Before we discuss installation, we must clarify what a legitimate vs. illegitimate license key looks like.
A real GPSGate license key is a 20-25 character alphanumeric string provided by Franson Technology (now part of Metrum) after purchase. Licenses are typically tiered:
In the world of GPS data management, few names carry as much weight as Franson GPSGate. For decades, this software has been the gold standard for splitting, sharing, and logging GPS data from a single receiver to multiple applications simultaneously. Whether you are a fleet manager, a GIS professional, or a hardcore marine navigator, GPSGate solves the classic "COM port in use" problem.
With the release of GPSGate version 26, Franson introduced improved stability, better support for modern NMEA sentences, and enhanced virtual port drivers for Windows 10/11 and Windows Server.
However, if you have landed on this page searching for the term "franson gpsgate 26 license key install", you are likely at a crossroads. Are you looking for a legitimate purchasing path, or are you tempted by cracked versions floating on torrent sites?
This article will serve two purposes:
While Franson GpsGate 2.6 is a legacy version of the popular GPS sharing and simulation tool, many users still rely on it for specific hardware compatibility or lightweight legacy systems. Setting it up correctly ensures your GPS data maps correctly across multiple applications without port conflicts.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install and license Franson GpsGate 2.6. Overview: What is GpsGate 2.6?
Franson GpsGate (now often part of the wider GpsGate fleet management suite) acts as a "GPS splitter." It allows one physical GPS receiver to connect to multiple software programs (like Google Earth, Marine Navigation, or custom tracking tools) simultaneously by creating "Virtual COM ports." Step 1: System Requirements & Preparation Before beginning the install, ensure:
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit).
Hardware: A connected GPS receiver (USB, Bluetooth, or Serial).
Administrator Rights: You must have admin privileges to create virtual COM ports. Step 2: Installing the Software
Download: Locate the original setup file (usually named GpsGate.exe or GpsGate26.exe).
Run Installer: Double-click the installer. If you are on Windows 7 or newer, right-click and select "Run as Administrator."
Wizard: Follow the on-screen prompts. Choose your installation directory (the default C:\Program Files\Franson\GpsGate 2.0 is recommended).
Driver Prompt: During installation, Windows may ask if you want to install device software from "Franson Technology AB." Click Install; these are the drivers required for virtual port emulation. Finish: Complete the wizard and launch GpsGate. Step 3: Entering the License Key
To move from the trial version to the full version, you must enter your valid license key: franson gpsgate 26 license key install
Look for the GpsGate icon (it looks like a small satellite dish) in your Windows System Tray (bottom right corner, near the clock). Right-click the icon and select Settings.
In the Settings window, navigate to the License or About tab. Click on Enter Key.
Input your Name and the unique License Key exactly as provided at the time of purchase.
Click OK. The "Trial" watermark should disappear, and the software will be fully activated. Step 4: Basic Configuration (Setting up your GPS) Once installed and licensed, you need to route your signal:
Input: Go to the Input tab in Settings. Select your GPS source (e.g., "COM Port" for a USB GPS) and click Open. If the icon turns Green, GpsGate is successfully reading your GPS data.
Output: Go to the Output tab. Select Virtual COM Port and click Add. This creates a new port (e.g., COM4) that your navigation software can "talk" to. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Key Not Working: Ensure there are no extra spaces at the beginning or end of the key when pasting. Keys are often case-sensitive.
Virtual Port Errors: If GpsGate fails to create a virtual port, ensure your antivirus isn't blocking driver installation. You may need to restart your PC after the initial install.
Legacy Support: If you are using Windows 11, you may need to run GpsGate in "Compatibility Mode" for Windows 7.
Disclaimer: Ensure you are using a legitimate license key purchased from the official vendor. Using "cracks" or unauthorized key generators can expose your system to malware and stability issues.
To install a license key for Franson GpsGate (now GpsGate Splitter) version 2.6 or later, follow these steps to register your software and remove trial limitations: License Key Installation Process Locate Your Key
: Ensure you have the license key provided via the confirmation email sent after your purchase. Launch GpsGate Splitter : Open the application on your device. Access the License Menu If your trial has expired
: A dialog box will automatically appear asking for registration details. If your trial is still active
: Right-click the GpsGate Splitter icon in the system tray and select License Key from the menu. Enter Credentials Copy and paste the Email Address used for the purchase. Copy and paste the exact License Key received in your email.
