AMOD AGL3080 Mac-compatible driverless GPS logger reviewed

Summary

The AMOD AGL3080 is a "driverless" GPS logger, it shows up on your computer like a USB memory key.  It worked fine on Windows (XP) and Mac (OS X 10.4.10).  It logs to NMEA 0183 format files with a fixed 1 second interval.  Given this logging frequency, and its capacity of approx. 256,000 data points, the total maximum duration for stored tracks is about 70 hours.  It uses the SIRFstarIII GPS chipset.  It takes 3 AAA batteries.

(Disclosure: AMOD provided me with this GPS for evaluation purposes.)

Details

In general concept the AMOD AGL3080 (available from Amazon.com in the USA) is like an improved Sony GPS-CS1.  The CS1 has an older chipset, and for some reason Sony and Apple haven't been able to get it together to get the CS1 to mount as a USB drive on all versions of Mac OS X.

This leaves the AGL3080 in the position of being one of the very few GPS loggers that is easily Mac compatible right out of the box.

As you can see, the AGL3080, the GPS-CS1, and the GiSTEQ DPL700 all have roughly similar designs, with carabiner loops at the top, and compact form factors.  The AGL3080 does have a covered USB port, although the cover is not as elaborate as on the Sony.  Still either one should protect from spraying water e.g. on a boat ride.

AMOD AGL3080 (black), GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Lite DPL700 (orange), GPS-CS1 (white)

(in case you're wondering, the photo isn't backwards, I changed the orientation of the GPSes and moved the pen for the second photo)

The AGL3080 has a separate waypoint button, it is however almost identical in size, shape and location to the power button, so it's hard to know which one you're pushing without looking.

There are three LEDs: file system full, GPS tracking, and battery low.

What you get in the box (USB cable, CD, carbiner attachment thing):

There are no user-configurable settings for the AGL3080, it logs tracks from its SIRFstarIII chipset every 1 second.  This to me is a rather unfortunate choice, I would rather it log less frequently, perhaps every 10 seconds.  The two consequences of this logging frequency are very large individual log files (NMEA 0183 format), and limited (70 hours) total logging time, even though it has a generous 128MB of file storage.

As an example, just a three hour trip to a ski hill generated a 3.1 MB log file; this is larger than the 3 MB maximum for processing log files on GPS visualizer.com

You can of course still work with them locally using e.g. gpsbabel

The tracks themselves are good; about what you would expect from a SIRFstarIII logger.  Reasonably good in urban canyon. 

Here is the AGL3080 [red] compared against the Qstarz BT-Q1000 [purple] (MTK chipset, 10 second logging interval) and (a partial track from) the Globalsat DG-100 [yellow] (same SIRFstarIII chipset, 30 second logging interval).

They're all about the same when I walk up Gloucester (off by about a block south) and Albert (off by about half a block south).  The GPSes were just in my jacket pockets, so it wasn't exactly ideal sky view.

Download AMOD-Ottawa-20080112-red.kmz

Download Qstarz-Ottawa-20080112.kmz

Download Globalsat-Ottawa-20080112.kmz

For geocoding photos on a Mac, the package includes JetPhoto 2.9.1 on CD.  It's not the Pro version and there is no special AMOD integration - the software is a free download (about 21 MB) for anyone, there is a newer version 2.12, available from http://www.jetphotosoft.com/ (the newer version has improved Leopard compatibility).

I will review JetPhoto in a later posting.

You can of course use other Mac software like HoudahGeo, as the tracks are in a standard format.

On Windows, there is software from AMOD (AMOD GPS Photo Tracker) as well as JetPhoto for Windows.

On the Mac there is some weirdness about the file display - in the Finder, the files show with size, but no date, in a browse window the files all show a date of 18/02/04 and no size - but the files themselves work fine.  The date and time are embedded in the filename anyway.

On Windows XP, the files also don't show a date and time, but still work fine.

I would definitely recommend this unit over the Sony GPS-CS1, which has a less-sensitive chipset and lacks consistent Mac compatibility.  The ease of use of a driverless model is very compelling.  Although the AGL3080 does have a very high logging frequency, this will only create issues if you're on a long trip (longer than one week).  You could deal with file management issues by using a laptop, copying files at an Internet cafe, or using a direct USB-to-USB transfer to a memory stick or other USB storage.

UPDATE 2008-01-28: Unfortunately a test using the Sima Hitch USB transfer device was not successful; it did not recognize the AGL3080.  END UPDATE

TypePad helpfully ate my entire list of suggested improvements, so let me see what I can remember.

Suggested improvements:

• Increase logging interval from 1 second to 10 seconds; this will increase total track time that can be stored from 70 hours to 700.
• Provide several logging interval options (e.g. using a switch like the DG-100).
• Since the logging interval is so short, add a motion sensor like the GiSTEQ models, so that it doesn't log when you're not moving.
• Change the position and shape of the waypoint button so that you can find and press it without having to look at the GPS.
• Fix the minor Mac Finder display issues.
• Support USB charging of rechargable batteries, like the DG-100.
• Show an indication when the device is connected as a USB drive, and when it is transferring files (currently there is no indication that it is connected).
• UPDATE 2008-01-28: Support the Sima Hitch and other USB / USB OTG transfer devices.

