AstroGPSLauncher - Launch Tomtom/iGuidance/Other

[AstronusX]

First I would like to say thanks to Shadowmite and Baffles for their idea of GPS Launcher. Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher are great gps launcher but aren't suite my need so I decided to write one myself.

Shadowmite's GPSLauncher is nice and compact but more work, I need to launch the application and click the 'Tomtom' to launch it (2 step). I like Baffles' idea when click on it and launch immediately but unfortunately it use .NET use lot of RAM.

I have issue on both application for tomtom is that when turn off the screen or someone call in, gps connection get lost and re-click it to open up the gps port for tomtom.

This AstroGPSLauncher open the gps port and launch 'gps application'. AstroGPSLauncher will close itself upon 'gps application' exit in which won't have issue when someone call in or turn off the phone.

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

--How to use this AstroGPSLauncher ---
--Copy AstroGPSLauncher to your Main Memory
\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe
(YOu can copy AstroGPSLauncher to SD Card but you need to change the path inside the shortcut if you use)

This launcher launch gps application through parameter(if you know what I meant) . I have provide two shortcuts 'Tomtom Launcher' which and 'iGuidance Launcher' for your need(Make sure you install tomtom app or iGuidance to main memory which you should). If you install on different location, you need to use notepad and edit the shortcut to correct gps application and icon or you can use 'SK Shortcut Manager' to create a short that point to your launcher.

SK Shortcut Manager - New Short cut Instruction
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.

BTW, this application only take 2k of RAM (very small) and 10k for disk memory. It much less memory usage than Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher

If you like this application, please give some comments.

Thanks to shadowmite cab the file.

[AstronusX]

For people have problem to get AstroGPSLauncer to work
Please use 'SK Shortcut Manager to create a shortcut for you and simplify your process

Sk Shortcut Manager can be download here http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Launcher-Applications/SK-Shortcut-Manager-18241.shtml

[SK Shortcut Manager]
Create new Shortcut
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.

YOu can uninstall SK Shortcut Manager after done create a shortcut for your GPS

If you use iGuidance, you can use TalynOne 'iGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr', with GPSGate to get one step launch solution
Read this thread for more detail.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=363431

[TalynOne]

Awesome! Thanks AstronusX, will be testing this soon. I updated my FAQ with info about your app.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=363431


Edit: Just tested it, I first had to change the IGuidance shortcut to point to my storage card, as you described. I tested both TomTom and IGuidance and they work as advertised. I also tested running TomTom, turning off my Mogul, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on, and TomTom reacquired the GPS within 10 seconds. Awesome, thanks again AstronusX!

[rangie]

Works perfect with iGuidance.

Thanks!:)

[Fmstrat]

What are the chances of adding auto-launch/auto-kill of GPSGate to this app? That would be the end-all-be-all launcher for iGuidance.

[TalynOne]

I created an iGuidance one tap autolauncher. If GpsGate is not running, it starts it. The script then stores your device's current Power timeout, and backlight timeout and brightness settings. Then sets your device for no timeouts for power and backlight, and sets your backlight to maximum brightness. It then sets iGuidance to skip the startup warning dialog, before launching iGuidance through AstroGPSLauncher. Once you exit iGuidance the script will restore your previous backlight/power settings. The only thing not working in the script right now is that it doesn't terminate GpsGate on exit if the script started GpsGate. I have not found a reliable way to close GpsGate. All current methods I've tried of closing/terminating GpsGate leave an unresponsive icon in the tray of the Today screen.


For those who are interested, I've made a copy of this script available for download HERE (http://rapidshare.com/files/88176933/iGuidance_Internal_GPS_Launcher.zip.html). Instructions on how to install/use the script are in the included "iGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr" Mortscript file.

[Nunim]

Working quite well with iGo 2006 :)

[Sifter]

Nice job, working well with TomTom.

[friguy33]

can we just dumb this down to my level for a sec lol...for my iguidance...

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

huh? i installed astrogpslauncher and changed the shortcut to open my iguidance on my sd card...it all opens, but whats with the redirect port? how would i do this? thanks! this is gonna make me sooooooooooo happy

[1999TL]

Is there a way we can add run this launcher from the HTC home ? How would I get this launcher into the program shortcuts? thanks

[turilo]

ok i have igo instlled on main memory can some one plz tell me what to edit the shortcut to? and were do i put the gps launcher and shortcut plz?

[xclusiv_1]

ok i have igo instlled on main memory can some one plz tell me what to edit the shortcut to? and were do i put the gps launcher and shortcut plz?

i'm interested in this too b/c i'm lost

[AstronusX]

can we just dumb this down to my level for a sec lol...for my iguidance...

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

huh? i installed astrogpslauncher and changed the shortcut to open my iguidance on my sd card...it all opens, but whats with the redirect port? how would i do this? thanks! this is gonna make me sooooooooooo happy

You need to install GPSGAte software or GPSProxy to redirect the port to com2 and use AstroGPSLauncher shortcuts to launch it.


Is there a way we can add run this launcher from the HTC home ? How would I get this launcher into the program shortcuts? thanks
- Yes you can, just copy the shortcut to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and you can select from HTC Home selection


ok i have igo instlled on main memory can some one plz tell me what to edit the shortcut to? and were do i put the gps launcher and shortcut plz?

-- For iGo to work you also need to redirect your port as well, use GPSGate or GPSProxy to redirect your port to com2. After that, use 'Notepad' and open one of the short cut(eg. Tomtom Navigator Launcher) and change Tomtom Path to iGo Path and copy ur new shortcut to to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and launch it from there (make sure you have gpsgate setup and it is running).
--Note: You can find 'Tomtom Navigator Launcher' shortcut in my zip file.

To create shortcut, you can use SK ShortCut Manager to make it simple and you can change icon as well.

[1999TL]

Yah, I figured out the shortcut last night. This program ROCKS! THank you so much. I find a signal in 10 secs. With my bluetooth receiver, sometimes the damn thing wouldn't even connect. THANKS!!

I love this damn phone. Iphone killer

[AstronusX]

I'm glad it works for you

[TalynOne]

can we just dumb this down to my level for a sec lol...for my iguidance...

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

huh? i installed astrogpslauncher and changed the shortcut to open my iguidance on my sd card...it all opens, but whats with the redirect port? how would i do this? thanks! this is gonna make me sooooooooooo happy

More detailed instructions on how to setup GpsGate and iGuidance are here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=363431

[friguy33]

So i got it working with iguidance, kinda annoying though. The GpsGate (which is not free, any free alternatives?) puts an icon on the today screen, so i run gpsgate then iguidance, what is the benefit of running the AstroGPSLauncher instead of just running iGuidance itself? iGuidnace was a little "choppy" when i drove to work today. might try tomtom (no TTS) sadly and see if its better.

[TalynOne]

So i got it working with iguidance, kinda annoying though. The GpsGate (which is not free, any free alternatives?) puts an icon on the today screen, so i run gpsgate then iguidance, what is the benefit of running the AstroGPSLauncher instead of just running iGuidance itself? iGuidnace was a little "choppy" when i drove to work today. might try tomtom (no TTS) sadly and see if its better.

Try my MortScript, it automates the AstroGPSLauncher, GpsGate launch process, it also turns off the backlight timeout while iGuidance is running, and skips the warning screen for you.

Without the AstroGPSLauncher iGuidance will not see the GPS at all, unless you ran another program that started the GPS for you, AstroGPSLauncher starts your GPS radio for you, and keeps it alive.

Also check my FAQ for a link to a free GpsGate alternative, though I haven't tested to see if it works.

[wewex]

Has anybody have any problems with there Tilt phone after installing TomTom 6. ?

[friguy33]

I tried your mortscript but wasnt working...put the shortcut in the program folder, installed mortscript but when i try and run it says script/programs/GPSLauncher/iGuidanceinternalGPSLa (its then cut off) not found. waiting for existance. storage card not initialized?

iGuidance is on my storage card obviously but its all working other wise...how do i fix this? thanks...new to mort script so i apologize if this is basic crap...

[emailish]

Setup my 6800 with your kick ass app and now it launches my Google Maps and Live Search with active GPS. 1 step, no messy cleanup! Love you, mean it!

Ish.

[TalynOne]

I tried your mortscript but wasnt working...put the shortcut in the program folder, installed mortscript but when i try and run it says script/programs/GPSLauncher/iGuidanceinternalGPSLa (its then cut off) not found. waiting for existance. storage card not initialized?

iGuidance is on my storage card obviously but its all working other wise...how do i fix this? thanks...new to mort script so i apologize if this is basic crap...

Detailed install information is inside the .mscr file (open it up in any text editor to read it).

Make sure AstroGPSLauncher is installed in "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\", and make sure that the .mscr file is in that folder too. Copy the .lnk file to someware on your start menu (\Windows\Start Menu\Programs)

[sfld]

i have gpsgate installed. it says its routing com 4 to virtual port 2.... When i goto google maps it works with no problem. When i goto igo2006 it says no gps signal? anyone have any suggestions.

[sfld]

actually i got igo to work by going to settings then changing the com port to com 4. that way i dont even need to use GPSGATE. The problem is now, when i start up gps launcher, my device just locks up and nothing happens? I dont know if its not working for a reason or what.. but if i open google maps then i open igo... it all works.

[TalynOne]

i have gpsgate installed. it says its routing com 4 to virtual port 2.... When i goto google maps it works with no problem. When i goto igo2006 it says no gps signal? anyone have any suggestions.

GpsGate is only required for iGuidance, not iGo or any other GPS navigation app.

[TalynOne]

actually i got igo to work by going to settings then changing the com port to com 4. that way i dont even need to use GPSGATE. The problem is now, when i start up gps launcher, my device just locks up and nothing happens? I dont know if its not working for a reason or what.. but if i open google maps then i open igo... it all works.

Make sure AstroGPSLauncher is installed and configured correctly.

1.) Place "AstroGPSLauncher.exe" in "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\"
2.) Make a shortcut to AstroGPSLauncher.exe, with a parameter that specifies what GPS application you want it to launch.

For example, a shortcut file for iGO would look similar to this:

128#"\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" \Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe?\Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe,-101


3.) Place the shortcut on your start menu ("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs")

[blazingwolf]

I get an error saying AstroGPS Launcher is not trusted or is missing a file. I have AstroGPS Launcher in a folder in Program Files. My TomTom is installed to main memory. The link that goes to it is correct and even shows the TomTom icon.

I'm using an XV6800 currently running dcd 2.1 VZW ROM.

Any ideas?

[rpro95]

I am having problems installing. Of course I am use to cabs not use to exe installations. I have tomtom 6 on my sd card and was using holux gps viewer with no probs but thought this would be a better alternative.Any help greatly appreciated.

