GPS cable mod for Uniden scanners

[toastycookies]

You need a puck that supports NMEA output. AFAIK none of the USB pucks do.

There may be a converter you can buy.

my old cheapie holux gr-213 with SiRFstar III chipset does...
i was under the impression most/all of them did?

NMEA Protocol Output : V 2.2
‧ Standard
。 Baud Rate : 4800 bps
。 Data Bit : 8
。 Parity : N
。 Stop Bit : 1
。 Format : GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC

i think i paid $25 new for it?

 

[UPMan]

That is not a USB puck. It is serial (technically RS422, but compatible with RS232).

 

[tumegpc]

You need a puck that supports NMEA output. AFAIK none of the USB pucks do.

There may be a converter you can buy.

Thanks for the update Voyager. I was about to whip out the soldering gun and get back at it.

 

[toastycookies]

That is not a USB puck. It is serial (technically RS422, but compatible with RS232).

what exactly is your definition of a "USB puck" then?

 

[phask]

what exactly is your definition of a "USB puck" then?

USB PUCK http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-18x-US...TF8&qid=1425000591&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+18x

Non USB (Serial) Puck http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-18x-GP...TF8&qid=1425000591&sr=8-2&keywords=garmin+18x

Both are Garmin 18x

 

[UPMan]

One that terminates in a usb Type A connector.

 

[UPMan]

It is possible, however, that the specs you provided (as provided by the puck mfr, I'm sure) are incomplete and that it terminates in USB, but when you plug it into a PC a driver is loaded that makes it look like a serial port to the PC running at those specs. PCs can load drivers. Scanners cannot, so need a true RS232 signal.

 

[USASA]

USB Puck

Hi All!

I have a BU-353, USB, GPS Puck. I wired it, checked it and still it does not work. The led is a glow but the scanner tells me that no GPS signal. I have it wired to a USB plug so I can use it on the computer, where it works like a champ. The signal wire setup is only 2 wires 50/50 chance I checked both ways. WTF, what am I missing?


Al

 

[dkf435]

Hi All!

I have a BU-353, USB, GPS Puck. I wired it, checked it and still it does not work. The led is a glow but the scanner tells me that no GPS signal. I have it wired to a USB plug so I can use it on the computer, where it works like a champ. The signal wire setup is only 2 wires 50/50 chance I checked both ways. WTF, what am I missing?


Al

You need a GPS that is NEMA0183 data sentence that has a RS-232 protocol output. The Uniden radios REQUIRE RS-232 they WILL NOT WORK WITH A USB interface. Have seen some GPS pucks that have the 5 or 6 pin DIN connector that have RS-232 DB-9 and USB pigtails and may be switched between the 2 interfaces but do not think yours will do it.

The 4 pin jack on the Uniden radios is used on many digital cameras for a USB interface but on the Uniden radios it is RS-232.

I imagine since it does do NEMA0183 you may be able to do a TTL to RS232 level converter not sure what handshaking is required.

David Kb7uns

 

[USASA]

Thanks

Hi all!

DKF435, Thanks for the info. I somewhat thought that would be the case. That is how my luck goes.

Thanks
Al

 

[kkched]

Thanks bunches Jason

I just got a new Home Patrol II and wanted to try this so i did -- took it out on the patio ( i live in a metal building) and within about 10seconds it detected the Satellites signals --- and was hearing more chat with the short antenna -- waiting to see how it works on the road on a trip -- Thanks a gazillion --

Just wanted to share my completed GPS cable mod. I think the stock Uniden GPS setup is clunky with the DB9 connectors and a bit pricy. I built this set for about $30 and it looks much better than the stock set.

I bought a GlobalSat BR-355 GPS puck for $25 on eBay.

I just got a new Home Patrol II and wanted to try this so i did -- took it out on the patio ( i live in a metal building) and within about 10seconds it detected the Satellites signals --- and was hearing more chat with the short antenna -- waiting to see how it works on the road on a trip -- Thanks a gazillion --



After much searching I figured out a Rosewill RCW-109 cable has the funny 4 pin serial end (often called 4 pin USB).

Got that cable from Newegg for $3.50 shipped. I poured over the related literature in this forum and finally got the wiring diagram sorted out. Pin 2 on the Uniden side is not used or at least not necessary. The green wire on the Rosewill cable is not used either. I connected a standard male USB cable for the +5V on the GPS puck. Wired it all up with a variety of shrink tubing sizes to get a clean finish. Just tested it out, It Works! hmmmm cant enter this message - keeps saying its 3 letters too short -- wth???

 

[Scoop531]

Anyone wanna build one and sell it to me feeling kinda lazy lol

 

[Scoop531]

Why use the small usb on the front and not the serial port on the back?

 

[Voyager]

Because then you could just route 5V to the rear connector and have a cable with a DB-9 on one end and the GPS receiver on the other (1-wire = too simple looking).

 

[Scoop531]

lol well if I can find the pin out for the db9 that's what I'm going to do on my 536 no need to have a wire plugged into the from the GPS plugged into the db9 serial port have the power at the wifi dongle . Am I missing something but this can be done correct? One wire 2 plug ends both hidden behind unit?

So does anyone have the pin out for the db9?

 

[UPMan]

Google DB9 Pinout. It is standard.

 

[Voyager]

For those GPSs that route power through the DB-9, the data pins are standard. The 5V is on one of the "unused" pins (there is no standard pin for that). I'm sure Google would provide a pinout. Or, if it comes with a cigar lighter adapter, just use a voltage meter on the power adapter and see which pin it's on.

 

[Scoop531]

Here is what I bought
GlobalSat BR 355 GPS Receiver 795945035506 | eBay

If I'm correct all I have to is hack into the wires and run a usb to power the unit because if memory serves me serial port on the 536 don't have a power feed

 

[Voyager]

It would be much easier to simply route power (5V? - check the specs of the unit) internal to the scanner to the pin the GPS wants to see power on. That's why that mod was mentioned a few times in this thread.

But, that being done it would be a great choice for a scanner GPS. It looks like the same receiver as the Uniden model.

 

[Blackswan73]

It would be much easier to simply route power (5V? - check the specs of the unit) internal to the scanner to the pin the GPS wants to see power on. That's why that mod was mentioned a few times in this thread.

But, that being done it would be a great choice for a scanner GPS. It looks like the same receiver as the Uniden model.

Yes, it would be easier, and cleaner, only one connection, but it would also void the warranty. You can split the GPS cable and connect to the USB port on the rear of the 536. Not as clean, for sure, but it won't void the warranty. With a radio that already has a track record of defects, voiding the warranty is not something I want to do.