I think I am going to kill myself. Very soon now.

**justintime** · 07-12-2005, 06:03 PM

So I bought a Rikaline 6010 USB GPS, and it works perfectly with 3 computers I have at home.

So I built a CarPC using an M7NCG400 motherboard, and Athlon XP-M 2400+ (a popular combo in this forum), and the GPS does not work properly. It works for a few seconds, and then the data stream just stalls. (I observed see this behavior using several popular GPS utilities)

Troubleshooting so far:
-Re-installed Windows. Same issue.
-Updated BIOS and all Nforce2 drivers. Same issue.
-Changed memory. Same issue
-Changed processor to a regular Athlon XP 1800+. Same issue.
-Changed Power Supply (PSU) to a regular 300W ATX PSU. Same issue.
-Swapped motherboard for a new one. Same issue.

So the only way I can get this GPS to work with my CarPC is to connect the GPS to a USB powered hub, and connect the hub to the computer. Works flawless this way, proven (left it running for 24 hours straight, not a sincle hiccup).

My conclusions:
============
-Can't be an issue with the GPS, since it works on other PCs.
-Can't be an issue with memory, PSU, CPU or mobo, since I swapped all those.
-Must be an issue related to power, apparently the bus-powered USB on the mobo cannot deliver enough power (as it does work through a powered hub). But I already know this mobo normally *can* deliver enough power because I have talked to other members using same mobo+GPS without issues.

Does anyone have any ideas what might be happenning here? I am usually very good at troubleshooting these types of issues, but this is a total mystery to me, and I could really use some help from others in this forum.

Right now, my project is on hold until I can get this resolved. I feel beaten up by this whole problem.

**Clarre** · 07-12-2005, 06:09 PM

Are you testing the new car PC in the car? If so where do you have the antenna for the GPS?

**justintime** · 07-12-2005, 06:12 PM

No, I have been testing at home. The antenna is sitting on my desk, which likely gets no signal, but who cares. It works on my Home PC, with my antenna on the same spot. It also works when powered through USB hub, all else equal.

And I also tried it outside, full signal, 7/8 stellites, and had the exact same issue.

So this is really not related to satellite signal, but more likely power to the GPS. Still can' quite nail this down though.

Originally Posted by Clarre

Are you testing the new car PC in the car? If so where do you have the antenna for the GPS?

**Clarre** · 07-12-2005, 06:16 PM

That sounds very strange. Sorry but then I can't help you. I hope you get it in order.

**Wiredwrx** · 07-12-2005, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by justintime

No, I have been testing at home. The antenna is sitting on my desk, which likely gets no signal, but who cares. It works on my Home PC, with my antenna on the same spot. It also works when powered through USB hub, all else equal.

And I also tried it outside, full signal, 7/8 stellites, and had the exact same issue.

So this is really not related to satellite signal, but more likely power to the GPS. Still can' quite nail this down though.

Did you ever try a different GPS receiver (not a different model, but a different unit like the one you have)

I guess it is possible that your particular receiver has some sort of need for more power. While it works fine with other MB that are able to supply the current, your carputer setup cannot. And although other people can run this exact setup, your is having issues because the receiver is the culprit, and it needs more power then everyone elses.

It's a theory, I guess

Michael

**fantomas** · 07-12-2005, 06:23 PM

why can't you just use a powered hub in the car?

**evandude** · 07-12-2005, 06:27 PM

it does sound screwy... but you could patch the problem... take the GPS unit USB cable (or if you dont want to risk it, get a USB extension cable) cut it open, and cut the +5v wire (and ground, if you want) and run them to a molex connector inside the case, instead of to the USB port... basically a homemade one-port powered USB hub

**Wiredwrx** · 07-12-2005, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by fantomas

why can't you just use a powered hub in the car?

I don't think that is the point. While that is a solution, I think he is mostly wondering "why doesn't it work with out the powered hub since it works perfectly for others with the exact same setup"

Michael

**justintime** · 07-12-2005, 06:50 PM

@fantomas: Yeah well... a powered USB hub I guess is an option, but I have serious space constraints as it is. Plus I'd hate to have to hack this out to get it to work properly.

@wiredwrx: I guess I could try another identical GPS, but I ruled out this as being the problem because it works on other PCs. (I do see your point though)

Noteworthy: The only things on the PC which I have not changed are the GPS, and the Hard Drive. I did re-install windows on the HD though.

**Wiredwrx** · 07-12-2005, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by justintime

@fantomas: Yeah well... a powered USB hub I guess is an option, but I have serious space constraints as it is. Pplus I'd hate to have to hack this out to get it to work properly.

@wiredwrx: I guess I could try another identical GPS, but I ruled out this as being the problem because it works on other PCs. The only things on the PC which I have not changed are the GPS, and the Hard Drive. I did re-install windows on the HD though.

Originally Posted by wiredwrx

Did you ever try a different GPS receiver (not a different model, but a different unit like the one you have)

I guess it is possible that your particular receiver has some sort of need for more power. While it works fine with other MB that are able to supply the current, your carputer setup cannot. And although other people can run this exact setup, yours is having issues because the receiver is the culprit, and it needs more power then everyone elses.

EDIT: Lets look at it this way. All of the following is just for illustrative purposes.

Normally, the Rikaline receiver requires 1 amp to run. All of your MBs including the carputer, can supply the 1 amp. However, for some reason, your Rikaline needs 2 amps. Since most MBs can supply 2 amps, it works on other MBs that you own, however, your carputer MB can only supply 1 amp. more then enough for a "normal" rikaline, but not enough for your Rikaline because it needs more power.

Since the only thing (besides the HD) that you have not tried changing out is the receiver, then what else is left to be the culprit.

Michael

Oh ya, and it is just a theory. I have no concrete proof that this is your problem. However, logic and deductive reasoning leads me to this conclusion.

Remember, electronics are built with parts that are with in a tolerance. If the receiver is made with 10% tolerance, and all of the parts are at the maximum in a single direction (or at least, in a direction that is cumulative), it could cause some unexpected results. I have often wondered what would happen if all the parts in a device maxed out the tolerance. Perhaps this is the result.