vB Easy Archive - BJ II gps without monthly fee or data plan

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BJ II gps without monthly fee or data plan
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Posted by: bootsnjeans

Is there a way to get the GPS on the Blackjack II to work without using a data plan or without having to pay telenav?

Would like to load the maps I need onto a SD micro card and pop it in and have a marker that shows me scooting across the map as I drive...

It is a work phone and they will not pay for an unlimited data plan... thanks.

Posted by: SHoTTa35

well there's Route66. You buy the software and load maps onto your SD card and you're off and running. There should be more out there too so check them out.

Posted by: Jayden0606

Well I have a data plan. Is there any free GPS services out there that work well for the BJ II? On google maps, I noticed "Use GPS" in the menu... Can I use this for GPS service?

Posted by: efparri

The GPS receiver in the Blackjack 2 is locked to only work with the Telenav GPS application. You will have to do a Google search for help in unlocking the device.

Posted by: jpwoof

Quote:

Originally Posted by efparri

The GPS receiver in the Blackjack 2 is locked to only work with the Telenav GPS application. You will have to do a Google search for help in unlocking the device.

probably with black bj2.. but all red bj2s have gps that works with any applications.

Posted by: solo118

What does the color have to do with anything?

Posted by: iJITSU

Quote:

Originally Posted by efparri

The GPS receiver in the Blackjack 2 is locked to only work with the Telenav GPS application. You will have to do a Google search for help in unlocking the device.

That is incorrect. It works fine with Google Maps or Live Search and requires no unlocking or modification. I used my BJII out of the box with Google Maps with no additional effort past loading the app.

Posted by: Hairap

Will it need to go through a data plan to use the google maps, or can you use it without additional cost?

Posted by: Jayden0606

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpwoof

probably with black bj2.. but all red bj2s have gps that works with any applications.

Quote:

Originally Posted by solo118

What does the color have to do with anything?

I was actually going to start a poll in modaco.com to verify which users seem to have no issues with Google Maps locating the GPS signal, based on color. If my g/f decided to keep the BJ II (wine,) I will try it out. This was the case with the red & black pearls. The red pearls came with the new 4.2 OS, while the black was still being loaded with 4.1.

I have been having issues even after unlocking my BJ II to work with google maps to locate the GPS.

Posted by: Jayden0606

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairap

Will it need to go through a data plan to use the google maps, or can you use it without additional cost?

To use gps & google, you will use data, unless on wifi.

Posted by: jyalexop2003

So, how many have gotten 'true' GPS to work on their BJ2/black,
with Google Maps and/or Microsoft Live Search, without
any issues whatsoever (unlocking, etc..).

Posted by: Jayden0606

I'm soooo tempted 2 get my g/f's wine blackjack 2 test it out as I still can't get it to work on my black one.

Posted by: bgates22

I can get GPS to work pretty well with Google Earth. It usually picks up satellites anywhere from 5 seconds to a couple minutes. However, in order to use GPS with Live Search, I first need to lock into satellites using Google Earth and then open Live Search. Kind of annoying but not the end of the world.

Posted by: bootsnjeans

and am using Google Maps and it is working well out of the box with no issues. It is a bit slow since it is having to constantly download data and in our area there is no 3G at all.

Does any one have suggestions on a free mapping application that will allow you to download maps of your choice to a micro SD card and let you see your "gps dot/locaton" on those stored maps?

I think doing this might speed things up a little...

Thanks for any suggestions or tips.

Posted by: Jayden0606

Quote:

Originally Posted by bootsnjeans

and am using Google Maps and it is working well out of the box with no issues. It is a bit slow since it is having to constantly download data and in our area there is no 3G at all.

Does any one have suggestions on a free mapping application that will allow you to download maps of your choice to a micro SD card and let you see your "gps dot/locaton" on those stored maps?

I think doing this might speed things up a little...

Thanks for any suggestions or tips.

Do you have the black or wine colored BJ II?

