OpenCPN (Linux version) cannot receive GPS data

[branno]

I have used the Windows version of OpenCPN for many years and now want to try the Linux version.

Linux and OpenCPN installations were carried out without any problems.
I have followed the setup in the OpenCPN user manual.
The HW (HP Laptop and Asus Eeebox) have also been used for the OpenCPN Windows version without any problem.
My problem is that OpenCPN for Linux don’t receive GPS (NMEA) data.

SW:
Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS (Bionic Beaver)
OpenCPN 4.99.1508
gpsd 3-17-5

HW:
GPS: Global Sat BU-353S4 (USB)
HP EliteBook 840 G3
Asus EB1033 (Eeebox)

What I have done/tested:
With Terminal window verified that gps data i received:
$ stty -F /dev/ttyUSB0 ispeed 4800 && cat </dev/ttyUSB0
Also checked that gpsd is working:
$ ps aux | grep gpsd

Network (gpsd):
- OpenCPN setup (Connections): Network - GPSD - localhost - Port 2947
- In OpenCPN no data is displayed in the NMEA Debug Window.
Serial:
- Killed the gpsd application
- Checked that user belong to the dialout group
- OpenCPN setup (Connections): Serial - NMEA 0183 - /dev/ttyUSB0/ 4800 baud
- Get KERNAL warning.
- Added requested file /etc/udev/rules.d/70-opencpn.rules
- Still no data displayed in the NMEA Debug Window.

[cagney]

The only reason to use gpsd is if you need to run another gpsd client at the same time as OpenCPN.
I have not used gpsd for years, and doing a quick test , I can not get it to work either.
Of course this needs sorting out, but I definitely recommend using a direct connection.

Your test probably did not work because gpsd already occupied /dev/ttyUSB0.
You should have changed to /dev/ttyUSB1.....

Once you have plugged in the gps, run

dmesg | grep tty

and you will see what port is connected.

Ubuntu has changed over the past few years. Years ago you had to uninstall gpsd if you did not use it. Currently on my 19.10 that is not the case.
I can't say how it works on 18.04, in this regard, right now.

Thomas

[branno]

Thanks for quick reply!
It seems that the gps is connected via USB0 anyway:
[ 0.292649] printk: console [tty0] enabled
[ 9.417873] usb 3-1: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0

Still no gps data to Open CPN.
How about the KERNEL warning and the rules.d file I added? Do I need it?

[cagney]

You have the connection

- OpenCPN setup (Connections): Serial - NMEA 0183 - /dev/ttyUSB0/ 4800 baud

Hopefully this is the only enabled connection.

Do you have any other programs running that uses the gps? If so - kill them.

Try uninstalling gpsd. Restart.

The udev rules are for persistent connections. Not really necessary in a simple case like this.

- Added requested file /etc/udev/rules.d/70-opencpn.rules

What is the content of this file?

How about the KERNEL warning

What was the content of the warning?

Thomas

PS
Please upgrade to OpenCPN version 5.0, so that we know that we are on the same page.

[cagney]

Regarding gpsd. I come as far as you, and note that gpsd restarts automatically
if killed. But as "cgps" ( or xgps) shows no data the problem is not with OpenCPN.
It may be a problem with the Ubuntu Udev Hotplug rules.
https://gpsd.gitlab.io/gpsd/troubleshooting.html

Use the direct connect option!

Thomas

[LennartG]

branno, using udev rules could be an advantage as it allows for distinct naming of e.g. GPS or other devices connected to the USB ports. It may otherwise happen that the 'ttyUSB'-number varies due to recognition order.

Look at this, all under Unix:
Connect the device and use the 'lsusb' command, it will display (as for my GPS) something like: Bus 005 Device 002: ID 067b:2303 Prolific Technology, Inc. PL2303 Serial Port
The section ' 067b:2303' is the important one, it tells the vendor and product ID's.
Now do ''dmesg | grep usb', it will display that the device is connected to a 'ttyUSB'-port, this assuming there is a suitable kernel module loaded.
Disconnect the GPS and edit the udev rules, e.g. using 'sudo vi /etc/udev/rules.d/99-gps.rules' (or whatever editor you prefer) and add the line:

KERNEL=="ttyUSB*", ATTRS{idVendor}=="067b", ATTRS{idProduct}=="2303", GROUP="adm", SYMLINK+="ttyGPS", MODE="0666"

You recognize the GPS ID-numbers from the 'lsbusb' and the line should be self-explonatory.
Now connect the GPS again and do a 'ls -la /dev/tty*', you will find the GPS both as a symlink and under the autodetected name as the GPS will now (also) show up as 'ttyGPS'. You may now connect to '/dev/ttyGPS' in OpenCPN and that name will then never change.

/Lennart

[conachair]

Originally Posted by LennartG

branno, using udev rules could be an advantage as it allows for distinct naming of e.g. GPS or other devices connected to the USB ports. It may otherwise happen that the 'ttyUSB'-number varies due to recognition order.

Also, Openplotter does all that for you, in the 'serial' app. And will set up the input into signalk for you with the click of a mouse >

[LennartG]

That's nice but I got the impression he is running Ubuntu 18.04 and then openplotter is another platform, right?

[verkerkbr]

Originally Posted by LennartG

That's nice but I got the impression he is running Ubuntu 18.04 and then openplotter is another platform, right?

The OpenPlotter add-ons running also in other Linux systems and work just the same.

But you must of course install the SignalK server.

Here running the OpenPlotter applications on my Linux Mint Tricia AMD64.

The OpenCPN with direct input from SignalK is allready running here.

Bram

[LennartG]

This is spinning off-track. The user had a problem connecting a GPS, not connecting openplotter add-ons onto Linux systems.

[rgleason]

Guys, do the instructions for connecting gps in linux need update and or additional detail?

[verkerkbr]

My remarks are about the information from Conachair. OpenPlotter runs in Linux systems and have an easy way to add a serial device.

I don't see a problem with direct input in OpenCPN if there is only one nmea talker on the line.

OpenPlotter indicates the usb serial automatic.

[LennartG]

Rick, what I added above could be a useful addition or comment as it ensures the name used in OpenCPN will be consistent.
Can't tell if the same can be applied to Windows, haven't used Windows in a decade or more, but assume something similar can be found there
/Lennart

[conachair]

Originally Posted by LennartG

That's nice but I got the impression he is running Ubuntu 18.04 and then openplotter is another platform, right?

Ooopps, wrong thread... though the openplotter deb can be run on any linux, not sure if the serial will work for sure though.

[branno]

Since I am completely new to Linux, I think the first step is to understand why I do not have the latest Linux version of OpenCPN (5.0?).

I installed OpenCPN from the “Ubunto Software” application.

Then I executed:
sudo add-apt-repository ppapencpn/opencpn
sudo apt-get update
and updates (even OpenCPn) seemed to be downloaded correct.

In the Software&Updates application (Other Software) I can see:
http://ppa/launchpad.net/opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu bionic main
http://ppa/launchpad.net/opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu bionic main (Source Code)

When I then start open OpenCPN I still have 4.99.1508

I have Ubunto 18.04.3 LTS. Shall I try with a later version?

/Ralf