WinFast Navigator (Freeware)

The WinFastNavigator is GPS monitor for Pocket PC, Palm, and Windows laptop. It is used to test and view performance of GPS receiver based on SiRF chipset.

For Windows 9x, NT, ME, 2K, XP

GPSInfo (Freeware)

GPSInfo  is used to test and view performance of GPS receiver.
For Windows

Microsoft Street and Trips 2009 Trial Version

Street and Trips is the best selling GPS software in the US. Microsoft now offers a 60 days trial version.
Download trial version and run it for free for 60 days

Summary: Installing OEM GPS Kit in Panasonic CF-18.

IMPORTANT! This is not a manual. If you decide to follow these instructions, do it at your own risk!
The kit was ordered form Heartland Inc., which provides warranty service for Panasonic computers in United States.

Cost: $354

This is what we have got:

We were warned, that kit comes with neither technical information, nor support from Heartland. “No problem” we replied. We can disassemble and assemble back Panasonic laptop in a complete darkness in 5 minutes.  So, GPS kit… How hard that could be?

Here is the content of the bag:

After sorting all parts out we got hope that almost no parts will be left behind.

To get inside, we needed to remove Dimm Cover and Bottom Cover. First removed four screws marked blue. Disconnected a speaker cable, removed RAM module.

CF-18 dimm cover

Now we have removed 13 screws marked red and carefully remove the Bottom Cover.

CF-18 Bottom Cover Removed

Assembling antenna

Antenna assembly includes parts #5, 8, 10 and one #13 pad.

CF-18 GPS antenna place is located on the right side.

Remove plastic cover

Insert antenna cable.

One more pad #13. Antenna assembly attached by two screws, part #14.

Antenna installed

Board and receiver with cables attached.

Together.

GPS kit installed

Activation in BIOS

GPS Monitor v1.0

Once GPS was installed, System Manager showed new COM5 port (can be different in your configuration). We used GPS Monitor v1.0 for initial tests. Cold start took about 2 minutes outdoors.  Than we went back inside.  The screen shot above was taken indoors. The reception is exceptional.

That’s it. Microsoft Street and Trips 2008 worked very well. Unlike GPS Monitor, it automatically picked correct COM port with GPS data stream.

WinFast Navigator and many more useful GPS programs: http://www.semsons.com/support.html

Last updated: Nov. 26, 2009