Posted by: bgates22

There is also Garmin Mobile XT. You can buy the software package on Amazon for $75 right now. It comes with the Garmin program, all of the U.S. maps (on 2GB SD card which must be inserted while using GPS) and you get access to Garmin's online traffic, weather, restaurant, etc database. The online information is only available if you have a data plan. The turn by turn directions and maps don't require a data plan, which is great if you plan on driving in areas with no data availabilty (i.e. no Google Earth or Live Search). I understand that the Garmin software will provide spoken directions to some extent (e.g. "turn right in 100 yards") but will not provide text to speech (e.g. "turn right in 100 yards onto Main Street."). In other words, it won't speak the street name you're supposed to turn onto, which kind of stinks. I've found that GPS with Live Search and Google Earth works pretty well (Live Search actually does a great job with turn by turn directions. It won't speak the directions, but it will track your position and provide how many feet your are from your next turn. Also, it will sense if you made a wrong turn and will ask you if you want to reroute.) I've found that the device is kind of slow downloading the map data when in Edge areas, so I'm thinking about getting Garmin Mobile XT just to have all the maps on an SD card. I think there's a section on one of the forums (either Modaco or the AT&T wireless forum for Samsung) that provides directions on how to transfer the maps from the Garmin SD card to a larger SD card, which is useful if you don't feel like swapping out SD cards just to use GPS.

Posted by: bgates22

Here's a helpful review I found. The reviewer was reviewing Garmin Mobile XT on a Nokia N95 (a Symbian device), but I still think the review is helpful.

http://www.symbian-guru.com/welcome...n-mobile-x.html

Posted by: wwu123

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgates22

There is also Garmin Mobile XT. You can buy the software package on Amazon for $75 right now. It comes with the Garmin program, all of the U.S. maps (on 2GB SD card which must be inserted while using GPS) and you get access to Garmin's online traffic, weather, restaurant, etc database. The online information is only available if you have a data plan. The turn by turn directions and maps don't require a data plan, which is great if you plan on driving in areas with no data availabilty (i.e. no Google Earth or Live Search). I understand that the Garmin software will provide spoken directions to some extent (e.g. "turn right in 100 yards") but will not provide text to speech (e.g. "turn right in 100 yards onto Main Street."). In other words, it won't speak the street name you're supposed to turn onto, which kind of stinks. I've found that GPS with Live Search and Google Earth works pretty well (Live Search actually does a great job with turn by turn directions. It won't speak the directions, but it will track your position and provide how many feet your are from your next turn. Also, it will sense if you made a wrong turn and will ask you if you want to reroute.) I've found that the device is kind of slow downloading the map data when in Edge areas, so I'm thinking about getting Garmin Mobile XT just to have all the maps on an SD card. I think there's a section on one of the forums (either Modaco or the AT&T wireless forum for Samsung) that provides directions on how to transfer the maps from the Garmin SD card to a larger SD card, which is useful if you don't feel like swapping out SD cards just to use GPS.

Caveat, there are two types of Mobile XT you can buy, the first which is mentioned comes preinstalled on an SD card and can be used with any internal or external GPS receiver. The maps are supposedly locked to that SD card though, so you can't transfer to another SD card.

The second comes with maps on a CD and bundled with the Garmin Mobile 10x bluetooth GPS receiver. These maps can be installed on your own choice of SD card, but are locked to the Garmin receiver only.

I'm a Garmin fan, having used the Garmin iQue 3600 GPS/PDA for about four years. But the restrictions on the Mobile XT maps, which are to try to lock you to one copy per device, have made me hesitate to buy it. Early versions of Mobile XT software were also fairly buggy, but there have been frequent updates and they sound pretty stable now.

I'd love to know if there's a hack to copy the pre-installed maps to a memory card of your choice. I only plan to use it on one device, but I want to use larger memory cards so I can also store music, videos, and data as well.

Posted by: telus_guy

I just ordered Garmin Mobile XT for my BJII, I should get it tomorrow, so I'll let you know how it goes. It will really suck if the program can't be moved to a larger microSD card as I just bought a 4GB MicroSDHC card today.

