[FARC] Kenwood/Garmin GPS Prob

[Erik Russell]

A couple of other things to watch out for... Even if a
USB pin-out diagram can be found you need to verify
that the USB can transmit location data (I assume in
the NMEA format) and that the USB is not solely for
the loading of maps and POIs.  For my APRS experiment
I ran into a different problem.  I thought about using
my Garmin 60CX with a serial output and the GPS does
transmit the NMEA format; however, the GPS is locked
at 9600 baud and the device using the output required
4800 baud.  Though, if you have a radio with a TNC you
should be able to configure the TNC to accept
something other than 4800 baud.

There are some inexpensive GPS receive only devices
out there.  Once that comes to mind is the Deluo
GPS(http://www.deluogps.com/prods_universal.html).  It
runs on 5 v and I have found it has a good sat lock
even from the inside of my trunk.

-- Erik, K8ESR


--- Bob Moroney <windbrkr at erols.com> wrote:

> 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 
> >   
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