For many tech-savvy navigators and fleet managers, remains a legendary utility for managing GPS signals. Despite being a legacy version, its reliability in bridging hardware and software makes it a popular choice even on modern systems like Windows 10 . What is Franson GpsGate 2.6?
Connecting legacy Bluetooth GPS modules to modern Windows laptops.
Feeding live GPS data into photography software for instant image location tagging. Conclusion
Given its age, exploring modern alternatives can be a more sustainable solution in the long run. For hobbyist and home applications, consider these software options:
Franson GPSGate 2.6 is a testament to functional, well-built software that stands the test of time. For Windows 10 users dealing with multiple applications needing access to a single GPS source, it remains an efficient, top-tier solution. franson gpsgate 26 windows 10 top
: Connect one GPS receiver (USB, Bluetooth, or Serial) and output the data to several virtual ports, allowing apps like Google Earth and legacy navigation tools to run at the same time.
: It can convert GPS data into various formats, such as Garmin USB to standard NMEA, making non-standard hardware compatible with more software. Network Sharing
Even the top software can encounter Windows 10 quirks. Here is how to resolve them.
Windows 10 implements strict file and registry virtualization rules. For many tech-savvy navigators and fleet managers, remains
Historically, most GPS applications (e.g., mapping software, NMEA logging) needed exclusive access to a COM port. If one program was using the GPS, others could not. GPSGate solved this by creating virtual COM ports that acted as clones of the physical GPS connection.
By default, Windows only allows one application to access a GPS COM port at a time. GPSGate 2.6 intercepts the data and splits it, allowing you to run mapping software, navigation aids, and logging tools simultaneously. Installing and Running GPSGate 2.6 on Windows 10
: Always run the configuration tool as an administrator to ensure it can create the necessary virtual COM ports.
: Send your GPS data over Bluetooth, TCP/UDP networks, or even share it over the internet to the GpsGate Cloud . Connecting legacy Bluetooth GPS modules to modern Windows
Share your real-time position with legacy navigation software, Google Earth, and web browsers simultaneously.
[Windows 10 Location API] ➔ [SplitterPlugin] ➔ [GpsGate 2.6 Engine] ➔ [Virtual COM7 / COM8] ➔ [Legacy Software] Performance Optimization for Top Stability
Right-click the installer, go to Properties > Compatibility , and set it to "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)" or "Windows 7" .
Beyond its primary role as a GPS splitter, Franson GPSGate has packed a suite of powerful, long-standing features. The most common version encountered in the wild is . Released over a decade ago, this version remains widely used because it provided a robust feature set that met the needs of many hobbyists and professionals. The key features of version 2.6 include: