DSC/GPS Compatibility

[Finesse]

I have recently purchased a Cobra Marine MR F55EU marine VHF - DSC set and would like to connect a GPS to it. I currently have two devices, a Magellan GPS 320 hand held GPS and a Fortuna GPS receiver Model No. US. It would be my preference to use this latter device, the antenna, if possible but it is fitted with a USB connector. If I were to cut the plug off it and connect it to the plug supplied with the set, would this work? I am concerned that this device draws its power from the computer via the USB. With the Magellan device, this has an external output lead, with a serial connector which I use in conjunction with my PC for electronic navigation. If the antenna is not suitable, would it be OK to cut this plug off and connect to the VHF with this? Any help or advice would be much appreciated

 

[fireball]

I don't believe The Fortuna USB GPS will work without being connected to a PC. The other one with a serial connector will work fine - although it may be preferable to use a 9 pin serial socket to plug your lead into rather than chop it up - so you'll need to get a 9 pin socket (an old redundant computer is usually easiest) and solder the cables to that and connect into your VHF.

 

[iangrant]

the usb won't work but the hand held will

cheers

ian

 

[Finesse]

Gentlemen

Many thanks for the advice. The hand held seems to be the way to go.

Mike

 

[pappaecho]

If you connect the serial cable you will need a crossover, that it transmit (Pin2) at one end connected to (Pin3) receive at the other and vice versa. if it wont work PM me

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I thought Fortuna's were cigeretts that are sold in Spain, Do you mean Furuno? as that is the make I have, and for the life of me cannot make head nor tail of the instruction book.