Microsoft Navigation Gps 168 Model 1372 -

Used by surveyors to log location data on a PC.

) is built on standard GPS technologies that allow it to interface with a variety of mapping applications.

Requires a clear view of the sky (often needs to be near a window).

While originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips , the receiver outputs standard NMEA data. This means it can be used with a variety of other software, including: OpenCPN (for marine navigation)

Built around high-sensitivity architectures capable of tracking multiple satellites simultaneously for an accurate 2D/3D fix. microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372

Once the driver is active, the hardware assigns itself to a virtual COM Port (e.g., COM3 or COM4). Modern navigation apps or open-source mapping software (like OpenCPN or QGIS) must be manually configured to match the exact baud rate (usually 4800 or 9600) and COM port of the device to receive the GPS signal. The End of an Era

GPS signals operate on a line-of-sight basis. Dashboard placement is mandatory; the unit cannot acquire a lock inside a glove box or deep under a vehicle chassis.

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is a handheld GPS navigation device designed to provide users with turn-by-turn directions, location tracking, and other essential features. Released in the early 2000s, this device was one of the first to integrate Microsoft's mapping technology with GPS capabilities. The device was designed to cater to both personal and professional users, including travelers, drivers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The primary hurdle is driver compatibility. These legacy units rely on PL2303 or FTDI USB-to-Serial conversion chips. Modern operating systems like Windows 11 often block older, unsigned drivers. To make the unit talk to a modern PC, you frequently have to hunt down legacy Prolific drivers from the mid-2010s and manually force installation via the Windows Device Manager. COM Port Configuration Used by surveyors to log location data on a PC

Small, "mouse-style" receiver often featuring a magnetic base for external vehicle mounting. Modern Day Uses and Challenges

stands as a testament to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" hardware. For users seeking a, reliable, and straightforward USB GPS solution for a PC or laptop, the Model 1372 is still a fantastic choice in 2026.

: This was the business-oriented version of the mapping software. It included all the mapping and GPS capabilities of Streets & Trips but added tools for data analysis, demographic visualization, territory management, and optimizing delivery routes for a fleet of vehicles.

If you are trying to get this device working for a specific project, please let me know: While originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips

, one must look back to Microsoft’s standalone travel software. Before cellular mapping software dominated the consumer market, (alongside its European counterpart, Microsoft AutoRoute) was the premier tool for road-trippers and commercial drivers. Microsoft bundled the Model 1372

: Outputs standard NMEA 0183 data sentences , meaning it streams raw GPS positioning coordinates, speed, and time data over a simulated serial interface. Historical Context: The Streets & Trips Era To understand the purpose of the Navation GPS 168

Devices in the GPS 168 / Model 1372 ecosystem were designed for utilitarian reliability rather than the flashy interfaces we expect today.

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is an important milestone in the evolution of navigation technology. This device marked a significant shift towards digital navigation and paved the way for future innovations in the field. While modern GPS devices have far surpassed its capabilities, the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 remains a notable piece of technology that deserves recognition for its contributions to the world of navigation.

Some tech enthusiasts use it for Pwnagotchi or other wardriving projects to log GPS coordinates.