[blazingwolf]

I am having problems installing. Of course I am use to cabs not use to exe installations. I have tomtom 6 on my sd card and was using holux gps viewer with no probs but thought this would be a better alternative.Any help greatly appreciated.

No install needed. Just move the file over to your device. Then place it in Program Files.

[xclusiv_1]

Make sure AstroGPSLauncher is installed and configured correctly.

1.) Place "AstroGPSLauncher.exe" in "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\"
2.) Make a shortcut to AstroGPSLauncher.exe, with a parameter that specifies what GPS application you want it to launch.

For example, a shortcut file for iGO would look similar to this:

128#"\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" \Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe?\Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe,-101


3.) Place the shortcut on your start menu ("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs")

I'm sorry to be a pain but i still don't get it... i 'm using igo too... can u break it down a lil more for me please... is the string supposed to be exactly as you have it above

[blazingwolf]

I'm sorry to be a pain but i still don't get it... i 'm using igo too... can u break it down a lil more for me please... is the string supposed to be exactly as you have it above

It would be assuming you installed everything to those areas.

Did you place AstroGPS Launcher in Program Files/AstroGPS Launcher?

Is iGo installed to main memory?

What version of iGo do you have?

[xclusiv_1]

It would be assuming you installed everything to those areas.

Did you place AstroGPS Launcher in Program Files/AstroGPS Launcher?

Is iGo installed to main memory?

What version of iGo do you have?

Did you place AstroGPS Launcher in Program Files/AstroGPS Launcher? yes
Is iGo installed to main memory? yes but the maps are on the storage card
What version of iGo do you have? iGo 2006

[blazingwolf]

Did you place AstroGPS Launcher in Program Files/AstroGPS Launcher? yes
Is iGo installed to main memory? yes but the maps are on the storage card
What version of iGo do you have? iGo 2006

Then the shortcut TalynOne posted should work for you.

[AstronusX]

For people have problem to get AstroGPSLauncer to work
Please use 'SK Shortcut Manager to create a shortcut for you and simplify your process

Sk Shortcut Manager can be download here http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Launcher-Applications/SK-Shortcut-Manager-18241.shtml

[SK Shortcut Manager]
Create new Shortcut
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.

YOu can uninstall SK Shortcut Manager after done create a shortcut for your GPS

If you use iGuidance, you can use TalynOne 'iGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr', with GPSGate to get one step launch solution
Read this thread for more detail.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=363431

[sheetalc]

I get an error saying AstroGPS Launcher is not trusted or is missing a file. I have AstroGPS Launcher in a folder in Program Files. My TomTom is installed to main memory. The link that goes to it is correct and even shows the TomTom icon.

I'm using an XV6800 currently running dcd 2.1 VZW ROM.

Any ideas?

Same error. Copied to the folder. someone mentioned a .mscr file. I did not see any in the attachment to the OP. Could that be the problem?

[AstronusX]

did you use 'Sk Shortcut Manager' to create shortcut, you gps application might have different path from given shortcut

[sheetalc]

did you use 'Sk Shortcut Manager' to create shortcut, you gps application might have different path from given shortcut

Yes, got it to launch Google maps. But now when I choose "Use GPS" in Google maps - nothing happens. Previoulsy it would show "Seeking GPS Satellites (x)" "GPS Active(x)" etc.. now it does nothing. I did not give it 2-3 mins to see if its actually seeking satellites... is this the correct behavior?

[AstronusX]

Make sure you set the port to com4 and give it sometime. :)

[sheetalc]

Make sure you set the port to com4 and give it sometime. :)

Set the port to com4 in Google maps GPS settings? If not, where?

[AstronusX]

yes, in google map setting

[rsbrown69]

Make sure AstroGPSLauncher is installed and configured correctly.

1.) Place "AstroGPSLauncher.exe" in "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\"
2.) Make a shortcut to AstroGPSLauncher.exe, with a parameter that specifies what GPS application you want it to launch.

For example, a shortcut file for iGO would look similar to this:

128#"\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" \Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe?\Program Files\iGo 2006\igo.exe,-101


3.) Place the shortcut on your start menu ("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs")

This is actually a little bit easier, it only requires copy and past.

* Create the folder in main memory of your phone "AstroGPSLauncher"

* Copy AstroGPSLauncher.exe to the folder in your Main Memory \AstroGPSLauncher\

* As long as the program you want to launch is installed to main memory (default) then you can simply copy the included desired shortcuts to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs

* Now simply launch your desired program by using the new shortcut which has launcher added to the name I.E.
TomTom Launcher - this will start the internal GPS and launch TomTom at the same time

Thanks AstronusX for the excellent app. I installed it this way and it is perfect. You can also find the link on the PPCGeeks page here (http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=17225)

[aph]

Setup my 6800 with your kick ass app and now it launches my Google Maps and Live Search with active GPS. 1 step, no messy cleanup! Love you, mean it!

Ish.

I'm using this for TomTom and it's great. Google Maps and Live Search already find the GPS themselves; what's the advantage of using the launcher on them?

[rsbrown69]

I'm using this for TomTom and it's great. Google Maps and Live Search already find the GPS themselves; what's the advantage of using the launcher on them?

Nothing, this app only benefits the applications that do not start up the GPS by themselves like yahoo go, TomTom etc.

[aph]

I seem to be encountering these issues repeatedly:

1. Sometimes the launcher does not launch the GPS program. There is no error, it is as though it was never executed. However I can tell that the launcher itself has started because the start menu/title bar is missing (see below). An error message would be helpful to try to resolve the problem. Running the launcher over and over will make it launch the program eventually.

2. Sometimes when executing the launcher or when exiting out of the GPS program, the start menu/title bar disappears and the last executed program shows through. The hardkey to open the start menu works, but trying to tap the area where the start menu would normally be switches to the program showing through as though its active area was clicked.

3. Sometimes the GPS program does not see a single satellite after finding the device and this requires a restart of the program to correct.

[AstronusX]

I seem to be encountering these issues repeatedly:

1. Sometimes the launcher does not launch the GPS program. There is no error, it is as though it was never executed. However I can tell that the launcher itself has started because the start menu/title bar is missing (see below). An error message would be helpful to try to resolve the problem. Running the launcher over and over will make it launch the program eventually.

2. Sometimes when executing the launcher or when exiting out of the GPS program, the start menu/title bar disappears and the last executed program shows through. The hardkey to open the start menu works, but trying to tap the area where the start menu would normally be switches to the program showing through as though its active area was clicked.

3. Sometimes the GPS program does not see a single satellite after finding the device and this requires a restart of the program to correct.

#1 and #2 potential cause is you have run out of memory before you launch the app, gps application(tomtom) take a lot of memory, make sure you have enough memory, you are on wm6.1 correct?

#3. GPS acquiring time could take 1 minutes up to 15 minutes, if you don't see it, just patient, will will acquire eventually.

[NKT]

Hi, I just tried to use this launcher on my VX6800 and it's saying:

"The file 'AstroGPSLauncher' cannot be opened. Either it is not signed with a trusted certificate, or one of its components cannot be found. If the problem persists, try reinstalling or restoring this file."

I copied the AstroGPSLauncher.exe and TomTom Launcher shortcut to \Programs\AstroGPSLauncher.

Help :)

**EDIT**

Ok, now I feel like a schmuck. I should have tried some more troubleshooting. I created a directory directly under root (\) and it works PERFECTLY!! Thank you for this program!!!!!!

Back to your regular scheduled GPSing :D

[fusQer]

are hte iGuidance issues fixed? it was/is super laggy and generally very slow , basically unusable. but its the best one :(

[rsbrown69]

Hi, I just tried to use this launcher on my VX6800 and it's saying:

"The file 'AstroGPSLauncher' cannot be opened. Either it is not signed with a trusted certificate, or one of its components cannot be found. If the problem persists, try reinstalling or restoring this file."

I copied the AstroGPSLauncher.exe and TomTom Launcher shortcut to \Programs\AstroGPSLauncher.

Help :)

**EDIT**

Ok, now I feel like a schmuck. I should have tried some more troubleshooting. I created a directory directly under root (\) and it works PERFECTLY!! Thank you for this program!!!!!!

Back to your regular scheduled GPSing :D

Yea, quite a few people have made the same mistake, I highlighted and made bold the part about creating the folder in main memory I love the program, Thanks again AstronusX.

[aph]

#1 and #2 potential cause is you have run out of memory before you launch the app, gps application(tomtom) take a lot of memory, make sure you have enough memory, you are on wm6.1 correct?

#3. GPS acquiring time could take 1 minutes up to 15 minutes, if you don't see it, just patient, will will acquire eventually.

WM 6.0 I think. The Settings > About screen says "Windows Mobile 6 Professional, CE OS 5.2.1622 (Build 18128.0.4.4)

I'll take a look at the free memory if it happens again

[hohnan]

WM 6.0 I think. The Settings > About screen says "Windows Mobile 6 Professional, CE OS 5.2.1622 (Build 18128.0.4.4)

I'll take a look at the free memory if it happens again

Try exiting TomTom and clicking the launcher again. It has worked for me in the past.

[aph]

I've found that finding the device is much quicker since I upgraded to a WM 6.1 ROM

[fusQer]

i tried GPS Proxy with iGuidance. i set gps proxy to "route" port 4 to port 2, and set iGuidance's com port to port 2. i also used GPS Proxy to automatically launch iguidance when gpsproxy is launched. i still have the iguidance being very slow and choppy and not updating while im driving issues. does this mean that gps proxy does not work for iguidance and i need gpsgate? or does it mean that i need to use the script described in this thread along with gpsproxy?

also, is iguidance the software formerly known as Routis? it seems very similar, especially the way the woman says "turn ryshe" instead of "turn right"

[1999TL]

I'm baffled. I was using this just fine b4 I updated my rom. The file cannot be opening. Not trusted or one of its components cannot be found.

[AstronusX]

double check the shortcut location, it sound like it point to wrong location.

if you use defaut short cut, make sure ur tomtom/iguidance is on rom, not on sd and Astrogps is also on rom

[1999TL]

Both are in the rom.

[1999TL]

This is strange though. I see a tom tom folder in the main memory, when i click on it I dont see a thing. Where is your tom tom stored? in program files i dont see anything in there. There is a tom tom folder in main memory

[1999TL]

I"m such a freaking idiot. I tried SK shortcut. When I am selecting the program, do I select the .ink file for tom tom or an .exe or dll? I can't seem to find the .exe for my tom tom.

