Tech Tips

How to Use a GPS Receiver for PSP

by Spanner Spencer, Demand Media
Some games also make use of the PSP's GPS receiver add-on.

Some games also make use of the PSP's GPS receiver add-on.

The PSP is a portable video game console designed and built by Sony. Alongside playing video games, several software applications and hardware add-ons have been developed for the PSP that expand its functionality beyond a games console. This includes a GPS receiver, which allows the PSP to operate as a satellite navigation system. The GPS hardware add-on also requires software to plan routes and calculate the user's geographical position.

Items you will need

  • PSP GPS Receiver
  • Satellite navigation software

Installation

Step 1

Turn the PSP off and plug the GPS receiver into the connector on top of the console. Tighten the thumb screws to secure the GPS receiver in place.

Step 2

Lift the flat antenna marked with "GPS" so it's facing skyward.

Step 3

Insert a GPS-compatible software disk into the PSP's UMD drive.

Step 4

Turn the PSP on and launch the GPS software. The software will automatically detect the GPS receiver and calculate the console's position after the satellites have been detected.

Go!Explore Navigation

Step 1

Insert the "Go!Explore" disk into the PSP's UMD drive and attach the GPS receiver as detailed in Section 1.

Step 2

Turn the PSP on and allow "Go!Explore" to automatically load it.

Step 3

Select "FIND & GO" by highlighting the icon using the navigation buttons and pressing the "X" button.

Step 4

Select "ENTER ADDRESS" and use the on-screen keyboard to type out the postal address of your required destination.

Step 5

Select "Go!" after the address has been entered and then press the "X" button. The PSP will automatically detect your current location and calculate the route to your entered destination.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops GPS Scan

Step 1

Connect the GPS receiver to the PSP and launch the "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops" game.

Step 2

Open the "Briefing" screen and select "Recruit."

Step 3

Select the "GPS Scan" option and wait for the console to detect your current location. Red dots will appear after the GPS system is active.

Step 4

Press the "O" button to zoom in on a red dot, which will expand into a circle. You are represented by the white circle that's also displayed on the screen.

Step 5

Move around your current location while carrying the PSP console with you. Position yourself so the white circle moves inside the red circle on the PSP's screen. After you are in the correct position a new soldier will be automatically recruited to your game.

Tips

  • Satellite navigation software for the PSP includes "Go!Explore" and "Nav-U."
  • GPS compatible games include "Hot Shots Golf" and "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops."

Warnings

  • Leaving the PSP connected to the GPS receiver will flatten the battery quicker than playing games or watching movies.

About the Author

Spanner Spencer has been writing since 2005 for a variety of print and online publications. Focusing on entertainment, gaming and technology, his work has been published by Eurogamer.net, "The Escapist," "GamesTM," "Retro Gamer," "Empire," "Total PC Gaming" "The Guardian," among others. Spencer is a qualified medical electronics engineer with a Business and Technology Education Council certificate in technical writing from Huddersfield Technical College.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
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