gps-laptop-repeater interfacing

[SteveGorst]

I'm about to make the leap into serious electronic navigation using a laptop as the hub for the new system. I'm torn between getting a usb gps mouse to connect directly to the laptop or a dedicated data/pc cable for my Garmin 72 which is currently talking to a repeater and the DSC radio.

As my boat has an open cockpit I won't be using the laptop while i'm sat at the tiller, so I need the repeater. If I use a usb mouse is there a way to connect it to the repeater? Otherwise I think the best way will be to connect the laptop to the Garmin.

If I do go for the cable, I remember there being a problem with the laptops not identifying the gps correctly. What's the current thinking on that, (windows XP before you ask!!) and where can I get a suitable cable at a suitable price.

 

[qetoo]

This might help.
Cap'n Jacks offers free advice on these subjects:

http://www.capjack.com/catalog/categoryME.asp

I think a Garmin can be direct wired to up to three devices without using a repeater. I have a Garmin 128 direct wired to both my laptop 9-pin serial input and the Autohelm autopilot NMEA input and it works fine. I have posted a diagram at:

http://carlten.tripod.com/Navigation/navigation.html

 

[SteveGorst]

Thanks for the wiring diagram for the serial port. I reckon I can wire that up easily enough and save a few notes. Does the computer need to have some drivers installed in order to recognise the gps on the end of the cable or will the navigation software and windows xp take care of that?

By the way when I referred to a repeater I meant the extra display that you can have in the cockpit that is wired up to the gps in the cabin. Sorry to cause any confusion.

 

[paulskent]

Steve.

I have one of the aforementioned USB dongle/mouse things that you can borrow to see how/whether it works for you if you wish. I also have a Garmin GPS72 and computer interface cable. Because it goes straight into the serial port of your PC there is no requirement for drivers. Whatever software you are using just reads the NMEA data as it comes into the serial por. MAil me if you want to discuss further.

PK.

 

[fireball]

Just as an aside - on our laptop (win xp pro) if we plug the GPS serial cable in before we boot up, the laptop recons it has an external mouse ... then your doomed until you unplug it, launch your Nav app and re-connect it. Not too much
Is there is this issue with USB GPS's?

 

[iangrant]

Mine did that and the nav software went bonkers - cursor all over the screen.
- it thinks it is a radio mouse -
get into system, hardware ands turn off the mouse it's found - stops that prob.

Ian

 

[boatmike]

If you have a serial port you are home and dry. The nav software will recognise it as a GPS. If you need to go serial to USB you need the right driver. If you buy one from maplins you will get a mini disc with it. Don't buy one from Garmin though. They dont work unless you are on win 98.

 

[SteveGorst]

Thanks for the tip we have a Maplins close by.