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Article Number: 000137414

Set Up, Use and Troubleshooting GPS Using the Dell Wireless Manager

Summary: This article provides Global Positioning System set up, use and troubleshooting.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Symptoms

Table of Contents:

 

  1. Start the GPS Service to Acquire Satellites
  2. Configure the Map Software to Communicate to the GPS Receiver
  3. How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Mobile Broadband Adapter Driver
  4. How to Find Out Which Mobile Broadband Adapter Is in Your Dell Computer
  5. Troubleshooting
 
Note: This guide uses the Dell Wireless Manager to set up your Global Positioning System (GPS). There are similar guides available using the Dell Location and GPS Utility, and the Dell Mobile Broadband Manager instead. Use the guide appropriate to your product.
 

 

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 disabled, 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 best practice to perform these steps outside.
  • Some laptops such as our Rugged series now have the option of purchasing a dedicated GPS Chip or Card. However, this does depend on your model of laptop and if this option was chosen at point of purchase and is NOT dealt with here. However, they can only be sold along with a Mobile Broadband card, so I would not anticipate this to 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 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. Go to step 3.

Windows

  1. Click All Programs.

  2. On the Programs column, click Wireless Manager.

  3. Click Wireless Manager.

  4. Click View.

  5. Click GPS.

  6. Click GPS on.

     

Note: It may take up to five minutes before the GPS receiver acquires any satellites.
 
Note: Most Dell laptops have the COM Port setting for the Modem GPS defaulted to seven. However, you can check this is correct in the GPS page of the Dell Wireless Manager.
 

Ubuntu

 

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.

For Ubuntu Version 12.04 and newer:

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

  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 laptop, you can either install a package such as hardinfo or you can run a Command Line Interface (CLI) command such as lshw.

  4. NME

$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.

 
Note: Where the GPS does not work and reports only random binary data in the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) data stream window. Start troubleshooting by reading the GPSCTL man page in a terminal window. It is useful in identifying where the fault lies.


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Cause

 

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 the user's manual on the manufacturers website.
 

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. Go to step 3.

Windows

 

  1. Click Start.

  2. Click Programs or All programs.

  3. Click Microsoft Streets and Trips.

 
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 instructions provided by the software manufacturer.


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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 installed in your computer. It takes you through setting the correct operating system type on the Downloads page. Drivers for Ubuntu are part of the Dell Ubuntu Image ISO preloaded on your laptop at the factory. The Ubuntu download page mostly has updates and fixes listed.
 

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


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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 installed in the computer and is the same regardless of Operating system type.
 

 
Note: Look for Modem (MDM) and Wireless (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 Wireless Manager is Not Installed or Would Not Open

  2. There was an Error of No Mobile Broadband Modem

  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 computers, most drivers and services are installed as part of the operating system install. After ruling out a hardware issue, you may be asked to reinstall your operating system from the Dell Ubuntu ISO. This is to ensure that the software issue is fixed. It is possible using advanced terminal commands to individually test and reinstall drivers and services. However, this is outside of the scope of the Dell ProSupport Warranty and the skill set of the 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 Wireless Manager is Not Installed or Would Not Open

 

This article provides information about how to download drivers and software for the Mobile Broadband adapter 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.


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II There was an Error of No Mobile Broadband Modem

 

  1. Ensure that you have the latest Mobile Broadband drivers installed, for more information see the following Dell knowledge base article: 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 that a Mobile Broadband that supports GPS is installed in the computer, for more information see the following Dell knowledge base article: What Parts Are In My Dell System?

 
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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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 disabled, it is not supported on your computer.) For more information about what Mobile Broadband adapter is installed in your computer, see the following How to Use the Drivers & Downloads Website section.

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


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IV There was a Message That the Radio was Off

 

Ensure that the wireless switch on the computer is turned 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 laptops Visual Guide.


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V. No Satellites Were Found by the GPS Receiver

 

Ensure that 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 laptops Visual Guide.
 

  1. Ensure that the latest Mobile Broadband driver is installed, for more information see the following Dell knowledge base article: How to Use the Drivers & Downloads Website

  2. Ensure that a Mobile Broadband that supports GPS is installed in the computer, for more information see the following Dell knowledge base article: What Parts Are In My Dell System?

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

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

If the GPS receiver does not find or track any satellites after performing the troubleshooting steps outlined above, contact Technical Support.


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Article Properties

Affected Product

Laptops, Tablets

Last Published Date

08 Jan 2024

Version

7

Article Type

Solution

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