[1999TL]

I got it working. My tom tom was in Navigator in Program Files. Is that where the default location is, instead of TOM TOm? I'm using the same cab this time around so I dont know why ur program shortcuts didn't work.

THanks for the program and the instructions on how to use SK shortcut!

[AstronusX]

yes, that is correct, it is also depend on where u up astrogpslauncher too default is \AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe but it much better if you SK Manager to create shortcut so that you can put it anywhere you want.

[aph]

Sometimes TomTom doesn't pick up the device even though it's actively communicating with a valid position. A good example is when running GPS Gate and TomTom together, setting both to input from the same port. GPS Gate gets the signal, TomTom doesn't and needs to be shut down and restarted to pick it up.

I've noticed over time that this can depend on the version. Does anyone have a version number of one that they like?

[aph]

yes, that is correct, it is also depend on where u up astrogpslauncher too default is \AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe but it much better if you SK Manager to create shortcut so that you can put it anywhere you want.

I think the default shortcuts should be for \Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher, since I don't think anyone (I certainly didn't) installs it in the root folder of their device.

[AKA_Kal_El]

Will this program work with Live Search?

nevermind i didn't read the entire thread

First I would like to say thanks to Shadowmite and Baffles for their idea of GPS Launcher. Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher are great gps launcher but aren't suite my need so I decided to write one myself.

Shadowmite's GPSLauncher is nice and compact but more work, I need to launch the application and click the 'Tomtom' to launch it (2 step). I like Baffles' idea when click on it and launch immediately but unfortunately it use .NET use lot of RAM.

I have issue on both application for tomtom is that when turn off the screen or someone call in, gps connection get lost and re-click it to open up the gps port for tomtom.

This AstroGPSLauncher open the gps port and launch 'gps application'. AstroGPSLauncher will close itself upon 'gps application' exit in which won't have issue when someone call in or turn off the phone.

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

--How to use this AstroGPSLauncher ---
--Copy AstroGPSLauncher to your Main Memory
\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe
(YOu can copy AstroGPSLauncher to SD Card but you need to change the path inside the shortcut if you use)

This launcher launch gps application through parameter(if you know what I meant) . I have provide two shortcuts 'Tomtom Launcher' which and 'iGuidance Launcher' for your need(Make sure you install tomtom app or iGuidance to main memory which you should). If you install on different location, you need to use notepad and edit the shortcut to correct gps application and icon or you can use 'SK Shortcut Manager' to create a short that point to your launcher.

SK Shortcut Manager - New Short cut Instruction
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.

BTW, this application only take 2k of RAM (very small) and 10k for disk memory. It much less memory usage than Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher

If you like this application, please give some comments.

[pmmagee]

I downloaded and attempted to install AstroGPSLauncher, but I got an error message when I ran the execute file. I unzipped it on my PC (running Windows XP) and the error message says: AstroGPSLauncher.exe is not a valid Win32 application. Should I have launched this from my phone?

[pmmagee]

Has anyone tested it with Mapquest Navigator. I have a Sprint Mogul and an external bluetooth GPS that works great with Mapquest Navigator, however it can't find the internal GPS (I've tested it with Google Maps and it works fine).

[bombzhome]

I downloaded and attempted to install AstroGPSLauncher, but I got an error message when I ran the execute file. I unzipped it on my PC (running Windows XP) and the error message says: AstroGPSLauncher.exe is not a valid Win32 application. Should I have launched this from my phone?

Yes, you should have executed it from your phone. It's a Pocket PC executable file, not a Windows XP.

[Geckotek]

I downloaded and attempted to install AstroGPSLauncher, but I got an error message when I ran the execute file. I unzipped it on my PC (running Windows XP) and the error message says: AstroGPSLauncher.exe is not a valid Win32 application. Should I have launched this from my phone?

You need to read the instructions on how to set this up. This program is not intended to be run stand-alone, it is meant to be used with a shortcut that launches it and your GPS program of choice.

Read thoroughly so that you understand how to do this.

[Geckotek]

Will this program work with Live Search?

nevermind i didn't read the entire thread

Got mine working with Live Search last night.

[AstronusX]

If you use live search, you don't need to use this app. Live Search can connect to gps by itself

[derksend]

this tools works great now ive got a fix in 10/15 sec in tomtom before it was more than a minute or longer

i'm using dutty 6.1 rom with radio 1.64.08.21

[Geckotek]

If you use live search, you don't need to use this app. Live Search can connect to gps by itself

:o I guess I thought it would help kick off the GPS connection and therefore be ready to connect faster.

Guess I should've read the whole thread on here....never saw that mentioned @ PPCGeeks. :o

[AstronusX]

Yes, it is also preparing for gps connection while you are browsing through live search.

[Geckotek]

Yes, it is also preparing for gps connection while you are browsing through live search.

So it is helpful and not a bad idea to leave installed....correct?

[AstronusX]

That's correct

[xdalaw]

Hi, I just tried to use this launcher on my VX6800 and it's saying:

"The file 'AstroGPSLauncher' cannot be opened. Either it is not signed with a trusted certificate, or one of its components cannot be found. If the problem persists, try reinstalling or restoring this file."

I copied the AstroGPSLauncher.exe and TomTom Launcher shortcut to \Programs\AstroGPSLauncher.

Help :)

**EDIT**

Ok, now I feel like a schmuck. I should have tried some more troubleshooting. I created a directory directly under root (\) and it works PERFECTLY!! Thank you for this program!!!!!!

Back to your regular scheduled GPSing :D

Thank you!! I made the same bonehead mistake. Now works like a charm.

[blurv]

I noticed my bluetooth turned on on my 6800 when using this launcher. Is there a way to stop it from turning on?

Blur

[chong67]

How come I dont have this problem as mention on post 1?

I use the Mogul.

My TomTom6 and iGuidance 4.0 works fine.

I just turn on bluetooth and run the problem and thats it.

[knives of ice]

Thank you!! I made the same bonehead mistake. Now works like a charm.

can you let me know what you did to get it working? i'm not sure what you mean about creating a directory under the root. sorry for the retarded question but i'm having the same problem you are having...

[Alpine-]

Great Work, makes using TomTom all that much easier.

Now if there was only some kind of a remedy for that annoying MUTE bug!

[Shadowmite]

I'm amazed reading this thread no one has posted this yet... Here's a easy install cab, puts the program where it needs to be and the shortcuts where they need to be. Good job AstronousX...

[AstronusX]

Thank for cab it, I'll update 1st post

[rsbrown69]

Great Work, makes using TomTom all that much easier.

Now if there was only some kind of a remedy for that annoying MUTE bug!

You must be using the faulty OEM that has been going around, I built one based on my CD and it works flawlessly. I left out the shortcuts TomTom creates so that the AstroGPSLauncher shortcuts are the only ones there. If you are interested I will post it here if I can.

Ok, couldnt upload it here but here it is on Rapidshare (http://rapidshare.com/files/98884799/APPS_Tomtom.zip.html)

[Shadowmite]

I am not aware of a fix to the tomtom mute bug he mentioned. The bug quite simply is if you have a active data connection, tomtom thinks you're on the phone and mutes the audio.

If this has been fixed please let me know!

[rsbrown69]

I am not aware of a fix to the tomtom mute bug he mentioned. The bug quite simply is if you have a active data connection, tomtom thinks you're on the phone and mutes the audio.

If this has been fixed please let me know!

I have never had that problem with my TomTom, I noticed the one floating around as an OEM has a different startup screen than mine and has the mute enabled by default, The OEM I created does not have that problem.

[Alpine-]

You must be using the faulty OEM that has been going around, I built one based on my CD and it works flawlessly. I left out the shortcuts TomTom creates so that the AstroGPSLauncher shortcuts are the only ones there. If you are interested I will post it here if I can.

Ok, couldnt upload it here but here it is on Rapidshare (http://rapidshare.com/files/98884799/APPS_Tomtom.zip.html)

Interesting...

From what I read, it appeared all versions had this behavior. I have the latest version 6.032. What version is this?

Thanks, I will try it out and report back.

Update: Couldnt test it properly, It asked fro activation and I tried to crack it. The .exe wouldnt run. The version I have is 6.032 w/ an already cracked .exe. You are right though, the startup splash screens are different.

Hoping someone else can test and confirm this.

[1999TL]

all the toms mute when you start the program and you have an active data connection. I'm on 6.032 and dont think they updated it to fix it yet. They haven't really updated the program much.

[rsbrown69]

Interesting...

From what I read, it appeared all versions had this behavior. I have the latest version 6.032. What version is this?

Thanks, I will try it out and report back.

I am running 6.010, I must have purchased one of the first copies to come out. My version will mute whenever you get on the phone but that is all. I am providing the link to the cab so you can try it out immediately. Just a thought though, it almost seems like the OEM floating around might have been created by using post set up files because I did not have to do as extensive of a set up with the OEM version as I do with my version for the first run.
If you can provide me with your cab I can take a look at it as well. You can find the install cabs in the 2577 folder created on the SD card during initial install, one should be TTN.cab and the other should be TTN2003.cab. I use the TTN.cab.

Here is the link (http://rapidshare.com/files/99017534/ttn.cab.html)

[Alpine-]

I am running 6.010, I must have purchased one of the first copies to come out. My version will mute whenever you get on the phone but that is all. I am providing the link to the cab so you can try it out immediately. Just a thought though, it almost seems like the OEM floating around might have been created by using post set up files because I did not have to do as extensive of a set up with the OEM version as I do with my version for the first run.
If you can provide me with your cab I can take a look at it as well. You can find the install cabs in the 2577 folder created on the SD card during initial install, one should be TTN.cab and the other should be TTN2003.cab. I use the TTN.cab.

Here is the link (http://rapidshare.com/files/99017534/ttn.cab.html)

Here is the 6.032 cab. http://rapidshare.com/files/99021981/ttn_6_032_8351_HTCNLD.cab.html

I just discovered something very odd. After running the .exe from your older build on my Mogul, the other install (current build) no longer Mutes when I start it. Could this be as simple as a registry edit? All I know is I ran the older .exe in a seperate dir. IT needed to be cracked so I deleted it. I ran the previous install w. the current build and it no longer mutes on start. I soft reset multiple times to test. It has not started muted once. ??????????

Update: If my Data connection is open It starts with MUTE. If I disable the data connection then start TomTom (with Astro) it loads fine and its not muted. I dont know if it had anything to do with the previous builds being run now. ;{ Is this how it always functioned? It seemed like before it was always muted.

[Shadowmite]

No that's exactly standard, it misinterprets the data connection as a voice connection due to how they test for a phone call.

I remember there was some major speed up issues solved with 6.030/2 from 6.010, anyone remember exactly what? And can someone else confirm 6.010 doesn't have this glitch?

