External GPS not working

[terenovo_art]

Hi,

I have recently purchased Garmin eTrex Solar and wanted to use it as external GPS source for Locus Map. I paired the device with my phone and added it as a sensor to Locus. However, when I try to use the device location it shows no GPS signal, when on the device I can see that the signal is perfect. Also the Locus GPS icon shows weak / no signal (orange). Here are some screenshots I made Yesterday do visualize the problem:
- handheld device shows full coverage
- locus, while connected to device, shows no coverage
- locus switched to internal gps shows full coverage
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[Menion]

Hello,
are you sure that this device provides NMEA messages over Bluetooth stream? Does it work in any other application?

[terenovo_art]

To be completely honest - I have no idea about the NMEA or the specs of the connection here. All I know is that:

1. It works with the Garmin Explore app on the phone over Bluetooth
You can see the location from the GPS unit on the map in Garmin Explore - and it does work when Phone is in offline/airplane mode with location turned off

2. Locus Map does recognize this device as a sensor and allows it to be connected as such

So I figured I'd try to get a similar experience with this device in Locus as I have in Garmin Explore. But it appears to not work this way.

The GPS unit is the new eTrex Solar. I'm not sure if it transfers data over Bluetooth with NMEA messages. But it sure does work with Garmin Explore in a way I'd like it to work with Locus Map.

Can it be done?

[Menion]

I've made a quick search and detailed answer is below. Seems that this device does not natively provide required functionality to serve as external GPS device together with Locus Map app, sorry.


Using the Garmin eTrex Solar as an external GPS receiver for an Android device is not officially supported by Garmin. The eTrex series is primarily designed for standalone navigation and does not natively transmit NMEA data over Bluetooth for use by external applications.

However, some users have explored workarounds with other Garmin devices. For instance, discussions around the GPSMAP series suggest that while direct Bluetooth transmission of NMEA data isn't supported, a wired connection might be possible, though this would require specific configurations and isn't guaranteed to work seamlessly.

For Android applications that support external GNSS devices over NMEA messages via Bluetooth, dedicated external GPS receivers like the Garmin GLO 2 are recommended. These devices are designed to pair with smartphones and tablets, providing accurate location data and are known to work well with various Android applications.

In summary, while using the eTrex Solar as an external GPS for an Android device isn't officially supported and may not provide the desired functionality, opting for dedicated external GPS receivers compatible with Android is a more reliable solution.

[terenovo_art]

@Menion thank you for answering.

I just wanted to point out that, since this functionality does work with Garmin Explore app (and I did test in the field - only Bluetooth connection active on smartphone, location data from Garmin eTrex Solar - works very well), than there sure is some way or workaround to pass the data location to Locus Map as well. I just lack the skills to try figuring it out by myself. I hope you will try at least.

[Menion]

Sorry, I cannot try this out as I do not own this device.

[terenovo_art]

I am more than happy to assist you then - I would just need guidance on what to try / check and where. As a Gold Subscriber of Locus I would really apreciate this kind of functionality.

[Menion]

Thanks for the offer. As I search (again), eTrex Solar does not natively support transmitting real-time GPS data over Bluetooth for use by third-party Android applications. Its Bluetooth functionality is tailored to work within Garmin's ecosystem, and there is no official support or documented method to configure the device to act as an external GNSS receiver for other applications.