Which GPS to Purchase ?

[djmarchand]

Well, I got my GM-2 and after fussing around a bit with drivers and settings it works. I ran it for 2-1/2 hours with OpnCPN and it stayed connected. Alas it couldn't recover from unplugging and replugging, but closing and reopening OpnCPN got it working again quickly.

So, if you are running Win 7, this is the GPS for you.

David

[prroots]

Originally Posted by CarCode

There have been much problems with the Prolific devices posted here. See the Win 7 thread and others.
So I would strongly recommend the Keyspan USA-19HS RS232/USB adapter. A little bit more expensive but worth its money if someone is not willing to spend his time to fiddle around with the cheap chinese adapters.

Gerhard

How did you settle on that particular one? I notice that both Radio Shack and Staples sell USB to serial adapters that claim Vista and/or 7 compatibility. They both cost $40.
Pete

[ktcanuck]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

I have given up trying to get the BU-353 to work with Windows 7. I just ordered a TransSystem GM-2 GPS receiver. It is very similar to the BU-353 but uses a new chipset and a different USB/Serial chip and driver.

It is the same price as the BU-353. I'll report when I get it how it works.

David

What was your problem? I have had the BU-353 working on my Windows 7 Dell E6410ATG on both OpenCPN and Polarview without a hitch.

Keith

[djmarchand]

Keith:

There is a long thread that I started in the OpnCPN subgroup titled "GPS dropping out". That pretty well describes the problem. It would drop out after 20=90 minutes. Others reported the same problem. The new GPS solved it.

David

[simonmd]

Strange, I use a BU-353 reciver with Open CPN and a laptop running Win 7 64bit, not had any problems.

[Gypsy23]

I too have BU353 running under W7 (but 32 bit) without problems but David has had a bag full of frustrations. I suspect a conflict of drivers somewhere or some Windows registry problems but how to find out what is really happening in his system by remote diagnostics would be a big ask. Happily he has solved his problem with a different GPS. Just the fun and games of an OPEN system such as the PC/Windows combo. Personally, for my on-board system I am going to use a Ubuntu system with the BU353 and virtually nothing else connected or running to try to keep some of these variables under control.
Ray

[ktcanuck]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

Keith:

There is a long thread that I started in the OpnCPN subgroup titled "GPS dropping out". That pretty well describes the problem. It would drop out after 20=90 minutes. Others reported the same problem. The new GPS solved it.

David

I will take a look at your thread and I sympathize. The 353 is a great form factor - sorry it hasn't worked for you.

[HotRod]

I would strongly recommend Furuno GP32 or the newer GP33 with a ATEN UC232a usb to serial adapter (known to have great support for linux and windows up to Win7 32 & 64 bit).

[Brent Swain]

I have been warned by electronics people that Magellans are crap and should be avoided, which I later found to be true. Garmins are usually good , but their warrantees are useless ,so buy from a large store with it's own warrantee.