Franson Gpsgate 26 Windows 10 Top May 2026
Franson GpsGate 2.6 (now widely known as GpsGate Splitter) is a legacy utility designed to share a single GPS signal among multiple applications on a Windows computer by creating Virtual COM ports. While originally released years ago, it remains a popular tool for Windows 10 users who need to run legacy navigation software or enterprise-level fleet tracking tools simultaneously. Core Capabilities
GPS Splitting: 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.
Protocol Conversion: Converts proprietary signals, such as those from Garmin USB receivers, into standard NMEA data that other GPS applications can understand.
Connection Stabilization: Known for maintaining stable connections, particularly with Bluetooth GPS receivers that might otherwise drop.
Windows Location API Support: Includes a plugin to use the Windows Location API as an input source for other programs. Setting Up on Windows 10
To ensure compatibility with modern 64-bit Windows 10 environments, certain manual adjustments may be necessary:
Installation: Run the installer and use the Setup Wizard to detect your hardware automatically.
Driver Fix: For some 64-bit systems, you may need to manually copy bizVSerialNT.sys from the installation's x64 folder to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
Administrator Rights: Always launch the program as an administrator to allow it to create and manage Virtual COM ports effectively.
Shared Mode: If multiple users share the PC, enable "Share settings for all user accounts" in the Advanced tab to ensure the service starts at boot. Where to Get It
Official Version: The modern version is available for download at GpsGate Downloads as a 14-day free trial.
Full License: A one-time license for the Splitter version typically costs around $39.95 USD. Modern Alternatives
If GpsGate 2.6 feels too dated for your workflow, several modern cloud-based and hardware-integrated alternatives are available for fleet management:
Verizon Connect: A top-rated enterprise alternative for fleet operations.
Samsara: Offers comprehensive cloud-based tracking and real-time data.
Traccar: A popular open-source alternative for those seeking more control.
This report focuses on the application of Franson GpsGate (specifically, the Splitter component, often referred to as GpsGate 2.x) on modern Windows 10/11 environments for device sharing, based on 2025–2026 support documentation and historical user feedback. Executive Summary franson gpsgate 26 windows 10 top
Product: GpsGate Splitter (formerly Franson GpsGate) 0.5.19.
Function: Enables a single physical GPS device to feed data into multiple applications simultaneously via virtual COM ports.
Windows 10/11 Status: While older versions are considered legacy, the GpsGate Splitter remains a stable, essential tool for professional field workers, police, and emergency services using in-vehicle laptops 0.5.10, 0.5.19.
Best Use Case: Sharing a single Garmin or NMEA-compliant GPS receiver between navigation software (e.g., Street Atlas), mapping software, and loggers 0.5.10. Top Features on Windows 10
Virtual COM Port Sharing: Splits one hardware COM port into multiple virtual ports, allowing 5+ applications to access one GPS 0.5.19.
Windows Service Mode: Allows GpsGate to run in the background as a Windows Service, which is ideal for in-vehicle computers that log in automatically, ensuring GPS is available before a user logs in 0.5.6.
Stability & Reliability: Years of development have resulted in a stable product that rarely crashes, even when running 24/7 0.5.10.
Logging and Simulation: Includes a NMEA logger to record trips and a simulator to replay them for testing 0.5.10. Installation & Configuration on Windows 10
Compatibility: The application is compatible with Windows 10. For reliable operation, it is recommended to run the installer as an administrator 0.5.9. Setting Up:
Install GpsGate Splitter (14-day free trial available) 0.5.22.
Open the application, and the wizard will automatically search for your connected GPS device 0.5.9.
Configure input (e.g., COM3) and output (virtual ports) 0.5.19.
Advanced Settings: For multi-user environments (e.g., a shared laptop), settings can be shared across all Windows user accounts via the "Advanced" tab in settings 0.5.11. Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Service Monitoring: For maximum uptime, use a tool like Service Protector to monitor and automatically restart the "Franson GpsGate 2.0" service if it fails 0.5.8.
Uninstalling: If the application needs to be removed, run the installer (Install.exe) as Administrator and select the uninstall option, or use the Windows Control Panel 0.5.21.
Franson GpsGate 2.6 remains a staple for power users who need to bridge the gap between legacy GPS hardware and modern Windows 10 environments. While the software has evolved into a broader fleet management platform, the "Splitter" functionality of version 2.6 is specifically prized for its ability to share a single GPS signal across multiple applications. What is Franson GpsGate 2.6? Franson GpsGate 2
Originally developed by Franson Technology AB, GpsGate 2.6 (often referred to as GpsGate Splitter) is a utility that creates virtual COM ports on your PC. This allows one physical GPS receiver (USB, Bluetooth, or Serial) to feed data to several programs at once—something Windows does not natively support without locking the port to the first application that opens it. Top Features for Windows 10 Users
Virtual COM Port Creation: Share your real-time position with legacy navigation software, Google Earth, and web browsers simultaneously.
