Related
I am finding that I need to soft-reset my Universal, then launch tomtom again in order for it to auto pickup the GPS reciever and start working. When it does it's fantastic, I am well impressed with it all :wink:
If I stop the BT GPS, and go in a shop or whatever, then when I get back to the car and launch tomtom, ot just says no GPS device. Go to config screen and select COM 8 again and still nothing comes up. (yes, COM 8, I read the posts again on getting it to work, and I have COM 8 on my BT port setting - could this be anything to do with it. Is COM 0 special for any reason?)
The BT GPS device also is obviously not pairing up again; I can tell from the LED flashing lattern it is still in seek mode not paired.
Now on my GPSlim 236 there's no button to press to tell the GPS device I want to pair up again, like you would have on a headset, so I am relying on the two devices just recognising they are there and playing nicely.
So, I find I need to soft reset the Universal and restart tomtom and all is well again, until I go to a shop or something, and the cycle repeats.
I am also using a BT headset, a Bluespoon AX, and don't know if it's got anything to do with that.
I verified the behaviour again, and am wondering of anyone else is using both a BT headset and a GPS device, and if so, which COM port have you set the GPS to?
Setting the BT Port to COM0 did it
So, maybe tomtom has some auto search thing that works on a 'fresh' run of the app (as in after my soft resets), but not on subsequent runs.
With it on COM 0 , works every time! What a cool and froody app.
Hope it helps someone else.
Guys - UK MDA Vario... cant get ANY GPS app to see my BT GPS. I have the Outbound port set as Com 6 but no apps can see it ( the port that is ) ... Any suggestions ?
TIA
PS tried Com 7 as well. ( and I've been working on this for 2 days now )
Terran
BTW Get a '?' next to the Bluetooth item the Qstarz BT-Q880 GPS... but it defo works on my PC.
Found this... http://www.bluetooth.jazztel.es/ - Going to give it a go...
Please download the latest version from the download area and install it. Just execute the installer. Afterwards you will find a new line for the power management on the today screen. Next time when you bond a Bluetooth device there will be an additional dialog after entering the pin and confirming the device name. Therefore you should first remove your device again if you bonded them already.
The "Today" screen
The icon on the left activates or deactivates Bluetooth. The clock symbol switches automatic power off for Bluetooth on or off. When activated (white backround as in the picture) then Bluetooth will be switch off after 60sec of inactivity.
The two battery icons on the right side let you switch between two profiles for auto power off of the PDA and the back light. For example you may switch to the second mode and adjust the settings to "always on" and "never switch back light off". Thereby you can switch the PDA with one simple to "always on" when you are in your car and want to use GPS navigation.
The profiles
Add your Bluetooth device as usual. You will get now a new dialog after the last step:
Please note that currently only the following profiles are available
Headset/Car kit Serial port ActiveSync Modem
Headset/Car kit
With this profile you may use your headset or car kit to make phone calls. Both headsets (headset profile) and car kits (handsfree profile) are supported and you may use up to 9 devices.
Bluetooth is switched on automatically on incoming calls. However it take some seconds until the connection to the headset/car kit is established. If you leave Bluetooth always on there is no delay.
The call is passed always to the device where you take the call. This means if you answer with the PDA button then the built-in speaker is used. If you used the headset button the call will be passed to the corresponding headset.
To pass the call from the PDA to the headset or from one headset to another just press button of the corresponding headset.
To hang up just press the button on the currently active headset or use the PDA button.
Obviously you can only dial via headset if you leave Bluetooth always on. The button on the headset acts like the phone button on the PDA. This means pressing it the first time switch the PDA on (if powered off) and switches to the phone application. Pressing the button again dials the last number.
Serial port
With the serial port profile you can use a device, which emulates a serial port, like a GPS receiver for example. After marking the checkbox you can select the desired port. Just click on OK and now your serial port is ready to use. Just start your application and choose the same port.
ActiveSync
Just mark the checkbox below ActiveSync and click on OK. Now start ActiveSync from the Start menu. There is now a new entry in the menu of ActiveSync to use the Bluetooth connection. Naturally this connection uses data encryption to protect your data.
Note: To use the ActiveSync connection you must identify the virtual port on your PC and configure ActiveSync accordingly.
