GPS/NMEA Configuration

ArcFM Mobile, by default, is configured to use a device’s onboard GPS through Location Services. However, it also supports receivers using the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) data specification via a serial, TCP, or UDP connection. GPS configuration in the Solution Center generally applies to your entire organization, but individual devices can use custom configurations when necessary. The ArcFM Mobile for Windows Classic Using Guide explains how to configure individual Windows devices to use NMEA receivers.

Take it for a drive! (The link opens/switches to the Solution Center app and accesses the GPS tab from the Mobile plugin.)

Windows

To configure ArcFM Mobile for Windows Classic to use an external NMEA receiver, follow the steps below.

  1. Click the Mobile plugin in Solution Center and select the GPS tab.

  2. Toggle on the NMEA device setting. Any previously configured profiles will be shown. To configure a new profile, click the Add icon .
  3. If you select TCP Port, you must provide an IP address or hostname and a port number.
  4. If you select Serial Port, you must provide a port name and baud rate.
  5. If you select UDP Port, you must provide a port number.
  6. Note that you may designate one, and only one, profile as default by switching on the Default toggle. In the example images shown above, the Basic Serial Port profile has been selected as default.

If ArcFM Mobile for Windows Classic is no longer receiving messages from a configured NMEA receiver, the app notifies the user and switches to Windows Location Services. You must ensure that Windows Location Services are on and functional for these situations. When ArcFM Mobile for Windows Classic receives messages again from the NMEA receiver, the app notifies the user and switches back to the NMEA receiver.

iPad

This configuration is not relevant to ArcFM Mobile for iPad. By default, an iPad receives position information from onboard GPS if the iPad has Wi-Fi and cellular capability. An iPad can also receive position information from an external NMEA receiver as long as that receiver is documented as supporting iPad and you have connected the receiver to the iPad (typically by Bluetooth).

Android

This configuration is not relevant to ArcFM Mobile for Android. On each Android device for which you wish to use an NMEA receiver, you need to download and install a Bluetooth connector application from the Google Play store. In the settings for that app, toggle on GPS Mock Location. Then, in Developer Tools, locate the Select Mock Location App under the Location section, where you can select your app of choice.

TIP: To enable Developer Tools on Android devices, open Settings and tap System. Tap Developer options and toggle the On setting. For Samsung devices, refer to their article for turning on the Developer Options menu.
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