GPS input for new DSC radio

[Zen Zero]

What's the cheapest way of getting a GPS NMEA position signal into my new radio?

I don't have a chartplotter.

Thanks

 

[pvb]

Don't you already have any sort of GPS?

 

[Zen Zero]

Yes a handheld object of uncertain origin and reliability (it was already on the boat).

 

[pvb]

OK, chances are you could get an NMEA output from your handheld, but you'd probably need to buy a data cable if you don't already have one.

Otherwise, the cheapest way would be to buy a GPS antenna with NMEA output. Lots on eBay.

However, the cheapest way isn't necessarily the best value. I think you'd be better off spending a bit more and getting a simple fixed GPS with a display, so you can also enter waypoints, build routes, use "rolling road" navigation, etc. Doesn't have to be new.

 

[testmonkey]

el cheapo way would be DYI. GPS chip for $15 and waterproof antenna for $6, some soldering and that's it.
Chip: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/et-318-gps-engine-board-module-with-sirf-star-iii-chipset-80049
Antenna: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/gps-external-antenna-with-cable-sma-male-1575-42mhz-3m-length-25100

However for a safety related item like this would recommend going for something purpose built for marine environment.

 

[Burnham Bob]

i had a handheld garmin 12 feeding into the dsc on my old boat.......see if you can get an old one - they are discontinued.....or probably any old second hand hand held gps as long as it works and then get a data cable - i'd try ebay for the lot

 

[Zen Zero]

Thanks Testmonkey, that's the sort of thing I was thinking of. Bbut have you or do you know anyone who has actually provided GPS input to a DSC radio using the DIY el cheapo technique.

I do like the idea of having a proper chart plotter on board, and I will buy one one day, but I'm not terribly keen on having the safety function of DSC dependent on another complicated, expensive piece of hardware that needs to be present, switched on, working etc. My new radio displays, or rather; would display; a GPS position. A safe, reliable way of inputting this, that is not the chartplotter, would provide an additional level of safety.

I'm also on the point of buying an ipad or similar for the sole purpose of GPS chatrplotting. I think I'd want my DSC radio to function independently of this.

 

[Amulet]

Thanks Testmonkey, that's the sort of thing I was thinking of. Bbut have you or do you know anyone who has actually provided GPS input to a DSC radio using the DIY el cheapo technique.

Don't know exactly what you mean. It's easy to get a handheld to talk to your DSC. Almost any will. I've done it with various.

I do like the idea of having a proper chart plotter on board, and I will buy one one day, but I'm not terribly keen on having the safety function of DSC dependent on another complicated, expensive piece of hardware that needs to be present, switched on, working etc.

I have a £100 handheld dedicated to my DSC. There are many cheaper solutions

I'm also on the point of buying an ipad or similar for the sole purpose of GPS chatrplotting. I think I'd want my DSC radio to function independently of this.

I have a completely independent GPS talking to a simple laptop running Offshore Navigator. The GPS is a Garmin 72 which sits in the cockpit to tell the helmsman what to do. I intentionally use the same type of GPS for both tasks so that I can swap them over if one fails. I also carry a spare laptop (sometimes two!) and it all works rather nicely with umpteen emergency configurations possible if anything fails. I can tell you more than you want to know about this, and some of it might even be true.

 

[Dave_Seager]

I use an old Garmin GPS III+ to feed position and time to my DSC radio. I bought a special plug to fit the GPS for a few pounds and made up my own connecting lead to the radio. The GPS can take 12v through the same plug so it has a permanent power connection. The GPS to DSC configuration took a couple of minutes and worked first time.

 

[Zen Zero]

I found this http://www.dpcav.com/data_sheets/EM411Product_Guide1_2.pdf

It says it supports NMEA, but I read that NMEA is RS232 compliant and therefore the signal needs to be +/- 12 v this does 0 / 2.85 v (close to the TTL standard).

My Radio's a Cobra, but beyond saying "connect your GPS device to the red wire"; Cobra's manual is not very helpful.

NMEA 0183 seems to be at v4 currently and there have been some fundamental changes between versions, particularly in the area of signal voltage. The NMEA 0183 guide http://www.actisense.com/Downloads/TechTalk/NMEA 0183/The NMEA 0183 Information Sheet.pdf says the signal should be 0 / 5 v (this is the TTL range) but equipment should be capable of handling -/+ 15v without damage.

So I've sent off for the device (from China) It'll take about a month to get here. I'm sure someone else must have tried something similar though ...

?

 

[Tranona]

Have used a Garmin 146 or 148 as well as a hand held for the GPS signal. The stand alone one is very useful at the helm as you have all the basic features, waypoints, routes, data screens etc available all the time on a biggish screen.

 

[elton]

I use an old Garmin GPS III+ to feed position and time to my DSC radio. I bought a special plug to fit the GPS for a few pounds and made up my own connecting lead to the radio. The GPS can take 12v through the same plug so it has a permanent power connection. The GPS to DSC configuration took a couple of minutes and worked first time.

Same here. I hardwired an old Garmin GPS45 to my Navman 7100 VHF and screwed it to the bulkhead. The Garmin is powered from the same feed as the radio.

 

[testmonkey]

could maybe use this to supply input voltage to EM411 http://www.dealextreme.com/p/vmp3203-5v-high-efficiency-dc-dc-module-47817 ?


And hifi setup with backup voltage from 3,7V rechargeable lithium battery to avoid cold GPS starts?

 

[knuterikt]

What's the cheapest way of getting a GPS NMEA position signal into my new radio?

I don't have a chartplotter.

Thanks

What kind of radio do you have?
What type of NMEA are you talking about 0183 or 2000?

A GPS receiver can supply position data both to the DSC radio and a chartplotter.
You don't need to buy everything at the same time