SDS100/SDS200: Delorme Earthmate GPS & SDS100?

[N4IFE]

I just noticed I still have an old Delorme Earthmate GPS (Model 9538 V1.0). This little device would be perfect mating with my new SDS100 if I can convert its RS-232 interface to USB - Maybe. Does anyone have any experience with this thing and, if so, is the data format compatible with the almost 20 year newer SDS100?

 

[AK9R]

The NMEA 0183 data format that GPS receivers use has been a common standard for at least 20 years. I assume that the SDS100 reads NMEA 0183 format, but I don't know that for a fact.

The other issue is baud rate. Most GPS receivers send data at either 4800 or 9600 baud. You'll have to verify what baud rate your GPS receiver uses and whether your scanner can be set to match.

Finally, you'll have to find some way to power the GPS receiver.

 

[N4IFE]

Thanks. I appreciate the input.

It is a NMEA device but it requires something called an ASTRAL initialization string. I am unable to find out if that is unique to the Delorme device or a standard thing with GPS devices. I do know it operates at 4800 baud.

Power it should not be a problem as I have seen USB adapter dongles that bifurcate with one connector for power and another for data.

In any case using it is just a thought and I was hoping someone has contemporary experience with it but it is not worth starting a time consuming science experiment to try and make it work.

 

[nessnet]

The 100 is 4800.
The GPS puck that Uniden sold (and most common GPS used by DYI) is the BR-355S4. The "S4" denoting that it is a serial device.

 

[dlwtrunked]

...
It is a NMEA device but it requires something called an ASTRAL initialization string. I am unable to find out if that is unique to the Delorme device or a standard thing with GPS devices. I do know it operates at 4800 baud.
...

The initialization string is non-standard (most GPS do not need one) and is specific for the DeLorme. That being said, it may actually only need that when using Street Atlas and may send NMEA without it. I simple do not know as I junked mine years ago. Ublox receivers on eBay are cheap work fine for NMEA though I have not used one with a scanner. One is the size of a thumb drive (search for VK172 ) and search for the magmount
BU-353 that I have also used for other purposes. Both are USB.

 

[TailGator911]

I used DeLorme GPS in my big truck for a few years, and I could never get the 'plug n play' puck to get along with any other system. In my case, DeLorme and Windows. From what I recall, DeLorme is very proprietary to its own brand.