I've come across a bunch of outdated GPS navigation systems, specifically TomTom units, and I'm curious if there's any way to repurpose them. I usually buy job lots and tend to recycle any unusable items, but some of these units still function and could potentially be useful. I know some can be updated, but others haven't seen a map update since around 2014. Besides tossing them in the e-waste bin, does anyone have ideas for how I could put these old satnavs to good use?
3 Answers
You might want to donate them to a local STEM program! They often use older tech for student projects, which can be super educational for building and learning about electronics and programming.
It really depends on the model. Some of those old satnavs run on Windows CE, and if you look around, there might be ways to install Linux on them. That could open up a lot of cool DIY projects for you.
If your satnavs have serial outputs, you can still use them for syncing clocks or getting data for other devices. They may not have the latest features, but they can still do the job! Plus, they’re a lot bulkier than modern Arduino modules, so if you need something sturdy, they work well.
That sounds like a cool idea! So, STEM programs focus on hands-on tech learning, right? Could be a great way for students to figure out how things work.