Mac 10.6.8, Garmin 72H, OpenCPN - a valid mix?

[TeTaniwha]

Hi All,

Apologies if this has been covered here previously; I have searched the forums inside out without much luck.

I have OpenCPN 3.2.2 running on Mac OSX 10.6.8 - I can't update the OS as I rely upon some other OS version specific software on the computer for my daily bread.

It runs well enough, a little slow cause I'm running low on memory but seems to run nicely with the chart set from LINZ (half the Pacific, and Asia it seems!!)

The problem starts when:

I have a Garmin 72H, with mini USB outlet.

I just can't seem to get the GPS to talk to the computer and thence to OpenCPN.

Can anyone direct me to a driver so I can get the GPS talking? I've searched the web but just don't seem to be able to find what I need.

I tried the garmin communicator plugin, which only runs on safari. It found the GPS but didn't seem to allow any kind of functionality -- nadda, zipp! I'm not sure what good that really is to me!?

Anyway, any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers, R

[bletso]

I have managed to get my very old Garmin GPSMap76 to talk to OpenCPN. If it outputs NMEA 0183 you will need a serial to USB adapter such as Keyspan 19Q. Go to Garmin's website for the drivers.

[TeTaniwha]

Thanks Bletso,

I don't think i would need the serial to USB as the 72H already has a USB.

Maybe I'll buy the cable anyway...

Unfortunately I have searched the garmin website thoroughly and although I can't rule out that I may be missing something, I can't find a driver.

[ptulp]

Did you check if the Interface->Serial Data Format is set to NMEA i.s.o GARMIN?

[TeTaniwha]

Originally Posted by ptulp

Did you check if the Interface->Serial Data Format is set to NMEA i.s.o GARMIN?

Checked and set to NEMA.

I know that the connection is there, at least in part because I get this in safari using the garmin communicator plugin:

Perhaps I do need to use the 4 pin serial output, rather than the built in USB connection on the 72H? (the 72 has no USB connection; the 72H does)

Interestingly, this setup (using the mini USB port on the 72H) used to work in google earth, but not anymore. Same cable set up. Now it doesn't find it as a valid USB source to chose from.

I honestly can't find any garmin usb drivers for mac (as opposed to windows). I can find plenty of software updates etc, but a driver seems elusive.

R

[TeTaniwha]

Thanks, Checked and set but no change

I have posted a reply with a picture, but apparently pictures need moderating here, I didn't know that.

In short. Is there perhaps a difference in the output on the 72H depending upon if you use the 4 pin serial port or the built in USB I wonder??

[TeTaniwha]

Addendum to post #6

Setting the output to NMEA 4200 baud rate on the garmin 72H seems not to have had any effect on the output at the garmin USB port. I know this because google earth works as long as the G earth input is set to Garmin PVT and not NMEA...

It has possibly changed the 4 pin serial port output... but I can't tell.

R

[loadedmind]

Hi. Which Mac are you using? Believe it or not, some USB ports don't provide as much (electrical) output as the others is why I ask.


1) Unplug your Garmin from the Mac's USB port
2) Open Console (Finder->Applications->Utilities->Console) and select system.log (Under FILES section) from the left
3) Plug your Garmin into the USB port and watch system.log populate
4) Select the information from the right-hand window and post that information into your reply here

If you like, you can first "Clear Display" before you watch system.log. Basically, it's a running event of things noteworthy that happen on your Mac.