[rsbrown69]

No that's exactly standard, it misinterprets the data connection as a voice connection due to how they test for a phone call.

I remember there was some major speed up issues solved with 6.030/2 from 6.010, anyone remember exactly what? And can someone else confirm 6.010 doesn't have this glitch?

I have included the cab also on another post so you can give it a try for yourself. I have tried both versions and have not noticed any improvement using 6.030, only the mute flaw.

[760hacker]

OK if someone can help me out here this would be great. I have installed my Garmin Mobile XT on my phone. I want to setup AstroGPS Launcher to prime it.

1. Can I modify that .cab XML file to point to my folders and programs?
2. Assuming I can, would i point to the .exe file?
3. Location of program \Garmin\Garmin Mobile XT.exe

If you have Garmin setup this way you can use this cab below to install AstroGPSLauncher and create the shortcuts for Garmin. Cheers!

[rsbrown69]

OK if someone can help me out here this would be great. I have installed my Garmin Mobile XT on my phone. I want to setup AstroGPS Launcher to prime it.

1. Can I modify that .cab XML file to point to my folders and programs?
2. Assuming I can, would i point to the .exe file?
3. Location of program \Garmin\Garmin Mobile XT.exe

If I can't mod that XML file what exactly would my parameters be for skshortcut?

THanks!!

Here are the instructions from the first post,

you can use 'SK Shortcut Manager' to create a short that point to your launcher.

SK Shortcut Manager - New Short cut Instruction
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.


Thats how I created the shorcut for Yahoo Go2.

[760hacker]

Here are the instructions from the first post,



Thats how I created the shorcut for Yahoo Go2.

Thanks but while waiting for a response I went ahead and re wrote the .cab and it works perfectly with my garmin!!! Woo hoo now I can delete Google Maps, my previous primer and free up some more space on my phone!:D

[hrm]

Astro this app is awesome I use it with TomTom. The one thing that would be helpful is if the app could set the system volume on and to 100%. I almost always keep my phone on Vibrate because of being in the office and meetings constantly. When i fire up tomtom I ALWAYS forget to turn the system volume on and up to 100% which is cumbersome when Tomtom is already running.

If the Astro launcher app would set the system volume on and to 100% that would ROCK because then my tomtom would work perfectly.

Thanks for the great app you already put together. I'd even be willing to throw a few bucks your way.

[gorby911]

AstronusX, just wanted to add my Thank You! Works great with TomTom on my Mogul. It was so annoying to start Google Maps or Windows Live to get TomTom to see the GPS. Now just start it and ready to go in under 10 seconds. Beatiful!! :D

[chong67]

I just did a cold boot be sure that Google map or anything is running.

I go to iGuidance 4.0 and in about 5 sec, I got the GPS signal.

I thought I need to get this launcher?

[Leland]

This is perfect. I was using the HTCGPS app to open the com4 and start up the GPS and then opening TOMTOM. Now I can save extra memory running your quick start app. Thanks again for helping the community with GPS. I'll never get lost again.

[chong67]

Is this AstroGPSLauncher required if you have GPSGate install on your PPC?

[Gargamel301]

I have the new ROM from htc, and I can get my google maps to find me with the internal gps. I installed the astrolauncher.cab and it opens up my TomTom, but i do not get a gps signal. I can get it if I start google maps, and do it, but not through astrogps. Do I have to change some settings somewhere in the astrogps program or something?

[AstronusX]

Yes you need to launch tomtom through astro gps, did u create a short cut to do that or you launch tomtom directly?

[Gargamel301]

Yes, when I installed the cab it made a shortcut called "Tomtom Launcher". So when I click on it, it launches Tomtom, but I still do not get gps signal.

[Shadowmite]

What version of tomtom, go into it's settings and make sure you have it set for: other nmea device, 4800 or 9600 baud, and com4... And remember it takes sometimes up to a minute to get a lock.

[Gargamel301]

I think I got it now, I had to go to my external gps setting and change that to com4, and it worked. I was also driving around at the time also, so maybe that was it.

thanks

[Gilliland]

I just did a cold boot be sure that Google map or anything is running.

I go to iGuidance 4.0 and in about 5 sec, I got the GPS signal.

I thought I need to get this launcher?You do, but it's complicated. You're right, iGuidance will discover the GPS signal just fine. The problem is that it isn't perfectly compatible with the native Mogul GPS signal. The result is that while iGuidance is receiving the GPS data, it will NOT properly update its map as you change location.

To fix this, you need to use GPSGate as a GPS Proxy. It's stupid and shortsighted on iNav's part that they won't fix this, but that's the current situation. So you need GPSGate to get usable GSP data into iGuidance.

However, GPSGate isn't able to coldstart the GPS. So you need AstroGPSLauncher to start GPSGate. Once GPSGate is running properly and translating the GPS data to a virtual COM port, then iGuidance will run correctly and update its map location properly.

It's REALLY kludgy, but it works. The launcher will start the GPS. GPSGate will receive the data from the GPS Com port (COM4 by default) and translate it to another COM port, say COM2. Then set up iGuidance to get its GPS data from that COM2 virtual COM port and everything will work just fine.

[760hacker]

I am sure that there are others around here that are using AstroGPS Launcher to prime their connection for Garmin XT. I have noticed that it fails to work on a few different occasions.

1. Phone is left untouched and goes into sleep mode.
2. Pretty much everytime I use the application successfully and then exit I have to do multiple soft resets to get it to work properly again.

I also use QuickGPS to hopefully speed up the sattelite finding process.

Has anyone else run into these bugs? What have you done to overcome them?

[JakFrost]

--Copy AstroGPSLauncher to your Main Memory
\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe

Thanks to shadowmite cab the file.

Great application since it removes the extra step of start/opening the GPS COM4 port and making the launching of TomTom 6 easier on my Titan phone.

However, I have to say that the cap posted on this forum by default installs the application in the root "\AstroGPSLauncher" folder. This reminds me of the old days of MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 where all the installers would just dump their software into the root of the file system. This is annoying as it clutters up the device, especially when there is a Program Files folder designed just for installing applications. :mad: @ ShadowMite for packaging the cab to put the file to the the root folder.

Also, adding the TomTom Launcher shortcut into O2 Plus 2.3 desktop launcher does not work correctly and the application does not start. This seems like a problem with the way that O2 Plus handles shortcuts since the shortcut works fine from File Explorer and Programs folder. Here is the fix in case you have the same problem also. To get the shortcut to work you have to remove everything after the question mark "?" to get O2 Plus to launch the shortcut and the parameter with the location for the TomTom executable. Also, no double-quotes (") around the parameter path for the TomTom executable, since then the shortcut will work only through O2 Plus desktop and not work from the Start Menu.

150#"\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" \Program Files\Navigator\TomTom Navigator.exe

[jonjvaughn]

I've been fighting to get a "trusty" GPS connection for months and I thought this thread was going to solve it all but, alas, no. It seems this may be the place where I might I ask for someone, anyone to spot a problem in my setup that is keeping from locking onto GPS without feeling like I'm playing BINGO!

I have a Holux GPSSlim386 BT receiver. I have paired it to my Samsung i760. I have added an outgoing port for it that is COM8.

In Settings->External GPS I have COM4 as my GPS program port. I have COM8 as the GPS hardware port (baud=4800). I have the Access tab saying to Manage GPS automatically.

To date then I simply have not found a solid way to fire up the GPS for use im TomTom Navigator 6. I have TomTom set to Other Bluetooth GPS receiver and sometimes using COM4 works and other times COM8. Sometimes firing up Google Maps help, sometime not. It seems like a crap shoot getting the thing started.

I also have GPSViewer from Holux. That seems to make things "better" in that it can scan all ports looking for the Holux. I seem to note that soon after turning on the receiver it will be found as COM8. If I wait a bit longer, it will be found as both COM8 and COM4. Usually I can click Open GPS after this scan and sooner or later get a GPS lock. Then I have to go back into TomTom and configure things AGAIN to get it to see the GPS. Like I said I feel like I should yell BINGO when I finally get it working.

I've been hoping AstroGPSLauncher will make all this "click". I have installed the exe in \AstroGPSLanucher. I have copied the TomTom Launcher.lnk into \Windows\Start Menu\Programs. It's contents appear intact as described in this thread and point to the right location for the launcher and for TomTom.

Clicking it does indeed launch TomTom but I seem no closer to connecting to the GPS then ever.

Can anyone with a similar setup spot what I'm doing wrong? Thanks.

I'm hoping that I can then simply turn on the receiver, wait a minute or so for the connection to be made, then launch TomTom and start navigating.

[rsbrown69]

I've been fighting to get a "trusty" GPS connection for months and I thought this thread was going to solve it all but, alas, no. It seems this may be the place where I might I ask for someone, anyone to spot a problem in my setup that is keeping from locking onto GPS without feeling like I'm playing BINGO!

I have a Holux GPSSlim386 BT receiver. I have paired it to my Samsung i760. I have added an outgoing port for it that is COM8.

In Settings->External GPS I have COM4 as my GPS program port. I have COM8 as the GPS hardware port (baud=4800). I have the Access tab saying to Manage GPS automatically.

To date then I simply have not found a solid way to fire up the GPS for use im TomTom Navigator 6. I have TomTom set to Other Bluetooth GPS receiver and sometimes using COM4 works and other times COM8. Sometimes firing up Google Maps help, sometime not. It seems like a crap shoot getting the thing started.

I also have GPSViewer from Holux. That seems to make things "better" in that it can scan all ports looking for the Holux. I seem to note that soon after turning on the receiver it will be found as COM8. If I wait a bit longer, it will be found as both COM8 and COM4. Usually I can click Open GPS after this scan and sooner or later get a GPS lock. Then I have to go back into TomTom and configure things AGAIN to get it to see the GPS. Like I said I feel like I should yell BINGO when I finally get it working.

I've been hoping AstroGPSLauncher will make all this "click". I have installed the exe in \AstroGPSLanucher. I have copied the TomTom Launcher.lnk into \Windows\Start Menu\Programs. It's contents appear intact as described in this thread and point to the right location for the launcher and for TomTom.

Clicking it does indeed launch TomTom but I seem no closer to connecting to the GPS then ever.

Can anyone with a similar setup spot what I'm doing wrong? Thanks.

I'm hoping that I can then simply turn on the receiver, wait a minute or so for the connection to be made, then launch TomTom and start navigating.

AstroGPS is designed to initiate the connection to the internal GPS receiver and I dont believe it will do anything for an external GPS. I could be wrong however since after enabling my internal GPS I have not used an external one. The internal one is accurate and fast enough for all street navigation programs I have used.

