Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem]

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dime
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Joined: 2010/01/27 09:48:11

Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem]

Post by dime » 2012/03/24 08:08:30

running centos 5.7, gnome desktop, uptodate.
firefox esr 10.0.3

i got a Garmin GPS car navigation system (brand new).
on connecting to the Garmin site for support, registration a.s.o. i got to this page:

https://my.garmin.com/gcpInstall/checkPlugin.htm?target=https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/dashboard/dashboardScanDevice.htm

it points to a plugin and install, needed for communication between device and the Garmin site.
clicking on the 'compatible browser' link, i get:

http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/

NOT good...
the quick link 'Download-PC' directs to:

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3607

looking at 'Notes' and 'System requirements' does not make me happy.
(as i do not have a winxp or a mac system and i do not want these. :-( )

do i have any chance to overcome these problems on my Centos machine (as i cannot register, update a.s.o. the GPS device now)
or do i have to return the device to the seller(shop)??

pschaff
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Re: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem

Post by pschaff » 2012/03/24 15:22:30

I'd first complain to Garmin.

There's some chance that the Windows version would work with [url=http://www.google.com/search?q=%22wine%22+garmin+GPS+plugin&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a]Wine[/url] or [url=http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=5844;run=1]CodeWeavers Crossover[/url], and a probably more remote chance that, since MacOS-X is Unix-based, the Mac version [i]could[/i] work.

A repo search finds:
[code]# yum --noplugins --showduplicates --enablerepo \* --disablerepo c6-media,\*debug\*,\*-source info \*garmin\*
Available Packages
Name : garmindev
Arch : x86_64
Version : 0.3.4
Release : 1.el6
Size : 116 k
Repo : epel
Summary : Drivers for communication with Garmin GPS devices
URL : http://www.qlandkarte.org
License : GPLv2+
Description : Drivers for communication with Garmin GPS devices used by
: QLandkarteGT.
[/code]

dime
Posts: 148
Joined: 2010/01/27 09:48:11

Re: Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem]

Post by dime » 2012/03/31 07:35:59

i found the only chance would be to have a machine with XP (or MacOS) available, or to run one of these in a virtual box on the Centos machine.
both would imply me to buy a legal OS version - not very cost-effective when you do not want to work with these OS(es) on a regular base.

as i do not have contact to 'willing XP users' (willing to lend me their machine for a short time), no nice solution for me.

i solved the problem by returning the Garmin to the selling shop.
got my money back...
bad on this: in a week (i had the Garmin for one week) the shop had risen the price around 25%......

maybe you will understand i was quite p#ssed off by these facts.... !!

note: two emails to the Garmin helpdesk about this problem were not able to let them give a reaction...

my lesson: keep away from Garmin when you use linux........

btw: which GPS (car mounted tool) do the users of this forum use for their 'road navigation' ??
(or do all have Windhose machines stand-by for the ugly moments?? ;-) )

PLEASE: DO OUT YOURSELF

pschaff
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Re: Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem]

Post by pschaff » 2012/03/31 15:04:03

Personally I'm still using my ancient Linux-based Nokia N800 with an external Bluetooth GPS. It is not a very satisfactory solution, as it requires an Internet connection to download routes or new maps, and I don't have a cell phone with tethering as my carrier wants big bucks to enable that inherent capability. If anyone has a good Linux-compatible GPS solution I'd also be interested.

Moving this to Social so the discussion can continue with this self-hijack, with my collusion. :-)

dime
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Joined: 2010/01/27 09:48:11

Re: Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem]

Post by dime » 2012/04/02 16:55:43

ouch....

looking at the horrifying response, most (if not all) of the Centos Boys seem to be Nerdy Kids, glued to the chair behind their keyboard and never going out to see the Light of the Day and therefore not in need of any Navigation System a.k.a. GPS........ :-)

gerald_clark
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Linux-compatible GPS [was: centos 5.7 and garmin gps problem

Post by gerald_clark » 2012/04/02 17:05:20

My Dell Streak running Android's Navigator works quite well.

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