T&T: The Capn USB GPS

[Steve -Comcast]

Troy Leek wrote:
> HelloI have a laptop with no serial ports and I am using a Delorme USB GPS. To
> get the GPS to work in The Capn I have to edit the GPS.INI file to the
> assigned COM Port for the GPS.My question is how can I get NEMA data out from
> the computer to drive an autopilot? I have a USB to serial adapter but
> it looks like once The Capn is using a com port to receive gps on it uses the
> same one to transmit data out on.
> ThanksTroy Leek
>   
Troy,

Your serial connection to your gps should use pins# 2,3 &5. 5 is common 
ground, 2 is receive (into PC), 3 is transmit (from PC).

I'm not running the Capn, but other programs generally have a tools 
option that tell the program if the serial port is a listener or talker. 
You should be able to get your AP to listen if you have a connection 
between the 'NMEA in' on the AP (2 wires) and 'NMEA out' from the serial 
adapter (pins 3 & 5). You'll have to consult the AP manual to determine 
which wires are connected. If you have a pre-made adapter cable for your 
system, you may need to make up a serial cable with the needed 
connections. 3 wires should really be all you need.

I had some difficulty connecting my onboard computer to the Raymarine 
system, I finally got the AP to listen by connecting to the NMEA input 
on the course computer. If any of the Raymarine units have a course set, 
it really confuses the AP.

Hope that helps some.

Steve Sipe