Microsoft Navigation Gps 168 Model 1372 2021 Direct
The device must remain plugged into a USB power source (like a 5V car adapter or power bank) continuously during operation. Handy DIYers often open the casing to solder a replacement battery cell of equivalent voltage. 2. Endless Satellite Searching (No GPS Lock)
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is a testament to an era of hardware built to last. While it lacks the glitz of modern assisted-GPS (A-GPS) found in modern 5G devices, its pure satellite tracking capabilities, independent of cellular networks, ensure that it remains a reliable, utilitarian tool for tech collectors, industrial engineers, and retro-computing hobbyists alike.
Often reported to feature a u-blox GPS chip (specifically the discontinued u-blox 5 series), which allows for relatively fast satellite locks even in outdoor environments.
Found one in a thrift store? Here is how to resurrect it.
Transforms any laptop into a chartplotter using the receiver's live NMEA stream. Real-Time Desktop Tracking microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
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.
The device communicates by creating a virtual serial port (COM port) over its physical connection. Modern users must often manually assign the COM port number and match the bits-per-second baud rate (typically 4800 or 9600) within the Windows Device Manager.
Do you still have a Microsoft GPS 168 sitting in a drawer? Plug it in. It might still boot up.
Communicates via standard NMEA 0183 sentences, outputting universal coordinate, speed, and time data. The device must remain plugged into a USB
Released under the "Microsoft Navigation" brand (often produced by partners like or ASUS depending on the region), the Model 1372 was a dedicated Portable Navigation Device (PND). It ran on a version of Windows CE .NET , a real-time operating system that was lightweight enough for low-power processors but familiar enough for developers.
: The single biggest issue users faced was getting the GPS receiver to work on newer versions of Windows after its support ended. A common complaint was that the device, which worked perfectly on Windows 7, would fail to be recognized on Windows 8 or 8.1. The fix often involved manually pointing Windows to the driver folder on the original Streets & Trips installation DVD, or using the built-in devmgmt.msc tool to force an update from the \GPSDRVRS folder on the disc.
Exploring the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372): A Legacy USB Receiver
If you’re searching for real-world navigation tools inspired by Microsoft’s tech: Endless Satellite Searching (No GPS Lock) The Microsoft
High sensitivity range of -162 dBm to -158 dBm , ensuring it can maintain a lock even in areas with partial sky obstruction.
Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) compact USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips
Modern navigation systems have come a long way since the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372. Some of the key differences include:
Emits standard NMEA-0183 data sentences, making it universally recognizable by mapping software beyond Microsoft's ecosystem.