Connecting GPS to OpenCPN

[Kevin84]

I've got a Garmin GPSmap 440s that I'd like to connect to my laptop so I can use it with OpenCPN. Any advice on how to do it? There are no USB ports on the GPS, and I'm kind of lost. Is it even possible to do that? Any help would be appreciated.

[donradcliffe]

The short answer is yes, you can.

You will need to

1. Turn on the NMEA output on the GPSMAP (RTFM)
2. Buy a serial/USB cable
3. Buy a serial cable which fits (2) and cut the other end off
4. Connect 2 NMEA out wires to 2 of the wires in the cut off cable (- to pin 5 and + to pin 2)
5. Install the serial/USB driver which works for your operating system
6. Connect everything up and turn on the GPS
7. Use Device Manager to figure out which com port the GPS is on (it will probably say 'prolific')
8. Go into openCPN/tools/gps and select the com port (and check that the baud rate is whatever the GPS manual says (Usually 4800)
9. If the boat symbol turns red, you're good to go (if not, try closing and opening openCPN)

Now wasn't that easy!

Or, for about the same outlay you can buy a USB GPS receiver
Amazon.com: GlobalSat BU-353 USB GPS Navigation Receiver: GPS & Navigation

[Kevin84]

Wow. Yeah, I think I'll just do that instead of trying to splice cables together. Thanks for the info!

[rgleason]

Also GlobalSat BR-355 PS2 with a specific GlobalSat USB BR305-USB2 cable will also work. I if you want to use this Waterproof puck for dual purpose without having to have the computer running, sending GPS position to your DSC/VHF, you can do it by getting a Globalstar split adapter cable with PS2 connection to the GPS Puck and a serial connection with a USB power connection.

Then cut the PS2 leg off and wire the red + power and the ground to the 5vdc side of a 12vdc adapter.
Then wire your VHF Nmea wires appropriately, so that position is received by the VHF.

[sinbad7]

Kevin84..

Or...if you have an Android smartphone with GPS,do as I did in my posting earlier on this page.

Android ´extGPS´app for OpenCPN

Tore

[nonam]

rgleason,I was given an old Raystar 125 gps antenna.One of the original models that dont put out the type of NMEA that the latest electronics require.Do you know if it will work with my DSC VHF radio?The radio has only two wires coming out of its GPS plug.So I would connect the NMEA out positive and negative?And I would need to power the GPS from a separate 12v source?

[rgleason]

125 Gps Manual
Raymarine Manuals and Product Documents

See ...To connect to NMEA 0183....
...If you do not have a breaker in the power circuit, an in-line 0.5 A quick blow fuse should be fitted to the positive (red) lead of the cable.

Also ....To connect to a Personal Computer using NMEA

Since the PC and VHF/DSC are "listeners" you could wire a simultaneous PC connection too,