When I did use an external GPS I would first pair it up with my Mobil device then I would go to bluetooth com ports and add a new com port, the drop down should allow you to select the GPS receiver you previously paired. I am doing this from memory so you may have to browse between bluetooth incoming com port settings and outgoing com port settings, I cant remember which but I am thinking it is the second tab from the left.

[AstronusX]

Yes it is designed to open internal gps not external one.

[jonjvaughn]

Yes it is designed to open internal gps not external one.

Darn! Thanks anyway.

Funny how one assumes! I scanned 11 pages of posts and it never dawned me about internal vs. external.

I'll take my woes elsewhere. :(

[TalynOne]

Sorry for my absence, life sometimes gets overwhelming sometimes... I will be making a huge overhaul to all my FAQs soon. In the meantime I'm releasing a new version (0.2) of my iGuidance launcher Mortscript. I've had this laying around for a while, but finally only got a chance to document it today.

As a bonus, for ease of use, I've created installation CAB files for AstroGPSLauncher (unlike Shadowmite's CAB installation file this installs into "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher" instead of the root of the device, which the script expects AstroGPSLauncher.exe to exist). I've also created an installation CAB the launcher scripts/shortcut file. You will need to change the start menu link (.lnk) file in a text editor if iGuidance is not installed in "\Storage Card\Program Files\iNav\iGuidance", to get the iGuidance launcher shortcut to display the correct icon on your Start Menu.

Here's the AstroGPSLauncher CAB (includes many sample shortcuts in the "\AstroGPSLauncher\SampleShortcuts" folder):
ftp://up.ppcgeeks.com/Titan/AstronusX_AstroGPSLauncher_v0.1.cab

Here's the iGuidance Internal GPS Autolauncher CAB:
ftp://up.ppcgeeks.com/Titan/iGuidance_Internal_GPS_Launcher_v0.2.cab

For those curious, here's the readme/changelog:

# Titan internal GPS autolauncher
#
# Version: 0.2
#
# Last Updated: 04/12/2008 12:09 P.M.
#
# Tested with: iGuidance v4 on an HTC Mogul (running GPS
# ROM v3.35.04) with Mortscript v4.1, and GpsGate v2.6.0.311.
#
# ------------
# Description:
# ------------
#
# If GpsGate is not running, it starts it. This script then
# stores your device's current power timeout, and backlight
# timeout and brightness settings. Then sets your device
# for no timeouts for power and backlight, and sets your
# backlight to maximum brightness. It then sets iGuidance to
# COM2 and skips the startup warning dialog, before launching
# iGuidance through AstroGPSLauncher. Once you exit iGuidance
# the script will restore youre previous backlight/power
# settings.
#
# -------------
# Requirements:
# -------------
# 1. Mortscript (freeware script interpreter)
#
# - Get it here:
# http://www.sto-helit.de/index.php?module=download&action=list&entry=18
# - Should be installed into main memory
#
# 2. Franson GpsGate (A commercial, with a trial available, GPS
# proxy, and much more)
#
# - Get it here:
# http://gpsgate.com/index.php?id=14
# - Should be installed into main memory
#
# 3. AstronusX's AstroGPSLauncher (internal GPS starter)
#
# - Get it here:
# http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=364199
#
# AstroGPSLauncher opens the internal GPS port of the Titan
# and launches a specified GPS application (iGuidance). It will
# close itself when you close the GPS application. It's also
# written in native code, the program is only 10k and uses a
# minuscule 2k of RAM. Since it keeps running in background
# until you exit your GPS software will allow your GPS software
# to reacquire the GPS signal when your Titan comes back from
# standby (power button) mode.
#
# -------------------
# Installation/Setup:
# -------------------
#
# You will need to change the start menu link (.lnk) file in a
# text editor if iGuidance is not installed in
# "\Storage Card\Program Files\iNav\iGuidance", to get the
# iGuidance launcher shortcut to display the correct icon on
# your Start Menu.
#
# --------------
# GpsGate Setup:
# --------------
# Once installed GpsGate installs a tray icon in your Today
# screen (red or green icon in lower right hand corner of the
# Today screen).
#
# 1. Tap the tray icon, and choose the "Settings" menu item.
#
# 2. On the "Input" tab set it to "WM GPS".
#
# Note: If the value "WM GPS" is not in the list, you're
# probably running a version of GPSGate older the 2.5.308.
# Either upgrade your version of GPSGate or set the value
# to "COM4" instead (this value will still work fine with
# the launcher).
#
# 3. On the "Output" tab, choose "Virtual COM Port" under the
# "Add output" section, and press the "Add" button.
#
# 4. Set the "Virtual port" to "COM2".
#
# 5. Press the "OK" button.
#
# 6. On the "Input" tab press the "Open" button.
#
# ----------------
# iGuidance Setup:
# ----------------
# 1. Start iGuidance
#
# 2. Go to the "Tools" menu, and choose the "GPS Options"
# submenu, then choose the "COM Port" submenu item. Set it
# to the same port you used for your "Virtual Port" (COM2 in
# the example above).
#
# 3. Go to the "Tools" menu, and choose the "GPS Options"
# submenu, then choose the "Baud Rate" submenu item. Set it
# to "4800".
#
# ----------------
# Troubleshooting:
# ----------------
# 1.) Make sure you have all the required programs and settings
# are applied as described above.
#
# 2.) Verify that "AstroGPSLauncher.exe", this file, and
# "ProxyiGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr"
# are in the same folder as AstroGPSLauncher
# (\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher).
#
# ----------
# Changelog:
# ----------
# v0.2
#
# - Added CAB installer that places the launcher scripts and a
# a shortcut to the proxy script on your start menu. You will
# need to change the (.lnk) file in a text editor if iGuidance
# is not installed in
# "\Storage Card\Program Files\iNav\iGuidance" to get the
# iGuidance launcher shortcut to display the correct icon on
# your Start Menu. The CAB installer forces itself to install
# into the "\Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher" folder.
#
# - Checks if the Franson GPSGate executible is installed in
# main memory, if not, the script aborts.
#
# - Checks if AstroGPSLauncher.exe is in the same folder
# as this script or in \Program Files\AstroGPSLauncher,
# if not, the script aborts.
#
# - Checks if iGuidance executable is installed in
# "\Storage Card\Program Files\iNav\iGuidance\" or
# "\Program Files\iNav\iGuidance\", if not, the script aborts.
# Now the script shouldn't care/require modification if
# iGuidance is installed into main memory as opposed to the
# storage card.
#
# - Added "ProxyiGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr". This should
# be the actual script that is called/run. If iGuidance is
# already running, and you call proxy script, then the
# iGuidance main window is brought to the front, if not then
# the "iGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr" script is run.
#
# - Sets the iGuidance communications input port to COM2 before
# launching AstroGPSLauncher/iGuidance.
#
# - Added a registry modification that prevents GpsGate from
# displaying a warning if a previous run ended uncleanly.
#
# v0.1
# - Initial Release

[chong67]

Darn! Thanks anyway.

Funny how one assumes! I scanned 11 pages of posts and it never dawned me about internal vs. external.

I'll take my woes elsewhere. :(


Jon,

I always get my TomTom6 and iGuidance 4 to work with my external GPS on the Mogul. It is not as quick as the internal GPS.

[madman34]

I am sure that there are others around here that are using AstroGPS Launcher to prime their connection for Garmin XT. I have noticed that it fails to work on a few different occasions.

1. Phone is left untouched and goes into sleep mode.
2. Pretty much everytime I use the application successfully and then exit I have to do multiple soft resets to get it to work properly again.

I also use QuickGPS to hopefully speed up the sattelite finding process.

Has anyone else run into these bugs? What have you done to overcome them?

I do not ever have to use a starter program with Garmin, and mine does not go to sleep when it is running either, not sure why it is doing that to you.

[teamfatman76]

I am running a HTC 680 form US Cellular, I have installed AstroGPSLuancher, and redone the shortcut to startup Google Maps. I have set my GPS program port to COM4 in start/settings/External GPS and COM8 Baud: 4800 and have "manage GPS automatically" selected. Google Maps still cannot detect any GPS satellites. Any recommendations?

[TalynOne]

I am running a HTC 680 form US Cellular, I have installed AstroGPSLuancher, and redone the shortcut to startup Google Maps. I have set my GPS program port to COM4 in start/settings/External GPS and COM8 Baud: 4800 and have "manage GPS automatically" selected. Google Maps still cannot detect any GPS satellites. Any recommendations?

Google Maps is one of the few applications that doesn't require AstroGPSLauncher. You should set Google Maps back to automatic, and set the GPS hardware port in start/settings/External GPS back to "(None)".

Start up Google Maps normally, and choose the "Use GPS" option under the "Menu" right soft-key button.

If that doesn't work, you have some other issue, try soft reseting, make sure you have a Radio ROM version that has the GPS enabled. It also helps to be near a clear sky. Look here for more info: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=23196

[ae6057]

Sorry guys if I am asking stupid question here. But I have HTC hermes (AT&T 8525) with iGuidance ver 4.0 installed and external OnCourse bluetooth gps receiver. Everything works fine if I configure iGuidance to use Com port 5 to connect to external GPS receiver (not Com 4 or 2), The only annoying thing is I have to manually start bluetooth first before launching iGuidance. Does this tool automate this process for me ? Also, when I am using iGuidance and get a phone call, iGuidance seem to completely loose track of what is my destination and stops guiding me (though voice commands). Have anyone run into this problem and know a fix for this ?
Thanks in advanced for your help

[slypher]

I created an iGuidance one tap autolauncher. If GpsGate is not running, it starts it. The script then stores your device's current Power timeout, and backlight timeout and brightness settings. Then sets your device for no timeouts for power and backlight, and sets your backlight to maximum brightness. It then sets iGuidance to skip the startup warning dialog, before launching iGuidance through AstroGPSLauncher. Once you exit iGuidance the script will restore your previous backlight/power settings. The only thing not working in the script right now is that it doesn't terminate GpsGate on exit if the script started GpsGate. I have not found a reliable way to close GpsGate. All current methods I've tried of closing/terminating GpsGate leave an unresponsive icon in the tray of the Today screen.


For those who are interested, I've made a copy of this script available for download HERE (http://rapidshare.com/files/88176933/iGuidance_Internal_GPS_Launcher.zip.html). Instructions on how to install/use the script are in the included "iGuidanceInternalGPSLauncher.mscr" Mortscript file.

Thanks for posting the file.

On a side note....WTF is up with rapidshare and the damn CATS??!! LOL

-s

[MarkAtHome]

I'm not sure exactly what AstroGPSLauncher does, but how might it work with or improve the launching of Garmin Mobile XT?

[AstronusX]

It not any help for Mobile XT, it's for device cannot start GPS by itself such as Tomtom

[MarkAtHome]

It not any help for Mobile XT, it's for device cannot start GPS by itself such as Tomtom
Gotcha. Thanks, AstronusX.

[unitedflyboy]

:):):):)="Thank You". The program works great...I no longer have to launch Google Map for my TomTom to work. I have the shortcut attached to my HTC Home screen. Thanks again.

[ande8150]

I am sure that there are others around here that are using AstroGPS Launcher to prime their connection for Garmin XT. I have noticed that it fails to work on a few different occasions.

1. Phone is left untouched and goes into sleep mode.
2. Pretty much everytime I use the application successfully and then exit I have to do multiple soft resets to get it to work properly again.

I also use QuickGPS to hopefully speed up the sattelite finding process.

Has anyone else run into these bugs? What have you done to overcome them?

I am experiencing the same as 760hacker's issue #2, except I am using TomTom. Everything usually works well after a soft reset, but I can rarely get a lock when using TomTom a second or third time after a soft reset. In the TomTom GPS status screen, I see a few satellites (none locked) and the bars don't move for a couple minutes. Then about a dozen satellites show with no strength bars. After one or two soft resets then it works again.

I am using the TomTom Launcher to start the program.

Anyone have a similar experience or suggestion?

[crobs808]

I dont understand why you need this? it isnt neccessary. when I turn my vx6800 off while the gps viewer and tomtom are running, it only takes like 5-10 seconds after i power back it back on to reacquire my signal...i dont have to reset up any comp ports and i have only installed gps viewer and tomtom6, no other shortcut or gps software.

FYI - i am using gps viewer on com4/4800baud with tomtom 6.03 on ROM version dcd 3.1.2 with radio 3.39.10

is my phone special or something? i just turn it off, then back on when i need it, wait 5 seconds, its ready to go. it requires automatically already. and since i just leave gps viewer running all the time, (it only takes up 1mb of memory). so all i have to open is tomtom. no need for multiple shortcuts.

-connor

[AstronusX]

With this, you don't need gpsviewer open. GPSViewer and this do the same thing, the different is that this is transparent, click on tomtom launcher it will detect gps.

You can either open gps viewer and then tomtom every time you launch or having tomtom launcher(thru astrogpslauncher) do in 1 step with less memory usage.

[Hamidxa]

Tested on a Sprint Mogul using WM 6.1 with the instructions provided in the first 2 posts of this thread and it works great with TomTom.

Thanks!

[citizen_insane]

I'm trying to get this to work on my Samsung i760 and I'm not having any luck what so ever.

I'm running TomTom 6 (which works fine except it can't find my GPS).

Here's what I did, maybe someone can find where I went wrong.

1. Installed TomTom
2. Installed AstroGPSLuancher (\MyDevice\AstroGPSLauncher\....exe)
3. Installed SK Shortcut manager
4. Setup interal GPS (turned it on, set to com4, baud 4800 etc)
5. Created a new shortcut via instructions
6. Failure

What did I do wrong?

[Keystone]

I'm trying to get this to work on my Samsung i760 and I'm not having any luck what so ever.This forum concerns HTC's Titan and this FAQ covers other similar HTC handsets with the same GPS setup. You have a Samsung i760..........

4. Setup interal GPS (turned it on, set to com4, baud 4800 etc)Are you certain of an internal GPS on that port? We're not. I can tell you right now with your Samsung processor you are using different hardware.

[audicy]

Works perfect with TomTom6 So simple :)
Great app

[brett3333]

Perfect with TT6 on XV6800 in accordance with instructions in first post.....many thanks!!

[frankmj]

First I would like to say thanks to Shadowmite and Baffles for their idea of GPS Launcher. Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher are great gps launcher but aren't suite my need so I decided to write one myself.

Shadowmite's GPSLauncher is nice and compact but more work, I need to launch the application and click the 'Tomtom' to launch it (2 step). I like Baffles' idea when click on it and launch immediately but unfortunately it use .NET use lot of RAM.

I have issue on both application for tomtom is that when turn off the screen or someone call in, gps connection get lost and re-click it to open up the gps port for tomtom.

This AstroGPSLauncher open the gps port and launch 'gps application'. AstroGPSLauncher will close itself upon 'gps application' exit in which won't have issue when someone call in or turn off the phone.

iGuidance has issue with refresh the screen. To get iGuidance work correctly you need to get GPS Gate to redirect com 4 to com 2 and use this launcher to launch iGuidanceQVGA.exe, on iGuidance set to com 2. This way won't have map refresh issue.

--How to use this AstroGPSLauncher ---
--Copy AstroGPSLauncher to your Main Memory
\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe
(YOu can copy AstroGPSLauncher to SD Card but you need to change the path inside the shortcut if you use)

This launcher launch gps application through parameter(if you know what I meant) . I have provide two shortcuts 'Tomtom Launcher' which and 'iGuidance Launcher' for your need(Make sure you install tomtom app or iGuidance to main memory which you should). If you install on different location, you need to use notepad and edit the shortcut to correct gps application and icon or you can use 'SK Shortcut Manager' to create a short that point to your launcher.

SK Shortcut Manager - New Short cut Instruction
Name = you provide
Command = select AstroGPSLauncher
Parameters = select your gps application
and set icon to your gps application.

BTW, this application only take 2k of RAM (very small) and 10k for disk memory. It much less memory usage than Shadowmite's GPSLauncher and Baffles' GPS Launcher

If you like this application, please give some comments.

Thanks to shadowmite cab the file.


Appreciate your work! But how to get "AstroGPSLauncher.exe "file? I download cab file, but no way to create .exe file. Please info!

[spediegunz]

off the topic a little bit anyone who has the tomtom6 cracked what do you do when the traffic runs out is there a way u can get it reset

[sglg]

I've got astro shortcut working on my start menu with tomtom, but I still have to manually select com 4 for my radio...is there a way to make the program remember where my gps radio is?

[afgoody]

Can anyone get the links to TalynOne's files to work?

[krazycanuck82]

after radio 3.42.30 it seems that this is not necessary since tomtom now launches on its own

[shawndoc]

The .cab file link no longer works as the admins moved the file. Here's the new link:

ftp://up.ppcgeeks.com/Titan/CABs/AstronusX_AstroGPSLauncher_v0.1.cab

[760hacker]

I have garmin mobile installed on my storage card. I want to use Astro but am not sure how to install it since it isn't on my device but rather the storage card. Could anyone provide some insight? I know that some thing you don't need it but I can't get it to find any sats without it.

[rleejr79]

I hooked this up with Live Search. It keeps "Getting position..." no lock. I saw that others said that live search does not need astrolauncher.

I still was stuck on "getting position..."

If I load DCD's VisualGPS or GPS Viewer first, then load live search it works flawlessly. Moreso the Visual GPS.

Am I doing something wrong? I have the GPS ports set at com4 on Live Search and in the ROM. Any recommendations?

Verizon 6800
ROM: DCD 3.2.0
Radio: 3.42.30

[fortemusic]

Still getting, 'Waiting for valid GPS signal' with TOMTOM...any ideas? It's still not finding sats outside...

[spinaldex]

/resolved.

[ryotgz]

after radio 3.42.30 it seems that this is not necessary since tomtom now launches on its own

I'll second this.

[760hacker]

Does anyone have Garmin Installed on their SD card and this launcher working with it? Could you let me know how you have it installed?

[serfboreds]

Does anyone have Garmin Installed on their SD card and this launcher working with it? Could you let me know how you have it installed?

This launcher was developed for TT and iguidance, not garmin. It would need to be modded to work.

[760hacker]

This launcher was developed for TT and iguidance, not garmin. It would need to be modded to work.

I had it working on my last 6800 before it died however garmin wasn't installed on my SD card it was on my device. I am not sure your statement is correct. Astro, can you verify this?

[crobs808]

well i guess no need for this launcher now....with DCD's new rom, when you launch Tomtom it connects to the GPS by itself, no more need for GPSviewer or autolauncher :)

-c

[spamn]

You are god. Thank you so much. I just installed TomTom and was getting ready to ditch it because I could never get it to work. Then I found how to "prime" it with gpsviewer but that was annoying.

I'm so glad I came across this. With TomTom on my storage card I had a lot of problems getting this to work and was about to give up. The shortcut manager program fixed all that after some tweaking. Now I have a shortcut in my HTC Home menu that opens up TomTom and gives me an INSTANT gps lock INDOORS.

You rule.

Thanks again.

[ande8150]

well i guess no need for this launcher now....with DCD's new rom, when you launch Tomtom it connects to the GPS by itself, no more need for GPSviewer or autolauncher :)

-c

I don't see any reference to that in DCD's release notes for the latest version. Is there somewhere this is referenced? Have you tested it?

[crobs808]

I don't see any reference to that in DCD's release notes for the latest version. Is there somewhere this is referenced? Have you tested it?

YEP! 100% working. I have had 3.2.0 ROM installed for 4 days now, used TomTom multiple times thru the day, after closing and reopening it, trying it after soft resets and everything...gets a lock everytime without needing to shortcut/prime it. TomTom can see the internal GPS now without any help! LOVE IT :)

-C

[indagroove]

I had it working on my last 6800 before it died however garmin wasn't installed on my SD card it was on my device. I am not sure your statement is correct. Astro, can you verify this?

There is no need to prime GPS when using Garmin on the Titan 6800.

[ande8150]

YEP! 100% working. I have had 3.2.0 ROM installed for 4 days now, used TomTom multiple times thru the day, after closing and reopening it, trying it after soft resets and everything...gets a lock everytime without needing to shortcut/prime it. TomTom can see the internal GPS now without any help! LOVE IT :)

-C

Great. More reading seems to indicate that it is actually the new 3.42.30 Radio that provides this feature, not DCD's 3.2.0 ROM. Can you confirm if you are running the new 3.42.30 radio as well? For others, the Radio link is here:


http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=403280

[koolr]

Hi,

I followed the instructions to install AstroGPSLauncher on my Sprint HTC Touch with WM 6.1. Then I ran Tomtom 6, but I have not been able to make it work. It just shows "no GPS Device" on the Tomtom screen. I did set com4, 4800. However, if I start Google Maps before starting tomtom, it acquires the gps signals in less than a minute, and then tomtom works fine. Please help. I would like to use tomtom without starting Google maps.

Thanks.

