An update to the Bluetooth GPS Status Tool was just released through iTunes. Please download it – there is an important bug fix and it adds a new, more detailed GPS data screen.
This new screen will show you the individual satellite SNR values, information about the satellites being actively used in location calculations, the dilution of precision values (a measure of confidence in the position coordinates), and UTC time.
To turn on this new screen, go into the app preferences (look for "Status Tool" at the bottom of the Settings app screen) and switch "Advanced Mode" to ON. The "Satellites" tab within the app with be replaced by an "Advanced" tab with the detailed information.
Helpful hint: when you change "Advanced Mode" to ON, make sure you exit back to the main Settings app screen. Doing this registers the change you just made on the iPad/iPod/iPhone. If you just flip the switch to ON and then immediately switch back to the Status Tool app, the change won't be recorded and the app won't know you made the change.
If you’ve purchased an XGPS150, make sure you download the free status app from iTunes here. It gives you some basic, but valuable, information about the how your GPS is operating, including:
- Your location (or whether the device is still determining where you are)
- How many satellites the device sees and the signal strength of each satellite
- The battery level of the XGPS150, and whether or not it is charging
- Confirmation the XGPS150 is successfully connected to your iPad/iPod touch/iPhone
(It will also get rid of the annoying “You need software for this device…” pop-up message…)
If you are in a WiFi zone, the app will also show you a satellite map and drop a pin on your location where it first finds you.
Oh…there’s also a little “easter egg” hidden in the app. Hint: tap the Dual logo on the main screen when you are in range of WiFi.
At long last…I'm happy to announce that the newest firmware release for the XGPS251 GPS Cradle allows the Cradle to work with the 4th generation model of the iPod touch. Below are details on how to tell if your Cradle already works with the 4th gen touch, or if you need an upgrade. (Quick, but important, note: the case on the XGPS251 will block the rear facing camera on the new iPod touch. However, you can easily slide the touch out of the Cradle to use the camera, and the front-facing camera on the touch is not obscured.) In order for the XGPS251 to work with the 4th gen touch, it needs to have two things: (i) the correct firmware programmed into the Cradle, and (ii) a plastic insert installed to hold the touch securely in place. If you are considering buying the XGPS251, or have already purchased one, there is a very good chance the Cradle already has the correct firmware. You will just need the plastic spacer. (Most every unit shipped to retailers in the last 6 weeks already has the correct firmware.) If your Cradle does not have the correct firmware, we can exchange it with an updated model for a nominal fee. There is no way to upgrade the firmware yourself. We will need to send you a new Cradle. The plastic insert is available for free. However, if your Cradle has to be exchanged, there will be a $59.99 charge to cover the processing and shipping, and it will take about 14 days (depending upon how you ship your Cradle to us). Please request spacers or Cradle exchanges through the customer support group at 866-382-5476, or cs@dualav.com. You will need a copy of your purchase receipt. FAQ: Q) The package my XGPS251 came in says it’s already compatible with the 4th generation iPod touch. Do I need to do anything? A) No. Just make sure to use the plastic insert to hold your iPod securely in the Cradle. Q) I have 3rd (or 2nd or 1st) generation iPod touch. Do I need this upgrade or the plastic insert? A) No. Q) I see the words “Firmware 10/10” on the inside of my Cradle, but the product package doesn't have the 4th generation touch icon on it. Will my Cradle work with the 4th gen touch? A) Yes. If you see the words “Firmware 10/10” on the Cradle, it will work with all models (1st through 4th generation) of the iPod touch. You will just need to request the plastic insert. Q) How do I know if I have a 4th generation iPod touch? A) Look at the back of your iPod. If there is a tiny camera lens in the upper left corner, you have a 4th generation iPod touch. Q) I need to send in my GPS Cradle for replacement with an upgraded unit. How does this affect my warranty? A) Your original warranty will still be valid, and the replacement will be covered under this warranty, for one year from the date of original purchase. Q) I need to send in my GPS Cradle for replacement with an upgraded unit. How long will it take? A) It will take about 14 days from the day you ship the Cradle. We recommend using Federal Express or UPS, and to make sure you keep the tracking number. Q) I need to send in my GPS Cradle for replacement with an upgraded unit. Do I need to send you my iPod too? A) No. Q) Is there a charge for the plastic insert? A) No. Q) Is there a charge to exchange my Cradle for an upgraded unit? A) Yes: $59.99. This covers the shipping and handling of the replacement unit. Q) I have an XGPS300. Can I upgrade my unit? A) Unfortunately, no. There is a change in the 4th generation iPod touch that affects how that iPod communicates with accessories. This change prevents the XGPS300 from working with the iPod touch 4th generation model. Q) Will I need a copy of my sales receipt in order to receive the plastic insert or upgrade my Cradle with a replacement unit? A) Yes.
