GPS units come in the graphical unit type and the simple receiver
unit that rely on a PC Software package to function.
This howto focuses on the Simple USB receiver, the commands used to connect opensuse to these units may work
with some of the graphical units but we have not test this premise. So please let us know if this proves to be true,
and with what units as this will help others.
Preparatory Steps
You should search for and install the following packages:
gpsd
gpsd-client
gpsbabel
gpsdrive (0ptional)
xgps (sky view info tool)
Packages not in the software manager:
To install these packages click here
qtgpsc
TangoGPS
Viking
Explanation of Tools:
qtgpsc Satellite sky view lets you see the
satellites, their signal strength, there quadrant, etc.
TangoGPS gps map tool works with Open Street Maps;
This tool is a must, we will use it to test your unit.
Viking gps map tool it has some advance options
the others do not.
gpsd, gpsd-client, gpsbabel These provide drivers,
and hardware support/monitoring.
Activation Commands
It might be a good idea to do a restart at this point Just to be safe. I have tested two units a Garmin usb 18, ambicom gps-usb and Pharos iGPS-500 with these commands they all worked. The Garmin Required one extra command to run, so I will separate the command howto into two parts a general usb gps and a Garmin specific one.
Step 1: Open your Terminal and plug-in receiver
Step 2: Enter su (super user mode)
Step 3: Enter
dmesg | grep tty
Out put should look like this.
PC:/home/user # dmesg | grep tty
console [tty0] enabled
usb 3-3: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0
PC:/home/user #
Step 4: Enter (you are starting gpsd)
gpsd -N -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
Out put should look like this.
$ gpsd -N -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
gpsd: launching (Version 2.36)
gpsd: listening on port gpsd
gpsd: successfully connected to the DBUS system bus
gpsd: running with effective group ID 0
gpsd: running with effective user ID 0
gpsd: opening GPS data source at ‘/dev/ttyUSB1′
gpsd: speed 9600, 8N1
gpsd: garmin_gps not active.
gpsd: gpsd_activate(1): opened GPS (5)
gpsd: client 127.0.0.1 (0) connect on fd 6
gpsd: client(0) turned on raw mode
gpsd: speed 4800, 8N1
Step 5: With a clear view of the sky start qtgpsc or xgps. This will give you a picture of the satellite your receiver is connected to.(notice the button next to Host it must be click to connect the unit)
http://www.navlost.eu/survey/gpsd/snapshot29.png
In conclusion if you have connect successfully you will see satellites as shown in this image.
Step 6: Using Map Software
Tango allows us to use open street maps they download automatically and you can choose to download your region to a certain zoom level. Do not assume that your gps is work from the fact that you can see your area this is done by ip address. The blue bulls eye tells you that you have a working gps.
http://www.tangogps.org/img/screenshot-tangogps-093-terrain.jpg
http://www.tangogps.org/img/about-tangogps-093.jpg
This program is by no means the only option it is just
the easiest I have found so far. Here are a few link that
will show you some other options if you have a mind to
explore.
Other Help Resource links:
Garmin Instructions
Step 1: Open your Terminal and plug-in receiver
Step 2: Enter su (super user mode)
Step 3: Enter in order shown
(Step 3a)
mount -t usbfs none /proc/bus/usb/
(Step 3b)
dmesg | grep tty
Out put should look like this.
PC:/home/user # dmesg | grep tty
console [tty0] enabled
usb 3-3: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0
PC:/home/user #
Step 4: Enter (you are starting gpsd)
gpsd -N -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
Out put should look like this.
$ gpsd -N -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
gpsd: launching (Version 2.36)
gpsd: listening on port gpsd
gpsd: successfully connected to the DBUS system bus
gpsd: running with effective group ID 0
gpsd: running with effective user ID 0
gpsd: opening GPS data source at ‘/dev/ttyUSB1′
gpsd: speed 9600, 8N1
gpsd: garmin_gps not active.
gpsd: gpsd_activate(1): opened GPS (5)
gpsd: client 127.0.0.1 (0) connect on fd 6
gpsd: client(0) turned on raw mode
gpsd: speed 4800, 8N1
Step 5: With a clear view of the sky start qtgpsc or xgps. This will give you a picture of the satellite your receiver is connected to.