[aprssig] Tomtom's For APRS (Question)

[Bob Burns W9RXR]

At 08:47 PM 4/1/2012, Pat Cook wrote:

>RS-232 interfaces (In ANY form) are ANTIQUATED RELICS !

Really? RS-232 interfaces do not require a tremendous amount of CPU 
horsepower unlike a USB host. In order for a TNC to accept a USB 
connection to a GPS receiver, the TNC must be able to act as a USB 
host. Plus, the TNC would have to know how to decode whatever format 
the GPS receiver manufacturer makes available on it USB port. Those 
protocols are often not made available to third-party developers. As 
Stephen stated, the USB ports on most GPS-based navigation units are 
only used to charge the battery in the device and to communicate with 
the unit manufacturer's proprietary software.

NMEA 0183 over RS-232 is the common ground. And there are plenty of 
GPS receivers available that use this interface.

Bob...