I made my old iBlue 737 1Hz GPS to run at 5Hz

This is a method that is well described here.

I am here to explain in very layman's language of how to do it and why we do it.

The old GPS is a bluetooth device and operate at 1Hz. That means a set of co-ordinates are updated 1 time per second. That is very much enough for daily traffic and GPS navigation. However, for motorsports application, it is more advantages to get more data. This unit is also sold with the 5Hz function, which is set at factory.

Someone found out that you can change the update rate on those units by sending a command via computer to the unit. The 1Hz device does not have a link/bridge/wire so that computer can control the update rate. To do that, one must create a link/bridge/wire on existing in the 1Hz device. The link we can use a resistor. Here is how to do it.

Tool required:

• 1 x 0.5W 1K Ohm resistor (a pack of 8 can be purchased from JayCar for $0.32),
• Small spectacle screw drivers (the blade small enough to fit the groove of the unit.

 

You have to open the unit, to do so you find a sharp screwdriver (such as one to fix spectacles), insert biggest one that can fit the tiny grove at the back of the unit (see the picture below), twists, and open it slowly. This is to loosen the clips at the back and on both sides. The front has no clips so just open and pull backwards. Make sure the on/off switch does not drop on the floor.

Once you get it open. Have a closer look at the board and use the two picture below to orientate yourself. Then use one of the resistor to align the two holes together. By linking this 2 holes you can write commands on the GPS. I don't know why the author in the above link asked us to solder the resistor in. But I found that the wire is slug fit the hole and it is pretty secure. If you have enough wires through the hole as shown in the picture, I cannot see how the resistor will come undone. Even if it is undone, you just need to put it back in next time to send another command. Big deal. If I solder it, I am sure I will cross at the wire near all those closely located holes. Coz I am very messy.

Click on the photo and see the wiring clearly.

 

To change the rate. First you have to acquire a program to do so. One such program can be download free from Qstarz download centre. It is a rar file (another type of zip file), so you need a WinRAR to unzip (or un-rar) it.

It is a .exe program and when you open it. You will see this. Pair your bluetooth with your computer first, and take note on the COM number of the connection (or right click on the connection and choose properties menu, I am sure it will be listed somewhere). The bluetooth on mine is COM 41 and I set 115200 as the Baul rate (whatever it means). If you don't have a bluetooth in your computer, you need to buy one. I have not make it work via USB at all.

Ok once it is connected, you will see a set of numbers flash across the big text box below the On button and the SNR box will show you the satellate tracking status.

If it flash roughly once a second, you are at 1 Hz. If it goes crazy, it is pretty much at 5Hz. LOL.

Now click the "setup" tab, you see the fix update rate there. Choose 5. Click Set!



If the resistor made correctly, SEND OK banner will turn up. Go back to status, it will update crazy! WALAHH!

WHY DO YOU DO THIS WHEN 5Hz unit exists:

1. Perheps you have a 1Hz device now and see if you can change it to 5Hz.
2. The iBlue 737 is $69 + postage at eBay and 747 is $79. Qstarz Q818 extreme is $99 + postage.

KIND ADVICE: If you have a flat battery, you will go back to 1 Hz, so keep the battery charged or check it periodically if  it is still operating at 5Hz.

WARNING: See below

DISCLAIMER: Edit your hardware at your own risk, don't blame me if you blow up your house and caught on fire. I will not bear any responsibility on the above I have written. It is like believe me or not!