See also Using the GPS Simulator
Various devices are sold using the Memory-Map brand name, but these are not integrated with the Memory-Map PC software. You can not use the GPS menu commands to interface with these devices. See the instructions supplied with the device.
The GPX file format is intended for exchange of data between different GPS and Software programs, and this is the recommended way to program any brand of GPS. Right-click on an overlay or overlay category in Memory-Map, and "Save As". Use the Overlay > Import menu command to read a GPX file. Many GPS have native support for the GPX file format, or you can use software or web sites supported by your GPS manufacturer.
You can connect any positioning device with an NMEA 0183 output, for real-time display of your position. Some devices also allow route and waypoint export using the standard NMEA protocols.
You will need a suitable PC interface cable from you GPS manufacturer.
Set your GPS mode to output NMEA data. For example, on the Garmin GPS12XL, page to the main menu, select the setup menu, then select the interface menu. Set the interface in None/NMEA mode, the protocol to NMEA 0183, and the baud rate to 4800.
The software works on the NMEA "RMC" sentence. If your GPS has several NMEA modes, select one that outputs the RMC sentence.
In most cases, the datum indicator at the bottom right of the screen, after the Lat/Long readout should say "WGS84". If so, set your GPS to use the WGS84 datum. Otherwise, set the GPS to use the same datum as the map.
Connect the GPS cable to the serial port of your PC, and run Navigator. Select the “GPS / GPS setup…” menu to open the GPS Setup dialog. In the “Manufacturer” field, select “NMEA”. In the Serial port fields, select settings to match those on your GPS. The default settings are COM1, 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
If you are using a Bluetooth GPS or USB-to-serial port converter, click here.
If you have a map open that covers your current position, you should see a flashing cursor indicating your location. If not, you can verify the operation of the GPS by clicking the GPS / Current Position menu command. A small window is opened showing the time, position, altitude and speed. You can also click GPS / Satellites to see a bar-graph of satellite signal strength.
After you click OK in the GPS setup dialog, a status message is shown in the status bar at the bottom right of the screen. Some of the status messages are explained here:
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License not valid for GPS Plot |
If you get this message, it means that the GPS interface is working, and the software is receiving valid position reports. In order to display the position, you must register your license. |
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No Signal |
This message also indicates that your settings are correct. The software is receiving data from the GPS, but the GPS has not been able to obtain a fix from the satellites. |
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No data |
No data has been received from the GPS. You will see this message for a few seconds when you first connect the GPS. If it persists, check:
If you are still unable to resolve the problem, click here. |
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Warning! |
The GPS is having trouble receiving satellite signals, or it may be in a simulation mode. Depending on the make of GPS, you may or may not get a usable position. If you do get a position displayed, treat it with caution. |
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Checksum error |
Check the cabling for a lose connection or intermittent short. Use a shorter cable. Check for sources of electromagnetic interference. |
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Communication timeout |
The software was not able to receive any data from the GPS and has given up. It will try to re-establish communication in a few seconds. If this persists, see "No data" above. |
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Position from GLL: no date/speed |
Your GPS is sending GLL sentence, but not the RMC sentence. The software is not able to display your course and speed. Check the NMEA mode setting on your GPS. |