Help with wiring (a bit technical)

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
But maybe need to look more deeply at which port the programme is looking at? a job for a wet weekend possibly.

[/ QUOTE ]No, the problem is not at that level. It is at the electronic interface (hardware) level and the setup of the ACIA associated with that USB port. I'm not even sure that they are readily re-programmable; could be in firmware. I suspect you could spend a year of wet weekends and still get nowhere whereas you can buy USB to serial adaptors in most computer shops for a fairly small sum. Or, if you really want to get into it, maybe one of the hobby magazines has published a project?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

As a "Technician" Colin should know better than "muck about" with ships navigational equipment. Get a proper interface in "Singers"!
And the rest of you shouldn't encourage him!

 

[jerryat]

Hi Tony!

Where on earth did you see/get a serial/USB interface connector for a tenner? We half-heartedly looked for one to use with our new laptops and old printer, but PC World wanted about £35.00 for one!! I know their a waste of time in general, but a tenners a hell of difference.

Look forward to the info.

Cheers Jerry

 

[jjc]

try this one at £6.99 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=98192

John

 

[Colin24]

Relax Alex,

If you read the original post you’ll see that I point out, and indeed am asking the question 'because' I’m not at technician. I’m not “mucking about” with the ships navigational equipment. This is a Survey ship with more positioning equipment than one can shake a stick at. This lead to me thinking I’d like to compare the accuracy supplied by a free download chart plotting program using a standard laptop and a modest GPS, with our position as derived from all the racks of exotica we have running. The laptop and the cables are my own and the little GPS I have earmarked on the bridge is connected to nothing, unlike others.
Having said that, you could not been expected to know this and had this not been the case your comments about mucking about would be entirely correct.

I believe that far from “encouraging me” the answers from members of the forum have been intended to help me. Whether to stop me from damaging my equipment thru ignorance on the one hand, or by solving my problem, on the other; but, all well meant and for this as always I am grateful.
I also pointed out that if I could buy one I would have, but I’m at sea.

I have decided to wait until I have purchased the correct cable before connecting up.
Thank you Nick for all your experimenting. I don’t disbelieve you, but it seems there are some other issues to overcome, drivers and stuff, that will come supplied with the cable. I can wait five or six days.

Cheers

Colin

 

[jerryat]

Hi John!!

Very many thanks for that info!! Gonna get the details and if ok, buy a couple now - one for home and the other for our portable boat printer.

You've saved us a bomb, many thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers Jerry

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

OK Colin. Just that your Bio shows you as technician, and as you rightly say I didn't realise you were not on a ship fitted with minimal equipment! (It isn't an "ECHO" is it)?

With some considerable years as an ETO, deep sea, I would have crucified any of my staff found using ships nav gear to try out bits of personal kit.
Also it's Monday and being retired "Grumpy Old Man" is in the job description.
I know the guys on this forum are all well meaning and give the best advice but I did have visions of the only spare GPS emitting smells and acrid smoke!
Best of luck with it anyway. Hope you get it all together. Enjoy "Singers".