[aprssig] Really CHEAP Puck-type USB GPS Receiver

[Stephen H. Smith]

On 1/20/2012 10:56 PM, Steve Noskowicz wrote:
> Note that he says "a computer-based APRS or mapping program"
>   ... COMPUTER BASED...
>
> You'd have to supply power, no?  The puck is a client/slave/whatever (which needs power) not a master (such as a computer that supplies power).
>
> -- 73, Steve, K9DCI --- Boyd Prestwood K5YKG wrote:
>> >  I wonder if the puck could be opened
>> >  up and a serial cable (terminated in a DB-9 or some such) be
>> >  soldered on before the USB conversion?
>> >  Boyd Prestwood K5YKG
>> >  
>> >  

Actually, if you wanted to provide 5 VDC from an external source, it should be 
possible to tap in ahead of the serial-->USB converter chip to get at the 
serial data stream.    However, the serial signal will probably be at TTL 
levels and would have to be inverted, possibly with an added MAX-232    
TTL-->RS-232   level-converter chip.

I'll crack mine open as soon as I receive it and investigate this possibility.


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Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com
Skype:        WA8LMF
Home Page:          http://wa8lmf.net

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