Modem
I could not try this function because I don't have a Bluetooth modem but it should work without any problems. Just mark the checkbox and click on OK. Now your modem is ready to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Terran
You probably need GPS software that is compatible with Windows Mobile 5. However, most of them are not entirely updated to support WM5 just yet. I hear some people have gotten Navigon to work, and TomTom with a huge workaround. Destinator PN5 doesn't see the COM ports. iGuidance 2.1.3 works beautifully except for the map-loader not working through ActiveSync 4.x.
try looking at this link....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=29606
aliendad said:
try looking at this link....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=29606
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - seen it...
Followed
STEP 4 : INSTALL TOMTOM5
1. Establish a bond with your GPS and select the checkbox for serial access.
2. In the GPS control panel, select the GPS program to 6 and make sure that the hardware one, is set to None.
4. Start TT5 and the GPS settings, select another bluetooth GPS, and you will see COM 6 free. Select COM 6 and close TT5.
5. At the GPS control panel again, now select COM (none)
6. At BT: select OUTGOING port to 6.
7. Finally start TT5 and it should connect automatically. Wait for a couple of seconds and click the GPS settings and you should see it has connected.
Manged to see the com port in Tomtom but would not get it to see the GPS.... I'm still wondering becuse of the ? next to the item under the BT Control pannel...... I'm wondering if for some reason it does not recognise this as a GPS and is refusing to talk to it.
That been said it does have serial profile and connects ok...
Terran
it is a bit strange? but officialy TomTom is not mobile 5 ready.
aliendad said:
it is a bit strange? but officialy TomTom is not mobile 5 ready.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats my point... its not just TT that has the issue - tried some really basic progs just to show reception and get the same... ahhhhh
Terran
tomtom doesn't need bt to be enabled on the pda, and if you forget this, (like i used to) other programs wont work if bt is not enabled on the pda
aliendad said:
tomtom doesn't need bt to be enabled on the pda, and if you forget this, (like i used to) other programs wont work if bt is not enabled on the pda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But can you have it enabled with Tomtom ( if I follow you ? )
Terran
aliendad said:
tomtom doesn't need bt to be enabled on the pda, and if you forget this, (like i used to) other programs wont work if bt is not enabled on the pda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This comment was usfull - I removed the BT support from Tomtom and the other progs 'VisualGPS' can now see it.... still working on Tom tom though
Terran
EDIT Yaaaa it works...
Upgraded to 5.1 and sussed... so overview for my Vairo install proceedure ( 3 days this has took lol )
Enable the GPS control pannel - but TBH I dont think you acutally need this any way
Added GPS as per prev threds ( ie Add com 6 etc )
Install Tomtom but not the BT support pack
Install the update
Set GPS settings
Job done
Terran
Hi folks,
I upgraded my Hermes with Schap's Windows Mobile 6 ROM. Works fine so far. But when I try to use my Bluetooth GPS it acts strange.
I paired the Bluetooth device and set up a COM-port for the applications. The first time it works. The next time, when I switch on Bluetooth and start for example TomTom, the Hermes tells me there is a new Bluetooth device that wants to connect. I checked and found out the GPS is still in the list of known Bluetooth devices and the COM-port is set. But the assistant is still bugging until I add the "new" device. After that of course my "old" device is gone.
How can I avoid this? Anyone experiencing the same problem?
I have the same issue, really annoying so would love to know the answer
Tafkas.Net said:
Hi folks,
I upgraded my Hermes with Schap's Windows Mobile 6 ROM. Works fine so far. But when I try to use my Bluetooth GPS it acts strange.
I paired the Bluetooth device and set up a COM-port for the applications. The first time it works. The next time, when I switch on Bluetooth and start for example TomTom, the Hermes tells me there is a new Bluetooth device that wants to connect. I checked and found out the GPS is still in the list of known Bluetooth devices and the COM-port is set. But the assistant is still bugging until I add the "new" device. After that of course my "old" device is gone.
How can I avoid this? Anyone experiencing the same problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your Hermes:
Have you tried to checked off: "Make this device visible to other devices"?
