky.
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Check that the GPS is configured within Windows Mobile under the "Start > Settings > System > External GPS" menu if the mapping software doesn't work or gives you an error message. This should be set to a serial COM port other then "None." Consult the user manual for your device to determine which COM port the GPS is installed.
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Install any GPS related software updates or device drivers from the Windows Mobile device manufacturers website if the built-in GPS software doesn't work.
Retry the mapping software once the updates are installed.
You may need to download the software onto a WIndows PC and then sync the Windows Mobile device in order to install any software updates. Consult your device's instruction manual for how to sync.
GPS Test Program
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Download the CAB installer for the free "GPS Test" program onto your Windows Mobile device if you can't find any built-in software with which to test the GPS (see Resource link).
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Find the downloaded GPS Test CAB file on your device and double-click on it to install.
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Run the "GPS Test" program in the "Start > Programs" menu. It will take a few seconds to start up. It will automatically check for a GPS device and use the correct serial COM port.
If the GPS works, GPS Test will display a set of graphs showing you the strength of the signals your Windows Mobile device is receiving from the GPS satellites.
Otherwise, it will tell you no GPS is available. If this is the case, you may need to contact the manufacturer's customer support.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use the free PocketPutty terminal program to test each serial COM port manually (see Resource link). It will display the raw GPS text data that is being received from the satellites. This is advisable only for advanced users.
References
Resources
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