3G Modem cum GPS Receiver

I bought a 3G modem couple of days ago. I felt the need to buy it since I couldn't risk breaking my cellphone, having it connected to my laptop all the time. My cellphone LCD screen flickers everytime I connect it to my laptop.
Did a little browsing and finally picked up a Sierra Wireless 881U 3G modem. Dunno much about this 3G technology, so my choice was based on the latest model available on the market in my local computer stores.

First impression was okay. It connects instantly, faster than my cellphone. However, the connection is the same, slow but acceptable (bearable :-) most of the time. Somehow, overtime I learn to appreciate that slow connection is better than no connection ..:-)

Yesterday, I accidentally read in a forum that my modem has a built-in GPS receiver. I went here and there to find more information about it. It turned out that I have to update to the latest firmware first from Sierra, because apparently my modem, which was an AT&T bundle, had the GPS feature locked by AT&T.
I went to Sierra homepage and downloaded the latest available firmware and start updating. I was very nervous because this was the first time I'm updating firmware of any of my device. I know that failure in firmware update could render my device useless. Waiting impatiently for about 15 minutes, starring at the screen. Fortunatelly, everything went well and my modem is updated with GPS feature..yippie..:-D

The second step was installing the GPS version of 3G Watcher. Again I had to download from Sierra. Upgrading driver from non-GPS to GPS was a breeze, in less than 5 minutes my laptop was already GPS equipped..:-P
Problem arised when I want to connect (or whatever terms used in GPS) to the GPS satellite. it took me countless of try outs and retry just to connect to the satellite. All ended up in failure. My first assumption was my GPS module was a dud. Well, I was not ready to give up yet and started googling for any information in connection failure. From many experiences that I read in GPS forum, the 881U had difficulty connecting to satellite inside a builing. I didn't know that because a friend of mine has a Garmin and it works pretty well inside and outside. I guess the real GPS device has a better signal reception.

Anyway, I started walking around my office,going outside, to the meeting room, looking for signals..:-). Finally, when I went to the backyard, an open space with clear skyview, my laptop picked up 5 satellites. The GPS automatically displayed my coordinate..yeaaahhh..clicked the Google map link and voila! it showed my exact location in aerial photo, where I was standing. I would have jump up and down if I was not holding my heavy 15 inch laptop..:-P

Whohooo..I have a fully working GPS receiver. It's like getting a free gift because I only meant to buy 3G modem..he he he..

Ehmm..one last task to do..I have to find good GPS application and Indonesia map so that I don't have to be connected to the Internet everytime I want to use the GPS...
That is not a really hard and expensive thing to do here in Indonesia, if you know what I mean :-P