Configuring the Navisky NSA-U3 for standard GPS apps (4800 baud)

**aec merlin** · 05-24-2006, 05:43 PM

I first posted this here. Today I needed this info and looked it up, but realized that it was an old thread and many people won't look for this information there.

The problem: The Navisky NSA-U3 device is set at 9600 baud by firmware default. Many apps will not let you change the baud rate of the GPS device (I'm looking at you, MS Streets & Trips).
I don't know what the hell is up with Navisky/Navius, because their US site is down and their Korean site is totally useless.

The solution: THERE IS A WAY TO SET THIS DEVICE TO 4800 BAUD! THERE IS A WAY TO ENABLE FREE SWITCHING FROM SIRF MODE AND NMEA MODE!!

Read on!

Unplug the NSA-U3 before starting!

Download the PL-2303 Driver: Prolific.com
Run the install utility. If you have a choice between reinstalling and uninstalling, UNINSTALL THEN REBOOT. Rebooting is absolutely necessary for this to work (I spent several hours trying to fix this damn thing only to have the reboot fix it).
If the setup utility simply installs the driver, proceed to the next step.
Download and install SiRFdemo v3.40. You MUST use this version!
Plug in the NSA-U3. Wait a bit while the driver is installed then check the device manager for "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port". On my system it installed itself as COM3. Check that the driver version is 2.0.2.1 with date 7/25/2005
Start SiRFDemo, select the proper COM port, and set the baud rate to 9600
Select Action -> Open Data Source
You should start seeing NMEA data in the "debug view" window
Select Action -> Switch to SiRF Protocol
The "Signal View" window should update with new info.
Select Action -> Switch to NMEA Protocol
A window titled "NMEA Setup" should open
Click the "Set Defaults" button just in case. Make sure that 4800 baud is selected.
Click Send

You should now be able to freely switch between SiRF mode and NMEA mode. NMEA will now work with all map programs because the GPS is now set to 4800 baud.

This might also work with similar adapters. Also, if anyone knows how to modify the firmware defaults on this device (reflashing), PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post instructions. This thing has a battery backup, so once the battery runs out it switches back to its funky 9600 baud mode.

Hopefully someone finds this information useful!

**Marge** · 03-28-2007, 01:02 PM

I downloaded SiRFdemo v3.40 from your message.
I set the com port to 3 for my usb; I set the baud to 4800
I selected Action > Open Data Source
.. not only did I not see anything in the debug window
in the error window I got message that it did not recognize the SW. Can you help???

Thanks, Marge

I did reboot prior as instructed.

**wcbland** · 09-23-2007, 09:54 PM

Thanks a million! I carefully followed your directions - I had to repeat some steps for no reason I could think of - and I have my NSA-U3 GPS installed in Microsoft's Streets & Trips 2008. I'm running Windows VISTA Home Premium.
I just changed USB ports and the GPS configuration did a scan and found it on Port 5 and it works perfectly.
Thanks for taking the time to post those great directions!
Bill

**squatch97402** · 01-12-2009, 03:33 PM

I tried this when I was on travel for work back in October. I couldn't get it to work. I tried again and noticed some of the mistakes that I made. I got it to work the first time. You must follow the directions exactly.

Thank You - I didn't have to go out and buy a new puck.