Globalsat BR-355 Mini-review

**frontliner** · 09-18-2005, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by grepzen

I, myself, wasn't aware that the 355 req'd two precious ports on the back of my Car•PC but the merits of the 355 are worth the price.

What you tell is an important point... what's not explained in the technical descriptions before buying.

I was currently wondering what version i will order for (ps2 or usb)... i'd prefered the ps2 one... thought it was designed to be connected to a ps2 connector only... however, i had a doubt about how it could really work on the ps2 only... because it's basically a serial device... Now it's clear, only power is provided through the ps2 connector and data flows through the db9 pin... So, it uses not only one but two connectors on the computer... Then, it's finally not so interesting than expected... excepted in case of problem with usb ports after hibernation...

Originally Posted by grepzen

the 355 was designed with 'adaptation' in mind. a wide range of adapters are available for the 355..

can you describe what kind of adapters are available exactly with the 355 ?
are they part of the package with the receiver or do you have to order for them separately ?

**omehegan** · 09-20-2005, 11:13 AM

I just got my BR-355. For the record, if anyone cares, it worked out of the box, with no driver install necessary, on my Mac with OS X 10.4. I got the USB adaptor for it, so in Windows I will need a Prolific USB-Serial bridge driver. buygpsnow.com sent me printed instructions for installing the driver, but they indicate that I should use a CD that apparently isn't included. I'll have to download those later.

**omehegan** · 09-20-2005, 11:42 AM

Found the driver I needed (works for XP anyway) here:

http://www.usglobalsat.com/downloads..._Installer.exe

**BoyNextDoor** · 09-20-2005, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by omehegan

I just got my BR-355. For the record, if anyone cares, it worked out of the box, with no driver install necessary, on my Mac with OS X 10.4. I got the USB adaptor for it, so in Windows I will need a Prolific USB-Serial bridge driver. buygpsnow.com sent me printed instructions for installing the driver, but they indicate that I should use a CD that apparently isn't included. I'll have to download those later.

Have you checked under the grey foam, that holds the GPs in the box? I thought there's noi cd, untill i lifted up the foam

But it will work w/ the older drivers say for the Rikaline. I had the rikaline, and had nothing to change before adding the BR-355

cheers

**omehegan** · 09-20-2005, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by BoyNextDoor

Have you checked under the grey foam, that holds the GPs in the box? I thought there's noi cd, untill i lifted up the foam

But it will work w/ the older drivers say for the Rikaline. I had the rikaline, and had nothing to change before adding the BR-355

cheers

I found the CD under there, but didn't bother trying it because a) neither my home desktop nor my carpc have CD ROM drives at the moment, and b) it was labeled BR-355 User Manual. I just assumed it wouldn't have drivers. I'm all set either way, though :-)

**grepzen** · 09-22-2005, 03:00 AM

the 355 may, or may not require drivers.. simple rs232 connections do not require drivers. Most USB won't (a few will) beyond that.. nothing to install..

&

Originally Posted by quark

can you describe what kind of adapters are available exactly with the 355 ?
are they part of the package with the receiver or do you have to order for them separately ?

Yes, every imaginable one. :: http://www.usglobalsat.com/item.asp?itemid=61

I think you 'can' order them separately, but I think the page naturaly prompts you for an adapter type. They're $16.25 ea. --as you've obviously seen in the link.

**EBJUSTIN** · 09-28-2005, 11:01 PM

I assume the BR-355 needs the following cableset in order to use with a serial port:
Name:
BR305-RS232 Cableset
Item#:
BR305-RS232

It's a little confusing that it doesn't state that this cable set will support the BR-355...but it's hard to see why it wouldn't work.

**DK888** · 10-07-2005, 01:20 AM

I got them at a really good price..let me know if anybody is interested.

**AWDNUT** · 10-07-2005, 02:36 AM

Why wouldn't we want to be interested? Please share your low price info.. I just had my first day with heavy overcast/clouds and my 305 was really flakey. Plus I crushed the cable and had to solder it back together so it looks ugly now too with all the electrical tape on it.. Need a replacement I think.

**semovodka** · 10-07-2005, 03:18 PM

I bought the BU353 on ebay for 60 bucks shipped. I get a lock on 8/9 satellites. This is reasonable, but what is amazing is that I'm on the first floor of a 3 floor apartment complex and the room i'm using it in only has 1 window with the blinds down(not sure if that matters). As this is the first gps mouse I have ever purchased or tested I have no room for comparison, however, I have received better results than most people I have spoken to with there gps mouses.