This is the most common problem reported to Robin: the GPS not being detected by GPSS, which then gives a demonstration instead of showing your position - typically on the World map.

GPSS searches from COM1 to COM20, first at the standard NMEA 4800 baud rate, and then at 9600 baud. This is done after a minute of demonstration, or if you hit the = key

The questions and answers below should help you diagnose and fix this problem.

using a GPS plugged into a USB port, or not plugged into COM1 9 pin D serial port ?

• use = key to make GPSS search for GPS on COM1 to COM20 at 4800 then 9600.
• you can also use experimental controls under Ctrl-C on keyboard.

using a handheld GPS such as a Garmin etrex or Magellan 315 ?

• have you switched ON the NMEA Interface on your GPS ? e.g. on an Etrex use menu SETUP-INTERFACE.

Using a Delorme GPS such as a LT-40 ?

• use the DeLorme software to switch GPS to standard NMEA at 4800 baud.
  - you may need to downloaded the serial port emulator software from DeLorme.

using a bluetooth GPS operating NMEA but at 32400 baud?

• Try GpsGate on franson.com/gpsgate
• or try COMDOOR.EXE in the GPSS folder before running GPSS. You can download from www.gpss.co.uk/comdoor1.exe comdoor1.exe self-extracts into comdoor.exe and mscecomm.dll. This is an experimental tool for those in contact with Robin.
• or try old 32 bit version of GPSS.EXE on oldnew page - old and not supported.

still have problems ?

• does your GPS support NMEA ? e.g. Garmin with USB may not. Try GpsGate on franson.com/gpsgate
• GPS Speed at 4800 baud (the NMEA standard) ?
• Testing outside the house ? (some GPS do not output unless they have good GPS signals).
• Using an OLD serial Delorme EARTHMATE ? <- get the driver software.
• Using a NEW Delorme USB Earthmate ? Have you switched it to NMEA output ?
  This from John in Taylors,USA who solved this problem: Robin; I downloaded the Delorme Serial Emulator from their website listed under lt-20 downloads Its called the LT-20 Companion Disk it contains a serial emulator and a virtual serial driver, During install I chose to install Earthmate to work with Streets Atlas and Third-Party Software. Once installed and rebooted the serial emulator provides the device on com2, Come or Come at 9600,N,1 works great. The Earthmate now works with GPSS and Microsoft streets and maps as well as the Streets Atlas it came with.
• Using a NAVMAN E Series ? - ask for the NMEA driver from support@navman-mobile.com
• Using a Tom Tom bluetooth GPS under XP ? set it to standard 4800 baud ? on COM7 ?
• BU303 Tip from Robert in Oz: The BU303 didn't work until I found the xp driver on tech.prolific.com.tw/visitor/v_welcome.asp under USB 1.1 to serial bridge controller.
• GPS on COM11 or higher: use v5.6 of GPSS (or later), or these tips kindly supplied by Mark Viehman:
  "I remapped COM11 to COM1 which also solved the problem:
  To determine serial port number:
  1. Start>Settings>Control Panel>System>Hardware (tab)>Device Manager
  2. Select "Ports (Com & LPT)
  3. Note number next to Communications Port (such as Com9)
  Changing Port Number within Device Manager:
  1. Start>Settings>Control Panel>System>Hardware (tab)>Device Manager
  2. Select "Ports (Com & LPT)
  3. Note number next to Communications Port (such as Com9)
  4. Select Properties>Advance>
  5. Reselect Com Port Number. If port shown as in use and you know that is not then select it anyway
  6. Click OK

use of Garmin Spanner ...

Thanks to Peter Bennett wrote to me in an email:
Here is a link to the Garmin Spanner download site:- www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=1627
Although the site says that the software only works with Garmin GPS 18 receivers, it appears to work with other Garmin GPS receivers including the GPS 20x, GPSMap 60cx, 76CS, Colorado series (software version 2.51(beta) or later is needed) and Oregon series. Hopefully this will be of some use to other people.

plugging in the GPS makes the mouse cursor go crazy ?