Connecting GPS to laptop

studlymandingo

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Anyone know where to get cables to connect a GPS chartplotter to a computer. If this is done, can charts be loaded into the chartplotter from the computer?
 

JB

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

My Garmin came with a cable to plug it into a UBS port. As long as I have Mapsource in my 'puter it works like Rudy describes.

What GPS do you have, Studley?
 

studlymandingo

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

I have a Navman 5500. It is NMEA in/out compatible as well as NAVBUS which allows interconnectivity with other Navman products (I have the fuel flow sensor installed currently).
 

studlymandingo

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

Hmmm, thanks b00tstrap. That looks like a good piece of equipment to have. I am wondering if i can use the maptech charts I already have in my laptop with the Navman, which uses the c-map technology. I have some great charts that I have already modified myself. I have a program called Tiki Navigator that allows me to modify the maptech charts to suit my needs, just not sure how to load or write this on to the c-map user cards. Hopefully that little gadget will do the trick.
 

studlymandingo

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

I found a connection guide for the Navman that used an rs232 connection. Does anyone know if the same ins and outs can be used on a USB port using the green and white connections of the USB?
 

woody20

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

How do I connect my instrument to my computer RS232 port?

For Models FISH 4150, FISH 4200, FISH 4380, FISH 4500, TRACKER 5100/i, TRACKER 5500/i, TRACKER 5600, TRACKFISH 6500, TRACKFISH 6600.
Connect pin5 (GND) on the DB9 connector to the power GND, connect pin2 on the DB9 connector (RX) to the white wire (NMEA out) on the main power connector.

DB = date bus
I would email them and ask for the pin out of the usb cable and just cut one end and to connect to the 5500
 

studlymandingo

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

Thanks woody. I have the connections that you stated, but I don't have a db serial connection on my laptop, I think it's kind of a dated connection with all of the firewire and usb connections on devices now.

I know the pin configuration of USB, it is as follows:

1=grnd, 2=Data+, 3=Data-, 4=5v DC+

What I am unsure of is the data+ data- configuration, is this the same as the pin 2 input on the db connection?
 

woody20

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

I called Navman because there in Acton, a free call for me and the tech said just to get a serial to usb converter. Go to best buy, circuit city, just about $25.

http://www.usbgear.com/Serial-usb-adapter/index.cfm
http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-232MINI.html

go to your near by computer store and ask for a 9 pin serial they might give it to you for free. I guess you could also get a usb cable from the store and cut one end and just wire it up.
 

PuddleJumper

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Re: Connecting GPS to laptop

I use a USB serial converter to connect my Magellan to my laptop, Works great.
 
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