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GPS TraCS and Other Software at the Same Time

GPS TraCS and Other Software at the Same Time

Owned by Julian Pazynski
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024 by Cody Kruizenga-Weckesser
3 min read

 

 

 

The goal of this documentation is to help you use the TraCS COM Splitter so that you can utilize multiple programs at the same time that use GPS. Without the splitter, if you have two programs running, they will fight over the signal causing issues.

If you are not seeing the GPS symbol in the top right on your squad computers, you might still need to do the following steps: https://wi-state-patrol.atlassian.net/l/cp/nuWNMULJ

The main port that is receiving GPS signal can differ from computer to computer.

GPS Through COMM Port

 

  1. Check the port used that needs to be split

    1. This can be done within the software program that is initially using the GPS ComPort and usually confirmed in the Device Manager

    2. You can also confirm the port that is using GPS signal by using the TraCSComTester.

  2. Close all applications that are using GPS

  3. OPTIONAL: Use DSPComData.exe to verify receiving GPS through both ports

    1. Download link: https://wisdot.box.com/s/twc49xf77thip3pi61q1f718rjp12xb4

      1. Open EXE

      2. Input com port number, enter, and then baud rate

        1. ex. “10” and “4800”

        2. If you are unable to access the port a program might be using it currently. Close all programs before using this tool.

      3. Do the same for the other port

  4. Download TraCS ComSplitter here: https://wisdot.box.com/s/oalg4mi9hwoifu49spzlqncps6tbn80o

    1. Make sure there is no other splitter installed. This is detailed in the install instructions Detailed instructions here: https://wi-state-patrol.atlassian.net/wiki/x/LQAzfg

    2. Install splitter on machine by running EXE file

  5. Split the ports that are being used

    1. Click the blue button at the top. Select the serial port that currently is receiving GPS signal

      1. Add the Two virtual ports that you'd like used. (We like to keep them higher than the highest real port used in Device manager. Usually above 10 is safe)

  1. To Enable in GPS on a single computer

    1. Go to C:\ProgramData\TraCS\Settings\DLL Settings

    2. Open GPS file, change to com port in GPS.ini to one of the comports you created

    3. Save a close the file

    4.  

 

These settings can be transferred to other computers. This can be changed in the configuration wizard and a distribution run on the computers that need it. For more details on how to create a new distribution, see here: Create New Distribution

  1. Start TraCS

  2. Find the configuration wizard

  3. Open and make changes to the GPS settings

    1. GPS SOURCE

    2. GPS Port # (This port should be the one we designated above)

    3. Comm Port Setting (Again found out through the methods above)

  4. If all your machines end up using different com ports, you will want to disable the GPS settings in your TraCS Distribution (If these values are already in this field, you can ignore this step).

    1. open the Configuration Wizard form in TraCS and in Exclude These Settings from Distribution, make sure that GPS Source, GPS Port Number, and Comm Port Setting are all set in this box

    2. If they are not there, add them and validate. Run the distribution on all machines that use GPS.

Pro Phoenix Implementation

  1. Open Phoenix Client Application Manager

  3. GPS Client Configuration

    1. Check GPS Com/UDP Device Custom Config

    2. Specify comport (Example “COM9”) Must type out COM

    3. Baud Rate 4800

    4. Data bits 8

    5. Parity NONE

    6. Stop bits 1

  4. Open Task manager and end all tasks relating to ProPhoenix and GPS

  5. Open TraCS to verify GPS is working

  6. Open ProPhoenix to verify GPS is working

    1. ProPhoenix can take a few minutes to correctly implement GPS config change

Spillman Integration

  • Navigate to the software and check the GPS Client and make sure it's using the correct port as well.

    • File -> GPS -> Status.

    • Teams_V2tEzXVKhN.png

CIS Integration

  • Comports are detailed within the AVS section.

  • These might need to be changed on CIS side.

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