Under: Start\Settings\Connections\Bluetooth\Mode (2nd tab on the bottom)
Option #1 (Hermes)
~If, "Make this device visible to other devices is not enabled, delete the pairing for your GPS.
~Check off "Make this device visible to other devices"
~Pair your GPS again (ensure that "Make this device visible to other devices" is still enabled)
Option #2 (GPS)
Don't know what kind of settings for bluetooth you may have on your GPS. I found for my car stereo, that I needed to leave it, in the "waiting/open for connection mode.
Now when I turn the car on it automatically connects the phone and stereo off my Hermes.
What I'm basically saying here is there may be a setting to leave your GPS automatically open for bluetooth connections?
I think option #1 may do the trick....
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
jac said:
On your Hermes:
Have you tried to checked off: "Make this device visible to other devices"?
Under: Start\Settings\Connections\Bluetooth\Mode (2nd tab on the bottom)
Option #1 (Hermes)
~If, "Make this device visible to other devices is not enabled, delete the pairing for your GPS.
~Check off "Make this device visible to other devices"
~Pair your GPS again (ensure that "Make this device visible to other devices" is still enabled)
Option #2 (GPS)
Don't know what kind of settings for bluetooth you may have on your GPS. I found for my car stereo, that I needed to leave it, in the "waiting/open for connection mode.
Now when I turn the car on it automatically connects the phone and stereo off my Hermes.
What I'm basically saying here is there may be a setting to leave your GPS automatically open for bluetooth connections?
I think option #1 may do the trick....
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is set to NOT be visable to others & my bluetooth GPS device just ha a on/off button.
paul8811 said:
Mine is set to NOT be visible to others & my bluetooth GPS device just ha a on/off button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your concerned about Security you can always change the Pairing codes.
and or turn off bluetooth when not needed.
I'm unaware of any cases where one can connect unless there paired, so in most cases access needs to be allowed on both ends, usually needing pairing codes. Even if it is one way, an approval code will still be needed.
What I found is this, if you want automatic connecting with one way pairing codes i.e. (Car Stereo to PDA or GPS to PDA) You'll need to allow "make device visible" checked off. The usual cause is a memory storing issue with the GPS or Car Stereo. I know that on high end Stereo's and GPS's they have on board memory which will save connection settings, where you'd put pairing codes on both ends and it will save the settings, thus negating the need to leave visible.
Don't know if I answered your question?
Hope I was able to shed some light on the subject....
Good Luck!
I opened this thread to sign here all the BT problems found on our BA using WM6.5
I'm using Radio 1.13 on WM6.5 21198. I can pair a Qstarz 51channel GPS antenna correctly, but after the pairing the device remains disconnected. After checking the Serial Port box in the device settings i'm able to tap on 'Connect', but then the BA always report 'Unable to connect, connection failed or password wrong'.
I tried with Broadcomm stack b3900 but i get an error on startup about 'Storage' file being deleted or something else.
I tried with Helmi BT stack b3400 and it works: i can pair and connect. However connection seems to be unstable and after a few i get the device disconnected automatically, i don't have even the time to set up correctly Navigon Navigator. After a SR sometimes i get 'Unable to turn on bt cous of lack of memory, try to sr... blablabla'. Sometimes i have to HR to leave this error message.
better experiences?
I never use the CONNECT in the BT Settings to connect to my Holux GPSlim236. I just Add New Device... then set the COM Port to port #6, then go to Start/Settings/Connections/External GPS ... Under the Programs tab (Select NONE), under Hardware tab (Select the COM Port you set on BT, in my case COM Port 6), on the Access tab (Mark Manage GPS Automaticaly. Then I go open whatever GPS Software I'm going to use, and it usually connects to the GPS Reciever automatically. [edit] If it doesn't connect, then I go to the settings of the GPS Software and I tell it what my GPS Reciever COM Port is. I usually have to do that with Live Search and iGO8(all though iGO8 has a search for GPS that always finds it too)[end edit] However, from the best of my memory, I have never seen my GPS listed as CONNECTED. So again, I don't think you need to try to Connect on the BT Settings page. Give it a try, hope this helps.
Another option is to contact Qstarz support and ask them how to properly set up your GPS on WM6+. They should be able to walk you through.