Windows Location API Support: Use the GpsGate Splitter Plugin to take data from the Windows 10 Location Service and feed it into older programs that require NMEA data.
Connection Stabilization: It helps maintain consistent connections for flaky Bluetooth GPS receivers by managing the protocol handshake more effectively than standard drivers.
GPS Simulation & Logging: Users can record GPS traces or simulate movement for testing software without actually being on the move.
Run as a Service: You can configure GpsGate to start automatically with Windows 10, ensuring your virtual ports are ready before any user logs in. Installation & Configuration on Windows 10
Installing version 2.6 on a modern OS requires a few specific steps to ensure compatibility:
Download and Install: You can find the client at GpsGate's official download page.
Input Settings: Set your "Input" to match your hardware (e.g., COM1, Bluetooth, or "Windows Location" via the plugin).
Output Settings: Add "Virtual COM ports." GpsGate will suggest available port numbers (like COM10, COM11, etc.). Use these port numbers in your navigation apps.
Plugin Requirements: To use the internal GPS chip of a Windows 10 tablet (like a Surface Pro), you must install the Splitter Plugin to bridge the Windows Location API to NMEA. Modern Alternatives
If GpsGate 2.6 feels too dated for your workflow, several modern alternatives offer similar "GPS splitting" capabilities:
GPSDirect / GPSComplete: Excellent for Windows 10/11 tablet users who need to turn a sensor-based GPS into a COM port.
XPort: A lightweight, free utility often used by amateur radio and storm-chasing communities for simple port splitting.
Cloud Fleet Platforms: For enterprise-level tracking, providers like Samsara or Verizon Connect have replaced the need for local desktop splitting software.
Are you trying to connect a specific GPS device, like a Garmin or a built-in tablet sensor, to your Windows 10 machine? Franson GPSgate - DeckOfficer Step 3: Accept Driver Installation When Windows 10
To get Franson GpsGate Splitter (often referred to as version 2.6 or 2.x) running smoothly on Windows 10, follow these key setup steps and troubleshooting tips for optimal performance. Core Setup on Windows 10
Administrative Rights: Always launch the program by right-clicking and selecting Run as Administrator to ensure it has the necessary permissions to create virtual COM ports.
Driver Fix for 64-bit Systems: If virtual ports fail to start (status isn't "Running OK!"), you may need to manually move a driver file: Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Franson\GpsGate 2.0\x64. Copy bizVSerialNT.sys. Paste it into C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
Windows Location API: If you are using modern Windows 10 apps (like the Maps app) that don't use traditional COM ports, install the Splitter Plugin. This allows GpsGate to use the Windows Location API as an input source and convert it to NMEA data for legacy apps. Top Performance Features
Run as a Windows Service: To ensure GPS data is available immediately at boot without needing to log in, go to the Start menu > Programs > Franson GpsGate 2.X and select Run GpsGate as Service. Note that you must configure your settings in the standard EXE mode before switching to service mode.
Network Sharing: You can share one GPS receiver across multiple laptops on the same LAN by setting the output to TCP/IP Server on the primary machine and TCP/IP Input on the others.
Multi-App Splitting: The primary use case for version 2.6 is creating multiple Virtual COM ports (e.g., COM7, COM8) so that different mapping or tracking software can read the same GPS stream simultaneously. Troubleshooting "GPS Read Dysfunction"
Sentence Truncation: Some users report that certain apps on Windows 10 (like Vistumbler) may slowly lose the ability to process sentences or see truncated data. Using a Service Protector tool can help by automatically restarting the service weekly to clear memory leaks or data hang-ups.
Port Conflicts: Verify your input COM port and baud rate (typically 4800 or 9600) in the Windows Device Manager before setting it in GpsGate. The original GPS signal splitter - GpsGate
Step 3: Accept Driver Installation
When Windows 10 Defender SmartScreen or the "Windows Security" dialog appears asking "Do you want to install this device software?" click Install. GPSGate 26 drivers are digitally signed by Franson Technology AB.
2. Enhanced NMEA Filtering Engine
Version 26 introduces an advanced NMEA sentence parser. Not all GPS devices output clean data. GPSGate 26 allows you to filter out invalid sentences, fix checksum errors, and even translate proprietary binary protocols into standard NMEA 0183. This ensures that even your oldest GPS mouse works flawlessly on a modern Windows 10 laptop.
Feature Review: Franson GPSGate 2.6 on Windows 10
The "Bridge" for Legacy Hardware
Real-World Use Cases: Why Professionals Call it "Top"
Configuring the Top Features of GPSGate 26 on Windows 10
Once installed, the real power emerges. Here is how to configure the top three features.
Step 2: Run Installer as Administrator
Right-click the GPSGate26_Setup.exe file and select Run as administrator. This ensures the virtual COM port drivers register correctly in the Windows 10 registry.
Troubleshooting: Solving Common Windows 10 Issues
Even with a "top" setup, issues occur. Here are solutions for GPSGate 26 on Windows 10.