PC Navigation Explained

PC Navigation Explained

Most GPS devices are capable of transmitting, via an attached cable, the information collected from those satellites in the sky. The GPS unit outputs data "sentences" to a receiving device, in our specific case an onboard laptop computer. These sentences typically contain current position, course, speed, date and time.

The cable from the GPS unit is plugged into a "port", or socket, of the laptop. This may be an older-style male 9 pin serial port, or a more modern USB type. Either way, PC navigation software running on the computer can process the GPS data and display functional information accordingly.

Now let's examine some examples of the cables, plugs and ports that may be required, (please click on images to enlarge).....

This type of cable is used to connect the GPS to a 9 pin male serial port on the PC laptop. The PC female serial plug is on the far left. This item should cost about 10 GBP on Ebay.

This type of cable is similar to the one above, but incorporates a "cigarette lighter" power supply to the GPS unit as well. About 12 GBP on Ebay.

This is an example of a USB plug...

This picture shows the male 9 pin serial port on the rear of a PC , and a cluster of 2 USB ports.

If your existing GPS unit outputs serial data, (non-USB), and the laptop has USB ports only, you will need a "serial to USB" adapter. About 8 GBP on Ebay.

To power your onboard laptop, a 12v DC power adapter will be required. This unit outputs selectable voltages that match the laptop specifications. Shouldn't cost more than 15 GBP.

If all this technical stuff seems a bit daunting, don't worry. Once the concept of PC navigation is grasped, the system will look quite simple! Here are some typical hardware configurations...

Here we have a hand-held GPS unit, with a 9-pin male serial plug/power supply cable.

This config introduces a unit known as a GPS "mouse". Powered directly from the USB port of the laptop, it has no screen or buttons etc; simply a cable terminating in a USB plug. It makes for the neatest installation possible.

This layout is the most complex. It is similar to the first example, but the laptop has only USB ports. Hence the requirement for the serial-USB adapter we mentioned earlier.

We have been regularly asked to explain the concept of PC navigation; maybe this section has made it a bit clearer!!

If you require any further advice please do not hesitate to contact The Development Team with details of your existing hardware; we'll gladly advise you of the minimum requirements and where to get them.

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