[Edit:] I will test tonight if I get that error message by trying to use the CONNECT funtion on BT Settings. Also, I'll see if when the BT GPS Receiver is connected, if it shows on BT Settings as CONNECTED. I'll post back my findings as an EDIT to this post.[End Edit]
<Edit> I've done some further testing as promised. Here is my finding:
*When the BTGPS Reveiver is connected to the phone, there is no indication on the BT Settings as that it is "Connected", however it is, as Live Search, Pharos, iGO8 and Google find it without any troubles.
*I tried to highlight the GPS Receiver and tap on CONNECT, but the softkey is greyed out(not available).
*I tried tap n hold over the Receiver with the same results, connect is not available.
I have not noticed any problems with Blue tooth on build 21198.
Same problem to me with Jentro BT8.
Now trying HELMI_BA_BTstack_Build 3400.CAB.
Hope this one works.
frafor said:
but after the pairing the device remains disconnected. After checking the Serial Port box in the device settings i'm able to tap on 'Connect', but then the BA always report 'Unable to connect, connection failed or password
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also having the same problem. Is there any fix for it. Can some one get xplode to help us with same problem
kabbab said:
I am also having the same problem. Is there any fix for it. Can some one get xplode to help us with same problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read markanthonypr's and frafor's posts above. Those are the only two solutions found so far. I am currently trying out markanthony's solution and so far it seems to work. I'll have to do some further testing.
I've been able to connect my GPS using helmi's b3400 stack, the connection is far stable but i have to set up the GPS ports fast, then open Navigon Navigator because otherwise the GPS enters standby mode and it looses the connection. However in these days i'll try the new build
markanthonypr: i too use 'add new device', but after the wizard procedure the GPS is listed under 'Disconnected devices' so then i have to check 'Serial port' service and tap 'connect'. Here i get the error message.
frafor said:
I've been able to connect my GPS using helmi's b3400 stack, the connection is far stable but i have to set up the GPS ports fast, then open Navigon Navigator because otherwise the GPS enters standby mode and it looses the connection. However in these days i'll try the new build
markanthonypr: i too use 'add new device', but after the wizard procedure the GPS is listed under 'Disconnected devices' so then i have to check 'Serial port' service and tap 'connect'. Here i get the error message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried w/o checking the Serial Port? I don't check the serial port. I just tried what you've stated, and got the same error you are talking about. But like I said, It connects to BT GPS Receiver w/o the Serial.
markanthonypr said:
Have you tried w/o checking the Serial Port? I don't check the serial port. I just tried what you've stated, and got the same error you are talking about. But like I said, It connects to BT GPS Receiver w/o the Serial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well mark, you were right on the money with your suggestion. It seems that 6.5 controls external gps devices from within that option in the settings rather than the BT console. I am using Destinator 7 with my Pharos BT GPS and aside from taking a few minutes to connect, it works like a charm once it does connect...
egzthunder1 said:
Well mark, you were right on the money with your suggestion. It seems that 6.5 controls external gps devices from within that option in the settings rather than the BT console. I am using Destinator 7 with my Pharos BT GPS and aside from taking a few minutes to connect, it works like a charm once it does connect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL well I'm glad yours is working. I tried using Frafor's method, got his same error, went back to the method I always use, and now it won't connect LOL blah... I'm sure it will after a soft reset.
Speaking of soft reset. I've been searching all over for the darn XP ShutDown and can't find it. I know its here, but, why can't search find it? I wouldn't dare to ask you to point me in the right route, would you think I had the guts to as that? "Giggling"
Edit: Oh and I did use the Search !
i attached it for you, but be aware of the fact, that this is the basic version with a very xp like look for themes and how to install them go to: http://ppcsoft.narod.ru/english/
markanthonypr said:
LOL well I'm glad yours is working. I tried using Frafor's method, got his same error, went back to the method I always use, and now it won't connect LOL blah... I'm sure it will after a soft reset.
