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Set Up, Use and Troubleshooting GPS Using the Dell Mobile Broadband Manager

Summary: This article is a guide to the setup, use, and troubleshooting of the Dell Mobile Broadband Manager on a Dell laptop.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Table of Contents:

 

  1. Start the GPS Service to Acquire Satellites
  2. Changing the GPS Settings
  3. Configure the Map Software to Communicate to the GPS Receiver
  4. How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Mobile Broadband Adapter Driver
  5. How to Find Out Which Mobile Broadband Adapter Is in Your Dell Computer
  6. Troubleshooting

 

Note: This guide uses the Dell Mobile Broadband Manager to set up your GPS, there are similar guides available using: (Use the guide appropriate to your computer.)

 

Start the GPS Service to Acquire Satellites

 

Note:
  • GPS functionality is available through the Dell Wireless 5520, 5530, 5540, 5550, 5720, and 5600 Mobile Broadband adapters. GPS is not supported on every computer (if the GPS button is not shown or is unavailable it is not supported on your computer).
  • The Mobile Broadband adapter does not have to be activated in order for the GPS function to work.
  • Before you proceed, ensure that you have a clear line of sight to the sky, which means it is necessary to perform these steps outside.
  • Some computers such as our Rugged series now have the option of purchasing a dedicated GPS Chip and Card. However this does depend on your model of computer and if this option was chosen at point of purchase and is NOT dealt with here. However they can only be sold with a Mobile Broadband card, so I would not anticipate any change.
  • There are various USB and Bluetooth adapters from third parties that also give GPS functionality - This article does NOT deal with these devices.

 

Windows

 

Windows

  1. Click All Programs.

  2. On the Programs column, click Dell Wireless.

  3. Click Dell Mobile Broadband Manager.

Windows 8

  1. Move the mouse cursor to the upper right-hand side corner of the screen until the Charms Bar appears.

  2. Click Search.

  3. Search for Dell Mobile Broadband Manager and click the icon when it appears.

  1. Click GPS.

  2. Click Start.

 

Note: It may take up to 5 minutes before the GPS receiver acquires any satellites.

 

Note: On most Dell laptops, the COM Port setting for Modem GPS is defaulted to 7. However you can check this is correct in the GPS page of the Dell Mobile Broadband Manager.

 

Ubuntu

 

For Ubuntu Version 12.04 and newer:

  1. If GPSD is installed, remove it from your computer.

  2. In Options > Connections > Add Connection select serial. Set DataPort to the port the GPS is working through.

  3. To find out more about the hardware on your particular computer, you can either install a package such as hardinfo or you can run a Command-Line Interface (CLI) command such as lshw.

 

$sudo lshw | less (or more)
$sudo lshw -html > myhardwareinfo.html
$sudo lshw -xml > myhardwareinfo.xml

  1. Choose 4800 baud unless you have specific information stating otherwise.

For Older versions of Ubuntu:

  1. Open whichever Package Manager that you are using. Typically it would be a choice between Apt-get, Aptitute, or Synaptic Package Manager.

  2. Search for GPSD and GPSD-Clients and install the packages.

  3. Go to Options > Connections > Add Connection and select Network plus the GPSD radio button.

  4. Your address should be localhost, and DataPorts should be set to 2947. XGPS is a client that comes with GPSD and is useful for testing the GPS is working properly.

Note: Start troubleshooting by reading the GPSCTL man page in CLI where the GPS reports only random binary data in the NMEA data stream window. It is useful in identifying where the fault lies.


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Cause

Changing the GPS Settings

 

Once the GPS window is open, click Settings to change the GPS settings.

GPS Mode

Standalone mode

In Standalone mode, GPS data is based on the satellite information only. Standalone mode does not require a connection to the mobile broadband service nor does it require an activated account.

Assisted Mode

Assisted mode enhances the GPS performance by downloading satellite data from a GPS assistance server. The assisted GPS uses either Internet Assisted or Network Assisted mode to calculate the position.

Internet Assisted:

Use the Internet to retrieve assistance data from a server, this requires an established Internet connection using your mobile broadband account

Network Assisted (SUPL):

Downloads assistance data from the mobile network, to support this the radio has to be enabled, and the service provider supplies the SUPL settings

 
Note:

Network Assisted mode (SUPL) may require a subscription, check with your service provider for more details.

Allow services to retrieve your position — allows the location of the laptop to be tracked. Before tracking is initialized, you are prompted to acknowledge that other applications can retrieve your current position. For this to work, the profile has to be correctly configured. If the default profile configuration does not work, contact your Service Provider for the correct settings.

 

Fix Interval

The GPS Fix allows you to determine how often the GPS should update its position. The choices are 1, 2, 10, 20, 40, 60 seconds or Once. The more often the GPS position is updated the more accurate the GPS location is. The default is 1 second. When using assisted mode, the update time may impact the charges on your Mobile Broadband account.

 
Note: The GPS must be stopped in order to change this setting.
 

Startup

The GPS settings startup tab allows you to determine the way the GPS receiver starts.

Enable Autosensing:

Activating autosensing allows other applications to start the GPS automatically

Turn on GPS at startup:

Turns on the GPS receiver when windows starts

Configure the Map Software to Communicate to the GPS Receiver

 

Note: These instructions are for Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007, 2008 and 2009 on Windows Operating Systems ONLY.
  • For instructions on configuring other map software to connect to the GPS receiver, see the user's manual of go to the manufactures website.
 