TG

Posted by: xsrider8

google maps gps works perfectly on my black BJ II

Posted by: bgates22

Quote:

Originally Posted by telus_guy

I just ordered Garmin Mobile XT for my BJII, I should get it tomorrow, so I'll let you know how it goes. It will really suck if the program can't be moved to a larger microSD card as I just bought a 4GB MicroSDHC card today.

TG

I believe someone on Modaco posted instructions on how to do this.

Posted by: telus_guy

I actually found it, however the file you need is unavailable as the link no longer works, but if you need it, PM me and I'll send it.

http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/...essage.id=48148

TG

Posted by: ptsmalls

Got my phone today. DL'd google maps..."find me". Simple as pie.

Posted by: NiNe

same here....got brand spankin' new BJII today

downloaded G Maps, worked like a charm....

it did take a few minutes to "find me", but once it established,
it was fine.

Posted by: jyalexop2003

GMAps and WLS should work out of the box, but that's it.
These apps use the Intermediate Driver (WLS) and
Setting By Windows (GMaps).
No other GPS applications that require a 'com4' port to connect will work without the modaco hack.

Posted by: BornineastLA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyalexop2003

GMAps and WLS should work out of the box, but that's it.
These apps use the Intermediate Driver (WLS) and
Setting By Windows (GMaps).
No other GPS applications that require a 'com4' port to connect will work without the modaco hack.

Oy vey Shmier!

Posted by: puffdc

Quote:

Originally Posted by telus_guy

good luck...i read on the website that the blackjack isn't compatible w/the xt.

Posted by: Staniel

I have a wine BJ2. Had the black one before it. Both worked out of the box with WLS and GMaps using intermediary driver (set by windows)

WLS sometimes takes 2 tries to get a lock on GPS tho...over 2 minutes. GMaps is slow but a little quicker than that.

But you can't be inside a building at all. You HAVE to be in sight of the sky.

I never got the modaco hack to work, but have not tried any other GPS software.

Hope this helps some of you.

Posted by: bri665

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptsmalls

Got my phone today. DL'd google maps..."find me". Simple as pie.

Doesnt "Find Me" work based on what cell tower you are connected through? I didnt think that was a true GPS feature.

Posted by: bgates22

Quote:

Originally Posted by puffdc

good luck...i read on the website that the blackjack isn't compatible w/the xt.

According to the Garmin Mobile XT web site, the Blackjack 2 is compatible:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=11413

Posted by: telus_guy

Quote:

Originally Posted by puffdc

good luck...i read on the website that the blackjack isn't compatible w/the xt.

Well I'd like to see where you read that, it is compatible, I installed it and it works great. I would highly recommend it for anyone with a BJII looking for a GPS solution.

TG

Posted by: smcd1969

Quote:

Originally Posted by telus_guy

Well I'd like to see where you read that, it is compatible, I installed it and it works great. I would highly recommend it for anyone with a BJII looking for a GPS solution.

TG

were you able to transfer the maps or are you having to swap out the microsd cards?

Posted by: telus_guy

No, there is a way to transfer the maps, I transferred them to my 4G SDHC card, works just fine.

TG

Posted by: RogerPodacter

i think this should work for the BJ. i use garmin XT and its awesome. i put the maps on my 4GB memory card and working great. maybe try that route. if you purchase the software, morally you may feel ok with using google to learn how to use your own larger memory card for garmin maps.

Posted by: pgsmith

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyalexop2003

So, how many have gotten 'true' GPS to work on their BJ2/black,
with Google Maps and/or Microsoft Live Search, without
any issues whatsoever (unlocking, etc..).

I have gotten both to work, I started with Live search that timed out looking then I installed Google Maps took about 2 min to get a lock but after that it worked with both Google and Live.

By the way I have a black Blackjack my wife has the wine but wont let me get my hands on it long enough to try out the maps.