Speaking of soft reset. I've been searching all over for the darn XP ShutDown and can't find it. I know its here, but, why can't search find it? I wouldn't dare to ask you to point me in the right route, would you think I had the guts to as that? "Giggling"
Edit: Oh and I did use the Search !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't dare to tell you to search... you know better than that
As far as the BT, it seems that it isn't a matter of drivers after all, but rather how 6.5 is handling them. Stick with the original drivers, I think that there are a few surprises in stock with the other BT stacks (Helmi's and broadcomm's)
Also, if I could recommend you Destinator 7, it seems to do just fine. I haven't tried Tomtom 6 or iGo 6 (all of which I used to use), but this one is very lightweight and the maps are not ridiculously big either.
Good to see you around buddy!!
Chef_Tony said:
i attached it for you, but be aware of the fact, that this is the basic version with a very xp like look for themes and how to install them go to: http://ppcsoft.narod.ru/english/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much Tony!
egzthunder1 said:
I wouldn't dare to tell you to search... you know better than that
As far as the BT, it seems that it isn't a matter of drivers after all, but rather how 6.5 is handling them. Stick with the original drivers, I think that there are a few surprises in stock with the other BT stacks (Helmi's and broadcomm's)
Also, if I could recommend you Destinator 7, it seems to do just fine. I haven't tried Tomtom 6 or iGo 6 (all of which I used to use), but this one is very lightweight and the maps are not ridiculously big either.
Good to see you around buddy!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I'm happy with iGO8 and the sexy female voice I have LOL and LiveSearch works awesome as well. They just updated again few weeks ago. Only thing I don't like about LiveSearch is it only saves 128MB on Storage Card. Everything over that gets downloaded on the spot and with the slow G connection of BA's, it can become a pain at times. But iGO8 Maps cover PR very well However, just to be nice, I'll try destinator. If you recomend it and Tony Cooks it, I'll eat it LOL
Umm btw, let me scoot to work... Later aligators
EDIT: Geez, I always have a second thought after pressing that darn Post Reply. I installed NF, its the same I had. Haven't seen any noticeable difference. A little higher build... Poofff Gone!
markanthonypr said:
<Edit> I've done some further testing as promised. Here is my finding:
*When the BTGPS Reveiver is connected to the phone, there is no indication on the BT Settings as that it is "Connected", however it is, as Live Search, Pharos, iGO8 and Google find it without any troubles.
*I tried to highlight the GPS Receiver and tap on CONNECT, but the softkey is greyed out(not available).
*I tried tap n hold over the Receiver with the same results, connect is not available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, when i'll flash to new build then i'll try this thanks
nothing to do, the GPS connects (1second flashing blu light), then the BA stucks on the passphrase window with the wait cursor, the GPS disconnects (fixed blue light) and then it enables standby mode...
frafor said:
nothing to do, the GPS connects (1second flashing blu light), then the BA stucks on the passphrase window with the wait cursor, the GPS disconnects (fixed blue light) and then it enables standby mode...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use TomTom Bluetooth GPS and have not faced this issue.
Chef_Tony said:
i attached it for you, but be aware of the fact, that this is the basic version with a very xp like look for themes and how to install them go to: http://ppcsoft.narod.ru/english/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
psShutXP is a bit annoying. I use this cab to soft reset & power off which is quite ideal for WM6.5 start menu I have repacked the cab files.
I've got the same problem and I think this is a problem GPS with MTK chipset. I've try 2 diferent GPS (qstarz and pentagram ) with MTK chipset and bouth work correctly only with WM2003 or on WM 5/6 from helmi with Helmi BT Stack 1,7.
With many ROMs GPS connect corectly and work to soft reset. After reset GPS connect for 1-2 sek and disconnect. It doesnt mater setting in GPS devices so i thing this is problem with receving BT data in our devices.
Also I try GPS from nokia LW-3 (or something like this) with sirfstar III and it connect without problem with diferent ROMS
I have a different problem since upgrading to Xplode's WM6.5 v21202...
I have working connections (not all at the same time) to three BT devices; Qstarz 51 ch gps, my old Tomtom BT gps, and the Stowaway (Think Outside) BT keyboard. All exhibit the same problem:
After a few minutes the connection seems to go and the device loses communication. It will then reconnect and continue fine for a while then same loss as before. This is particularly annoying when I'm using Tomtom to navigate!
I have not set up a serial connection for the Tomtom gps but did so for the Qstarz and keyboard. they all have the same comms loss.
