I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !!
If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ??
- First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days
- No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data
-Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work
- Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more

I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!!
If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ?

Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly.

- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

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mathew said..

- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

-Why is nothing recorded into internal memory ?? what size ??
- did you turn it on - you want to be funny
- wrong guess
- you could choose any language you want and still doesn't help you with device that doesn't work just straight from the box

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decrepit said..

Have a look here for detailed set up guide,

http://mtbest.net/setting-up-navi-GT31.htm

The GT 31s are a versatile unit and need to be set up for the way you need to use them.

What about this Firmware update ? Do I need to do so before I use this for windsurfing ??
Tom Chalk offer only update for GT-31 but mine is Bluetooth version BGT-31..

BGT has extra blue tooth capability, not needed for windsurfing, in other respects it's the same.
The standard firmware works OK, Tom's gives you a few extra bells and whistles for speed sailing.
Try it as it is, you'll probably find no need to change.

The instructions Tom Chalko has own his site really helps

mtbest.net/setting-up-navi-GT31.htm

You can use the GPS without the firmware update but the firmware has really nice features if you dig into it.

Not sure why I'd need a 6 gig card for mine. I have over 80 2 hour sessions on my "1.84" gb card and so far only used .01gb.

-Kevin

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Macroscien said..

I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !!
If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ??
- First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days
- No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data
-Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work
- Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more

I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!!
If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ?

Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly.

I think there will be enough people on here willing to help you out. It is a device that is good for speed sailing, so don't assume it is an all-singing all-dancing device. If you want something like that, use a cheap android handset.

You can buy 2Gb cards still, but they are rarer. Often you will see them for a few dollars as no one else wants them. Buy a few.

The important thing is to set it for knots and not km/h. You don't want to mistake the two, as one could have you thinking you were doing 25 knots and not 25 km/h

I don't install any software on my computer these days to use the GPS. I just read the files from the SD card and use ka72.com to read them and upload them. It makes life much easier.

Yeah GT-31s are not much good. I'll give you $10 for it.

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Mobydisc said..

Yeah GT-31s are not much good. I'll give you $10 for it.

Once there will be applet available for smartphone to do the same ( logging gps for speed sailing) I will sell you this piece for $5.
I have "My tracks" on my phone that do similar but is not accepted by windsurfing sites I am afraid.
But My tracks is example how easy and user friendly software could be.
Easy way to START recording and STOP recording. Nothing i can see here or can't find so far on BGT-31

Hi Macro, I've been using for a few years an old 512mb camera card, try what you might already have at home and if it works just get a bigger card for your camera or whatever. Fit the card and format it a few times, if that works it's good to go. I can go on a 3 week trip to WA and not even put a dent in my card.
Don't worry about a CD or even at this stage updating the firmware, as said just set it up as MtBest web site advises, works for me.
There's no way you'd get a virus from the GT31 web site. Have you joined a GPSTC team, if so get one of them to help, if not there's plenty of GPS users at your local willing to help.
Don't worry, just because it's easy for me I know it's not for plenty, I have a team mate up here who has thrown a least two against a tree in frustration Hang in there, you'll be fine

Cheer, Uncle Bob.

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Macroscien said..

I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !!
If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ??
- First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days
- No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data
-Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work
- Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more

I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!!
If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ?

Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and enjoy

or Sell it to Mobydisk and miss out

I do agree the GT-31 is getting old. We should looks at smartphones, especially whether there is a cheap Android phone that has a decent GPS chip.

Does anybody know what is technical GPS capability of modern mobile phone in comparison to GT-31?

Thanks guys for help

indeed this website is very helpful ( attention all new users) :

www.mtbest.net/setting-up-navi-GT31.htm


I went trought Tom Chalk website few times and managed to setup GPS to record my sailing.
I found 16 MB SD card at the bottom of my drawer and managed to order 2GB Sundisk from Aussie shop online for $6.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SANDISK-2GB-SD-CARD-SECURE-DIGITAL-2-GB-2G-G-NEW-Memory-FREE-POST-AU-Stock-/370585240513?pt=AU_Electronics_Memory_Cards&hash=item56489a03c1&_uhb=1

Aquapaq I had from local windsurfing shop ( you can get online www.paqua.com.au )


So for now everything on right track to test this unit today - if only wind cooperate

Get an 2 GB SD card from ebay or amazon.com and plug it in. Format it (which may take several attempts with a newer card). Then follow the instruction for "Setting up GT31 manually" on http://mtbest.net/setting-up-navi-GT31.htm
Takes about 5 minutes once you figure out how to use the two buttons. You do not have to do the firmware update - you don't really need it. If you update the firmware on the BGT-31, you loose the Bluetooth functionality. Not that you can do much with the Bluetooth, anyway, but it's not 100% useless. Skip the update for now, you can do it later.

