Tracking Analyst does not power up the GPS unit

Description

The Tracking Analyst does not automatically power up a connected Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. This can be a problem with GPS units that do not have external controls for turning on the power.

Cause

Some GPS units require that the RTS line of the serial port be enabled to power on. If the RTS line is not enabled, the GPS unit does not power on. The original COM Port Handler program for Tracking Analyst does not signal the RTS line, because the majority of hand-held commercial GPS units are powered on manually.

Solution or Workaround

1. Back up the existing comhndlr.exe file:
   
   A. Navigate to the arcview\bin32 folder of your ArcView install.
   
   B. Rename the comhndlr.exe file 'original_comhndlr.exe'.
2. Download the new comhndlr.exe from the linked page below and save it to the arcview\bin32 folder of the ArcView install.
3. Now run the test as usual. When adding the local feed to the view, a black DOS window may pop up. Ignore or minimize this window, but do not close it. Switch back to ArcView and continue working with the GPS, which should now be working.