No GPS fix

[riddon]

I cannot get a GPS fix to show on Open CPN. It used to work fine last time I was on the boat. Only changes since then are to update operating system on Mac and download latest Open CPN version.
Using Macbook pro with Mountain Lion, Garmin 128 GPS and Prolific 2303 USB / Serial adapter. I have re-installed the adapter and updated the driver and this appears to be working fine. AIS is working OK.
Any hints or tips I can try would be appreciated.

Richard Iddon

sv Robyn. Najad 460 in Thailand.

[George64]

You do get a fix on your gps?

Did you check your baudrate settings in your gps and opencpn.

[HappySeagull]

Maybe the port number of the gps has changed. Not sure about apple stuff but on Windows, the port number of the gps can change every time you plug it in. Opencpn needs to know what "port" the gps has been assigned by the operating system. Goto toolbox and look for the dialogue. There's much More in the manual about connecting to gps.

[neptunesjester]

Running on Ubuntu 10.04, the OS will randomly change the port number during boot up for a USB GPS if other USB devices are also connected. Also, unplugging the GPS and plugging it back in without rebooting causes the assigned port number to increment each time.

You can take OpenCPN out of the equation and use a terminal program like Putty to search the ports for the gps data stream. This also demonstrates it is the OS, not OpenCPN, that is changing the port configuration.

Later,
NJ

[riddon]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Garmin GPS is working fine. Baud rate is 4800 for Garmin and Open CPN. I don't think Mac has port numbers. I have identified the usb serial adapter I wish to use from the drop down list and selected it OK. Still no joy.

Richard.

[CarCode]

Richard,
your old prolific driver does not work with mountain lion anymore. Try to find a new one or better use the Keyspan USA19HS adapter. Keyspan has a driver for mountain lion since long times ago.

Gerhard

[riddon]

Thanks Gerhard. You have solved the problem for me. I have a Keyspan which I am currently using for my Iridium phone. Tried the GPS with it and it worked immediately. I guess I will have to buy another now.
Richard.

[CarCode]

Keyspan USB adapters are a little bit more expensive but the best adapters I know for any operation system. I have used them for years and they have solved any problem for me.
(I have nothing to do with this company.)