[serfboreds]

Hi,

I followed the instructions to install AstroGPSLauncher on my Sprint HTC Touch with WM 6.1. Then I ran Tomtom 6, but I have not been able to make it work. It just shows "no GPS Device" on the Tomtom screen. I did set com4, 4800. However, if I start Google Maps before starting tomtom, it acquires the gps signals in less than a minute, and then tomtom works fine. Please help. I would like to use tomtom without starting Google maps.

Thanks.

You are seeing this happen because TT6 seems to need to be primed as you are using "other NMEA device." Some have better results than others, I don't see this "no GPS device" message for more than five seconds at worst. I would hope that you would see that after a few seconds that "no GPS device" would change to "waiting for a valid signal" or whatever as it does on mine. The way to get around this is to either wait till it locks (from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, results vary by carrier and phone), or to use another program like HTC GPS tool or VisualGPSce etc., or thirdly to upgrade to TT7 which recognizes the internal GPS device.

[crobs808]

Great. More reading seems to indicate that it is actually the new 3.42.30 Radio that provides this feature, not DCD's 3.2.0 ROM. Can you confirm if you are running the new 3.42.30 radio as well? For others, the Radio link is here:


http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=403280

yes, i do have the new radio, i upgraded both DCD and the rRadio at the same time. i guess i just assumed that DCD would have to have made he change since it is now auto connecting to the com4, which is a windows mobile feature to link a program to a com port, not a radio function.

are you sure it is the radio, and not dcd's rom that is to be congratulated?

[ande8150]

yes, i do have the new radio, i upgraded both DCD and the rRadio at the same time. i guess i just assumed that DCD would have to have made he change since it is now auto connecting to the com4, which is a windows mobile feature to link a program to a com port, not a radio function.

are you sure it is the radio, and not dcd's rom that is to be congratulated?

I guess not 100% sure as I haven't upgraded either yet, but all of the talk about it seems to be in the radio thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=403280), not the DCD thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=402920). Either way, that's great news. Looking forward to upgrading.

[ande8150]

The way to get around this is to either wait till it locks (from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, results vary by carrier and phone), or to use another program like HTC GPS tool or VisualGPSce etc., or thirdly to upgrade to TT7 which recognizes the internal GPS device.

TT7? I see no reference to it on TomTom's site. Has it been released?

[serfboreds]

TT7? I see no reference to it on TomTom's site. Has it been released?

I don't know about the website but check here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=401815)for how to get it installed anyways.

[ande8150]

Thanks for the TT7 link above

I guess not 100% sure as I haven't upgraded either yet, but all of the talk about it seems to be in the radio thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=403280), not the DCD thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=402920). Either way, that's great news. Looking forward to upgrading.

Well, I upgraded the radio to 3.42.30 while still using DCD 3.04 and still needed to prime the GPS. After I upgraded to DCD 3.2.1 no priming was required any more. So, it is either DCD or the combination of both.

Also - I saw a big improvement in locks when using the "GPS Fix" form this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=400975).

[Aaron McCarthy]

Any Chance AstroGPS launcher can be made to open tomtom in landscape mode? I love tomtom but it doesnt automatically switch into portrait like say... Navigon does. I'm sure it would just have to be an extra line of code or something to put the phone into landscape AND launch tomtom or whatever program you want run. That would definatly be handy!

[Scruffy]

With a bit of trial and error I was able to find the pieces of the puzzle to make TomTom run from the HTC Quick Launch on my Sprint Touch aka Vogue.

Edit the ql_skin_l.xml (landscape) and ql_skin_p.xml (portrait) files on the device to run AstroGPSLauncher with GPS Application of your choice instead of the Sprint Navigator by changing the line that starts with <APP4 x=...... so that the
link= reads something like the following (you will need to use the correct locations for your device and programs):
<APP4 x="144" y="0" w="48" h="45" img="TomTom.bmp" img_mask="TomTom_mask.bmp" link="\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" cmdline="\Storage Card\Program Files\Navigator\TomTom Navigator.exe"/>

This is from the ql_skin_p.xml file (x= and w= are different in landscape) and assumes you made custom .bmp files and put them in the \Windows directory on your device. You can find information on how to make custom .bmp files to use with the Quick Launch Plug-in HERE (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=344005&page=6).

The important parts here are that the "link=" part of the line points to the AstroGPSLauncher.exe file and the "cmdline=" part of the line points to the Navigation program .exe file you want to run.

If this was already apparent to everyone, I apologize, but I had some trouble realizing how to get this to work.

Thanks for the GREAT program AstronusX,
Scruffy

[lamj]

hav samsung omnia w/ tomtom 7.45 installed. hav tried everything to get it working, right now i've got USA maps installed and working, but cannot get GPS fix. tried installing astrogpslauncher.exe via the "root" method (put it in root, then use shortcut creator to launch astro.exe then tt7.exe), but i'm still getting "No GPS device!"
i hav gps program setting on COM 3
hardware port COM9
auto manage my GPS connections ticked
for tomtom, i hav built-in selected

what am i doing wrong?

much appreciate any help please!!

[scotty_in_va]

This solves the exact problem I have been working on with my HTC Touch (Sprint). They recently released the new ROM for the built-in GPS, and this is by far the cleanest, easiest way to get TomTom started.

THANKS!

-scotty

[xiaonan]

I tried AstroGPSLauncher on my HTC touch (wm6.1).
The iguidance link work like a charm. but once I modified the link to iGO8.exe, it won't run at all.
Does AstroGPSLauncher work with iGo8?

[chong67]

Is there development for this app for use in the Treo 800w?

I am sad to leave Mogul.

[AstronusX]

I don't have Treo 800w. Treo 800w is also windows mobile, so it should work with Treo as well.
Is there development for this app for use in the Treo 800w?

I am sad to leave Mogul.

[partnerinflight]

Hey Astro:

Quick feature request for you. As far as I understand it the launcher lives in memory for the duration of the app. I've got this issue where when I use TomTom I get a PIN lock (required for me, unfortunately) after 15 minutes of driving. As you can imagine that's really annoying.

I was wondering if you can either add a SHIdleTimerReset call on a 50 second timer to your app (http://blogs.msdn.com/jasonlan/archive/2006/10/13/stopping-pin-lock-being-enforced-in-applications.aspx) or send me the source code so I can do it myself.

Thanks!

[AstronusX]

Here it is,

ftp://ppcgeeks.com/Titan/Users/AstronusX/AstroGPSLauncherSource.rar

[partnerinflight]

Thanks, Astro! I've cleaned up the code a little bit and added the timer call. Now WinMain looks something like this. Haven't run it yet, but I think it should work: (The WaitForSingleObject change is the only change of substance here.)

int WINAPI WinMain(HINSTANCE hInstance,
HINSTANCE hPrevInstance,
LPTSTR lpCmdLine,
int nCmdShow)
{
STARTUPINFO si;
PROCESS_INFORMATION pi;
const int STARTF_USESHOWWINDOW = 0x00000001;
const uint NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS = 0x0020;
DWORD dwCode = 0;
ZeroMemory ( &si, sizeof ( STARTUPINFO));
si.cb = sizeof ( STARTUPINFO);
si.dwFlags = STARTF_USESHOWWINDOW;
si.wShowWindow = SW_SHOWNORMAL;

if(CreateProcess( lpCmdLine, L"", NULL, NULL, FALSE, NULL, NULL,
NULL , &si, &pi))
{
HRESULT hr = E_FAIL;

CGPSSink *pGPSSink = NULL;
CGPSController *pGPSController = NULL;

#ifndef WIN32_PLATFORM_WFSP
HACCEL hAccelTable;
hAccelTable = LoadAccelerators(hInstance, MAKEINTRESOURCE(IDC_MOBILEGPS));
#endif // !WIN32_PLATFORM_WFSP

// Both CGPSSink and CGPSController instance are dynamically allocated
// so that they can be shared with the worker thread
pGPSSink = new CGPSSink();
if (NULL == pGPSSink)
{
goto Exit;
}
pGPSController = new CGPSController();
if (NULL == pGPSController)
{
goto Exit;
}

hr = pGPSController->InitDevice(pGPSSink);
if (FAILED(hr))
{
goto Exit;
}

while (WaitForSingleObject(pi.hProcess, 50000) == WAIT_TIMEOUT)
{
// prevent the device from entering locked state
::SHIdleTimerReset();
}


CloseHandle(pi.hThread);
CloseHandle(pi.hProcess);
Exit:
if (NULL != pGPSController)
{
pGPSController->UninitDevice();
}

// It is ok to call delete on a NULL pointer
delete pGPSSink;
delete pGPSController;
}
return 0;
}

[AstronusX]

glad it helps you

[partnerinflight]

for those who want it, here's the binary version of what I was talking about. Essentially if you run your navigator software with this version of Astro's launcher, and you have phone PIN lock set, the phone won't lock while the navigator is running.

Thanks Astro!

[papaslides]

Has anyone managed to get this or a similar app to work with Garmin XT, right now I'm priming the gps on my Motorola q9c using GPSTest and then running Garmin, if I could get all of this to work with one link it would be unbelievably awesome.

Thanks!!!

[lllboredlll]

I hate to ask this but I really don't want to install SK TOOLS to make this shortcut I need. Can someone who runs SK help me out.


Name:
OnCourse8
Shortcut:
\Windows\AstroGPSLauncher.exe
Parameter:
\Storage Card\OCN8\OCN8.exe



Thanks if you can possibly help.

[dashd]

I have installed mr1, gpsserver and astrolauncher as directed and have modified shortcuts...
Now GPS Works fine with google maps and ms live search...
But when I go to use Iguidance or gpstuner 5.0(with apparently accurate shortcuts and ports directed via gpsgate)...programs start and I see satellites but the coordinates just keep bouncing all around the world(quite literally). Any words of wisdom?

Bit of a side note...I recently traveled to Canada for work and I couldn't get a lock even with google or live search even though I had perfect cell coverage. Can anyone explain this?
Thanks!!

[Flipdog]

I hate to ask this but I really don't want to install SK TOOLS to make this shortcut I need. Can someone who runs SK help me out.


Name:
OnCourse8
Shortcut:
\Windows\AstroGPSLauncher.exe
Parameter:
\Storage Card\OCN8\OCN8.exe



Thanks if you can possibly help.

Here is the shortcut that you requested, if you have any issues please let me know.

To the maker of this application..... Thanks much for making and sharing this excellent application.

[abuttino]

Wow, I just installed this program for iGO8 and tried the TomTom Launcher, it got a lock in seconds after it was done planning the route. No more waiting for TomTom.

[craigwads]

Ok, got it all running, but TomTom's location jumps all over the place, at the same time as Google Maps is rock steady in seconds. Any suggestions?

