[aprssig] THD7A GPS Question

[Greg D.]

Hi Sam,

My (old) Garmin GPS-III works perfectly.  My (brand new) Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is USB-only, so it does not.  

I was planning to get a little GPS module (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=465 looks good) to replace the GPS-III on the Kenwood D7, but now I may need to re-think that (or plan on adding a 9v battery!).  Thanks for the (9v) tip!

 For background, my GPS-III is starting to lose it's display.  Several rows of pixels are out, and it's getting worse and harder to read.  And, after 10 years, I think I deserve a new one...  In researching what is out there, and my particular needs, it came down to either the GPS Map 60CSx or the eTrex Vista HCx.  Both are basically identical in features, but the 60 is larger and has a serial port in addition to USB.  The size of the 60 is a negative, except for the display, as you can't put it in your pocket very well, and the operating buttons are at the bottom which makes working it one-handed a bit harder.  So, the Vista was the answer, but I still need something for the Kenwood.  In the short term, the old GPS-III is still ok, even if the display goes totally out, but the newer modules are much more sensitive, smaller, and I figure I can build a little enclosure and tap into the Kenwood battery (the 4 x AA pack) to run it.  And maybe add a 9v "bias battery" and level shifter too, if the module's output isn't strong enough.

Thanks again for posting,

Greg  KO6TH


----------------------------------------
> From: gucci1 at mchsi.com
> To: aprssig at lists.tapr.org
> Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:13:16 -0600
> Subject: RE: [aprssig] THD7A GPS Question
> 
> Thanks to everyone who responded to the problem. To make the record complete
> here is what I found out and my temporary solution.
> 
> I had the cable to the D7A wired correctly and all settings were correct.
> Apparently all of the GPS receivers that I have including my eTrex were not
> able to supply the appropriate signal for the D7A to work that is 8 volts on
> the tip of the D7 plug. So I connected a 9 v battery with a switch to "fool"
> the D7 into thinking it is getting valid data from the GPS receiver. Works
> great just a pain to have to press the switch to get update on GPS location.
> 
> My final question, what GPS models will work with the D7 so I can buy one
> that will work without any work around like my 9 volt battery solution
> above.
> 
> Thanks again to everyone for the help. I learned a lot.
> 
> Sam K3BY
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org
> [mailto:aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org]On Behalf Of Sam Guccione
> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 7:45 PM
> To: aprssig at lists.tapr.org
> Subject: [aprssig] THD7A GPS Question
> 
> 
> After a long lapse I am trying to get my THD7A setup with a GPS. However,
> something doesnt seem to be working. I am using a Garmin ETREX set to NMEA
> output. I can see the GPS sentences when I plug it into the serial port on
> my laptop. I connected the ETREX to a cable with a subminiature plug then
> into the GPS jack on the THD7A. I expected to see the POS have the GPS lat
> and long but all I get are all zeros. Manual does not say much of anything
> about the GPS port. Anyone have suggestion on what I could try to get it
> working. What am I missing? Something stupid?
> 
> Sam K3BY
> 
> 
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