[aprssig] Messaging on the NUVI GPS

[Jeff N0JUH]

As a software guy, I'm forever amazed at the "device" mentality of so 
many hams.  With the increasing availability of tiny/cheap/powerful 
computers (Nokia 700/800, smart phones, EEEPC, et al,) why do we need 
dedicated "devices?"  We should be able to run full-featured APRS 
software clients in most situations, for less money!

I have experimented with a number of these while mobile.  With my (not 
so cheap) Sony UX and 2.5G internet, I can run AGWTracker with Google 
Maps connected to APRS-IS in the car (sadly, I have better connectivity 
across much of the country than I do via rf.)

Actually, I don't do that much.  The user interface on full-featured 
APRS software is impossible to use while driving - not that I've 
actually tried it, of course :)  But there is no reason why full 
featured APRS software couldn't have an alternate UI optimized for small 
touch-screens!

It's just that we seem to have shack-oriented full-pc software hams, and 
mobile-oriented "device"-type hams, and have yet to take advantage of 
new technology to bring the two together.

   --Jeff, n0juh


Robert Bruninga wrote:
> Since 2-way comms, INFO and Messaging are so important to
> APRS... and the future of APRS, I welcome Scotts new messaging
> capability he has built into his tracker taking advantage of the
> NUVI Message GPS capabilities.
> 
> Scott, is there a good promo of this capability we can link to
> besides just bits and pieces?  I'd like to see a web page
> dedicated just to MESSAGING on the NUVI (or whatever).  This
> adds to D7, D7XX, and HAMHUDS as being the only messageing
> devices...  We need more...          Bob, WB4APR
> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 2:27 PM
>> Subject: Re: [aprssig] Internet to RF gating of positions
>>
>>> What do you mean "punch a message into the nuvi"?  
> 
>> You [need] a Tracker2.  =]  
>> I really need to shoot a demo video of this sometime.  
>> With a Tracker2, most of the newer nuvi and StreetPilot 
>> models can be put into fleet management mode, where 
>> they gain a messaging menu.  Here are some pictures, 
>> ... on the nuvi:
>>
>> http://n1vg.net/images/nuvi-inbox.jpg
>> http://n1vg.net/images/nuvi-messaging.jpg
>> http://n1vg.net/images/nuvi-compose.jpg
>>
>> Scott
>> N1VG
> 
> 
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