Nomad units with integrated GPS now may come with a useful tool - SatViewer. This handy application allows users to monitor and control the GPS.

I recently reviewed the tool to better understand how it works. I went to www.tdsway.com/SatViewer and downloaded the application (account required, but it is free to sign up). Soon Nomads will come with the application pre-loaded on the unit. It installed easily on the desktop and automatically transferred to my Nomad. The application and a help file were added to the Programs folder.

After starting the program, I clicked connect on the second tab, GPS and the data started flowing. The first tab, Sky, shows the current position and the number satellites in view.

The third tab, DGPS, allows you to set some detailed settings on the GPS chip. I tried modifying settings like minimum satellite elevation, minimum Dilution of Position (DOP), and requiring WAAS. Each of these settings took effect after a brief pause.

The fourth tab, Data, allows users to view the data stream coming from the GPS.

Overall, I found SatViewer to be a very useful tool. If your Nomad did not come with this handy application I would highly recommend downloading it. Beyond the typical satellite view, the tool allows you to control detailed GPS settings on the Nomad. These custom settings aren't available via any other commercial applications I have used. This application will allow you to maximize the use of your GPS.