Seaclear II, GPS and NMEA Output

[Dan]

Hi all:I have a laptop with a Pharos gps sending unit (basically, it provides gps data to the laptop). I plan on using SeaClear II. How can I rig the computer to recognize the GPS data? How can it send NMEA 0183 data to run my autopilot? It's a more recent computer, so it only has USB ports, no serial port.I've googled a number of articles/messages/etc and know enough to begin experimenting (with no ultimate guarantee of success). However, if someone has done this I'd MUCH prefer to shortcut the whole thing and learn exactly what I need to do!

 

[ivon prescott]

quatech.com has serial port pcmcia adapters

quatech.com has 1-4 port serial adapters to use on a laptop - fitting in the pcmcia slot on the side... this could be your option - i'm sure that there are other makers of these besides quatech, as well..Ivon

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

USB to Serial adapter

Hi Dan -Your GPS probably comes with a cable with a serial plug on in; if not you can hardwire a 9 pin serial plug to it. Then you can get a Serial to USB port (Nobeltec sells an expensive one by Sealevel; there are cheaper options available by Keyspan etc). The data comes into the computer at 4800bps, just configure whichever port the computer assigns to this data rate. If your autopilot outputs NMEA data as well, you can run them together - call a local marine electronics store to get details and ask questions.Hope this helps!Trevor