Why does gps send mouse pointer wild

[alisdair4]

I apologise in advance for this one - I know that the answer is out there, but cannot find it! I have just changed the boat laptop to a netbook using Win 7.

The boat setup takes GPS from a Garmin 152, and AIS from a NASA engine. I use Belfield software, which displays AIS and, previously GPS.

Both instruments feed their data through RS232 - USB adaptors. These are both working correctly (as far as I can see). The GPS is outputting data correctly (checked with DSC radio). The AIS displays data correctly on the laptop.

When connecting the GPS, it sends the mouse pointer mad. I know that I (and others) faced this problem in the past, but cannot remember what I did to fix it! Please help - it's too wet to antifoul!

 

[nigelmercier]

http://www.euronav.co.uk/eurohelp/techdocs/TN036.htm

 

[aslabend]

I think the PC is confused about what device you are putting in that particular USB slot (Port). Check the port allocation you are using to input the GPS data and see if the PC is thinking it's a USB mouse.

 

[RobbieW]

Another answer is to use FTDI Serial-USB adapters because the drivers for those now include an option to turn off 'Serial Enumerator' (hidden away in the advanced settings for the driver). Enumeration is what Windows does as part of its figuring out what it is thats just been plugged in, the data stream from a GPS devce is apparently similar to that of a serial mouse - hence the pointer wizzing about.

 

[nigelmercier]

Another answer is to use FTDI Serial-USB adapters because the drivers for those now include an option to turn off 'Serial Enumerator' (hidden away in the advanced settings for the driver). Enumeration is what Windows does as part of its figuring out what it is thats just been plugged in, the data stream from a GPS devce is apparently similar to that of a serial mouse - hence the pointer wizzing about.

Indeed, see this post: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?389367-Connecting-Garmin-to-USB&p=4649374#post4649374

 

[alisdair4]

Thanks Nigel,

That's the reference I was looking for. Cheers!

 

[alisdair4]

I think the PC is confused about what device you are putting in that particular USB slot (Port). Check the port allocation you are using to input the GPS data and see if the PC is thinking it's a USB mouse.

Thanks for that. I did check this - the PC sees the two Serial/USB adapters, and not a mouse.

 

[Spyro]

I seem to remember having a problem like that a while ago. Try starting the laptop up with the gps already connected. I think that's what I did as a fix.