Opencpn@ Garmin GPSmap 78sc

[Dauphine]

I have trying to plug my Garmin GPSmap 78cs into opencpn but the gps doesn't show up on my Device Manager page. I have seen it work with the 76sc model. I have downloaded and installed PL2303 Prolific Installer. Has anyone done this?


PS I am tech-challanged!

Jim B

[alex2035]

Originally Posted by Dauphine

I have trying to plug my Garmin GPSmap 78cs into opencpn but the gps doesn't show up on my Device Manager page. I have seen it work with the 76sc model. I have downloaded and installed PL2303 Prolific Installer. Has anyone done this?


PS I am tech-challanged!

Jim B

How do you connect the GPS? the Prolific PL2303 is for serial2usb cable with the Prolific chipset, it has nothing to do if you connect your unit through USB. Are you using a nmea interface cable? it seems this model only has high speed USB, no nmea? Garmin mode?
have you been to the GPS OCPN tab, NMEA data source?

[kiwitonita]

On my Garmin 78s I went to Main Menu > Setup > System > Interface > Garmin Spanner.

If you don't have Spanner in the list, use the Garmin WebUpdater utility (free download from Garmin) to update your GPS software as that feature was added some time ago.

Then connected the USB cable to the computer and on the GPS answered No to the "USB Cable detected. Would you like to go to Mass Storage?" question.

Started the OpenCPN programme which immediately put the boat at my location.

When I start the OpenCPN Dashboard the Position, Compass and SOG are all active and correct. The Satellite strength bars are not but up in the top right of OpenCPN I see the 3 green bars icon meaning full strength.

I also tested this on a Garmin eTrex 10 - the new entry level model. In the Interface menu there's only 2 options: Mass Storage and Garmin. Selected Garmin and it too worked fine - just as above.

I hope this helps.