I also have another BA running WM6.1 and this is fine with the devices...
Any suggestions please?
Thanks
Stevemann said:
I have a different problem since upgrading to Xplode's WM6.5 v21202...
I have working connections (not all at the same time) to three BT devices; Qstarz 51 ch gps, my old Tomtom BT gps, and the Stowaway (Think Outside) BT keyboard. All exhibit the same problem:
After a few minutes the connection seems to go and the device loses communication. It will then reconnect and continue fine for a while then same loss as before. This is particularly annoying when I'm using Tomtom to navigate!
I have not set up a serial connection for the Tomtom gps but did so for the Qstarz and keyboard. they all have the same comms loss.
I also have another BA running WM6.1 and this is fine with the devices...
Any suggestions please?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a different BT stack. Some people have reported improvement in certain areas of functionality. However, everything comes at a price... the same people have reported that the range stinks. You will not be able to get much further than a couple of feet from your BA. Hope this helps...
Hello
unfortunatly the search didn't work for me to find a solution (maybe anybody can help me..)
i simply want to pair my Universal with my bluetooth gps receiver.
in settings/connections/bluetooth i added a new device.
it took a while, then it found my gps receiver and asked me for passkey. i used "1234" - but i am unsure, if that was the right key (i'm 80% sure..)
after that i got a new entry in the list of the avaible devices.
so far so good... BUT:
the gps receiver only appers as "disconnected". when i want to "connect" to it, it says "Your device did not connect with GP-700. The connection failed or the passcode is incorrect."
maybe the passcode is incorrect, ok. but i can't insert a new passkey, because it won't ask me for new entry after searching for new devices. i also can't delete the gps receiver entry.
I checked the box in "select services to use from this device. Serial Port". is that correct?
...hmmm it has to be so simple but i can't pair... gr......
please help me
nobody knows an answer...? ;((
hi, we maybe able to help but need more info as i would for sure. what rom are you using? and possibly what radio version? i use a bt gps with mine and passcode is 1234. not sure if thats the case for all though. depending on the rom im using mine shows as disconnected sometimes but i also have to create a valid com port to use with it. hope that helps.
Also what program are you using with you BT device? Mine pairs with '0000'.
If I use Route66, I don't even need to pair it.
When using iGo8, I do pair it.
When using Google Maps, I also need to add a COM port (I use 1 as some programs can't use 0 - eg, MemoryMaps).
Hey, thanks for answering my question.
i am using Tomal v8.90 (light). My radio version is (after unlocking) 0.00.00. Should i flash it back to 1.18? do i have disadvantages?
i wanted to use tomtom..
hope these information helps
I think there's your problem. I'd flash either 1.15 or 1.18 radio.
hm... anybody can help me..?
ThaMasterT said:
hm... anybody can help me..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash an updated radio...1.15
i flashed to 1.15 succesfully.
i found out, that 1234 for my device is the right passkey.
i connected in connections/bluetooth to my device (like i wrote above) and it says "connection successful". after that my device is listed under "disconnected" again. furthermore i can't connect to it, when i click on "connect" in the settings. i can't connect to it in tomtom, too...
when i click on the device (listed under connection-settings in "disconnected") the partnership settings will be displayed. here i can select services to use from device. it provide me a list with one item to check: "serial port". but even if i check or if not, it wouldn't affect anything(?). i simply can't connect to my device...
hey,
i solved that problem. i choosed "the right" com port to use the receiver.
thats a little weird, cus i already choosed some random com ports before and it never worked for me. unfortunately i didn't get some useful error messages or something from tomtom or other programs. now i tried a different port again and suddenly it worked...
sorry for the trivial problem and thank you very much for helping me.
btw: the device is still listed as "disconnected" in settings. who the **** cares...
i have the tomtom gps mkii sirf III and i don't get it paired or manually connected either, but then, when i installed the tomtom software, i found out, that it does not need to be paired in the windows settings first. ok, you might say, this is a coincidence, because tomtom works fine with their own hardware, of course. but no! in my settings there is also an "external gps" point, and all you need to do is put in a proper port and speed and it'll work. the easiest test for that would be google maps. in the beginning i also worried about pairing and connecting, but i found that i didn't have to do that.