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How to Use BT747 Application for Real-Time GPS Tracking

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What BT747 does (quick overview)

BT747 acts as a bridge between your Bluetooth GPS receiver and your computer. It can:

  • Collect and store NMEA sentences and binary GPS logs.
  • Convert between common GPS formats (NMEA, GPX, KML, Garmin .img/.gdb formats, etc.).
  • Display current GPS data and satellite status.
  • Upload/download tracks and waypoints to compatible Bluetooth GPS devices.
  • Provide simple filtering and post-processing options.

1. System requirements and compatibility

BT747 is Java-based, so it runs on any platform with a compatible Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Key points:

  • Java 8 or later is typically required (use the latest stable JRE/JDK compatible with your OS).
  • Works on Windows, macOS and Linux.
  • Requires a Bluetooth adapter and a Bluetooth GPS receiver supporting SPP (Serial Port Profile) or a virtual COM port.
  • Some newer Bluetooth-only devices (BLE-only without SPP) may not be supported.

2. Installation

Windows

  1. Install Java (Oracle JRE or OpenJDK) if not already installed. Verify with java -version.
  2. Download BT747 zip or jar from a trusted source (project site or repository).
  3. Extract zip (if needed) and place jar file in a dedicated folder.
  4. Run BT747 by double-clicking the jar or from Command Prompt: 
    
java -jar bt747.jar

macOS

  1. Install Java (preferably from AdoptOpenJDK/Adoptium or Oracle).
  2. Download the bt747.jar file and place it in a folder.
  3. Launch from Terminal: 
    
java -jar /path/to/bt747.jar

    You may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy if macOS blocks it.

Linux

  1. Install Java (OpenJDK 8+).
  2. Ensure Bluetooth tools (bluez, rfcomm) are installed.
  3. Download bt747.jar and run: 
    
java -jar bt747.jar
  4. You might need to bind the Bluetooth device to a serial port: 
    
sudo rfcomm bind /dev/rfcomm0 <BT_ADDRESS> 1

3. Connecting to your Bluetooth GPS

  1. Pair the GPS receiver with your computer through the OS Bluetooth settings. Note the virtual COM port or RFCOMM device created.
  2. In BT747, open the Communication/Settings dialog (menu names may vary by version).
  3. Choose the correct COM port (Windows) or /dev/rfcommX (Linux/macOS). Set baud rate (often 38400 or 4800, check device docs).
  4. Click Connect. BT747 should begin receiving NMEA sentences and display satellite and position information.

Troubleshooting tips:

  • If you see no data, confirm the device is streaming NMEA (some devices sleep or need a button press).
  • Try common baud rates: 4800, 9600, 38400, 57600.
  • On Linux, ensure rfcomm is bound and you have permission to access it (use sudo or add your user to the dialout group).

4. Basic logging: recording a track

  1. Once connected, locate the logging controls in BT747 (start/stop logging).
  2. Choose file format: NMEA (.nmea/.txt), GPX, KML, or device-specific formats. GPX is recommended for interoperability.
  3. Set recording interval (if available) or rely on incoming sentences (time based on device output).
  4. Start logging and perform your GPS activity (walk, drive, ride).
  5. Stop logging and save the file to your desired location.

Best practices:

  • Use GPX for compatibility with mapping software (Google Earth, QGIS, GPSBabel).
  • If battery life on the GPS is a concern, set reasonable logging intervals (1–5 seconds for most activities).
  • Keep a backup copy of raw NMEA if you plan to do advanced post-processing.

5. Converting and exporting data

BT747 can convert logs into multiple formats. For more advanced format support, use GPSBabel alongside BT747.

Common conversions:

  • NMEA → GPX: retains trackpoints, timestamps, and elevation if present.
  • GPX → KML: for quick display in Google Earth.
  • Device-specific downloads: some Bluetooth GPS units store logs onboard; BT747 can download and convert these.

Example: Exporting GPX

  1. Open the saved NMEA file in BT747 (or load directly from device).
  2. Select Export → GPX (or Save As → GPX).
  3. Configure fields (include time, elevation, fix quality) and save.

6. Viewing and basic analysis

BT747 displays basic satellite information, fix type, HDOP/VDOP, and current coordinates. For deeper analysis:

  • Import GPX into QGIS, Google Earth, or GPS Visualizer for mapping and heatmaps.
  • Use GPSBabel to clean or filter data (e.g., remove stationary points, reduce point density).

Examples of simple filters:

  • Remove jitter: discard points with unrealistic speed spikes.
  • Simplify track: use Douglas-Peucker algorithm to reduce file size while keeping shape.

7. Uploading and device management

Some Bluetooth GPS receivers support uploading waypoints/tracks back to the device. Steps:

  1. Connect to device in BT747.
  2. Use the device-specific menu (Upload/Download) to transfer waypoints/tracks.
  3. Confirm device supports the format; older devices often expect Garmin or proprietary formats.

Caution: uploading incompatible files may corrupt device storage—always keep backups.

8. Advanced tips

  • Use a GPS logger app on your phone as a backup if BT747 disconnects; later merge logs by timestamp.
  • For long-duration logging, ensure the GPS receiver has stable power or use an external battery.
  • If you need precise timestamps, sync your computer clock with an NTP server before logging.
  • Combine BT747 with GPSBabel for batch conversions and scripting.

9. Common problems and fixes

  • No connection: re-pair device, verify COM port, try alternate baud rates.
  • Garbled characters: wrong baud rate or flow control settings.
  • Incomplete logs: device sleeping—check power-saving settings.
  • Permission denied (Linux/macOS): run with sudo or adjust device permissions.

10. Alternatives and when to use BT747

BT747 is useful when you want a lightweight, no-frills desktop tool to interface directly with Bluetooth GPS units. Alternatives include:

  • GPSBabel (powerful conversion and batch tools).
  • Mobile apps (Android/iOS) for direct phone logging.
  • Manufacturer software for proprietary devices.

Comparison (quick):

Feature BT747 GPSBabel Mobile apps
Bluetooth device communication Yes Limited Yes
Conversion formats Many Many Varies
Desktop-friendly Yes Yes No
Device upload/download Some devices Limited Usually no

11. Resources and further reading

  • BT747 download/repository pages (check project sites).
  • GPSBabel for conversions and advanced filtering.
  • Device-specific manuals for baud rate and protocol details.

If you want, I can: provide step-by-step screenshots for your OS, generate common command-line examples for rfcomm on Linux, or create a troubleshooting checklist tailored to your specific GPS receiver — tell me your OS and GPS model.

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