Here are the instructions to determine if your XGPS251 GPS Cradle needs to be upgraded to work with the iPod touch 4th gen.:
- Look at the inside of your GPS Cradle.
- Look closely at the bottom sticker.
- Look for the words "Firmware 10/10" as shown below:
If the words "Firmware 10/10" appear on your Cradle, your device is already programmed to work with the 4th generation iPod touch. You will just need the plastic insert to hold the touch securely in the Cradle:
If the words "Firmware 10/10" do not appear on your Cradle, you will need to send us your Cradle for exchange. The new Cradle will have the correct firmware and include the plastic insert.
Please contact customer service at 866-382-5476 or cs@dualav.com to request the spacer, or for instructions on how to exchange your Cradle for an updated version. Please have a copy of your purchase receipt available. There will also be a $59.99 charge for exchanging a Cradle.
If you are interested in using the new 4th generation iPod touch with the GPS Cradle, here’s the skinny:
- The new 4th generation iPod touch is narrower and thinner than the earlier models of the touch. Apple has also made some electrical changes that are unique to this model of the touch.
- The XGPS251 is being updated to accommodate these changes.
- The update will be ready before the end of the year – keep an eye here or on the website for news about availability.
- If you own an XGPS251 now (or are thinking about buying one), there will be a way to update your Cradle.
The original XGPS300 Cradle cannot be upgraded to work with the 4th gen touch, unfortunately.
The GPS Cradle website has been overhauled with a new look, better organization and more information about the XGPS251…including how it compares to the XGPS300 model. Check it out here.
There’s a new app now available on iTunes for the GPS Cradle: it’s called the “GPS Cradle Status Tool” and it’s a free download.
This app is a simple utility which will tell you if the GPS Cradle has found your location, or if it is still searching for satellite signals. It will also give you some helpful tips for getting the best performance out of the Cradle.
It will work with both the XGPS251 and the XGPS300 models of the Cradle.
Also, if you own an XGPS300 and do not want to keep NavAtlas installed on your iPod, you’ll want to download this new app. As you may know, if you remove NavAtlas from your iPod touch and then turn on the GPS Cradle, the iPod will display a message telling you that software is missing. Installing the GPS Cradle Status Tool app will eliminate that message from popping up.
The GPS Cradle is shipping internationally through the online retailer Expansys. Hit that link, click on your country, and search for “Dual GPS Cradle”.
Unfortunately, however, the Cradles cannot be shipped to the UK or the EU. The Cradle does not meet all of the regulatory requirements imposed on electronics which are sold in Europe. But if you are in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan (and a few other places), the GPS Cradle can be shipped to you.
Good news – the problem that prevented NavAtlas from working under iOS 4.0 has been fixed in Apple’s iOS 4.1 update!
So if you are having problems getting NavAtlas to recognize your XGPS300, please update your iPod touch to iOS 4.1 through iTunes.
There are lots of questions coming in about Apple’s new model of the iPod touch, the 4th generation model, and whether it works with the GPS Cradle.
We’ve been testing extensively with the new touch. Apple has made some electrical changes in this new version, and these changes do affect how the GPS Cradle communicates with the touch. So we are continuing to test until we are sure we have a solid understanding of all of the changes.
Stay tuned…
