Unlock GPS Function on Sierra Wireless 881U

Want to use your GPS function on your Sierra Wireless 881U ? To those who owned the locked version on 881U, we brought to you a free tutorial on how to unlock this GPS feature. So let get started .

Firstly you have to update your 881U Firmware to the latest version. Download link provided below.

http://www.sierrawireless.com/resources/software/88x/AC881U_F1_2_3_15ap.exe

Installation Note:

1. Please remove your Sim card before flashing the firmware.
2. If you’re using laptop, please use AC power adapter, don’t rely on your laptop battery.
3. Double click on AC881U_F1_2_3_15ap.exe provided above.
4. Wait until the firmware update process finish.

Now you can enjoy the GPS function of your Sierra 881U modem.
Enjoy!

881U in action at Indonesia

Here a user from Indonesia using Sierra 881U with Garmin Mobile PC to navigate their way.

Driving in car using Sierra 881U GPS enabled from Plaza Surabaya to Mc Donald in Surabaya, Indonesia

881U and Garmin Mobile

Here is some examples from users who has succesfully use Sierra Wireless 881U with Garmin Mobile PC.

The Garmin Mobile PC with Sierra Wireless 881U Setup

This is one great GPS software on PC that was tested by me. It was the Garmin Mobile PC. Maintaining its easy to use interface, the Garmin Mobile PC can be use together with a laptop attach with Sierra Wireless 881U USB GPS for road navigation. Please ensure you have your partner holding the laptop and do concentrate on the road ahead of you. This software also comes with voice navigation.

Get your Garmin Mobile PC here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13484

How to use it on your laptop together with Sierra Wireless 881U GPS?
1. Plug your USB 881U modem to your laptop.
2. Start your 3G Watcher (autostart if you have the WaHelper.exe run in the background)
3. Go to Tools-> Display GPS
4. On the GPS Monitor window, click the Play button to start tracking and locking to your location. Make sure you have clear sky above you.
5. Wait for the signal bar to turn from red, to yellow, then green, meaning it successfully locked the satellites. If failed, try again until you have the location fixed.
6. You will have your screen like this (thanks to the original poster)

7. Then, you are ready to use your Garmin Mobile PC. Just start the program and it will automatically detect your GPS connection and you are set ready to GO!

8. Enjoy your GPS navigation. Drive safely.

Some samples screenshots,

Sierra Wireless 3G Watcher GPS Edition

SSierra Wireless has a wonderful software for its product. The 3G Watcher is simple to use and has compatibility with all its hardware. This software is needed for the GPS function to work.

But this program has several versions. The version that we need has this!!

With this module, then you can use the GPS function and use it with other GPS software such as Garmin Mobile PC! You don't need to be connected if you wanna use it readily features such as GoogleMaps and Yahoo! Maps. It can pin point your location in those maps if you are connected to the Internet through 3G connections.

Where to get this 3G Watcher software?
.... get it here: this is for windows OS version and not the MP version! =) Enjoy!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/163570017/3G_Watcher_Generic.msi

GPS at last!!

I tried to find how to use GPS on this device on web for a while, but there is less information that I can gather. At last, i finally managed to use the GPS feature in the Sierra Wireless 881U 3G modem. This incredible product has 3G modem plus GPS features in it. I have also tested it on Garmin Mobile PC and it worked nicely.

One note, you need to have the unlock version of this item to gain its full features plus GPS.

This is the item features!

The AirCard 880U & AirCard 881U are the latest in USB modems from Sierra Wireless. Designed to work on HSUPA networks, mobile users will experience significantly increasedspeeds - up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 2.0 Mbps uplink.

These USB modems are a flexible solution, ideal for desktop or notebook computer use and are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. The familiar USB connection and simple setup make getting a fast, reliable wireless connection easy.

KEY FEATURES

• Transfer wireless data at speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps on the downlink and 2.0 Mbps on the uplink, on the latest HSPA networks
• Familiar USB connection
• Fully compatible with HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, and GSM networks
• Supported OS: Windows^® Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X
• Internal battery that supplements the power from the USB port when extra power is required

KEY BENEFITS

• Portable solution for enterprise & home use
• High speed wireless connectivity in more places than Wi-Fi, offering greater mobility
• Global compatible - support for latest HSPA technology, but backward compatible where unavailable
• Reliable connection and speed, even in fringe network areas

TRU DESIGN FEATURES

This product includes the following TRU features. Please click through for additional details:

• - Data Antenna Technology
• - Data Traffic Technology
• - Power Management Technology
• - Rugged Hardware Design
• - A-GPS Antenna Technology
• - Software Installation Technology

I will update on how to use the GPS on the next post.
So stay tune!!