GlobalSat launches Google-friendly GPS data logger

We enjoyed our run with the Nike+iPod, but it was a one trick pony. On the other hand, who wants to carry around something like the LOOX N100 when you just want to track coordinates? If there was only a simple GPS data logger -- something that could monitor our speed, altitude, location, perhaps even at defined intervals; throw in a built-in USB cable and the ability to run on regular batteries, and we'd have a winner. Well the GlobalSat DG-100 offers all these qualities plus the ability to export all that data goodness into a format readable by Google Earth and Google Maps. Granted it won't play nice with our iPods, but at least we can also use it as a GPS receiver to help us find the social. Currently it is available for pre-order, but we've got zero info on availability or price.

[Via Navigadget]

[Chris Caldwell @ Dec 21st 2006 8:46PM]

You can pick up a Wintec WBT-200 that works with Google Earth for less than $100. Bluetooth and USB. Data downloads fine with gpsbabel on Linux and OSX.

[Zadillo @ Dec 21st 2006 8:47PM]

Very cool, although a bluetooth version would be killer.

[Jon @ Dec 21st 2006 8:47PM]

Brilliant! Can anyone with a clue speculate for a price?

[humpty @ Dec 21st 2006 8:47PM]

Thats perfect. Ive been looking for a simple to use gps tracking system to put in my gf's car. Its a bit bright, although, that might not matter since i have to hide it anyways.

[catfish @ Dec 21st 2006 9:46PM]

@above, easiest way to do that is a prepaid phone, and then pay for a $50 online phone logger that will show where the phone is at like 5 minute intervals. (you shouldn't really need any more resolution that that imo.)

[ricardo @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:59AM]

keep update second use gadget for me

[KnotMe @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:59AM]

The company mentioned doesn't seem to ship outside the UK. Bummer.

[jmchez @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:00AM]

Goodness! Monitor speed, location and altitude? The Garmin 305 can do that. Compatible with Google Earth and Google Maps? Some free software lets the 305 do that too.

[Jake @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:10AM]

Yeah, I second the Forerunner 305 recommendation. It gives you real-time feedback & logs your data, fits on your wrist, and it can even show you a map. Definitely the GPS device of choice for outdoor athletes.

[James D. B. @ Dec 22nd 2006 3:34AM]

For those with a bluetooth GPS and a Treo 650, you can easily write a program with handheld basic (HB++) to log your GPS data to an SD card slot. I did this and was able to convert the data to KML and even tag photos with GPS coordinates based on the timestamp.

[jdschuitemaker @ Dec 22nd 2006 8:13AM]

I found this datalogger here:
http://www.ohararp.com/products.html

It comes with battery/cable/case for US$ 130. Data is saved on a SD memory card (64 MB to 2GB - not included). The product is shown just as the basic board, but an image with the board in casecan be found here: http://www.ohararp.com/images/waterproof_case_open.jpg

[Ryan @ Dec 22nd 2006 10:55AM]

I don't understand why these dataloggers are so expensive. several years ago i got a garmin gecko 201...which is a regular functioning outdoor gps (no street navigation, just features for hiking, etc)... for somewhere around $110 I believe. It has a computer interface (although its a serial connection)and it keeps a tracklog which is the same thing as doing this. Its limitation in this capacity would be its small memory - it would only store something like 10,000 track points before looping back to the beginning and recording over the data it just wrote. Just this summer I got a garmin etrex venture cx for about $150 after rebate...which has a color screen, will do navigation on road maps or topo maps (the maps cost extra$$)... its waterproof, runs something like 30 hours on a set of AA batteries...and it will keep a track log on a microSD card.

Bottom line is.. if I'm going to be paying for a gps "logger" whose only interface is an on/off switch, that only outputs a log to a sd card or some other means of flash storage, it needs to be well under the $100 price range. $50 would be almost reasonable. I keep seeing different versions of gps "trackers" out there which all cost over $100 which is a ridiculous price considering you can get a gps unit with more functionality for the same or less$$


i don't recall which..but either sharper image or hammacher schlemmer had a gps logger in their catalog that was in the $400 range, but the advantage was it connected to a cellular network and would let you see a real time view from a web portal of where it was. Although it may be possible to do this for less $$ with a prepaid cell phone as someone mentioned in a previous post

[phil @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:17PM]

A data logger available now for $150 is at
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=671

Programmed in KML mode for google earth goodness.

[Paul @ Dec 28th 2006 10:11AM]

How come you guys haven't checked out the MotionLingo Adeo which does all of this for athletes?

[kombizz @ Dec 28th 2006 3:37PM]

It is a cool device.
Whee can I buy it?