Serial Ports setup

[osprey_II]

My computer has only 2 USB ports one is used for my autopilot the other I have a USB splitter (unpowered) for the GPS and anything else. Opencpn works fine with this setup. However I am trying to configure a third port for my AIS 183 output from my VHF radio at 38400 baud connected to the USB splitter. When I plug in the AIS opencpn assigns the same com port as the GPS is configured on so for example I see the autopilot ok on com 10 and then two instances of com 11. My GPS signal then disappears. Any help with this would be appreciated.

[Hakan]

Originally Posted by osprey_II

.........When I plug in the AIS opencpn assigns the same com port as the GPS is configured.....

osprey...
I may misunderstand what you say but OCPN will never assign a port to a new connection by itself. You've to select one from the list OR enter it yourself. like: COM11.
To be sure which COM port is used for your AIS open Windows Device Manager and see what's happening when you connect and disconnect you AIS-USB to the USB-HUB/Splitter. Select or enter the corresponding COM port in OCPN Connections. Be sure to set correct baud rate.

To find and use the Device Manager also have a look here: https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...rted:gps_setup


Win10 use to remember which COM port is earlier used for different gadgets but I've not tried a non powered USB Hub. And older Widows can sometime change the COM port number for a specific USB. Device Manager is the tool to use to check this.

Håkan

[osprey_II]

When I connected my GPS and autopilot opencpn listed the com ports 10 and 11 correctly which I selected, configured and applied and everything worked correctly. GPS on com 10 and autopilot on 11. When I connected the AIS instead of listing another com port number opencpn listed another com port 10 that when things got confused and the GPS signal was lost.

I will try the device manager approach.

[rgleason]

Label your usb devices & the hub. Never change positions.

I have added some Tips to this FAQ. Thanks Hakan.

FAQ: Can OpenCPN receive multiple data streams from a USB hub?

[Bill O]

Osprey,
Are you using a Pi or Windows based computer?


Bill O.