No DataPort choices

[BoatHunting]

I'm trying to set up a data connection to my Garmin GPS. When I add a new OpenCPN connection, one of the options is a DataPort drop down menu. My problem is that the menu contains no choices, it's completely blank.


I'm running OpenCPN 4.8.6 on Windows 7.


The connection setup process worked a month ago, but not today.



Other drop down menus on the connection setup page work fine, but not the DataPort selection menu.

[rgleason]

What are you making a Network connection or Serial?
I expect Serial.

If you actually have a ComPort configured that is receiving Nmea0183 data you will most likely see the comm port listed in the Dataport dropdown.


Are you sure there is a comm port configured with Gps data on it?
Do you have the Garmin GPS set to the proper output? There are two modes Garmin Proprietary and Serial.
Search the wiki for Garmin GPS or try the FAQ, also search this forum for Garmin GPS. The first step is to setup the garmin GPS output so it will work with Opencpn. Read the Garmin manual about this too.



You can type the comm port into the Datawindow, and Opencpn will show the Nmea Data in the Nmea Debug window if it is properly configured.


Please see the Wiki documentation about "Getting Started"

[BoatHunting]

On OpenCPN I'm requesting a serial connection: 4800 baud



The Garmin GPS "Interface" is set to "Garmin Serial".



There are no DataPort choices on OpenCPN, it's a blank drop down menu.


I would think you can configure DataPort with or without an actual connection, but, there are simply no choices and typing something in the field accomplishes nothing.

[BoatHunting]

Figured it out.


The Garmin GPS must create a virtual port. If it doesn't, OpenCPN doesn't see it and therefore there's no port to select in the DataPort drop down menu.


The correct "Interface" selection on the Garmin is not "Garmin Serial", it's "Garmin Spanner".


With this selection, Garmin will ask if you want to go to mass storage when the USB cable connects it to the PC. Choose "No".

[rgleason]

Ok then the data does not exist yet in a form to be connected to.
I'm not going to do the searches I suggested earlier. There are instructions available. Try to find them.