Re: Is there a trick to using a Dual XGPS150 with an iPhone 4?

[Gaia GPS Support]

Hi Johnmark,

We have used Duals with our app previously, and they have worked well for us.  I am not sure what is causing your issue but I would recommend checking Dual's FAQ's: http://xgps150.dualav.com/faq.html  The only "trick" I remember using was making sure that the toggle on the side of the Dual was turned to the iOS device side.  Also, Dual has an app that allows you to see if you are connected to their device and receiving GPS information: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bluetooth-gps-status-tool/id422661436?mt=8  I've found that to be very helpful in the past, when I check to see if the Dual is connected.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, comments, or concerns about Gaia GPS.

Regards,

Savannah

Savannah Henderson User Support www.GaiaGPS.com 415 335 7447

On Sun, Sep 9, 2012 at 9:44 PM, Johnmark Larson <johnmar...@gmail.com> wrote:

I bought the Dual receiver to primarily use with a different app for timing motorcycle track laps. The Gaia app seemed useful and several posts in this forum indicated that I could use the receiver with it, so I purchased the app. Testing it on some walks and bike rides, it's become pretty clear that the app is not recognizing the Dual receiver that is paired with my iPhone 4. I know that the Dual is paired and working with the iPhone because the lap timer app (Harry's Lap Timer) is reporting that it is receiving data from the device. I'm basing my observation on the fact that accuracy in Gaia does not improve at all when the Dual is on vs. off, and that the Gaia app only functions when notification services are enabled, regardless of whether the Dual is working correctly.

So at this point it seems to me that the Dual receiver and the Gaia app are not talking to each other as I had expected them to. Are my expectations incorrect, or am I doing something wrong?

[Gaia GPS Support]

Hi Johnmark,

Thanks very much for your support of Gaia GPS.  

We have a Dual XGPS antenna and it has worked quite well with Gaia.  I have however found it a bit tricky at times to ensure that the Dual XGPS is connected to the iPhone/iPad.  Whiles using the Dual XGPS, I have picked up on a few things you can do to make sure that Gaia GPS has access to the Dual XGPS connection:

1. You can check to make sure that the external GPS is connected and sending data using this app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bluetooth-gps-status-tool/id422661436?mt=8 Then you can open Gaia GPS and made sure that my GPS location accuracy improved after you connected the Dual XGPS.  It seems from your email that you have already checked using the Dual software.

2. Make sure your Dual XGPS is disconnected from your other devices before trying to pair it with your iPhone, and turn the switch near the usb connector to the right to pair it with Apple products.

3. If you are using the Dual XGPS with an iPad with a built-in GPS or an iPhone, the iPad/iPhone will switch back and forth between the internal GPS and the XGPS150 based on whichever source has the best signal. Your internal GPS may have had a better signal when you couldn't see an improvement in location accuracy.  However, to ensure that your iPhone is using the XGPS150, put the iPhone into Airplane Mode and then turn Bluetooth back on. Airplane Mode disables the internal GPS in the iPhone and therefore forces the iPhone to use the XGPS150.

Regards,

Savannah

Savannah Henderson User Support www.GaiaGPS.com

On Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 2:37 PM, Johnmark Larson <johnmar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Savannah -

Revisiting this topic after exchanging the Dual device (it appeared to be defective and was replaced under warranty). I tried using it with the Gaia app but it looks like the app will only use the phone's internal GPS. I have another app with a GPS status monitor and it showed that the Dual was paired with the phone and receiving GPS data, but there was no indication in Gaia that it was using the Dual instead of the phone's GPS. How do I confirm that Gaia is using the Dual's input? I'm still experiencing the same behavior I described below -- no change in accuracy whether the Dual is on or off and Gaia will only work when location services are on. Thanks!

Johnmark

[Gaia GPS Support]

Hi Johnmark,

I am glad that you were finally able to use your Dual with Gaia GPS.  We will look into whether Gaia GPS is using the internal GPS even when the external is stronger.

Have fun!  

Regards,
Savannah

Savannah Henderson User Support www.GaiaGPS.com

On Thu, Sep 27, 2012 at 9:45 AM, Johnmark Larson <johnmar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Savannah -

Thanks again for the feedback. I tried your suggestions 1 and 3 and I'm happy to report I'm getting excellent results. The Dual was in fact pairing with the Gaia app but the accuracy readout was showing +/- 33ft while my other GPS apps were reporting much higher accuracy from the Dual so that was confusing me. Turning off the phone's internal GPS confirmed that it was receiving a good signal from the Dual. Is it possible that Gaia's default accuracy reporting that's not entirely in-line with what it's actually receiving?

I tested it on my ride home from work yesterday with the internal GPS turned off and got excellent accuracy on the track. This morning I tested it with the internal GPS turned on (still using the Dual as well) and I noticed a few inaccuracies, nothing major but the track was definitely off at a few points. Is it also possible that Gaia is defaulting to the internal GPS too frequently? I'll run with the internal GPS turned off from now on which should also help battery life.

Anyway, thanks for setting me straight and I look forward to some fun with GPS!

Johnmark