 

Windows

 

  1. Click Start.

  2. Click Programs or All programs.

  3. Click Microsoft Streets and Trips.

Windows 8

  1. Move the mouse cursor to the upper right-hand side corner of the screen until the Charms Bar appears.

  2. Click Search.

  3. Search Microsoft Streets and Trips and click the icon when it appears.

Note: A dialog box may appear stating that the application has detected a Wi-Fi provider. It asks if you want to try to use it to determine your location. If so, click No.
 

  1. Click Tools in the menu bar.

  2. Click GPS Take Pane.

  3. Click Configure GPS.

  4. Click Scan.

  5. Click OK.

 
Note: For information about how to create a route or locate your position using the GPS function, see the software manufacturer-provided instructions.

How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Mobile Broadband Adapter Driver

 

This article provides information about how to download drivers for the Mobile Broadband adapter that is installed in your computer. You can set the correct operating system type on the Downloads page itself. Drivers for Ubuntu are part of the Dell Ubuntu Image ISO preloaded on your computer at the factory. The Ubuntu download page is mostly updates and fixes.
 

 
Note: The Mobile Broadband drivers are listed under the Communication category.

How to Find Out Which Mobile Broadband Adapter Is in Your Dell Computer

 

This article provides information about how to identify the Mobile Broadband adapter that is installed in the computer. It is the same regardless of Operating System type.
 

  • Drivers & Downloads FAQs (See the How do I determine the hardware devices that are installed in my Dell computer? Section.)
 
Note: Look for MDM, WRLES the model number begins with DW.

You can also use the Find feature of your browser by clicking Edit, then Find. Enter MDM, WRLES in the text box to find the Mobile Broadband adapter.


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Resolution

Troubleshooting

 

  1. The Dell Mobile Broadband Utility is Not Installed or Would Not Open
  2. There was an Error of No Device Detected
  3. The GPS button is Not Shown or is Grayed Out
  4. There was a Message That the Radio was Off
  5. No Satellites Were Found by the GPS Receiver
 
Note: On Ubuntu Systems, most drivers and services are installed as part of the operating system install. Once a hardware issue has been ruled out - you may be asked to reinstall your operating system from the Dell Ubuntu ISO. It is possible to use advanced terminal commands to individually test and reinstall drivers and services. However, this is outside of the scope of a Dell Pro Support Warranty and the skill set of a typical support agent. If you want to pursue this ahead of an Ubuntu reinstall - you are directed to use the extensive community-led Ubuntu forums online for further help.
 

 

I. The Dell Mobile Broadband Utility is Not Installed or Would Not Open

 

This article provides information about how to download drivers and software for the Mobile Broadband adapter that is installed in your computer.

 
Note: The Mobile Broadband drivers are listed under the Communication category. See the Ubuntu note above for that operating system type.

II. There was an Error of No Device Detected

 

  1. Ensure to have the latest Mobile Broadband drivers installed, for more information see How to Use the Drivers & Downloads Website.

 
Note: The Mobile Broadband drivers are listed under the Communication category. See the Ubuntu note above for that operating system type.
 

  1. Ensure a Mobile Broadband that supports GPS in is installed in the computer, for more information see How Do I Determine the Components in a Dell Computer?

 
Note: Look for MDM, WRLES the model number begins with DW.

You can also use the Find feature of your browser by clicking Edit, then Find. Enter MDM, WRLES in the text box to find the Mobile Broadband adapter.

III. The GPS button is Not Shown or is Grayed Out

 

  1. GPS functionality is available through the Dell Wireless 5520, 5530, 5540, 5550, 5720, and 5600 Mobile Broadband adapters. GPS is not supported on every computer (if the GPS button is not shown or is unavailable it is not supported on your computer). For more information about what Mobile Broadband adapter is in your computer, see the How to Find Out Which Mobile Broadband Adapter Is in Your Dell Computer section.

  2. The Mobile Broadband adapter does not have to be activated in order for the GPS function to work.

IV. There was a Message That the Radio was Off

 

Ensure that the wireless switch on the computer is on.

 
Note: For more information about where the wireless switch is located for your specific computer, browse to the Online User's Guide. Click the make and model of the computer and the preferred language. Download the Setup Guide or User's Guide and see the wireless switch information. Alternatively you can search on the Dell Website for your particular computer type Visual Guide.

V. No Satellites Were Found by the GPS Receiver

 

Ensure you have performed the following steps:

(For more information about how to perform these steps see the links above.)

  1. Ensure that the wireless switch on the computer is on.

 
Note: For more information about where the wireless switch is located for your specific computer, browse to the Online User's Guide. Click the make and model of the computer and the preferred language. Download the Setup Guide or User's Guide and see the wireless switch information. Alternatively you can search on the Dell Website for your particular computer type Visual Guide.
 

  1. Ensure that the latest Mobile Broadband driver is installed, for more information read the following:

  2. Ensure a Mobile Broadband that supports GPS is installed in the computer, for more information read the following:

  3. Ensure that the GPS location software is configured correctly to work with the GPS Receiver.

  4. Ensure to try locating satellites with a clear line of sight to the sky.

After performing the troubleshooting steps outlined above and the GPS receiver still does not find any satellites, Contact Technical Support.


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Affected Products

G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Latitude Tablets, XPS Tablets
Article Properties
Article Number: 000140880
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Oct 2024
Version:  8
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