Posted by: BlackjackII

Garmin works well and is pretty reliable. In my device it uses the intermediate driver. The only minor issue is the half second delay with updating the map as you move. I think this is related to the CPU speed but also the amount of detail in the map...if the detail was turned down and some info turned off it would probably go unnoticed.

Edit*

I checked the baud rate of the Gpsid settings and it was running at 300 baud....this would explain things. Have made adjustments and will retest.

Posted by: bgates22

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackjackII

I checked the baud rate of the Gpsid settings and it was running at 300 baud....this would explain things. Have made adjustments and will retest.

Thanks a lot for sharing your results. Have you had an opportunity to test with the new baud setting?

Posted by: BlackjackII

Not yet. But I have just done a hard reset and not installed the GPSID application..(the driver is included in the ROM but not the actual GUI with the settings).

So I have no control over the baud now. I am yet to take a trip with it running.
I did the hard reset as I changed the settings in the GPSID app and it killed the GPStest app that's built into my BJII...it wouldnt respond even after returning to the original settings and doing a soft reset...I then couldnt get my GPS seen by Garmin...DOH!!!!

So I have now updated my map and re-installed Garmin but without the actual GUI for the intermediate driver. I was under the impression it was set by windows anyway...even if I did change it while it was running or before I opened Garmin I think it was doing it's own thing anyway...Mine was originally set to manage automatically.....

Posted by: swtrainer

Here is a posting on AT&T that talks about the workaround to transferring Garmin Mobile XT to a larger microsd card...I haven't tried it but found this as I just received the Garming Mobile XT/microsd card yesterday.

http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/...essage.id=53164

Posted by: Split2ooo

so is all this possible without a data plan and at no extra charge?

Posted by: mochachip

are any of these options text to speech?

Posted by: pgsmith

Quote:

Originally Posted by swtrainer

Here is a posting on AT&T that talks about the workaround to transferring Garmin Mobile XT to a larger microsd card...I haven't tried it but found this as I just received the Garming Mobile XT/microsd card yesterday.

http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/...essage.id=53164

I am using the Garmin right now it works great, I used this link here to make it work.

http://www.modaco.com/content-page/...torial/page/60/

Posted by: cadoras99

I'm thinking I'm going to pick up the BJ2 via ebay so I don't have to mess with a data plan and can keep my current account discounts. Saves me $45 a month plus taxes and fees. I'm looking to buy the Garmin software but was curious if you could install it on more than 1 phone as you can put the program on multiple SD cards.

Posted by: pgsmith

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadoras99

I'm thinking I'm going to pick up the BJ2 via ebay so I don't have to mess with a data plan and can keep my current account discounts. Saves me $45 a month plus taxes and fees. I'm looking to buy the Garmin software but was curious if you could install it on more than 1 phone as you can put the program on multiple SD cards.

If you search here, or search the internet you can find a way to do it.

With the garmin app there is no activation code, and they lock it to the card that you bought it with, but there are people out there that have unlocked that so they could put it on a larger card. With the garmin app it comes on a 2 GB card, I have done the unlock its not hard to do.

Here is a link

http://www.modaco.com/content-page/...20/#entry887462

Posted by: cadoras99

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgsmith

OK Thanks. It seemed that the unlocking and installing to different cards would do the trick, but I didn't know if it required information from the phone that would lock the software to one phone, or one phone at a time. I decided against pirating the software

, but thought maybe I'd split the cost with someone who had a GPS enabled phone.

Posted by: pgsmith

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadoras99

, but thought maybe I'd split the cost with someone who had a GPS enabled phone.

Nope just locked to the card, I am running the Garmin mobile XT on my blackjack now and love it, the only problem is getting a GPS lock takes a long time.

Posted by: Leebog

so running google maps doesnt charge you data?
does running garmin xt on sd card charge you data?

Please, ive been fooling around with google maps, and dont wanna see a big *** bill...i have no data plan...lol

Posted by: Mango808

Running Google maps does use data to download maps to show you where you are on your device. Standby for a data usage bill.

Running Garmin XT on the SD card doesn't use data since it uses the GPS chip and references the maps on the card like a standalone GPS unit.

