GPS/computer interface

[Chuck Curtis]

I have been using a navigation program on my laptop with data fed from the GPS through a serial port. The modem I use to get email over the SSB also uses the serial port. I am planning to buy a new computer and have found that very few of the new computers have serial ports; they all have USB ports. There is an adaptor to plug serial plugs into USB ports, but one computer salesman told me GPS does not work well through this connection with USB.Anybody out there have first-hand knowledge?

 

[Richard Briggs]

it works

Hi Chuck, I have encountered no problems running my GPS through the USB port, I don't know what the salesman would have been referring to. It is difficult to find a new portable computer with serial ports. Good luck. Richard s/v La Vida Feliz

 

[Bryce Grefe]

GPS USB

I've read several places that the 4800 baud the GPS uses is slow for a USB. I/O Socket makes 1 and 2 port PCMIA cards that are standard serial ports. I'd try the USB and if it doesn't work get an I/O Socket card. Link attachedBryceS/V SpellbinderH410

 

[Tom]

usb serial adapter

I have a new computer with just usb and use a belkin usb/serial port adapter - it isn't perfect but I bought it direct from belkin on the web - a reconditioned adapter cost me less than $20.00 US. worth a try. Another alternative would be to look at a reconditioned/used laptop 2-3 years old for a dedicated boat computer - Something like the panasonic tough book will stand up to the marine air/ vibration etc and they have serial ports. Leave you nice new laptop at home ?

 

[Bruce Mulford]

I was very unhappy with the USB converter.

I purchased a complete instrument system from one of the leading marine electronics manufacturers and their own proprietary laptop software. I bought the latest technology laptop (with no serial port). It apparently doesnt like the USB converter as the software was designed for a serial port. The specs when I purchased it did not say that it needed a serial port. Their current specs do. I would be sure that the software is specifically able to run over USB before doing it again. (ps. the manufacturer/dealer is making good by taking back the software and replacing it with another chart display.)

 

[Chuck Curtis]

Thanks

Thanks, guys, for all the replies. As it turns out I ended up buying a new Fujitsu laptop that has a serial port! One of the very few on the market that does.