: Upon first launch, use the Setup Wizard to detect your GPS hardware. It is often necessary to uncheck all options except "Search for Garmin USB devices" or specific COM ports to speed up detection. Advanced Usage & Integration The original GPS signal splitter - GpsGate
Feeding live GPS data into photography software for instant image location tagging. Conclusion
: It can convert Garmin USB GPS signals into standard NMEA data, making specialized hardware compatible with generic mapping apps. Network Sharing
Modern Windows 10 tablets and laptops often feature internal GNSS/GPS chips that communicate via the modern instead of traditional serial interfaces. Legacy mapping programs (like GRLevel3 or older marine chartplotters) cannot read this API directly.To bridge this gap, you must install the official SplitterPluginInstaller . This plugin allows GpsGate to capture the Windows Location Service feed as an input and output it as simulated, legacy NMEA text to virtual COM ports. 2. Permissions and Compatibility Settings
: In the Advanced Settings tab, check Share settings for all user accounts . This saves configuration parameters under the global Program Files directory instead of user-specific document folders. Share public link franson gpsgate 26 windows 10 top
While it is a legacy application, it can be installed on Windows 10 with a few simple steps. Obtain the Franson GPSGate 2.6 installer.
During installation on Windows 10, the legacy virtual COM port drivers may conflict with strict OS driver signing or User Account Control (UAC) rules.
It helps maintain consistent connections for flaky Bluetooth GPS receivers by managing the protocol handshake more effectively than standard drivers.
: It creates "Virtual COM ports" that emulate physical hardware, making it compatible with older "legacy" software that doesn't recognize modern Windows 10 Location APIs. Protocol Conversion : Upon first launch, use the Setup Wizard
While GPSGate was a champion of the Windows XP/Vista/7 era, its performance on Windows 10 is a central point of discussion. User reports are not uniform, creating a "you-might-get-lucky" scenario. The experience largely depends on your specific hardware and the software you intend to use with it.
Franson GPSGate 26 is a GPS multiplexing and NMEA data-routing tool that lets you share GPS data between applications on Windows. It creates virtual COM ports and can forward NMEA streams over networks, enabling multiple programs to use one GPS device simultaneously.
If the installer hesitates, right-click the setup executable, choose Properties , navigate to the Compatibility tab, and set it to run in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or Windows 8 .
However, many users still prefer the standalone, lightweight nature of version 2.6 for specific Windows 10 applications. Conclusion : It can convert Garmin USB GPS
Open your target navigation or mapping software (e.g., OpenCPN, Google Earth Pro). Go to the connection or GPS settings within that software. Select one of the created by GpsGate. Match the baud rate configured in the output settings. Your application will now receive live location data. Troubleshooting Windows 10 Issues
: It creates virtual serial ports so you can run Google Earth, marine navigation software, and a fleet tracker all at once from one antenna. Protocol Conversion
. This allows one physical GPS receiver to "talk" to several programs at once, such as navigation software, Google Earth, and fleet tracking systems, which would otherwise compete for the same hardware port. Windows 10 Integration & Top Requirements
For a seamless, automated experience—especially valuable in systems like car PCs or unattended servers—you can configure GpsGate 2.6 to run as a background Windows Service. This eliminates the need for a user to log in for the program to function.
Furthermore, the free edition, known as , is a fully functional freeware version for both private and commercial use. This generous licensing model is a significant reason for its enduring popularity. It provides essential splitting and distribution capabilities without any cost barrier.