Posted by: Leebog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mango808

Running Google maps does use data to download maps to show you where you are on your device. Standby for a data usage bill.

Running Garmin XT on the SD card doesn't use data since it uses the GPS chip and references the maps on the card like a standalone GPS unit.

thx...i get 5 meg free, so hopefully it didnt go over...i was just playin around wit it...

thx again.

Posted by: Leebog

finally got it to work....
the longest part was getting garmin to find a satellite...once it found it, it works like a charm now....SICK

BTW, im with Rogers and i have an AT&T unlocked BJ2

Posted by: dwest218

How long oes it take the Blackjack II to lock onto the satelites? Have you found that the time is different when using either Google maps or Garmin mobile xt?

Posted by: Leebog

havnt tried google maps...but garmin locks on about 30sec - 1 min? avg....roughly

Posted by: neueziel

Does anyone have an idea how much data is in a typical Garmin traffic update?

Thanks

Posted by: j-dee

Quote:

Originally Posted by telus_guy

Well I'd like to see where you read that, it is compatible, I installed it and it works great. I would highly recommend it for anyone with a BJII looking for a GPS solution.

TG

ive been reading around and it sounds like youre the only guy who got it working. im a total noob (stupid perhaps) i cant seem to figure out how to install the garmin xt on my bj2. if you can please provide a how to procedure that would be great. looking forward (fingers crossed) thank you in advance.

Posted by: cadoras99

Garmin XT is really simple to install and works fine. If you're having trouble, there are plenty of guides at moda co

Posted by: swtrainer

There isn't much to installing Garmin Mobile XT on a Blackjack II. You insert the microSD card in your BJ II and it will automatically prompt you to install the program. That is assuming that your card slot is activated. When I purchased it, it came on a 2gb card with about 1.2gb taken up by the program and after installation, it ran immediately without me having to do anything else.

Posted by: swtrainer

Actually, running Garmin Mobile XT itself doesn't use data. But, if you don't click cancel when it goes to do the traffic updates, it will use your data plan to access and acquire the traffic updates.

Posted by: neueziel

Quote:

Originally Posted by swtrainer

Actually, running Garmin Mobile XT itself doesn't use data. But, if you don't click cancel when it goes to do the traffic updates, it will use your data plan to access and acquire the traffic updates.

Any idea of the size of a typical traffic update?

Thanks

Posted by: cadoras99

If you're worried about that, you can also disable the online features, or disable data/internet on your phone entirely so as not to worry a bout it. There are manual ways and a program to do this for easy on/off if/when you need it.

That's two / in a row! There has to be some sort of prize for that.

Posted by: neueziel

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadoras99

If you're worried about that, you can also disable the online features, or disable data/internet on your phone entirely so as not to worry a bout it. There are manual ways and a program to do this for easy on/off if/when you need it.

That's two / in a row! There has to be some sort of prize for that.

I know that.

The thing is I do want traffic updates however I do not want to get an unlimited data plan. So I was wondering if the traffic updates were small enough that I could pay let's say a 5mb data plan or something that's less than unlimited...

Posted by: efparri

Quote:

Originally Posted by neueziel

Do it once and find out. Try it when traffic is heaviest in your area. It might take a day or so for the information to appear in your online records. Each time you start the software, it will go online to check for traffic. You are being pennywise and pound foolish to try to use a data intensive application without a data plan. I used TomTom ONE, which downloads traffic through a Bluetooth connection to my phone, and one download used two megabytes. That would be $20.48 and the pay per use rate. Two of those would exceed the cost of a PDA data plan.

Posted by: neueziel

Quote:

Originally Posted by efparri

Thanks knowledge is power.

Posted by: j-dee

where can i buy it locally? online says they only sell it to uk, us etc. canada not included. i tried downloading a torrent but it seems incomplete. can anyone point me into the right direction? like a working copy perhaps? thank you. by the way im with rogers too.

Posted by: Cloud97

Anybody try it with iGuidance?