How to make the Garmin GPS 35 Work with Copilot 2003

fluffy2097 · 09-10-2003, 08:09 PM

Ok. I just got my new Garmin GPS 35 working with copilot 2003. It's quite easy to do as well, first you need to do is get a program to allow you to set what sentences the GPS 35 outputs. I used GPSdiag, a freeware program available here: http://www.commlinx.com.au/gps_diag.htm as that is the program I used, I will tell you how to make the changes with it.

When you open GPSdiag, select the COM port the GPS is plugged into and it will start displaying sentence information.

Disable all output sentences by sending the NMEA command

$PGRMO,,2

All the data scrolling past should stop if you did it right.

Now you have to enable the proper sentences. GGA GSV GPRMC. To do this, send the following commands

$PGRMO,GPGGA,1
$PGRMO,GPGSV,1
$PGRMO,GPRMC,1

Check the display to make sure the above sentences are now scrolling in the window and you're done!

This hack does have a few side effects. Because it's a hack, Copilot will always say that it is searching for satellites, or trying to determine your current location. This is only a problem when you're stopped (moving under 10 mph) or in passenger mode. When in passenger mode or stopped, the searching for satellites message will cover the next turn information. Also, the little green lights that monitor satellite lock will be red at all times (still works fine though)

I'm going to try experimenting some with other sentences to see if I can make the thing work totally, but I wanted to get this out there now. I am amazed at how bad the copilot GPS is. From where I was setting the system up the Garmin had a 7 satellite lock in a matter of seconds where the copilot took several minutes to get 3 or 4.

This should work on any GPS that allows configurable sentence output, provided you can make it send ONLY those 3 sentences.

Zip-Lock · 09-20-2003, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the info. I have the Garmin 35 and I love it, I would hate to have to use a crappy GPS just to use good software.

Perhaps someone with a Copilot GPS can open up a terminal program and let us know what NMEA sentences it uses.

Chris732 · 01-15-2004, 10:45 PM

I bought a bu-303 off from ebay... Anyone have any luck getting it to work with copilot? The above commands is not working

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...EBWN%3AIT&rd=1

sxpert · 01-16-2004, 03:45 AM

uh, these 3 sentences are normally enabled by default...

Falken · 01-16-2004, 04:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by sxpert

uh, these 3 sentences are normally enabled by default...

I think it is more of a question of turning off the sentences it doesn't like or understand.

sxpert · 01-16-2004, 05:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Falken

I think it is more of a question of turning off the sentences it doesn't like or understand.

if this is required, this thing was designed by morons. they should just skip the data they don't like...

Chris732 · 01-16-2004, 08:27 AM

Yes but if you use copilot you get the dreded message " Copilot only works copilot gps receivers" Most dont like the copilot brand of receivers because they dont lock the gps signal as well as the others.

"Disable all output sentences by sending the NMEA command

$PGRMO,,2"

When I put in that command nothing happens.

It would be nice if someone would sell me a "copy" of live... or at least let me know how to hack this one

fluffy2097 · 01-16-2004, 01:26 PM

This is not about turning off signals the program does not understand.

This is a hack.

This is a way to fool copilot into thinking it has a proprietary GPS attached.

Note that specific commands only work for the garmin GPS 35. If you do not have a garmin GPS 35, then you would have to find out yourself what commands turn on and off different sentence output, if it can be done at all (this is not a feature all GPS's have). I don't have any other receiver to test on, so my walkthrough does not include how to make other receiver work.

As with any hack, you may have to play with it some to get it working right. You need to be able to send those 3 sentences and only those sentences or it won't work ever.

Chris732 · 01-16-2004, 01:42 PM

How did you figure out thoes commands? Is there a tutorial somewhere on the commands?

fluffy2097 · 01-16-2004, 02:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Chris732

How did you figure out thoes commands? Is there a tutorial somewhere on the commands?

I RTFM and halfway through were instructions on turning sentences on and off. The specific sentences needed were found from a friend, who learned them from trial and error and some information he found here.

Chris732 · 01-16-2004, 03:45 PM

Oh well I guess we win some and loose some. I have been able to put everything on my carputer together without any major hickups... alll by reading here...

One setback is not too bad

Chris732 · 01-25-2004, 09:21 PM

OK after much reading and trial and error also... I have hacked my bu-303 using a different command than mention here. If someone would be so kind as to download GPSDiag and copy and paste a logged version of there received data from a "real copilot gps" receiver. I think we could hack it to work on most 3rd party receivers. Its the GSA string thats causing copilot to shut down.

Alives · 05-10-2004, 04:23 AM

whats the hack string for the bu-303? Im driving cross country on tues... it'd be nice to get to use it...

saletel · 08-16-2004, 11:46 AM

bump, whats the command for the bu-303

srcstc · 08-25-2004, 10:52 AM

Chris732, can you post the commands that worked for you? TIA