OEM GPS mod. Writeup + Pics - Page 3

jcdillin · 03-10-2005, 05:14 PM

That would be correct, 2 for serial and 2 for power, and just tie the two grounds together.

if you dont ground the serial line you will be tearing your hair out trying to figure out why it wont send any data

Here is mine,
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/gps/43268-oem-gps-installs.html

i'm actually using 5 wires because my antenna takes 5 volts instead of 3

edit:

also when you get it installed, make sure you try turning on all the sentences on (the default is only like 4 of them) I want to see if that fixes the mouse jumping issue

JC-S60 · 03-10-2005, 05:15 PM

You can use the "plugs" or connectors used in a pc-case to connect you speaker/hdd-led/power-button etc. to the mainboard. They should fit in the serial/usb headers too.

Just look for an old pc-case and cut those wires. Solder them to the wires of the 15L-W and you're in

IntellaWorks · 03-10-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by edrex

Intella:
From what I can tell you only use 4 of the 8 wires that come off the 15L, right? 2 for power that I'll be getting off usb pins, and 2 going into the COM port 2. Is that correct, and if so, what are the other wires for? I will be (hopefully) installing this tomorrow if I can find something to use to connect the wires to the pins. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks again for the excellent writeup (which should really be a sticky so more people will know about the OEM route).
Cheers.

This is correct, check the pinouts for the Garmin 15L its a .PDF file located hereDocumentation
W/o really looking into it I'm drawing a blank as to what the other pins actually do.. if you read the documenation or see my pic of the garmin pinouts it'll tell you... Your not loosing anything functionality if thats what you mean.. In fact I was able to update the OEM firmware with the 4 wires connected...

Again for the life if me I cannot remember the name of the little pins I used to attach to the wire, which in turn slides over the COM header on the Mobo.

integramodder · 03-10-2005, 06:00 PM

I saw in this thread you briefly mention the reason for doing this. It seems to be a more involved and more expensive way of getting GPS working.

Are there anyother reasons for doing this of than just to fully embed this part of the system?

IntellaWorks · 03-10-2005, 09:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by integramodder

I saw in this thread you briefly mention the reason for doing this. It seems to be a more involved and more expensive way of getting GPS working.

Are there anyother reasons for doing this of than just to fully embed this part of the system?

Yea, another reason is that the bulk of the electronics is inside my car instead of out in the weather...

Also my GPS unit maintains a lock for up to 21 days un-powered.... your USB mouse doesnt..

This GPS mod takes a less amount of power and is WAAS capable... At the time I was doing the initial research there were no WAAS USB gps mouse's...

The antenna that goes on the roof of my car is less than a quarter of the size of the smallest GPS mouse, so its more of a stealthy look...

integramodder · 03-10-2005, 10:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by IntellaWorks

Yea, another reason is that the bulk of the electronics is inside my car instead of out in the weather...

Also my GPS unit maintains a lock for up to 21 days un-powered.... your USB mouse doesnt..

This GPS mod takes a less amount of power and is WAAS capable... At the time I was doing the initial research there were no WAAS USB gps mouse's...

The antenna that goes on the roof of my car is less than a quarter of the size of the smallest GPS mouse, so its more of a stealthy look...

When you say gps mouse are you actually refering to the gps mice that are sold or the general all in one package?

edrex · 03-11-2005, 05:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jcdillin

also when you get it installed, make sure you try turning on all the sentences on (the default is only like 4 of them) I want to see if that fixes the mouse jumping issue

I have no idea what this means, but I'll test out anything that you all need me too. Just send some directions over to me. If this is a software thing, I haven't bought my software yet. Still need to decide on which one to go with (suggestions for one that will embed with RR?).
Thanks to all of you for the advice so far. I will try and find some connectors for the wires and get it all done soon. So far RadioShack and my local hardware store don't carry anything that will work. Going to computer stores next.

woeful · 03-11-2005, 08:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by edrex

@Woeful:
Save yourself $20

I order this, and the antenna that intel mention, total $156 shipped. Now I only need a screen and powersupply

and find a way to mount the antenna on a civic.

Change · 03-11-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by woeful

I order this, and the antenna that intel mention, total $156 shipped. Now I only need a screen and powersupply

and find a way to mount the antenna on a civic.

You may want to look into the GPS15H instead of the 15L, the H version takes 8-40VDC unregulated power.

edrex · 03-11-2005, 01:56 PM

What would the advantage be over the L that takes 3-5V and can be powered right off the motherboard?

DigitalDog · 03-11-2005, 02:24 PM

Seriously you guys. If you are considering using the OEM gps from Garmin, consider buying the Glisson antenna from GPSgeek.com. It is a direct replacement for the ga27c from Garmin for $45.00 cheaper. I have used Garmin products in the past (I have an iQue 3600 and etrex Legend) and I've found their antennas way overpriced.

Just my thoughts.

woeful · 03-11-2005, 11:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DigitalDog

Seriously you guys. If you are considering using the OEM gps from Garmin, consider buying the Glisson antenna from GPSgeek.com. It is a direct replacement for the ga27c from Garmin for $45.00 cheaper. I have used Garmin products in the past (I have an iQue 3600 and etrex Legend) and I've found their antennas way overpriced.

Just my thoughts.

could have say sooner, my order have already been shipped.

DigitalDog · 03-12-2005, 12:02 AM

Sorry, I thought I did. See post #29.

Change · 03-12-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by edrex

What would the advantage be over the L that takes 3-5V and can be powered right off the motherboard?

Depends...some will mount it inside their PC case, and get power from in there...others may put it in a small external enclosure, where vehicle power will be easier to get at.

edrex · 03-14-2005, 02:12 PM

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that I got my Garmin 15L installed today and it seems to be working just fine!! Thanks for the help and support getting this one going for me, I'm very happy with the way it turned out.
I used the Delou Testing software that Intella posted on the first page and it got a lock with my position right away. At the top it said, "Tracking 0 of 12 satellites in view". Is that good or bad?
Anyway, Thanks again for the help/ideas. I'll post some pictures in the install thread when I get the inside of the computer a little cleaner.
Cheers.