After changing the settings, recording data is as easy as switching the unit on. That's it. Using an Android phone is at least as complicated. After a session, turn the unit off, get the SD card out of it, copy the file onto your computer, and upload the data onto ka72.com. If you want to get fancy, use software like GPSResults or GPS Action Replay to analyze your tracks, but that's optional.

The GT-31 is more accurate than a typical Android phone - I posted a comparison on
boardsurfr.blogspot.com/2011/11/gps-accuracy-gt-31-vs-android-phone.html
There are better GPS chips out there than the one that the GT-31 uses, but unfortunately, these are not used in phones. In general, the GPS chips in phones are inferior to the one used in the GT-31. The good old GT-31 has a few more advantages like water resistance and long battery life over most smartphones, and it can display useful info on it's display that may not be so easy to get on a phone. Maybe we'll be able to get a better GPS for windsurfing next year - but I would not hold my breath.

If you really don't like the GT-31 I'll buy it :D I Don't find it to hard using speed genie on my GT-31s...

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Macroscien said..

Does anybody know what is technical GPS capability of modern mobile phone in comparison to GT-31?

There is no comparison. The GT-31 is far more accurate and cheaper too.

There are more accurate GPS's about, but not in mobile phones.

Mobile Phone GPS is ok for navigation purposes, but no doppler data, and no accurate speed information is recorded by them.

I challenge anyone to record the same (sailing) track with a GT-31 and a mobile device (gpx format) and get the same results at ka72 or in other GPS software. (Just don't come back at me if you fall off your board and get your phone full of seawater.)

Not much lucky today
Great session , decent wind and 4 hours on the water, but looks like GPS electronics fried inside.
No not a drop of water as GPS was in absolute water tight cover.
I suspect that internal battery exploded inside as sticky electrolyte leaking out.
It could be caused my memory card - 16 MB - maybe just too old and too small and 4 hours session overload.
Formatted initially few times, no problem.
So I didn't have much lucky with GPS, maybe something is still written on the card, as GPS started making strange noises well after session finished and
give that message data saved successfully.

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Macroscien said..

Not much lucky today
Great session , decent wind and 4 hours on the water, but looks like GPS electronics fried inside.
No not a drop of water as GPS was in absolute water tight cover.
I suspect that internal battery exploded inside as sticky electrolyte leaking out.
It could be caused my memory card - 16 MB - maybe just too old and too small and 4 hours session overload.
Formatted initially few times, no problem.
So I didn't have much lucky with GPS, maybe something is still written on the card, as GPS started making strange noises well after session finished and
give that message data saved successfully.

Was the BGT-31 new and in warranty? If so, make sure you put in a claim. Even if you get them wet, they aren't supposed to do that. They have a seal and should be able to handle immersion for a short time, but if you didn't get it wet at all, there is no excuse.

Using a 16MB card shouldn't cause a problem. It will either work or it won't. These GPSs seem to only support a slightly lower voltage on the SD cards than they should, so some cards don't work at all. I have found that the micro-SDs in the adapters have worked for me.

Please note that you can still record your session on the internal memory of the GPS. Then, when you get home and have a SD card handy, you can install it in the GPS and then copy the track information across to the SD card.

Mate, just contact Kate Yang@ Locosys and they'll send you a form to fill in and post it with the gps.
they usually require copies of the receipt of purchase.
Aust. Post say they don't send packages containing lithium batteries but I didn't have an issue.

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Macroscien said..

FormulaNova said..

Was the BGT-31 new and in warranty?

New I hope that carry some warranty. Bought on eBay from US seller just a week ago.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331027454780

I should buy locally buy couldn't find any.

You didn't need the BGT model as it has no advantages and you don't need to look far to find them locally for when you have a problem. Here is a link:

www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/shop/accessories/gps-products

They would have even set is up for you.

Cheers
Marty

WindWanderers club also has some GPS units for sale. Definitely no need to go overseas.