. The license is now installed, and the "Trial" status should be removed. GpsGate Support Troubleshooting & Tips Copy/Paste
: It is highly recommended to use copy and paste rather than typing the key manually to avoid errors with similar-looking characters (like '0' vs 'O' or '1' vs 'l'). Version Compatibility Before we discuss installation, we must clarify what
: GpsGate Splitter 2.6 is legacy software. If you are updating from an older Franson-branded version, ensure your key is valid for the specific version you have installed. Official Support
To install a GpsGate (formerly Franson) license key, you typically follow these steps within the software interface:
Open the GpsGate Settings: Locate the GpsGate icon in your system tray (bottom right of your screen) or open the application from your Start menu.
Access the License Menu: Right-click the tray icon and select Settings or License. In some versions, you may need to go to the Help or About section to find the "Enter License Key" option.
Enter the Key: Copy your license key exactly as it appears in your purchase email and paste it into the registration field.
Activate: Click OK or Register. The software should immediately update from a "Trial" or "Express" version to the full licensed version. Important Note on Versions
GpsGate 2.6 is a legacy version of the software. Franson GpsGate was rebranded to GpsGate years ago, and the software has evolved significantly.
Compatibility: If you are using a very old license key, it may only work with the specific version of the software it was issued for.
Updates: If you are looking for the modern equivalent for PC (splitting GPS signals), it is now often referred to as GpsGate Splitter. Troubleshooting Installation
Run as Administrator: If the key doesn't "stick" after a restart, try right-clicking the GpsGate executable and selecting Run as Administrator before entering the key.
Offline Activation: If your machine isn't connected to the internet, look for an "Offline" or "Manual" activation option in the license window, which may require an activation code based on your Machine ID. If you're having trouble, let me know:
Are you getting a specific error message (e.g., "Invalid Key")?
Which operating system are you using (Windows 10, 11, or an older version)?
Did you purchase the key recently, or is it an old legacy key?
To install your Franson GpsGate 2.6 license key, you should use the application's built-in activation menu. Since version 2.6 is a legacy version of the software now primarily known as GpsGate Splitter, here is the standard process for installation and an overview of the product. How to Install Your License Key
If you have a valid key, follow these steps to activate the full version: GPSGate Client might have a local configuration dialog
Open GpsGate Splitter: Locate the GpsGate icon in your Windows System Tray (near the clock). Access the License Menu:
If your trial has already expired, a registration dialog will automatically pop up when you start the program.
If you are still in the trial period, right-click the tray icon and select License Key from the menu.
Enter Credentials: Copy and paste the Email Address associated with the purchase and the License Key exactly as they appear in your confirmation email. Confirm: Click OK to complete the activation. Useful Review: GpsGate Splitter 2.6
Franson GpsGate (now GpsGate Splitter) is a specialized utility designed to solve a common Windows limitation: the inability to share one GPS receiver across multiple applications simultaneously. Key Features & Strengths:
GPS Splitting: It creates multiple "Virtual COM ports," allowing you to run navigation software, tracking apps, and logging tools at the same time using a single hardware GPS puck.
Protocol Conversion: Highly praised for its ability to convert varied signals (like Garmin USB or Bluetooth) into standard NMEA data that older laptops and specialized industrial software can recognize.
Stability: Users on forums like Spiceworks have noted that while it is an older "legacy" solution, it remains one of the most stable ways to maintain reliable GPS connections on in-vehicle laptops.
Network Sharing: It can send GPS data over a network (TCP/UDP), which is useful for remote monitoring or sharing data between two different computers. Considerations:
Legacy Status: Version 2.6 is quite old. While it still works on most Windows versions, the developer has shifted focus toward their Enterprise Fleet Management platform.
Setup Complexity: Initial configuration—specifically setting up the "Setup Wizard" to identify your GPS puck—can be finicky for non-technical users.
If you run into issues during the manual installation, you can refer to the official GpsGate License Support page for further troubleshooting.
Are you having trouble with a specific error code during the activation, or would you like help configuring your Virtual COM ports? License key - GpsGate Support
I’m unable to provide a write-up for installing a cracked license key, product key, or activator for Franson GPSGate 2.6 (or any version).
Providing, requesting, or distributing cracked software keys, keygens, or unauthorized activation methods violates software copyright laws (such as the DMCA), the terms of service of most platforms, and this assistant’s usage policies. It can also expose users to malware, data loss, or legal liability.
However, if you have a legitimate license key for GPSGate 2.6, here is a general, legal installation guide:
Do not use a third-party mirror. Download from the official link provided in your purchase email.