Project - GPS Modification

That's full GPS receiver with own antenna - you don't need any BT connection. All you need is SDIO slot to operate this unit. SD In/Out slot is SD with additional functionality for data transfer.

 

Is there one of those in these acer laptops?

Also, this sounds opposite to what you suggested.. not saying that you are incorrect but I want to be sure before I buy it.

 

That's what I'm trying to clarify. One of my ideas of mods was installing USB receiver inside of AA1. I've read couple of comments on this forum and finally I decided to use Bluetooth mod and external GlobalSAT BT-359. People were complaining about poor receiving quality on built-in GPS receivers... I have a choice between BT GlobalSAT or SDIO receivers like one mentioned above...

 

I had one of those GPS receivers long time ago with Dell Axim PDA. There was a SDIO slot in this PDA and this unit was working perfectly ok. Aerial on "top" of the unit is for receiving GPS signal only and BT is not built-in to this unit. SD card shape fitting SD slot and power and data is transfered that way w/o any BT...

 

Fry's Electronic Sells a Bare GPS module Similar to the one that is used inside the MS GPS modules sold with the USB Docks.
But this one is Bare and can fit into the slot of the empty PCI-E Slot

http://shop3.frys.com/search?query_stri ... Toys:Spot4

Parallax 28146 GPS Receiver Module

On the package they give you a link to a website with open source GPS software to make it work with this module
or you can use the OEM software that is part of the Microsoft one since they use the same module except this one is bare.

Can be hardwired to the miniPCIe and left inside the open space. It should be strong enough to be with out an extension atnenna.

 

Lol, no one will do this unless they're a risk-taker, or unless there's a guide...

What's the problem with getting a little Bluetooth dongle, and connecting it to the AspireOne by Bluetooth?

And, the last thing, I don't think this would work with the touchscreen mod, unless you kill one of the USB ports, right?

 

Yes - you're right.

We have a discusion about this here: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=2692

 

I'm researching the possibility of this mod. Could a 13mmx13mmx5.6mm antenna fit next to the screen? I kind of doubt it but I haven't cracked mine open yet. Also, is there a way to get the same antenna that wireless phones (such as the iPhone) or other embedded devices use? They would be absolutely ideal as they're small and are designed to be behind some plastic. I'm definitely going to be a guinea pig on this if I can just find a decent antenna that will fit in the screen bezel.

 

Never thought about antenna from any GPS enabled PDA. But I'm going to ask couple of people today!! That is very smart idea

 

OK. Looking for right solution I opened my GlobalSAT BT-359..

Without battery and plastic enclosure PCB looks flat. I believe the standard USB Mouse GPS receivers must be similar flat (especially ceramic antenna module) then it suppose to fit the gap between LCD and case on the back. With SirfSTAR III chip they suppose to work brilliant.

Any opinions?? I need measures of gap behind LCD and ceramic antenna from Mouse GPS

 

I'm wanting to wait until I install my wirelessN antenna to crack open my LCD - but I'm very excited about this! There are some photos in this thread (http://aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopi ... =40&t=1443) but there aren't any dimensions listed. I'm going to look around for a GPS mouse...

Edit: This one looks awesome! VERY small, and with the proper amplification it might work. In the comments on that website some guy posted this link to his website where he used it. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to sat tech but this looks like it could be the answer...

 

I have a globalsat bu-353 usb mouse in my car that I use for my carpc, I'm gonna open up its case to see how small the board is and the antenna patch. Going to check I'd it can be extended.

The patch antenna is connected to the board via a small pin, which I think it would be a PITA to solder on too.

 

I emailed the company that sells this and this was their response:

With this information it sounds like it would have to be mounted onto a PCB board with 4 mm empty around it... I don't know if there is that much space in the screen bezel.

 

I know its nice to have a GPS receiver and antenna built into your netbook but I guess if it can't be fitted we can always use a bluetooth one like this nice one

http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-537-bt-368i.aspx

 

I found another interesting mod: http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=29099 This one is using small GPS module from SparkFun: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=8621

 

Looks really good. Wonder if it will fit though... still need dimensions of the inside of the bezel. Looks like it's serial so you'd need a serial to usb adapter.

 

Yes. Moder mentioned about USB to Serial adapter: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=8551 - this one looks also fantastic due to size...

 

Yeah that one sure looks nice. I wonder where it could fit on the A1 though. Looks like the little knob antenna has to stick out.

 

That's the problem. Modder was complaining about poor signal quality - that's why he decided to "stick" GPS unit with antenna to the back cover of Netbook. But still this is done very well. I'm really thinking about something similar...

 

Any updates on this GPS mod? Those gps's at that sparky site are quite expensive.

I'm wondering if there's any room to put a patch antenna to the left of the left-mouse button.