Can I split a Byonics GPS with my APRS radio and the BCD-996T?

[newsphotog]

I would like to take advantage of the GPS feature of the BCD-996T when traveling, but I don't want two separate GPS receivers. I am currently using a Byonics GPS2 that is connected to a Motorola Radius mobile (with an Argent Data OpenTracker USB in between). The Radius powers the OpenTracker through the Radius' data jack, and then the OpenTracker USB passes the power to the GPS).

Would I be able to use something like a serial splitter cable between the GPS and the OpenTracker USB to connect the GPS to the BCD-996T as well?

 

[cinsu]

Yes. I am doing exactly this with a Byonics GPS2 using a serial splitter and inputting to a Byonics Micro-trak RTG and BCD996T. Depending on the splitter you buy you may need a serial gender changer as well

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

 

[N5TWB]

What is a good source for this serial splitter? I have a similar need for my 996T.

 

[AK9R]

Build one.

As long as you are splitting the serial line that is carrying data from the GPS receiver to two devices, there shouldn't be a problem. If your APRS device also sends waypoint data back to the GPS receiver, do not split this line. Run it to just the APRS device.

 

[newsphotog]

Thank you!

 

[Toad_77]

If you have an old serial cable with a DB-9 female end you can easily splice the two together. I had been planning on doing this before since before this thread started but just now had the time to do it. there are only two of the four wires in the Byonics GPS2 need to be routed to the '996, pin 2 (GPS data out) & pin 5 (ground).

 

[Jay911]

The Green Light Labs GPS-710 is powered by the RC-710 control panel and has a 2.5mm output to send its data (GPS and/or data through from the RC-710 itself) to another client. This would free up a 12V socket in my car since I already have the RC-710 and the GPS710.. all I need to do, I guess, is cut up one of my Uniden cables and figure out which wire is GPS data in Any suggestions/advice/help?

 

[AK9R]

The APRS community has pretty well standardized on the following pin-outs for GPS receivers connected through DB-9 connectors:

Pin 2 -- Data from GPS receiver
Pin 3 -- Data to GPS receiver
Pin 5 -- Ground

When I connected my Garmin nuvi 1450 to my Uniden Home Patrol as a test a few weeks ago, I used an Argent Data GTRANS2 cable (made for APRS use) and the Uniden serial programming cable that came with my BCD396T or BCD996T (this cable has the little four-pin connector that the HP-1 uses for GPS input on one end and a DB-9 on the other end). I don't remember if I had to use a null-modem adapter to swap the lines in the DB-9 or not.

Point being that the above pin-outs will get you in the ball park. From there, it's a matter of ohming out the cables and experimentation. There may be threads in the Uniden forums that talk about GPS pin-outs for their scanners, but I had to leave something for you to do, Jay.

 

[Jay911]

Sure, I could definitely do that, but I was hoping to make a much shorter cable, as there is only about 6 inches between the end of the GPS710 and the GPS input jack on the scanner in my setup.

I'll see if the Uniden page has anything.. I seem to recall maybe it does, or maybe someone in the forums has discussed at least the cable or jack before.

 

[AK9R]

Just cut the Uniden cable to the necessary length and solder on a 3/32" phone plug to suit the GPS710. The mechanics of this problem seem simple to me. It's the pin-outs that are the question, I think.

I already poked around a bit in Uniden's wiki and looked in my BCD996T manual. No pin-outs.

Looks like Scott Miller at Argent Data figured it out, though. See:

https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=162

If you can't find the pin-outs anywhere, drop him an email.

I did find this in the RR Wiki:

Uniden Scanner GPS Features - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[Toad_77]

The 996 follows the pinouts already mentioned, Pin 2 -- Data from GPS receiver & Pin 5 -- Ground. These are the only two wires that need to be connected to the DB-9 on the back of the 996.

 

[Jay911]

The 996 follows the pinouts already mentioned, Pin 2 -- Data from GPS receiver & Pin 5 -- Ground. These are the only two wires that need to be connected to the DB-9 on the back of the 996.

Good to know, but the HomePatrol-1 has no DB9 on its back. I'm looking for the pinouts and/or cable info for the 4-pin connector on the side of the HP1.

I know it's around the forum somewhere, and when I get a chance, I will do a search.