iGPS-360 (Microsoft GPS)

KB5WID · 06-20-2005, 11:35 AM

I am looking to connect the iGPS-360 GPS using a serial port rather then the USB. I have

and

and have had no luck in finding the cable or the schematics to make one. I tried the CF Adapter Kit for iGPS-360 and it is not compatible with the VIA MII10000 motherboard.

Has anyone been able to make a cable for this Mouse?

I sent this to Pharos to see what they say.

"I purchased the CF Adapter Kit for iGPS-360. I am trying to get away from the USB connection as it is unreliable. The CF adapter uses a non-standard address space using 03F8-0407 for the I/O range instead of the standard 03F8-03FF range. The motherboard I am using uses the space beginning at 0400 for some of the motherboard resources. I cannot get the unit to work correctly. I would like to use a standard 9pin RS232 for the connection to the PC and pull power from the PS2 connection for the 5V. Do you or any third parties make such a cable and if not can you provide the schematics for such a cable.
Thanks"

KB5WID · 06-21-2005, 02:46 PM

OK Here is the response:
Hello,
Have you tried following the instructions on our website to fix this problem? We do not have a PS2 connection, and we do not have the access/authority to give pin out information. Is your card bus controller manufactured by Texas Instruments or O2 Macro? If it is then the GPS-CF will not work, only the GPS-360 by itself will work (with the USB cable or Bluetooth). Here is the link to our website http://www.pharosgps.com/support/faq-ht3.htm click on the first option and let us know if you have any other questions

It looks like I am going to have to figure this one out. I have an idea from some sites I found on

on how to do this. I have ordered a MAX232 to convert the TTL levels of the GPS to RS232.

As soon as I know if it will work or not I will post it.

I am tired of using USB for critical functions. It is just not as reliable as good old RS232.

Laidback · 06-21-2005, 03:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KB5WID

I am tired of using USB for critical functions. It is just not as reliable as good old RS232.

Too true! Have a look at this - not the same GPS but still may help.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...usb+gps+serial

KB5WID · 06-22-2005, 09:54 AM

That is close, but, the gps-360 uses TTL level outputs instead of standard RS232 outputs. The cable I ordered converts TTL to standard RS-232 levels. Without it the PC cannot talk to or hear the PC. The voltages are two low.

The info I am using to do the cable is from the following web sites.

http://www.msh-tools.com/GBA/gbagps.html

http://pharosgps.com/support/igps360_spec.htm

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...e8e7e6fb7a11db

The pinout for the GPS-360 is 1. black cable - TXD
2. brown cable - GND
3. red cable - RXD
4. Orange cable - GND
5. yellow cable - VDD
6. green cable - GND (seems not connected)

Remember these are TTL level and not RS-232 standard Levels

The cable converts 0v & 3.0V or 5v nominal TTL signal to –12v & 12v RS232 serial signal.

Here is the info on the cable http://www.digitalnemesis.com/catalogue/RLC1/RLC1.htm

The connector for the GPS is the same as the HP Jordana 560. The connector can be purchased from http://www.gomadic.com/hpjorconplug.html

KB5WID · 06-26-2005, 08:51 PM

Got it working. I will post everything in the morning. I now have the Microsoft GPS working directly off of a standard Serial Port.

KB5WID · 07-11-2005, 10:11 PM

I have desided to scrap the iGPS-360. It is too unreliable. I have figured out that it will not work when it is over 100 F. It is fine for someone who wants to use it with a laptop from time to time. BUt it does not make a good GPS for permanent use. IF someone wants the procedures to make it serial. I did get it to work using a MAX-232 chip.

I am going with the Axiom Sandpiper II GPS engine board.
See http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/gps/53448-axiom-sandpiper-gps-reciever.html

pRoFiT · 08-01-2007, 02:46 AM

KB5WID, old thread but i have a GPS-360 with a USB cable. I want to mod it to work with my PSP

Your links say diferent things. txd and rxd pins 1 and 3. The GBA mod says pin 3 is TXD you post says pin 3 is RXD. Which one is it? I wanted to get it working before my trip but im leaving tomorrow. So i will have to play with it when I get back. Thanks in advance.