Etrex Via Usb

[+CuplaKiwis]

I've got a pFranc serial cable that I wired up a few years ago, butr would prefer to connect via USB given the choice. What's my best bet (financially and reliability-wise!)? Get a serial-USB converter (they seem expensive for what they are...) or track down a dedicated USB cable?

 

Alternatively, how hard would it be to wire a USB plug on instead? I know lots about wiring/soldering etc, but sweet f.a. about USB, so is this even possible?!

 

Cheers All.

Aidan

[davester]

http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod2164.html

 

This place seems to have what you want as a cable.

 

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...oduct_uid=40608

 

Otherwise Ebuyer have a fairly cheap converter.

[+tonycollins]

You need to be a little carful with the converter solution depending on the software. Basically if the software accesses the serial port via the API, there is no problem. However, if it accesses the serial port hardware directly, it will have problems with many converter cables.

 

There is one we have trialled at work which seems to be pretty bombproof, working with our own software which fails with most converters. If you like, I'll dig out the make/model, and post it here.

[+CuplaKiwis]

You need to be a little carful with the converter solution depending on the software. Basically if the software accesses the serial port via the API, there is no problem. However, if it accesses the serial port hardware directly, it will have problems with many converter cables.

 

There is one we have trialled at work which seems to be pretty bombproof, working with our own software which fails with most converters. If you like, I'll dig out the make/model, and post it here.

It really does pay to ask those who know!

 

Cheers, Tony. This would be very useful.

[Dave from Glanton]

I've had a few problems with USB/serial converters. My latest laptop came without a serial cable, so I had to get a converter so I could work with some serial-only hardware and it was very flaky. It did work from time to time, but was pretty intermittent.

So my advice would be to avoid converters (unless you can get a cast iron guarantee that the seller will give you a refund if it doesn't work for you)

[+tonycollins]

It really does pay to ask those who know!

 

Cheers, Tony. This would be very useful.

OK, The one we tested is here

 

http://www.sitecom.com/products_info.php?p..._id=31&grp_id=1

 

and is available from

 

http://www.smcdirect.co.uk/detail.asp?id=15739

or

http://www.pcupgrader.com/detail.asp?id=15739

 

(look to be the same place to me)

 

But it isn't cheap!

[+FamilyBean]

I have a yellow etrex with a usb-serial adapter from

GPSbitz UK

Probably not the cheapest but they know what they are on about and mine works fine.

[+John Stead]

I got a USB-Serial convertor from Norma Pinkerton, who is the Pfranc agent fo the UK some time ago and it have performed faultlessly. Try this link http://pfranc.com/cgi-bin/pub/c_uk/?pid=USB_G4

It appears similar to the one referred to in the last posting and although not cheap the service was first class.

Edited January 5, 2005 by John Stead

[Mittellegi]

This one USB-Serial from IC Intracom works fine with my Sony VAIO / etrex Legend / Mapsource

 

It's also cheap at £8 + VAT

[+Brenin Tegeingl]

I got a USB-Serial convertor from Norma Pinkerton, who is the Pfranc agent fo the UK some time ago and it have performed faultlessly. Try this link http://pfranc.com/cgi-bin/pub/c_uk/?pid=USB_G4

It appears similar to the one referred to in the last posting and although not cheap the service was first class.

Here's the actual site for Norma Lynks Cables having purchased a cable of them, I can confirm that they give a brilliant service, which included phoning me, when I couldn't get my Etrex and easygps talking (pre GSAK days). Turned out my version of easygps was corrupted, the next time I need a cable, I will go back to them.

Dave

[Clarets0]

Was I just lucky? £2.10 inc postage.

 

eBay

 

This worked perfectly first time up with my laptop (OK, I'd to mess a bit with the com port setting but that was all).

[+mongoose39uk]

I got a USB-Serial convertor from Norma Pinkerton, who is the Pfranc agent fo the UK some time ago and it have performed faultlessly.  Try this link  http://pfranc.com/cgi-bin/pub/c_uk/?pid=USB_G4

It appears similar to the one referred to in the last posting and although not cheap the service was first class.

Here's the actual site for Norma Lynks Cables having purchased a cable of them, I can confirm that they give a brilliant service, which included phoning me, when I couldn't get my Etrex and easygps talking (pre GSAK days). Turned out my version of easygps was corrupted, the next time I need a cable, I will go back to them.

Dave

I can confirm that Norma tells you it as it is and if she does not know says so. Good prices and good sevice. If you are not sure after looking on the web site give her a bell and get good simple friendly advice.

 

Me a negative bu**er was very happy with the service I recieved.

 

Cheers

 

Tony

[Sheards]

Got mine from

 

http://www.pc-mobile.net/home2.htm

 

Along with the necessary cable to connect my eTrex to my Toshiba PPC. Not had any problems with the PPC, XP desktop or Win2K laptop.

 

Iain

[+Pengy&Tigger]

USB to Serial convertor

 

This is the one we bought, works fine with yellow etrex, and Vista. Also they are just down the road from us, so just pop in and pick up.

 

Pengy

[+CuplaKiwis]

Thanks very much for all the replies - I have loads to go on now.

 

Will close this thread.

 

Cheers,

Aidan.