Problems interfacing Garmin GPS 50 with Tsunami 99

[Stevedud]

I have a question for you techies out there.
I am having trouble getting my old Garmin GPS50 to talk to my old Tsnunami software
I have configured the GPS i/o to 0/NMEA 0183 @ 4800 Baud
I have installed the drivers for a USB to serial cable which defaults to com 4 port and set 4800 8 bit 0 parity 1 stop bit
Under the Tsunami application I have go into system setup and configured sensor tab ports to set com 4 to 4800 baud 8 bit 0 parity 1 stop bit and set PS1 to com 4 under manual settings. But I cannot get the two to communicate. Running a trace also reveals nothing.
I wonder if there could be a problem with the USB/serial cable this was a cheap one purchace with some other bits from HK over the net.
My alternative was to buy a USB GPS dongle and plug it straight into the laptop byt they all run at 38400 baud and Tsunami settings only go as high as 19200 (being an old application) Anyone managed to get a USB GPS dongle running with Tsunami and how.
I think my options are try another USB/serial converter cable or try a USB GPS dongle or dump the lot and start again.
You comments would be much appreciated.

 

[lenseman]

Hello Steve - I think you just might find it is all to do with the fact that you are using a USB/RS232 (serial) interface lead.

I am having exactly this problem at work where I am trying to program a piece of marine hardware using a laptop and a USB/RS232 lead. It is a disaster as I can only manage 25% of the units I am trying to program. Have you recently 'seen' a modern laptop with an RS232 port? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

On speaking to the hardware manufacturer, he said it is due to 'timing' of the signals though the interface lead and that the signals cannot 'sync' properly via this cable due to various delays and that any programming using this method was hit and miss. I cannot be doing with hit and miss when it comes to navigation! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

His suggestion was to program the hardware using a desktop computer which has the serial port and see if that works.

You could try the same before you consign the kit to the rubbish bin. I know it might be a pain lugging a desktop computer on board to test this out but it might be worth while to prove out a fault?

You could also see if the Tsunami kit will operate at 38800? This baud rate might not have been around when your kit was first made but it still could operate at these speeds? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck and please report your findings back to the forum. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[beneteau_305_553]

Mine runs with those settings. I use a garmin etrex with a usb to serial adapter on my laptop running vista.

probably is the adapter. try on line for software updates if you can get any info off the adapter.

 

[misterg]

[ QUOTE ]
...set 4800 8 bit 0 parity 1 stop bit...

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you mean '0' parity, or no parity?

Make sure it's set to 'none'.

0.02p

Andy

 

[Refueler]

Most USB to Serial adaptor cables are Prolific 2303 or similar version number. I have various cables for various uses and they all literally arrived with 'dud' drivers. Answer was to download the latest Prolific driver and bingo all but 1 worked as should.

While it's all plugged in / supposedly running - check out Device Manager LPT and com ports - look for Prolific Com Port xx .... that's to ensure you are really using Com port 4. If you don't see an entry - while watching Device manager - unplug the cable from PC and watch for a change.

You say it defaults to Com 4 .... that of course depends on other factors surely ? The USB - Serial adaptor will usually work to a virtual port and could be much higher number. Other thing to remember as well - is to always use same port connection once you get it working ...