[driise]

I have a wierd problem that I can't seem to find a solution to. I have followed the guides, I have the internal GPS working for Live Search, Google, etc. I can even access it with TomTom, but the GPS data fed to tomtom seems erratic. When I watch gpsproxy, i see the same erratic numbers jumping around the screen. I don't get this behaivor with my bluetooth GPS receiver (iTrek M6). Am I missing something?

I am using gpsproxy, astrogpslauncher, MR1 firmware anbd valhalla agps patch. I've even done a couple hard resets, and made sure i was doing things in the right order producing the same odd result.

thanks,

[rigg419]

I used to use this app, but after putting on the latest Sprint rom

_HTC Mogul (Sprint)_RUU_TITAN_SPRINT_WWE_3.56.651.0_RS_TITAN_ 3.42.02_SPCS2.04_PPST_0718_Ship.exe

I found that I no longer have to "Prime" the GPS for TomTom, all I have to do is start TomTom and that starts the GPS automagically

[chuchinchuchon]

You will get cLaunch (freeware) and make a link at PPC Today. After you can copy the link to another tab :)

[mfpreach]

Does anyone know why Astro requires a data connection to operate correctly?
I ask this because I travel to the States from Canada often and want to use my GPS software, but roaming data rates are expensive.

I installed the Nodata.cab and I couldn't get a gps lock, however when I enabled data I was able to get a lock. I thought with standalone software, a data connection would not be required.

I also tested this with iGo8, the same thing, when data is manually disabled it opens a connection when I launch the program.

[dat1]

-- For iGo to work you also need to redirect your port as well, use GPSGate or GPSProxy to redirect your port to com2. After that, use 'Notepad' and open one of the short cut(eg. Tomtom Navigator Launcher) and change Tomtom Path to iGo Path and copy ur new shortcut to to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and launch it from there (make sure you have gpsgate setup and it is running).
--Note: You can find 'Tomtom Navigator Launcher' shortcut in my zip file.

To create shortcut, you can use SK ShortCut Manager to make it simple and you can change icon as well.[/QUOTE]

Please help me out with because I cannot get this thing to work and it is driving me crazy.

I downoladed the Valhalla CAB file and followed the directions.

I downloaded the AstroGPSLauncher and SK Shortcut Manager.

I even downloaded GPS Viewer and Quick GPS.

I made sure I have all of the proper settings on the phone. COM:4, Braud 4800, Manager GPS checked, and Location is set to on.

Still no luck.

I say in one of your post about using the GPSGate and I downloaded that but when I have it synced up to my computer to redirect the COM port it says the port does not exist.

I so confused right now but I know I am very close in getting it to work.

So please guide me with some lame direction from creating the shortcut to getting it to work properly.

My data access is blocked from Verizon
My phone is a VZW XV6800 aka Mogul WM 6.1
Stock Rom version 3.57.605.1
ROM Date 07/21/08
Radio Version 3.37.75
PRI version 2.03_002

[AstronusX]

As far i know of, Mogul doesn't work international, AstrogPS do not use data connection.

Does anyone know why Astro requires a data connection to operate correctly?
I ask this because I travel to the States from Canada often and want to use my GPS software, but roaming data rates are expensive.

I installed the Nodata.cab and I couldn't get a gps lock, however when I enabled data I was able to get a lock. I thought with standalone software, a data connection would not be required.

I also tested this with iGo8, the same thing, when data is manually disabled it opens a connection when I launch the program.

[jadesse]

This doesn't seem to be working for me with TomTom. When I launch the TomTom Launcher it does open com4 because it is trying to aquire a siganl. However it cannot aquire a signal even after 20-30 minutes. I know the GPS work because I can prime it with the Holux GPS viewer & get a lock. This defeats the whole purpose of this launcher.

I installed the cab file from my phone. The program folder was created in the root directory of my phone & there is only one file in the folder. Under programs I do see the new TomTom Launcher. TomTom is installed in main memory.

TomTom version - 6.010
Rom Version - 3.14.605.1 (Verizon Stock)
Radio Version - 3.37.78 (Verizon Stock)

[AstronusX]

Make sure you click on TomTom Launcher instead Tomtom Navigator. It won't prime if you use Tomtom Navigator.

[jadesse]

Make sure you click on TomTom Launcher instead Tomtom Navigator. It won't prime if you use Tomtom Navigator.

The GPS tries to aquire a fix but it doesn't. Yes I am using new new TomTom Launcher that was created.

I tried Shadowmite's GPS Launcher which does work but it has one problem. If my phone goes into suspend mode, turn it off, or screen goes dark during a call I have to softreset.

[buddg1988]

Great Job. This Works Awsome!!! my phone is getting shut off next week but i always use gps so its great this program (tom tom) works while offline. And your program made it all possible. Thanks again!!

[altepa]

hello here,

I read this topic over and over ,
I have only the .exe but I doesnt work , do I need also the .cab files ???
"cannot find AstroGPSLauncher"
Have the idea I miss some files from astrogpslauncher ???

someboby an idea???

[eXDee]

Hey there,
I'm having issues with the latest TomTom and this app, on my HTC Vogue (rebranded as Okta Touch by telecom new zealand).
I've done exactly as you said, i have a shortcut with tomtom as the parameter, and i know its working because if i don't it simply says no GPS device.
It simply stays on 'Poor GPS reception' and only finds 3 satellites max, all greyed out, for over 30mins.

When i launch iGo with this (otherwise it doesn't work either), it works perfectly, locks very very fast and works fine, but i want to use tomtom.

Once i exit iGo, and open tomtom, it also locks almost instantly, and even works indoors in some places. I can set it to Other Bluetooth, Other NMEA or Integrated GPS and all of them work.
Same with google maps which doesn't need the launcher, once google maps is opened it also 'primes' the gps and tomtom works fine also.

But as soon as i reset, tomtom stops working, again with only 2-3 satellites, and i occasionally get device.exe crashing.

ROM version: 3.00.781.3
ROM date: 12/16/08
Radio version: 3.41.00
Protocol version: DCAAXOM-4350H
Hardware version: 0001

[mma123]

I like to thank AstronusX for this great software and partnerinflight for the update.

I have a question for AstronusX. In your description, you mentioned ... "This AstroGPSLauncher open the gps port and launch 'gps application'." However, your code is doing the tasks in opposite order. I wonder whether both are correct. If not, then which one is correct?

[me]

Hi,

Perhaps I missed it somewhere in this long thread, but I have a question:

In the shortcuts you pre-install with your app, there is a number at the end, preceded by a -.

For instance, for TomTom launcher.lnk, the number is -101. For Iguidance, the number is -2000.

If I want to create a shortcut for a different GPS app, how do I know what number to put at the end of the shortcut?

Thanks for the app!

[mma123]

The number is the resource identifier for embedded icons. I use MS Visual Studio to find the identifiers. There may be simpler solutions out there.

[me]

The number is the resource identifier for embedded icons. I use MS Visual Studio to find the identifiers. There may be simpler solutions out there.

So the number at the end would only affect the icon that displays in programs, it wouldn't affect the programs's functionality.

I tried to use it with Telmap Navigator, substituting the location of that app in one of the pre-made shortcuts that came with the program. I tried it with both numbers that come at the end on the pre-defined shortcuts, -101, and -2000. Neither time did it start Telmap Navigator.

For example:

"\AstroGPSLauncher\AstroGPSLauncher.exe" \Storage Card\Program Files\Navigator\TelmapNav.exe, -101


Is there anything wrong with how I wrote that shortcut? The path is correct to telmap.

I saw in this thread some mention of installing the nav app to main memory or to storage card. I assume that meant that it is important that the path in the shortcut be correct, as it is above. Or--does your applet not work at all, with nav apps installed to the storage card?

Please let me know how to get it to work?

-------------

Another question--although the idea of one click to activate your app and start the nav program is nice, due to the difficulty of shortcuts, I'm wondering if it is possible to start each program separately? In other words, if one creates a shortcut just to your AstroGPS executable file, without a reference to a Nav program, and starts it, does that by itself turn on the GPS? I tried executing the file, and did not see anything happen. But-did it behind the scenes turn on the GPS, without showing anything on screen?

Is that a way to go as well--set up a link in programs just to execute astrogps? One could click that, then the nav app? Would it work that way?

------------

Suggestion for future development--besides including icons for launching common nav apps, as you did, also include an icon just for turning on AstroGPS, after which one could then manually start the nav program. When one clicks on that, display a message on the screen, indicating that it is on.

Also, include a shortcut for turning the GPS radio off. These phones are supposed to turn the GPS on and off automatically, but as we know, that doesn't always work well. The GPS radio can use a lot of power, burning out one's battery much faster. It would be nice to have an icon to click to make sure it is turned off and not eating power, not just to hope it is turned off. (Really that should be included in the phone's OS-a option to turn GPS on and off manually, but it isn't there, and automatic does not always work so well.)

Also, as far as creating shortcuts for launching other nav apps, it would be nice if your app had the capability of creating such shortcuts, where it could display a list of installed apps, one could choose which nav app, and your app would automatically create a launcher for it. That would be convenient. :-)

Anyhow, thanks a lot for your app!

[mma123]

Please don’t count on my words on this: your link is suggesting to lunch AstroGPS and the icon to use is resource 101 from \Storage Card\Program Files\Navigator\TelmapNav.exe.

Try removing “, -101” first and let us know the results.

Navigation S/W from SD card runs without any problem.


At this point, you can’t. The programs logic does not allow such execution.


There were other multiple click solutions. I did not use them, but after reading post I realized that this is the ideal solution, in general.


Personally I use AstorGPS with MIOPocket style mortscript and invoke the mortscript from mortbutton. I can assign my own icon in mortbutton.

[mma123]

Hi:

I have modified the program to increase back light to full before launching the GPS app, and to reset to the original when the app is done. Credit for back light management goes to lobsterii.

Modified file attached.

[kerbelangr@aol.com]

Hi All,
I have a verizon xv6800 which came with MR2 on it and Windows 6.1. I did several of the suggested steps to get the gps unlocked. I now have "google maps" and "marathon" running. I don't have a data plan so google maps only runs when I have a wifi connection. I have not been able to get TomTom 6.010 running. I have tried portsplitter and gpsgate. The GPS info screen for TT6 show strong signals but the fix/position jumps around (random). On gpsgate the icon for connection is green "good signal and fix".

Any ideas? Is my TT6 version way to old? What is version 6.030 ?


Thanks
Kerry

[ShadowT]

Old TT version. Mine works great....run updates from TT. I use ttn7.915 with same carrier, data plan is disabled. I ran the full enabling by unlocking via WIKI using this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=472805
You then can use any new ROM and Radio compatible with the carrier and customized to your liking -- old school but it works!