Microsoft Navigation Gps 168 Model 1372 -

If the end looks like a round mouse/keyboard plug, that is PS/2. You need a PS/2 to USB active adapter (not a simple pin converter). Alternatively, find a docking station or old laptop from 2005 that has a native PS/2 port.

To understand the GPS 168, you first have to understand the landscape of the time. Microsoft didn’t manufacture the internals of this device themselves; it was a rebranding of hardware produced by Pharos Science & Applications, a company known for pioneering GPS technology.

Model 1372 is a compact, pocket-sized unit. Unlike modern GPS that rely on massive touchscreens, the 168 was a "receiver" at heart. It featured a small, non-touch LCD screen—monochromatic and utilitarian. Its primary job wasn't to dazzle you with 3D maps, but to tell you where you were with cold, hard coordinates.

The Specs (By 2005 Standards):

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why 1372?

In the GPS hardware world, "Model 1372" does not appear in any master FCC database. There are several plausible explanations:

The consensus: "Model 1372" is not a valid Microsoft navigation product model. It is either a component number or a typo for the actual Pharos GPS-168.

In terms of performance for its intended era: microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372

Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 a USB-powered GPS receiver primarily bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software in the mid-2000s

. Often referred to as the "GPS Locator," it was manufactured for Microsoft by Pharos Science & Applications

and utilizes a SiRF-based GPS chipset to provide real-time location tracking for laptops. Product History and Purpose

Released during the peak of laptop-based navigation, this device was a cornerstone for Microsoft Streets & Trips

users between 2005 and 2013. It allowed travelers to convert their Windows laptops into full-fledged navigation systems before smartphones and built-in vehicle GPS became ubiquitous. Software Bundle:

It was most famously included with the 2005 and 2006 editions of Streets & Trips.

The receiver is a compact, plastic "puck" or dongle that connects via a standard USB Type-A port. Performance:

In its prime, the device was known for a relatively fast satellite lock (TTFF) when used outdoors. Technical Specifications

While official spec sheets are rare today, community data and retail listings highlight its core capabilities:

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB-based GPS receiver primarily known as the hardware companion for the Microsoft Streets & Trips software suite. Although it is no longer in active production, it remains a popular choice for hobbyists and travelers looking for a cost-effective way to add real-time satellite tracking to laptops or DIY projects. Technical Specifications and Features

The Microsoft 1372 model was designed for plug-and-play simplicity during the era of portable computing before internal GPS became standard in all devices.

Chipset: 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. If not listed, use “USB Serial Device” with

Connectivity: Uses a standard USB 2.0 interface, making it compatible with a wide range of older and modern hardware.

Navigation Capabilities: Provides real-time data including speed, altitude, latitude, and longitude coordinates.

Build Quality: Noted for being a durable "OEM" product, with some users reporting consistent performance for five years or more. Historical Context: Microsoft Streets & Trips

This GPS receiver reached its peak popularity when bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips (and its European equivalent, AutoRoute). The hardware allowed the software to offer features such as:

GPS Trail: A graphical representation of the user’s route.

Automatic Re-routing: Recalculating directions in real-time based on the vehicle's current location.

Points of Interest: Accessing millions of mapped locations without needing an active internet connection. Modern Utility and Setup

While Microsoft officially ended support for Streets & Trips in 2013, the GPS 168 Model 1372 is still useful today for several niche applications. Installation Steps

To set up the device on a Windows PC, follow these general steps:

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) was a specialized USB GPS receiver designed primarily for use with the Microsoft Streets & Trips software suite. Popular in the mid-to-late 2000s, this device allowed travelers to transform their laptops into real-time navigation systems long before smartphones dominated the market. Historical Significance and Software Integration

Released as a companion to "Streets & Trips" (specifically around the 2005–2009 editions), the Model 1372 was a key component of Microsoft’s foray into consumer-level GPS hardware. At the time, dedicated in-car navigation systems were prohibitively expensive. Microsoft provided a "bargain alternative" by bundling the GPS 168 receiver with its mapping software for a fraction of the cost.

The receiver utilized a U-Blox chip and adhered to the NMEA 0183 protocol, a standard that allowed it to communicate location, speed, and heading data to the computer. Design and Technical Specifications If the end looks like a round mouse/keyboard

Microsoft USB GPS 168 Receiver Model 1372 for sale online - eBay

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

is a compact USB GPS receiver commonly used to add location-tracking capabilities to laptops or vehicle PC systems. It is powered by a U-Blox GPS chip, known for reliable performance and fast satellite locking when used outdoors. Key Specifications & Features

This receiver acts as a "G-Mouse" antenna, providing real-time data to mapping and navigation software.

Chipset: Features a high-quality U-Blox GNSS chip for accurate tracking.

Interface: Connects via a standard USB port, providing both power and data transmission.

Performance: Known for a quick satellite "lock" once moved outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Typical Cost: Used or OEM units generally range between $18 and $25. Compatibility and Drivers

While originally designed for older Windows environments, it can still be used on modern systems with the correct drivers.

Windows 10 & 11: The device may appear as a generic "USB Serial Device" initially. For native support in the Windows Maps app, you should install the u-blox GNSS Sensor Device driver.

Older Windows Versions: Drivers for Windows 7, Vista, and XP (64-bit) are available from repositories like Driverscape.

Other Platforms: It is often reported as "plug-and-play" for Raspberry Pi and Linux systems. Troubleshooting Common Issues Genuine Microsoft 1372 Navation GPS 168 USB Receiver