You can see my GPS logger comparison chart for how it stacks up against other models.

Comments

[Kevin Jaako]

Hi Richard,

Great review. Good spotting on the missing filesystem date/timestamps! I completely missed that. Good eye!

I agree, the 1Hz logging is definitely on the excessive side. 128Mb is ALOT of space for text-based log files, and the AGL3080 eats through it in a mere 70 hours. That being said, I do enjoy the fact that there's no frequency-select switch, though. It keeps the design very smooth and streamlined. Maybe some sort of motion sensor, as you mentioned, could do the trick- or even just scaling back the logging frequency when the GPS speed-field drops.

Anyway, great review! Thanks for the heads up on the AMOD trial offer, I'll keep checking back.

Cheers!
KJ

[Max Deployment]

Just wanted to thank you for your review. I know (knew) nothing about this stuff and I take very few pictures; instead, I was looking for a GPS "tracker" and didn't want to pay $400+ for a unit. So far, this has been a good solution for me, and the price was right. The best part is Mac compatibility--no problems with my iBook G4. I would also like to see less-frequent logging and longer battery life.

What's funny is that even when it's sitting still, the track looks like the unit was strapped to a dog on speed. (Maybe that's just the nature of GPS.)

Anyway, thanks again. Extremely helpful info. I'll be sure to pass this along to my photographer friend.

[Einar Værnes]

Hi, I have a question:
Can any of those loggers give me data on UTM format?

[Richard Akerman]

I haven't seen any devices that provide Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) by default, but I think you could run the data through gpsbabel in order to get this format.

http://www.gpsbabel.org/

[coder]

Thanks for the reviews. I found the amod website:
http://www.amod.com.tw/Product/?tLGIqc6FuoJK
Note you have to type the .com.tw

They have new firmware updates posted 2/15/2008. It implies that the logging interval can be adjusted now. Have you tried that? Also, how long did the battery last? I prefer one that is driverless with the log files accessible like this and PC/Mac compat. However their website doesn't give me great confidence, so I just want to get a little more info so that I can trust it will work.

[Thomas]

Hello Richard!

Thanks for your reviews so far. For my final decision what to buy would be interesting: In http://scilib.typepad.com/techreviews/2007/11/qstarz-bt-q-100.html you write "I recommend this unit as [the Qstarz BT-Q1000 is] the best logger I have tested so far."
Is this still valid or is the AGL3080 better (and if so, by what means)?
Most important to me is the gps-receiver-quality - the rest is just the cream on the pie...

Thanks,
Thomas from Austria

[Mike]

Thanks for the great review. I'm going on a backpacking trip for a couple months - Because I won't have my own computer that I can install software onto finding a driverless device was import so that I can email the data logs to myself at internet cafe's(either that or get something like the ATP Photo Finder which can write to your SD card directly).

Like the post from 'coder' mentioned, I noticed on the Amod website that there are 6 logging modes supported. I would be very interested to know what the different modes do - a longer logging window would be the deal breaker for me.

[willem]

Once again
Ok this seems to be the right one for me. Mac compatible (even though the other GPS logging devices have been made mac compatible by mario with the BT747, still i guess i like it when i can just hook it on and copy the log data to my hard drive) and with a so called Waypoint marker.
One question about this, what does the logg file look like when the waypoint marker is pressed? Is it simply embedded in the logfile with some extra (meta)data, or does it start a new logfile? How does this work?
Thanks again
willem

[Shivanand]

A very nice review. I am in the market for a GPS logger, and the AMOD AGL3080 looks very interesting (since I have a mac and a PC). I do most of my tagging on the mac and move to the pc for image editing.

I have two questions that are still un-answered.
1. Same as Thomas above, is it better than Qstarz BT-Q1000.
2. I use camera RAW (Canon). Does this work with Adobe Lightroom to store the data along with the raw file?! (I'm trying to consolidate my work flow)

[Nathan Youngman]

I am having trouble choosing between the AMOD AGL3080 and the Wintec WBT-201, which seem to have the best support on Mac for the moment. Other than that HoudahGeo recommends the Wintec, I had trouble finding reviews... besides one German one comparing to the iBlue 747 (which is equivalent to the Qstar, I believe). There is a review of the AMOD that talks about the data it stores... it can record everything, signal quality data and such which could be useful for cleaning up a math and mapping it. The 2.0 firmware update seems to address most of the suggested improvements above. On the other hand, I like that the Wintec is smaller and has bluetooth and a rechargeable LiIon battery (USB). Its logging is more configurable, but it always records less. The MTK-based Qstarz, etc. may be the best of both, there are 3 Mac solutions to read the data, but nothing that looks particularly solid/usable for serious use.

