GPS cable ???

You should be able to get a USB serial convertor for much less, just about anywhere.

Just have a look around next ime your near a PC store.

Hi Ozzy,

I have just been through the same proccess, I bought one for $12 from e-bay + I think $6 postage. It included software etc. delivered in a couple of days. I think the search that I used was "usb to serial connector".

Seeya, OM&M.

We had the same problem. Any computer store will sell the serial to USB adaptor for $10 - $20 (complete with software).

You also need to know that when you install it, the software creates a 'Virtual' serial port, on the USB port that you plug the adaptor into.
Various parameters (including Com Port Number) are set for this port.
Why is this important ? -

Make sure you always plug it into the same USB port, or else you will need to change the settings on either GPS or Laptop every time, to enable them to communicate.

You may also find that Windows XP wants to install a new 'Pointing Device' - eg it finds a new hardware device, in addition to the adaptor.
You will know if this happens, as your on-screen mouse pointer doesn't correlate to movements of your physical mouse (when the adaptor is plugged in).
Solution to this is to firstly unplug the adaptor, then go into the control panel; system; hardware; device manager - find the extra 'pointing device' and disable it. Do not delete it, or windows will try to install it again, every time you connect the serial/usb adaptor.

The Oziexplorer forum is an excellent source of info on GPS etc - try
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OziUsers-L

All the best with the install.........regards.

Bought one off Ebay for $11 from HKG. Was to connect a multimeter up to a laptop for data logging, it didn't work. Plugged it into my modem and it worked though. On closer inspection with a RS232 tester it was not setting the correct pins (such as DSR,DTR & RTS) and was not following the RS232 standard. Went to Jaycar and bought one for $40 and it worked perfectly. It seems these cheap ones do not act like a true serial port. May work for some devices but might not work too. Only one way to find out though.

I have a USB to Serial which works perfectly with my Meridian Colour. Buy one from Jaycar or Dick Smith so if it happened not to work you could return it and try a different one.

Gerhard

$39 at Jaycar

link text

Thanks to all, once again Explore Oz forum saves the day.
Ozzy

Guys, as mentioned before you can get the serial to USB cables from THIS web site!

Just a follow for mac users - Keystone serial to USB seems to be the only one that works for the mac (have not tried it with a GPS though) and one *must* have the correct drivers.

Has anyone used a GPSon a mac using the Keystone?

/viz

Why use a Keystone on a mac whenyou can buy a GlobalSat BU303 with a USB connector and works with mac?