Performing the following test will provide an indication as to whether the GPS hardware is working outside of the GPS program you are using.

1. Insert (or connect) the GPS receiver (in)to the laptop.

2. Turn on the GPS and configure it to emit NMEA data out. (Note that if you are using TeleType GPS wireless cards, they are already configured as NMEA, no action is required by you regarding this issue, continue to #3 below).

3. Click the Windows start bar, programs, accessories, communications (if you see it), and then HyperTerminal.

4. An Explorer window with HyperTerminal files will appear.

5. Double-click the HyperTerminal program (HYPERTRM.EXE) to make a new connection.

6. If the computer’s configuration is lacking a modem, you will be prompted to setup a modem. Click NO. 

7. On the Connection description window, type GPS-TEST in the name field then click the OK button.

8. On the Connect To window, use the drop down arrow on the fourth field, "Connect using," to select the
    COM port then click the OK button. 

9. On the COMx Properties window, use the drop down arrow to change the first field, "Baud Rate," to 4800.
    Click the OK button. A white "GPS-TEST – HyperTerminal" window will appear.
 

Ideally, the "GPS-TEST – HyperTerminal" window will have text lines rapidly scrolling into it. In addition, it is hoped that some of these lines begin $GP or $II. Last, the NMEA sentences must contain position information. Look for sentences containing the following: GLL, GGA, or RMC. Without at least one of those sentences, the GPS software will not have the information necessary to track your position.

If you find that no data is scrolling through the window, then there are two possibilities:

(a) you have an IRQ conflict on your laptop which is preventing the serial port from being used by the GPS
you may need to disable other serial ports so that only the comm port that is required by the GPS is active. Consult your laptop user manual for more detail.

(b) You have a defective GPS, consult manufacturer for assistance.

If you find that data is scrolling through the windows, then most likely you need to assign the correct comm port to the GPS software in use.