Does the iGPS-500 receiver get along with OSX?

**stevemahon** · 03-17-2007, 02:47 AM

I'm currently using a MacMiniXP with StreetDeck, but I think I'd like to try running in OSX. Amp installed easily and looks great. I've downloaded RoadNav, but it doesn't seem to see my GPS receiver, which is the Pharos iGPS-500 that was included with MS S/T 2007. I did download and install a driver from Pharos that said it was for the iGPS-360, so I thought it might work with 500. http://download.pharosgps.com/download/drivers_Mac.htm The windows drivers are the same for both units. Anyway, RoadNav says it can't find a gps receiver, and I don't know OSX well enough to find something like Device Manager on XP.

A side note: I installed a VNC server on the mini in the car, and I can remote control it with a vnc client from my Vista desktop in the house via WiFi. This is way nicer than sitting hunched over the steering wheel, trying to balance the keyboard on my belly. Sadly, my belly would probably provide adaquate support for several keyboards. Damn Cold Stone Creamery, less than a block away.

Thanks, Steve

**Bugbyte** · 03-17-2007, 03:20 PM

Usually the way these drivers work is that they create what is called a USB to serial bridge. (Explanation: here) That means you have to activate the serial port before using it. You do this from the Preferences-->Network panel. Under the "Show:" dropdown, select 'Network Port Configurations" and activate your GPS port. That will make it visible.

Try Roadnav then. If it does not auto detect your GPS, Google for a program called GPSUtility for OSX. It gives you a simple screen that allows you to specify your GPS connection and see the data coming across from it.

Also, consider installing GPSDX. This is an invisible daemon that runs in the background and allows you to share your GPS between programs that support GPSD. Roadnav supports it, Kismet wardriving software supports it, and G2GE, the gps to Google Earth software supports it. You can share your GPS info between all of these apps if you use their GPSD connection option.

I've used VNC with my Mini and it is pretty cool to remotely control it from the house. Just remember to shut it down or you'll have to jump the car the next day!

**Jirka Jirout** · 03-17-2007, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

Usually the way these drivers work is that they create what is called a USB to serial bridge. (Explanation: here) That means you have to activate the serial port before using it. You do this from the Preferences-->Network panel. Under the "Show:" dropdown, select 'Network Port Configurations" and activate your GPS port. That will make it visible.

Uh, oh? Never heard of this and never done this. If the proper driver for the USB-serial chip (like FTDI or Prolific) is installed, the port becomes available to applications using POSIX API automatically as a file/device in /dev/ folder (usually /dev/cu.usbserialXXX or something like that) as soon as the device has been plugged in.

Activating the ports in Network preferences serves another purpose - to make them usable with pppd/Internet connect and should only be done if you have a modem connected to these USB-serial bridges.

**Bugbyte** · 03-19-2007, 02:54 PM

Oh boy, I think I've confused one thing with another. I was using a keyspan serial to USB box and had to enable it to access the devices on the box. I've probably confused activating a serial GPS that would be on that box with a USB GPS device.

My Royaltek USB GPS worked with a device driver to access the GPS and I can confirm that it shows up as Jirka says above.

Sorry for the confusion!