Can't get BU-353 to find satellites

Boxxman · 03-29-2006, 01:53 PM

I'm trying to get my GPS receiver to work and I can't figure out what is wrong. I installed the prolific USB-serial driver and when I use the GPSinfo tool that came with the unit I see it sending a bunch of commands but the GPS Info tab says 'No Fix' and it isn't connected to even 1 satellite.

The LED on the receiver is solid red, which indicates no fix, searching. What can I do?

I've tried this by my window in my apartment in Chicago and also at work out in the suburbs. I'd like to get at least a few satellites confirmed before I install the thing in my car.

i3igmind · 03-29-2006, 02:04 PM

because i know all the info am about to give you is inside this forum coz i had the same issue with that GPS!!!

but here is what you can do:
1st to let you know if it's cloudy chance are you'll not get a fix.

okay , what you can do is to open the case of the gps, inside you'll see a cap,some ppl like to call it "watch bat" coz it does look like one...any ways de-solider this cap and put back your gps, that should fix it for you, if not then it's a defect with the GPS.
Also did you mention that your gps is an RS232 and you are using one of those USB>COM convertor...that could be your problem right there..

Boxxman · 03-29-2006, 02:11 PM

The BU-353 is USB, so you have to install the USB - serial port driver. I was confirming I have done that it it shows up in my Device Mgr as COM4.

I am a little hesitant to take apart the GPS receiver unless I know that will fix it. If its a defective unit I want to be able to return the item and get a replacement, which I dont know if I can do if I start taking the thing apart.

I have done some searching for this problem on the forums and haven't seen much yet, but i'll keep looking.

Sonicxtacy02 · 03-29-2006, 02:31 PM

i bought a 353 a couple weeks back that was defectived. mp3car store replaced it. I had the same issues with me as your describing

Boxxman · 03-29-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

i bought a 353 a couple weeks back that was defectived. mp3car store replaced it. I had the same issues with me as your describing

How'd you determine it was defective? I guess other than moving the receiver from my bedroom window to outside I don't know what else I can do without voiding any kind of return.

Thanks.

i3igmind · 03-29-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Boxxman

How'd you determine it was defective? I guess other than moving the receiver from my bedroom window to outside I don't know what else I can do without voiding any kind of return.

Thanks.

test it in another computer!!!

Boxxman · 03-29-2006, 02:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by i3igmind

test it in another computer!!!

I've already tested it in my PC at home and now my PC at work. same results -> no satellites.

I'm going to try to move it outside and wait a few minutes, if that doesn't work i'll exchange since I got it here at mp3car.com.

EDIT: It's amazing how a few feet around a window can make a difference. I've confirmed the receiver works now.

DK888 · 03-31-2006, 11:08 PM

Yeah....she's gone. Get a new one for sure. You should lock almost instantly.
Although some have claimed to get signal in steal buildings...I doubt that. But it's a great reciever.

Sonicxtacy02 · 04-01-2006, 08:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Boxxman

How'd you determine it was defective? I guess other than moving the receiver from my bedroom window to outside I don't know what else I can do without voiding any kind of return.

Thanks.

I tested to see if it iwas in sirf mode using sirfdemo. It was, then i couldnt get it into NMEA mode. Few days later it started showing random funky characters in the gpsinfo software. Thats when it went back to mp3car