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mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

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gregob said..

mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

Mathew a troller????? That's funny I didn't know trolls can rack up over a 1000 posts on the same forum and not get shut down. Maybe you should research a few of Macros out there posts on other subjects before passing judgement on others and see why they come back with the replies they do and did in this case. How to set up a GT31 is a very asked question and IS an easy task if the user goes to the sites that are recommended by 10's of users here on Seabreeze. Have a great day

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sick_em_rex said..

gregob said..

mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

Mathew a troller????? That's funny I didn't know trolls can rack up over a 1000 posts on the same forum and not get shut down. Maybe you should research a few of Macros out there posts on other subjects before passing judgement on others and see why they come back with the replies they do and did in this case. How to set up a GT31 is a very asked question and IS an easy task if the user goes to the sites that are recommended by 10's of users here on Seabreeze. Have a great day

Mate, an unhelpful childish post is what it is regardless of how many times the owner has posted elsewhere. I don't read every single post on all the forum but I know a rude and disrespectful post when I see one and I know that there is nothing in the posting rules that says it's ok to be disrespectful to others in any circumstance. My guess is if mathew or anyone has an issue with any other user they have the right to report them to moderators rather than slagging them off in the forums, yes?

And as far as asking questions goes, I haven't seen a rule that prevents people asking questions that have been asked before. Would probably shutdown 90% of the general questions and 100% of mine which would be a shame because it would take away the opportunity for the majority of the tolerant and helpful windsurfing community to impart their wisdom.

I'm sure the process would seem easy to those who have mastered it; much like windsurfing is I suppose. I have worked in I.T for over 20 years and I have seen people struggle to right click and use a mouse accurately; something most of us take for granted. That doesn't mean it ain't incredibly, and justifiably frustrating for some people regardless of how easy it is for others.

Perhaps Gregob the opening heading of "BGT-31 old crap or what ??" didn't help start a good vibe on the topic

And this didn't either

"I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !! If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ?? - First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days - No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data -Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work - Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!! If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ? Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly. "



Help might have been a better start

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kato said..

Perhaps Gregob the opening heading of "BGT-31 old crap or what ??" didn't help start a good vibe on the topic

And this didn't either

"I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !! If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ?? - First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days - No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data -Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work - Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!! If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ? Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly. "



Help might have been a better start

Well, it would have been better if Macro had access to an NBN. He could have downloaded the software in the blink of an eye!

I think he trod on a few toes because quite a few people have put time into getting good features into the GT-31, and it does a good job. Its not a GPS for your car, but its not sold as one.

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FormulaNova said..

kato said..

Perhaps Gregob the opening heading of "BGT-31 old crap or what ??" didn't help start a good vibe on the topic

And this didn't either

"I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !! If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ?? - First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days - No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data -Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work - Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!! If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ? Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly. "



Help might have been a better start

Well, it would have been better if Macro had access to an NBN. He could have downloaded the software in the blink of an eye!

I think he trod on a few toes because quite a few people have put time into getting good features into the GT-31, and it does a good job. Its not a GPS for your car, but its not sold as one.

Select to expand quote

kato said..

Perhaps Gregob the opening heading of "BGT-31 old crap or what ??" didn't help start a good vibe on the topic

And this didn't either

"I just bought this GPS and I am terribly disappointing with technology !! If there is something I am doing wrong or this is just old crap of outdated technology ! ?? - First memory card SDCARD is needed 2 GB- is hard to get as the smallest are 4-8 GB this days - No CD ROM included in the retail box and all the software must be downloaded from manufacturer site -including user manual all drivers and software to access data -Few days lost and I still could not find the way to record sailing session - nothing seems to work - Try to see my tracks on computer finished with my computer infected with viruses/ spam ?? don't know even what more I am sure that some of you are able to eventually record and see you GPS data but for me is just straggle and hassle!!! If there is anything else ( GPS Logger) on the market that just plug in, run and work straight on ? Looks like device was latest manufactured and updated 3 -4 years ago and is completely obsolete or not user friendly. "



Help might have been a better start

I fail to see how someone could take a random guys rant about how unhappy he is with a GPS personally. He was posting and venting his frustration at something not working. He wasn't directing an attack at anyone. He even started off by pointing out he is not good with technology. This doesn't warrant insults and it certainly doesn't justify attacks on the spelling and Grammar of someone, especially if they are from NESB.

It might have great features but if it is not straight forward and easy to use, which it obviously isn't if you have to download drivers, application software, and manuals, then expecting some people not to struggle with, and complain about it is just as unrealistic as expecting all computer related peripherals to be easy to setup and use without reading manuals.

