GPS connection to computer

[peter_4059]

Has anyone had success connecting a regular GPS unit to the PC for downloading the location and time data to a planatarium program?

How about a car navigation system? I can display this info on the Navman screen and it connects to the PC via USB cable. Not sure if this connection can be used to access the GPS data from the PC or if it is only for installing new maps - does anyone know the answer?

Peter

[snowyskiesau]

It could depend on what model Navman you have.
Some models support NMEA data format output which is the easiest to use.

[peter_4059]

Geoff,

Its an F20 - how do you find out if it supports NMEA? I can't find any info in the manual about this.

Peter

[Dooghan]

Google!!! I just checked the specs and it doesn't say anything about NMEA. It's a good chance it doesn't. Most in car navs don't support NMEA output. Your better to get a handheld or BT GPS to do that.

[monoxide]

i just bought a usb gps for $85 on ebay and it works perfectly with eqmod (and my marine navigation software)

[peter_4059]

Does it have a brand/model? Also how do you get EQMOD to see the GPS connected to a USB port - the drop down selection box only has COM ports?

[monoxide]

Hi Peter, the GPS has a serial to usb converter built into it so that it shows up on the pc as a com port, i didn't buy the gps for the purpose of using it with EQMOD but i just happened to try it and it worked.

the name of the seller is "dtwproducts" and if you search for "GlobalSat BU-353 USB GPS" you shouldn't have too much trouble finding it.
(i just looked and they have them now for $68.95 + postage :()

i have bought a lot (20+) of these types of gps units, usually i get a different brand but i couldn't find them so i got a few of these GlobalSat ones and they seem to be better quality (not to mention they have the better chipset).

[peter_4059]

Thanks - found it - the really sad thing is you can get it in the US for $36!

http://www.buygpsnow.com/bu-353-353-bu-globalsat-gps-mouse-water-proof-receiver-sirf-stariii-usb-gps-water-bu-353-waas-455.aspx