In order to unlock PocketFMS' full potential, a GPS receiver should be attached to your computer or Pocket PC. This will unveil what perhaps is PocketFMS' strongest feature, the Moving Maps. There are a lot of GPS receivers out there, and most of them will work fine. Choose one that's affordable, it doesn't have to be state of the art because PocketFMS is the bag of tricks, not the GPS receiver. Connecting a PocketPC to a GPS receiver.
 |
The most convenient way to connect your Pocket PC to your GPS receiver would be by using Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a short range wireless communications standard that is supported by an increasing number of Pocket PC's and GPS receivers. In order to use Bluetooth, both your Pocket PC and GPS receiver should support it. Bluetooth enabled devices are usually equipped with this logo. Note: Though never experienced by, or reported to us, Bluetooth technology could interfere with your aircraft's systems. |
To connect your Pocket PC to a mouse-type GPS you will probably need 2 cables. One cable must be obtained from your GPS supplier. Its one end connects to your receiver, the other end is a 9 pin serial plug. The second cable you need can be obtained from your Pocket PC supplier or a third party. This cable plugs into your Pocket PC, while the other end plugs into the GPS' cable 9 pin serial connector. SupplyNet has special cables to connect your PDA to a GPS receiver, so check their website and find out if they have a cable that connects your PDA to your GPS receiver. The cable for a HP/Compaq 38xx,39xx and 54xx for example can be found at http://www.thesupplynet.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=6650.
Note that many Pocket PC's come with an ActiveSync cable that will usually not do, because it's configured as a null-modem cable. The easiest source for a Pocket PC cable (even a GPS cable!) is SupplyNet, who provide a great number of different cables for any brand of Pocket PC. The PocketFMS Foundation is in no way affiliated with Supplynet.
