Ports (Computer)

BobE

BobE

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 Jan 2002
Messages
599
Location
Hampshire (West)
Visit site
I'm now running the Neptune navigator passage planning program which allows me to adjust for tidal streams both in advance and DURING the trip. (coupled to the GPS of course)..
It's only failing is the lack of chart detail so I'm also trying the chart prog used by "Lady in bed" (You know who that is!!)
What I need to do is to couple the GPS to both the programmes simultaneously..
My GPS is connected through the small 9pin plug (Com 1 ??) ( Serial Port?)on the back of the laptop. It will not allow both programs to receive the NMEA output at the same time..
Do I splt the lead and plug into one of the female sockets on the laptop? The one with 25 connections (? Serial Port?) or even one of the multi strip connections or set up the "Docking station"
Maybe I should just get a dedicated plotter... But the current stuff seems potentially quite adequate if I can run both progs. at the same time..
Come on you electronic gurus, sort it out for me pleeeeze!!!!!
Cheers Bob E..

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Its not recommended but it is possible to connect both devices to the same serial port. Don't use the 25 pin - that will be a parallel port. No idea what the multi strip connections might be, but they won't be serial ports.

<hr width=100% size=1>A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts
 
My PC mechanics is not up to much but I'm not sure about attempting to connect two devices to the same port, my guess is that Windows will get a bit upset.

However, if you have a USB port you might consider buying one those GPS source gizmos that Talbot has found for about £30, from memory. Then you'll have a backup as well.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Using a "y" shaped cable should work, so long as your PC has two serial ports. I would only connect the receive and ground pins on the second port connector.

With this rig one port can transmit to, and receive from the GPS. The other port will receive only.

You don't want to connect two transmiters together, but connecting one TX on the GPS to two receive pins should be OK. I've used similar to allow me to monitor comms between two devices.

Tony S

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Thanks for that one.
I just looked at the site. Seems it won't work with Windows 98SE which is what I'm running on both this PC and the old fashioned Laptop.
I've asked them if an alternative is available tho'.
Cheers Bob E...

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Virtual serial ports looks like it would do the business, but it is rather expensive. Cheaper solution is to run two inputs serial 1 and 2 or a serial and a USB, then send datya from one to one programme, and the other to the other!


<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Sounds like toy have a USB port on the computer. A good option is to get a couple of RS232 (serial) to USB converters and plug these all into the one USB port (you may need a cheap USB hub to do this). A single usb port can support up to 254 devices plugged in if you need them nut that's another story.

Your main problem here is that Win98 USB support was perty poor (Win 95 has none).


Look around the interrnet fro USB to RS232 convertors and stay away from the BElkin one as it rather large and not particvtularly well made.

<hr width=100% size=1>Temptress of Down
Southsea Marina
Hants

http://hometown.aol.com/temptressofdown
 
Tome’s solution would have been the best if the ‘serial splitter’ worked on a Win98SE platform, unfortunately according to the splurb it only works on NT 2000 and XP.
Your old laptop will have a 25 pin (female) parallel port and a 9 pin (male) serial port.
If the laptop isn't ‘old old’ then it will also have one or two PCMCIA ports. You can buy a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.superlogics.com/sl_cat.asp?cat=48> pcmcia serial port adapter </A> that will give two additional nine pin serial ports. This will work with Win98SE
If your laptop is 'old old' then you are up the swany.

<hr width=100% size=1>
ladybug_zigzag_md_wht.gif
 
Tom ..I just tried it., downloaded for a trial period, and pc went haywire. Had to reboot and scandisk...Can get one virtual to run one of the progs but the second of the pair will not run Neptune..
I'll just have to keep trying, though had hoped to test this weekend but the weather looks b....y. Was going to nip down to Portland to winterise my RNSA mooring..
Cheers Bob E..

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
You may find that Neptune will only run from certain ports, try making the second com port in the range COM1 - COM4 (???).

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
The Neptune prog actually "offers" a list of 16 ports..
I've tried them all andd only get data from the GPS thro' port 1.
The Virtual ports program says it works for Win 98 so I thought "Good old Tom" and bashed on..
I, so far cannot split port one..
I can only add pairs of virtual ports after the 5 Physical ports already quoted in the PC.. So I can add 6 &7 but then Neptune doesn't like either of them.. and so on
It seems that as you thought Neptune although quoting 16 ports will only accept data thro' port 1 on my PC..

Just put me straight please there is only one socket of the type we're using on the back of the laptop-- does that mean only one port ? I'm afraid I'm certainly not up on computers but I'll just keep on trying..
Thanks for all the help
Cheers Bob E..

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top