HoudahGeo > Step by Step > Step 1: Load Index

Import from GPS

HoudahGeo may connect to a large selection of GPS devices. For this it relies on various helpers (e.g. GPSBabel) which ship with HoudahGeo and can be configured using presets. Existing preset support:

• Many Garmin devices

• Several GiSTEK PhotoTrackr models (experimental)

• Several GlobalSat devices

• Several Holux devices

• i-gotU loggers

• The GPSRecorder iPhone app

• iTrackU devices

• Many Magellan devices

• Many devices using a Mediatek MTK chipset

• Devices supporting the Navilink protocol

• Devices based on the Skytraq Venus 5 and Venus 6 chipsets

• MTK-based devices (iBlue, Qstarz, ...)

• RoyalTek RGM-3800

• Wintec WBT-200, WBT-201, WBT-100, WBT-1000

Please refer to the Configure Presets... window for more information about the predefined presets. In addition to HoudahGeo supporting the device’s data protocol, you will most often also need a USB driver. The presets’ descriptions will often provide instructions on where to locate drivers. You may also want to refer to Apple’s System Profiler / Information utility to learn the type of USB chip used by your GPS track logger.

Please make use of the demo period to make sure HoudahGeo works as expected with your device. We are unfortunately unable to verify compatibility with all devices that we try to support.

You don’t need to – and usually cannot – use this feature with GPS devices that support the USB Mass Storage Device mode. These devices mount on your Desktop much like USB drives. You will find track log files located within folders on the device. The track log files can be dragged directly from the Finder to the track list of your HoudahGeo project.

To import GPS track logs from a device, you first need to select a Preset. Next select a Port type: USB, Serial / Bluetooth, WiFi / AirPort. A device Name is also required. However, HoudahGeo provides sensible defaults. You will probably not need to modify this value. Situations where you need to select an alternate value include:

• Use of a serial-to-USB from a brand other than KeySpan or simultaneous use of several such converters

• Use of custom serial device name during pairing of a Bluetooth device

• Devices which are assigned a name as they are connected

The OK button is enabled only when there is a reasonable chance for the device to be available. E.g. the device name should match the name of a known device.

For USB devices with a usb: device name, the OK button is enabled only once the device is plugged in.

It is always a good idea to use a tool like HoudahGPS or LoadMyTracks to download track logs as independent files. These may be kept on archive for future use.