No Autopilot Output

[tarkatoo]

Does anyone know of problems using the Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 serial adapter (Prolific PL2303HX chipset) under Windows 7 for Autopilot output?


I have it installed with the latest drivers on COM5. The port is set to 4800 baud under device manager. I can access COM5 fine using Hyperterm and do a loop back test. I can also see data received in Hyperterm if I test COM5 by connecting to my Raymarine course computer NMEA output.


The log file shows that Opencpn (I’m running V2.5) recognises the port when I set Autopilot output to COM5. I have separate COM ports for AIS on COM3 (radargadget) and GPS on COM4 (Transystem GM-2). I have set the .ini file to send RMC as well as RMB. I set a Waypoint “Goto” (although the boat is at the dock) so that there is some navigation data active, but there appears to be no data being sent. I’m using two wires – pin 5 for NMEA- and pin 3 for NMEA+. I’ve even tried pin 2 in case I got the receive/transmit round the wrong way.


What am I doing wrong? Is there any way of logging activity, i.e. what Opencpn thinks it is sending? Any problems I should be aware of?



Paul.

[sgschwend]

I used virtual serial port kit and 232 analyzer, both free trial copies.

I used virtual serial port to connect the AP port (com5) to com6 and then setup 232 analyzer to monitor com6. Once I told OpenCPN to navigate a data stream showed up in the monitor window (rmb) one set every 1 second or so.

let me know what you find out

steve

[tarkatoo]

Steve,

This was inspired advice. I downloaded the software and configured as you suggested, which helped me diagnose the problem (it wasn't opencpn).

Very many thanks for your help.

Paul.