[FARC] Kenwood/Garmin GPS Prob

[Bob Moroney]

It could definitely be a problem. 

Now that GPS units have become commodity items for standalone use to 
provide driving directions, the manufacturers have greater incentive to 
provide a common, faster interface (USB) for updating maps and firmware 
rather than an uncommon,  slower one that most newer computers don't 
even have anymore (serial).

I don't know for sure, but I'd guess that the newer GPS units that are 
mainly for automobile use will have USB interfaces vs. anything else. 

I'd also guess that handheld, marine and multipurpose GPS units would be 
more likely to support one or more of the standard serial GPS interfaces 
since they'd be more likely to be used in differential GPS 
applications.  But anyone buying a GPS with the intent to interface it 
with an APRS-capable radio would definitely be well-advised to pin down 
the interface capabilities at both ends of the cable before plunking 
down the plastic.  

73, Bob K9CMR
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kirk Talbott wrote:
> On the Kenwood to Garmin GPS connection anomaly, does anyone think it might 
> affect the newly released Kenwood 710 units which have APRS built-in?  I was 
> just curious because I know someone about to purchase one and since Garmin 
> is a popular GPS unit I'm wondering if it's something he should be asking 
> dealers about.
>
> You wouldn't think Kenwood would make a radio with APRS in it and then have 
> it not be able to connect to all the popular GPS units on the market. 
> Things like this do happen, BEWARE.  My AAA Magellan GPS only has a USB 
> cable port which was designed for downloading updates to its maps. It is 
> probably useless without a computer for mobile operation with a radio and 
> APRS.  Who can drive, look at the computer, and send/receive APRS messages 
> all at the same time?
>
> 73
> KB3ONM
> Kirk 
>