ArcGIS Explorer - GPS Connectivity

epoole

OK, I am having an issue which is new and has to do with (I think) hardware compatibility.  Last year our organization purchased 3 Panasonic toughpad FZ-G1's.  They were equipped with a SRFstarIII GPS chip set.  After assigning a different port number (I used 😎 I was able to point to the GPS input in ArcGIS Explorer using COM8 and a 4800 Baud rate with no issue.  These units work fine. 

We just purchased new tablets, still FZ-G1 units but they come equipped with a different chip, it's a UBlox GPS/GLONASS chip.  I know the chip is operating and sending in NEMA format at a 9600 baud rate and it's operational.  My issue is I cannot get ArcGIS explorer to connect to this chip.  I am still using COM8 and set the baud rate to 9600, but all I get is a red triangle.  I am very frustrated since this has been a great tool for our staff here in the office.  Does anyone have any input or experience with this issue that can offer advice???  Thanks   

epoole

Well little update, I think I have found the issue, it's within ArcGIS Explorer.  Best I can figure ArcGIS Explorer only reads GPxxx lines of the NMEA code, the chip is a multisystem chipset (GPS, GLONASS, etc).  and the NMEA stings begin with a GNxxx or GLxxx.  So even though most systems can read it, it appears that ArcGIS Explorer gets confused and cannot find the GPxxx codes.  So the problem now becomes how can I change that prefix on the fly, or can ESRI correct their flaw?