User`s guide

Page 40 May 15, 2012 • Alcorn McBride TourTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
GPS Control
Overview
Thanks to GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, the TourTraXX can
automatically trigger sounds or playlists whenever it enters into a
predetermined geographical area. With this feature you can easily design a
“No Operator-Intervention Required” audio system on a tour bus or tram that
automatically plays pre-recorded audio whenever it enters a specified area.
The TourTraXX accepts
a standard NMEA-0183
data stream at 4800
baud.
The TourTraXX accomplishes this by reading a data stream from a GPS sensor.
This sensor is often in the form of a “GPS Mouse” or pod that outputs Longitude and
Latitude data obtained from orbiting GPS satellites. These sensors are commonly
used to connect via RS-232 Serial or USB to a laptop computer running mapping or
direction-finding software. In the case of the TourTraXX, the sensor connects
directly to a 6-pin mini-DIN port located on the rear-panel.
The Longitude and Latitude data supplied by the GPS sensor is compared to
geographical points stored in a GPS playlist which you create based on your
application. Each entry in a GPS playlist contains a command supported by the
TourTraXX’s Command Protocol as well as GPS coordinates that are associated
with that command. The incoming coordinates from the GPS sensor are compared to
those listed in the GPS Playlist, and when a match is found the specified command is
executed. Typically, this command is a ‘Play’ command, so when the vehicle drives
into a GPS waypoint an audio file is automatically triggered to play.
GPS Playlists can be easily created using an Alcorn McBride’s free Windows
application called GPS Builder.
Using GPS Builder Software
What is GPS Builder?
GPS Builder is a graphical tool used to create GPS Playlists for TourTraXX.
To accomplish this, GPS Builder has some features that make this process a
snap: