Ambicom CF GPS Reciever Pro Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought this w. an iPAQ 2215, installation was very straightforward using the Quick Installation Guides.I had to change the COM port (as described in the guide), and after several attempts, COM 7 worked.It seems to switch COM ports from time to time, I don't know why.
I need the external antennae indoors, and especially to initially acquire the satellites, but within my car, it appears to be just sensitive enough without (tried on a clear day).I still mostly use the external antennae in the car, I'm hoping the extra sensitivity will perhaps reduce the power drain.Although the antennae has a magnet on the back, there's usually nothing in the car to stick it to, so I just wrap it around the rear view mirror.
I think the difference between this product and Ambicom's non "Pro" version, is this version's navigation software isn't a 30-day trial version, its Space Machine's Pocketmap Navigator V2 (last years).I went to Space Machine's website to download a slightly newer version, and newer maps, all for free. I will probably pay the $30 for the latest V3 software upgrade.The current version very occasionally seems to hang, requiring a soft-reset of the iPAQ.Also, for some reason it had problems downloading maps, I had to manually remove partially downloaded "San Francsico" to get it to re-install correctly.
The mapping mostly works great, but there were a few problems, in Santa Monica it tried to direct me off a cliff, because it erroneously thought there was a connector road from Arizona street to the coast highway (there isn't). Also, it couldn't find Studio City, CA at all, I believe because its part of North Hollywood.It also refused to believe that certain address ranges exist on certain streets, but I suppose this is to be expected since numbering can be very idiosyncratic.Lastly, it misses an occasional better route in San Francisco (e.g. through Golden Gate Park), probably because those roads are closed to traffic on Sundays.Fair enough, it can't be expected to handle that situation.Also, it's voice prompting usually mis-pronounces the various Spanish names in California.
I don't know if the V3 software with the V3 maps, will help.Still, overall, the software works well, most of the time.
Doesn't seem to drain power too fast (compared to say an 802.11b CF card).With everything at max power (the PDA's backlight, sound, etc., and no auto-turn-off), its probably good for a couple hours.
My only complaints with the Ambicom GPS Pro/iPAQ 2215 combo, mostly have to do with the iPAQ, but I'm writing it here because the problems really relate to its use w. GPS:
1.the speaker in the 2215 is too soft (at max volume) to hear the driving directions, given the background ambient noise in the car.Perhaps this isn't the 2215 's fault (other sounds, and voice notes are loud enough), but having the speaker on the back of the 2215 makes the problem worse.Using earbuds with the iPAQ to improve the volume, would be a bad idea, obviously.
2.The 2215 screen is too dark (at max brightness), given the relative daylight brightness in the car.
3.To store any useful amount of map data, you're going to need to add an SDIO memory card.I tried to store 3 SF Bay area counties (SF, San Mateo, Alameda) plus LA county, and it exceeds the available on-board memory in the 2215 (32 Mb).I added a 256 Mb SD card ..., and I can hold 2/3 of California, perhaps more, but that's all I needed.Make sure your PDA has an SDIO slot or more on-board memory.
4.Probably to be really useful in the car, it needs a "car kit" (mounting bracket, DC power supply, powered speakers, perhaps a way to mount the external antennae).
Still, its a very nice and inexpensive way to get GPS/Navigation.

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Product Description:
AmbiCom's GPS Navigation Receiver CompactFlash Card is the Global Positioning System Receiver for your Pocket PC and the perfect accessory to your PDA. In addition to comprehensive driving directions, the GPS Navigation CompactFlash Card is loaded with extra features such as dynamic voice navigation, off-route warning, and detailed street maps in the 50 states. Now you can turn your Pocket PC into a true GPS navigation system and never worry about getting lost!In addition to PocketMap Navigator, you can also use other forms of navigation software in conjunction with AmbiCom's Navigation Receiver. Aviation, nautical, outdoor camping and hiking software are just some examples of the variety of softwares you can use with AmbiCom's Navigation Receiver. Simply ensure the software is compatible with NMEA-0183 and SiRF Binary protocols and you are free to explore the world with your new GPS navigation system!