[alpa]

Just received the AMOD AGL3080. Drove home with it. Here are the 6 logging modes:

Mode 1: GGA/GSA/RMC/VTG->1 sec
GSV -> 5 sec 72 hours
Mode 2: Only RMC->1 sec 288 hours
Mode 3: GGA/GSA/RMC/VTG->5 sec 360 hours
Mode 4: Only RMC->5 sec 1440 hours
Mode 5: GGA/GSA/RMC/VTG->10 sec 720 hours
Mode 6: Only RMC->10 sec 2880 hours

And when you press the 'Mark' button, the following line is inserted into the NMEA formatted log file:

$ADPMB,5,0

I'm trying to figure out a way to convert this tag to standard NMEA format so that gpsbabel can understand it.

[Kevin Hoyt]

I currently carry a Trackstick II device around, but as a Mac user, I've been less than pleased. To get Trackstick data I have to use a VMWare Windows image *and* use specialized software. Seeing these newer devices connecting as drives is a real treat. The Trackstick also seems to lose reception when I put so much as a piece of paper in front of it. It sounds like the AMOD has good reception and Mac support. I'm thrilled! I'd be interested in your perspective on the iBlue 747 as well. Bluetooth seems attractive, but data transfer rates leave me less than impressed.

Oh! And the real reason for this comment - thanks for your review and consideration towards Mac integration!

Thanks again,
Kevin

[Ethan]

Can the AMOD AGL3080 run without batteries, if plugged in via a USB cable?

Thanks! Fantastic info - very helpful!
/ethan

[Richard Akerman]

Ethan, without batteries you can access the files on the AGL3080 (mount as a USB drive), but you can't switch it into logging mode - the power light won't even turn on.

[Peter]

Very useful report. But I have difficulties if I want read the log files in GPSBabel (default input format is Geogrid viewer tracklogs. Is this the correct format for the AMOD?

[aris]

I have been looking at the AGL3080 and your review has been cited a couple of times. It has been very usefull indeed.

Here is a question I cannot work out from any reviews: how do you set the date/time on the unit?

Thanks!

[Richard Akerman]

@aris GPS units receive time signals from the GPS satellites; you don't need to set the date/time.

[Coos Wernsing]

Hi Richard.

Thanks for the review. For this reason I bought the Amod tracker. It gives me the coordinates and tags it with the pictures. So far so good. But if I press "Display on Google Map" the picture is shown and the marker but not the map. Do you know how to solve the problem.

Thank you in advance,
Coos

[Jonathan]

Hi. I have a question... im planning to go travelling later this year, anywhere from 3 to 6 months. im looking to buy a device like this, that will serve to tag my photos for the entire length of my trip. it seems if i set it to 10 sec intervals RMC only, this might be enough. but if the device fills up after, say two months, is it possible to save the data recorded (eg. on a memory card or by sending to myself by email?), and then to reset the device so as to be able to record data for the remainder of my trip??

[Richard Akerman]

@Jonathan, it depends on what kind of technology you will have access to. A few points: 1) with the new AMOD firmware, you have more choice of recording intervals 2) if you have access to a computer at some point in the trip, you could copy the files off (or possibly use a USB to USB transfer device) 3) if you want *really* large amounts of logger storage, you could consider two models that take memory cards - the ATP Photo Finder mini (MMC cards) http://scilib.typepad.com/techreviews/2008/09/atp-photofinder.html and the V900 / VGPS-900 (MicroSD cards) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JJRBU8?ie=UTF8&tag=rtechrev-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001JJRBU8 or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IYWBTK?ie=UTF8&tag=rtechrev-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001IYWBTK

[Alex]

I am thinking of buying this item and your review is very good. However, I am a bit confused.

Is there any free and easy way of getting this information from the device onto my mac and into my photos?

There is a huge mention of programs but all I want to do is implant my geotag information into my images taken with my camera.

Is there one program that will do this simply? for free preferably.

What format is the data stored in and if this is not a common type what program should I use to convert it and to what format and what program will then read this format?

Sorry about all the questions.

Regards

[Alan]

Here's something I haven't seen anywhere:
How do you sync the time on the Amod AGL3080 with the time on your camera?

[Thom]

@Alex: someone else may know of a free solution, but for $13 you can use Tagalog: http://calftrail.com/products.html

@Alan: GPS units set their own time from the satellites. It's up to you to set the time on your camera. Presumably time zone conversions, if necessary, are done in whatever software you use.

@Richard: Thanks for the great review. I think I need to pick up one of these.

[Troy]

Great review. I am wondering how I gan get this log file to work with the new iLife 09' Places in iPhoto.

Thanks,
Troy

[Richard Akerman]

@Troy Since iPhoto 09 can't do geotagging from a track log itself, you'll need to use an extra piece of software. HoudahGeo can use the NMEA 0183 format .log files from the AGL3080 directly. See my posting http://scilib.typepad.com/techreviews/2008/01/houdahgeo-for-m.html The popular GraphicConverter software can also it it, but it would (AFAIK) need them converted to GPX format first, you can use the site gpsvisualizer.com to do this or download gpsbabel. Once the photos are geotagged with the external software, iPhoto will be able to use all the Places features for them.