[aprssig] Garmin GPS-18-USB for $25 !
Stephen H. Smith
wa8lmf2 at aol.com
Fri Dec 5 23:24:09 EST 2008
This may be of interest to users of Windows-based APRS software. I
received an emailed flyer from CompUPlus, a US mail-order computer
store. They are currently offering the USB version of the Garmin
GPS-18 for USD $24.99.
The URL for this item on their website is:
<http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?sid=1ci31i3rtyvw8yo&id=1004357&utm_medium=refer>
The proprietary Garmin binary output from this device CAN NOT be used
directly by any APRS program (or most mapping programs other than the
included Garmin NRoute software). However, either Garmin's own
downloadable freeware driver, or Franson GPSgate can convert the
proprietary data on USB to generic NMEA on one or more virtual COM ports
usable by any APRS or mapping program.
Note that this device WILL NOT work with standalone APRS hardware such
as TinyTracks, Kenwood Radios, TNCS, etc (you need a GPS with a real
serial output for these devices). It would be a cheap solution for
APRS applications running on computers, especially new ones that lack
classic serial COM ports. For computer use, a real convenience of using
USB-interfaced GPS units is that they are powered by the USB port - no
batteries or external power adapters required!
No connection with this enterprise (other than that I have bought stuff
from them before with no problems). Just thought this might be of
interest to other APRS users.
--
Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com
EchoLink Node: 14400 [Think bottom of the 2M band]
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