GPS - old models and also connections

[Guest]

Many post about whether old model GPS still work and also others post about connecting various items.

I have an old Magellan Meridien - still works but eats batterys. So I only use if on 12v supply. The display needs changing as in sunlight it fades out and is difficult to read.

But here is the "lu-la" ..... "Luthers Lash-up" for connecting to PC / other :

in sections we have : GPS to black data / power box as supplied by Magellan :>

then to the Telephone screw terminal socket box - in white with 12v power ciggy plug coming into it as well :>

then the telephone multi-core cable to Mouse cable with RS232 plug :>

Now this set-up has ability to be split using standard Telephone doubler plugs and cables ... it works fine and my cable there is about 4m long.

Yes it was cobbled together from bits in the odds and ends box ... but that's the beauty of PBO spirit isn't it ??

 

[Talbot]

I have the same ancient Magellan Meridian powered through the correct 12v cable, and will shortly be connecting mine to an AIS engine using a similar system.

Great little GPS purchased in 1994 and still going strong. I have extended the aerial with a standard bnc cable so that I get a better signal.

 

[damo]

How do you keep your saloon carpet so clean?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Superflid]

I'm using a Valsat 02L GPS, date in the instruction book is 1996. Not connected to anything else just yet, but hopefully a vintage laptop with chartplotting software will be added sooner or later.

I'll be asking questions when it happens......

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Nigel. As you know Ive used a socket system around the boat so I can plug in Yeoman, Plotter, PC or anything else. All very simple and just uses a 6 Pin socket and corresponding plug. Only need five of teh pins but teh plug/socket I use looks neat, not expensive and connects well.

12v (Positive)
0 v (Ground)
GPS Data I/P
GPS Data O/P
GPS Data Ground (Sometimes needed)

I have three sockets on the boat, one by the washboard for the plotter and using the Yeoman outside, Two by the Chart Table so I can plug in the PC for Chart software and the Yeoman on attached to the chart table. This system also allows another GPS to be plugged in should the main GPS fail. All wires are hidden and all you see are the three sockets which are very unobtrusive and robust. All wires are multistrand tinned.

 

[boatbuilder]

I also have a magellan Meridian XL but the socket for the power/signal lead is all corroded. Iwas thinking of openening it up and hard wiring the lead in position.
Any ideas,or warnings

 

[Talbot]

is there no way to clean the old socket system up? if not, remedy would be very dependent on just how far the corrosion has spread, and if it is causing any short circuits between the points.

 

[boatbuilder]

It still works on batteries, but as it chews them at an amazing pace it is rarely used. It does'nt owe me any thing so a bit of experimating might be tha answer.

 

[Guest]

Re: GPS - old models and also connections - carpet ...

Thats the scatter rug in my Home -Office !!!

 

[Guest]

Steve .... I know and WE show the world that it all works and doesn't have to be all fangled smart stuff.

Mine is now out of boat as you know - cause I have the little eTrex and the Lowrance now ... but the system is useable for any GPS and is easily laid neatly in the boat ... as its telephone cable - which is not thick, stiff or untidy. Good quality tel cable ..... of course !! Being 9 strand - its also allows feed of data back to another item or use as well.

Extending the system is easy - as telephone extension kits are 2 a penny ....

 

[Guest]

Mine is not the XL - mine pre-dates even that !! It's the basic Meridien. There are no updates for it .... and I was concerned at Roll-over ........ but no fear it went through without problem.

As to batterys - it will literally flatten a set of NiCD's during lock-on .... if already locked - I reckon I get about 2 hrs if lucky !! I still have the metal tin bracket fitted in cockpit of the boat and I'm thinking to remove that ... probably bring it out here for use on the latvian boat ...

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Nigel. Only problem I have with telephone cable or network (Cate 5) stuff is it is single strand inner that is brittle and tends to break after a while. The multistrand stuff is much more robust. Hope to be launching SC on Tuesday so all worried and in a panic now! Wiring all working at least!

 

[Guest]

Launching SC ..... don't tell me you actually did ALL the jobs ?

Well my tel cable stuff has lasted about 9 years I reckon ... so not bad ...........

I plugged into the car when Svet and I went looking at plants ... well SHE went looking at plants actually - I stayed in the car playing with my Magellan !! It actually logged on reasonably quick today ... about 3 minutes. So I shall be playing with it a bit more ... maybe even give it a whirl again on SA ....