Connect a GPS

Roadsoft and the Laptop Data Collector (LDC) are developed to work together for the collection, storage, and use of agency roadway data. To collect accurate data locations, the use of a GPS is required with the LDC. The LDC can connect with USB GPS units that support NMEA 0183, such as the Globalsat BU-353-S4 and BU-353-N5 (recommended), as well as the various versions of the VK-162, VFAN UG-353, etc. External Trimble GNSS receivers like the R1 and R2 can also be connected to a laptop or tablet via Bluetooth. See Roadsoft LDC Trimble R2 GPS Receiver Setup for more information.

Garmin GLO2 Bluetooth GPS receivers can also be used. See Garmin GLO2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver Setup for more information.

Contact technical support at roadsoft@mtu.edu for GPS device recommendations.

Starting and testing the GPS should be performed outside, in the vehicle, or at least near a window or the exterior of a building. It may take a few tries for the GPS to successfully connect to satellites and lock on and acquire a steady signal.

For Globalsat BU-353-S4 and BU-353-N5

  1. Connect the GPS to the laptop.
  2. Plug the USB cord into the USB port on the laptop.
  3. Search for “device manager” in the Windows search options.

    If this is the first time connecting the GPS to the laptop, Windows should install the correct drivers. Locate the USB device in the list (it should display similar to “Prolific USB-to-serial COM Port (COM#).” If it displays similar to “USB Serial Device,” then the driver needs to be installed.
    ‎If you’re having issues, the recommended driver for the Globalsat BU-353-S4 and BU-353-N5  puck style GPS can be found at https://roadsoft.org/sites/roadsoft.org/files/PL23XX_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v408.zip.

  4. Take note of the COM port number assigned to the GPS.

For VK-162, VFAN UG-353 or Similar with u-blox Chipset

  1. Connect the GPS to the laptop.
  2. Plug the USB cord into the USB port on the laptop.
  3. Search for “device manager” in the Windows search options.

    Locate the USB device in the list (it should display similar to “USB-to-serial COM Port (COM3).” If it displays similar to “USB-Serial Controller,” then the driver needs to be installed.
    ‎The u-blox based chipsets (check the item box or item description as most will note this) may require drivers to be installed. If the GPS is labeled similar to “USB Serial Device (COM#)” when plugged in, try the COM number that has been assigned in the LDC GPS Settings first to see if it will communicate. If the LDC won’t connect, try installing both drivers below: https://roadsoft.org/sites/roadsoft.org/files/ubloxGnss_sensorDeviceDriver_windows_3264_v2.30.exe https://roadsoft.org/sites/roadsoft.org/files/ubloxGnss_vcpDeviceDriver_windows_3264_v2.30.exe

  4. Take note of the COM port number assigned to the GPS.

For a Bluetooth GPS:

Not all Bluetooth GPS units will work with the LDC. Units manufactured by Globalsat may require the driver mentioned earlier. Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS have their own instructions.

  1. Turn on the GPS device.
  2. Open Windows Settings.
  3. Select Devices.
  4. Turn on Bluetooth if not already turned on.
  5. Click the “Add Bluetooth or other device” button.
  6. Click Bluetooth on the Add a Dive pop-up window.
  7. Select the GPS device from the list that appears.
  8. If connecting for the first time, the laptop may require a pairing code, which will have come with the GPS itself. Enter the code, and after the connection has been established the laptop will remember it.
  9. Common Bluetooth pairing codes are “0000”, “1111”, and “1234”
  10. Take note of the COM port number assigned to the Bluetooth GPS.

Connect LDC to GPS

  1. Start LDC.
  2. Select GPS from the main menu options.
  3. Select GPS Settings….
  4. The GPS Setting Form window opens, use the COM dropdown menu to select a COM port that corresponds to the number assigned in the earlier steps.
  5. Use the Baud drop-down to select a baud rate of 4800.

    Other GPS options that can be altered can be found under the Advanced Settings tab.

  6. Select the Test Settings button.
  7. If the selected COM Port connects, a window will open asking to connect the LDC to that COM Port. Select Yes.

If the test fails, use the dropdown menu to select a different COM Port and select the Test Settings button.

Select the Refresh button (the green arrows) to search again for COM Ports if necessary.

If the GPS fails to connect, close the LDC and restart and try to connect again. If it continues to fail to connect, contact technical support at roadsoft@mtu.edu.

If the GPS connection is not on/near a road segment that is part of the network imported into the LDC, the LDC will not snap to a segment on the map. Drive toward a road that is part of the network so that the vehicle marker can snap to it. If this does not happen, restart the LDC or contact technical support at roadsoft@mtu.edu.