Please help me understand the logic -

(Stranger Expresses disapointment / Unhappiness with product) -----> Leads to ------> (other person that owns Product takes his disapointment as personal attack) or ( Other person thinks Stranger is stupid and has no right to complain) = (Justification for insults or other forms of ridicule)

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gregob said..

mathew said...
- 2GB memory $6 on Ebay
- have you ever used the internet before?
- did you turn it on?
- I guess technology isn't your strong point.
- neither is English

Are we in upside down land or something? A guy posts about his frustrations with technology, gets red thumbed multiple times and then trollers like Mathew chime in with insults and he gets green thumbs?!? What the?!!?

Surely struggling with an obviously "un-user friendly" piece of technology and posting a spelling mistake are not grounds for insults and red thumbs.

Thank you Gregob
Well you are right. This is my first encounter with GPS logger technology. Anybody could be next and have the same surprise I had.
Facts>
I managed to organize now RA and sending back unit to manufacturer at my own costs both ways plus charge for expertise .
Originals eBay seller ) and the only one on eBAy as I could see is not even interested to respond to my multiple letters.
So only thanks to SB community I have a chance to have device repaired just after two uses.

Next device GT31 I bought locally from windsurfing club ( Windwonderers) ( and I will pass to my son windsurfer when having my repaired back on day).

GT31 is possibly the best on the market but only because there is not real competition. I couldn't find any other GPS logger at similar price or functionality. GArmin may come one day with something reasonable like their watch size wrist GPS model looks promising but lacking so far same capacity in way points numbers.

I tested also my mobile phone as GPS logger. It works and record tracks, functionally is much easier to use that GT31 but not as accurate yet. You need software like " GPS LOGGER" to run your android phone to record sailing tracks.
Advent age is instant transmitting all records to desired email or GPS community server website.

Note to manufacturer. They should also think about real waterproofing their device or providing custom made perpex plastic hermetic box, minimal size.
I have been using paqua or casing for underwater camera but either is perfect size and quite uncomfortable to use.
Device should be mounted as wrist watch IMO,
Anyway, instead of red thumbing me we could post some concept to improve existing device and I am sure Locosys in watching and waiting for
end user feedback.
If we could provide evidence or ideas they could implement in future versions.
So far thank you all for support and helpful tips and links. Everybody next with new GT31 will have the same benefit.

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kato said..

Help might have been a better start

You are right. I can get help and I am already very thankful to SB .
But next day will be new user and will go through the same experience I had.

There is guaranties to every next one purchaser that will not be easy just buy, plug in and play device but a lot of trouble shooting and frustration.
Some problems even remains unresolved to the end.
For example every new user will be advice to upgrade their BIOS - firmaware but from Tom Chalk website but upgrade is available only to GT31 - not BGT31 version ( which means that I loose just Bluetooth capability or whole device will fails ?? don't know yet).

Next there are many futures on that device that probably nobody never will use. All this tracking on simple B/W low resolution screen is nonsense and any mobile phone do much better. Instead the Locosys should concentrate of building simple but strong box, 100 % waterproof up to 30m, wrist mounted with huge batter that last and memory inbuilt 2GB already without the need for removing.
Battery charging should be wireless - like your toothbrush , shaver or new generation mobile phones - to avoid exposing contacts to salt water ever.
The basic design and functionality of GT31 LOCOSYS device remains possibly the same for good 5-6 or more years but in the meantime was tremendous progress in GPS and mobile technology.
Time for LOCOSYS to come with new device , but to do so they need to see our recommendation, needs etc.

Macro - You need to be fair here as there is no product made specifically for Windsurfing nor would the market be large enough to warrant this. The GT31 does a fairly good job for what we need at a price which is affordable for most. The setup requires some work but it's been repeated many times on this site and people have provided much information about this (Tom Chalko). You only need to do a quick search through the GPS Forum to see a lot of information.

As for the GT31 it will be discontinued and there is good thread on this here: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/About-GT31-EOL/
I doubt there will be an economical replacement made for some time but technology is ever evolving so will see what time brings with it. In the mean time we all use this device as it's the most cost effective way to go windsurfing and log your results.

I do hope you can have it sorted out soon and people on here are always willing to help but being a forum you will also have to deal with some posts that might be from smart@sses.

Cheers
Marty