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Do libre GPS systems exist? I'd really like to start mapping some of the local trails and catalog my hikes but it's all proprietary nonsense... I wonder if it'd be hard to learn to do by hand with topo maps?
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@mmn global positioning system... system. i can't believe i did that. anyway, i don't use bluetooth on my phone because it's nonfree. i'm looking for a gps module that uses free software that i can carry with me and plot my location for a few miles.
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@cmhobbs Oh, you're that hard core? Well I think it will be problematic finding anything off the shelf with libre firmware.
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@mmn :/ I figured as much. I don't know that I'm "that hardcore" but I always look for #libre solutions first.
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@cmhobbs I'm curious how far you're willing to take it in this specific case. While I do believe we should all try harder in finding libre hardware, I'm pretty content with having standardised protocols to relay the information fro…
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@cmhobbs Try to get/borrow some used hardware from someone and at least you won't have financed the proprietary technology in any way :)
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(@cmhobbs also, I didn't even think of the double meaning of "GPS systems" myself, so that's not what I was pointing out! Just wondered if you meant hardware or software)
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@mmn In this specific case, I am unwilling to buy GPS devices running nonfree software, though I might accept nonfree hardware. My concern is not one of privacy or I wouldn't be plotting my hikes publicly. My issue here is one of usability…
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@cmhobbs @stigatle I have to go try it myself with some hardware, but I thought everything using the #NMEA protocol could be used with libre client software? https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/NMEA
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@cmhobbs @stigatle *looking around the interwebz to make my "own" ugly looking-like-crap GPS device*
This seems like a piece of cake: https://www.adafruit.com/products/746
This seems like insane electromagician stuff: http://www.aholme.co.uk/GPS/Main.htm
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Bluetooth doesn't work with Replicant on the Nexus S (I have two). It requires blobs. Maybe blobs are the only way as @stigatle and @ericxdu23 mentioned.
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The Nexus S' battery life wouldn't be too great. I wonder if this is possible with a Beagle Bone Black and maybe !debian? I'm not concerned with what it looks like. I look like a yeti covered in mud when I get off the trail. I'm not winning…
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Interesting! I have another wikipedia hole to explore now :D
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Can the adafruit bits run Free Software?
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I'd just like to have it record waypoints every so many minutes so I can take that data and plot it on a map.
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Thanks for this!