GPS Navigator for MSX: Possible?

Paragon (1031)

29-09-2008, 18:15

I got a GPS Navigator from a friend to be updated ...

After update, i am trying it for several days now, but seems to have a slow refresh.
I know of other Navigators that have better performance, but i think that 3-4 secs refresh is enough for a Navigator and not get lost.

The question is: Could a MSX work as GPS Navigator?

I know it has to decode maps and satellite information, recalculate position, etc. I think satellites are not really a problem, as GPS antennas can communicate at 1200 bauds...

I also know there are some complex calculations with coordinates and so, but i think there are some tricks to make calculations more simple such a simple Z80 can do good performance.

Also, if 3D display is a problem, maybe a 2D can do the trick.

Maybe somebody who has dealt with complex calculation in assembler can clarify if MSX has enough power to do it.

By Sd-Snatcher

Hero (582)

29-09-2008, 18:37

As far i think calculation are done in the receiver and it transfers the coordinates.

By xgipe

Champion (397)

29-09-2008, 18:45

Ehhrr... and where in my car is the good place for a Turbo-R with 14'' RGB monitor?

By Sd-Snatcher

Hero (582)

29-09-2008, 19:13

And an OCM and a 12" lcd?

By mohai

Paragon (1031)

29-09-2008, 20:58

You're right!

A regular MSX can be too big to fit into a car

Maybe an OCM with a tiny 3" or 4". Most modern GPS do have small screens .

But think about the challenge of having it working in an MSX...

By xgipe

Champion (397)

29-09-2008, 22:11

ehem... and the keyboard? Or are you thinking in a tactile screen thingy for an MSX?

By mohai

Paragon (1031)

30-09-2008, 09:25

A tactile screen can be a sollution (and easy to implement as a mouse), but i think that a special pad/joystick can be enough.

By PingPong

Enlighted (4156)

30-09-2008, 15:54

think about the vdp redisplaying the full map 2/3 times x second (that is one full screen).......

By RobertVroemisse

Paragon (1336)

30-09-2008, 16:21

What's the use? You can't fit an entire MSX in a car! So if you could make the hard and software for a MSX/GPS device, the only thing you would see is your own house.

By xgipe

Champion (397)

30-09-2008, 18:45

So, you can take it out to your grandma's home, and then you can connect the MSX and see... your grandma's house place!!
And then, you go to your girlfriend's home... and so...

By Pac

Scribe (7108)

01-10-2008, 10:34

I don't know if this invent is possible but regarding to size, ESE MSX SYSTEM 4 is just a MSX fitted in a cartridge.