Cheapest GPS for BCT15, 996T, etc.?

[Dave_D]

Hi all,

Rats! My pricey Garmin 2620 doesn't support NMEA, so I need an alternative (and very inexpensive, or the wife won't have it) GPS receiver for my forthcoming Uniden BCT15. What are some inexpensive options? Remember: I've already got a "real" GPS, so this accessory need be nothing special -- no display or audio necessary, just an antenna.

Actually, there are SOME requirements, according to the Uniden BCT15 manual:

"The GPS must have serial output, and capable of outputting standard NMEA sentences GGA and RMC. (See “NMEA-0183 ver.3.01” which can be found on the web.)"

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

[Dubbin]

I saw somwhere on here where Paul posted a few GPS units that will work. I think the cheapest would be the delorme unit but I guess it needs some sort of a mod done to it.

 

[Bill2k]

There is a list (not complete) of some models which work with the 996 in the wiki. Looks like you'll need to do some research for the least expensive model.

 

[cristisphoto]

Delorme Cable mods???

I saw somwhere on here where Paul posted a few GPS units that will work. I think the cheapest would be the delorme unit but I guess it needs some sort of a mod done to it.

Me thinks that a MOd for Delome would indeed be simple and relativly cheeap..
YOu can buy a replacement for around $20. last I called them...
anyways by an extra cable as the Female end on their receivers accept a "unique" their cable type only...
Cut into that cable and then you should be able too use it...


Well I said simple, but tricky....:roll:

heres one example:

http://wes.johnston.net/aprs/tripmate.htm

Albeit not exaclty what I had in mind buuut hey..
it's a start :lol:

 

[Dubbin]

Looks like the eTreX would be the cheapest and easiest at around $100.

 

[MacombMonitor]

I saw somwhere on here where Paul posted a few GPS units that will work. I think the cheapest would be the delorme unit but I guess it needs some sort of a mod done to it.

I think that applied to the older model Delorme units. Paul mentioned the newer ones did not output to NEMA standards.

 

[seamusg]

Here's one that should work. I have the older model on the cap for my truck. Held on with double sided tape, has been there for 4 years.
http://www.garmin.com/products/gps35/
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-GPS35-Trac-Pak-receiver-for-PC.asp

 

[kingpin]

I just picked up a OEM Garmin GPS-18 for 70 bucks from a dealer. It's a black magnetic puck that outputs the required NMEA format. They have a usb version but they also have a PC version with a db-9 and 12v cigarette lighter plug to power the unit which is what you will need for either radio.

 

[safetyobc]

So you can just have one of those and don't actually need the GPS unit that displays maps?

 

[kingpin]

So you can just have one of those and don't actually need the GPS unit that displays maps?

That's what I'm using for mine. Yes, I can spend $30 more for one with a sceen but you'll still have to pay about $30 for a power / data cable so I saved $60 by going with a puck.

I have a $100 garmin etrex I use with my Kenwood D-700 for APRS. It's mounted on the back seat of the truck so I don't see the display so it's kind of a waste. Besides, I have another loose ETREX in the truck and a Street Pilot III so I'm set on GPS's. I have 4 in my truck now. I read somewhere I can spit the outputs off for multiple devices but I haven't tried it. My data cable for my ETREX to my Kenwood TM-D700 has two outputs. One for the radio (mono 1/8") and a female DB-9 for a computer simultaneous.

 

[safetyobc]

That is awsome! I have absolutely no need for a GPS except for using it with a BCT15 or BCD996T. I was trying to figure out where I could put this GPS, but now that I know these pucks exist, this is great!

matt

 

[kingpin]

Garmin makes a winshied mount with suction cups for the 18. It's just a glorified strip of bent sheet metal with suction cups. Can find them on ebay all for about 10-11 bucks shipped. I may go that route with mine.

 

[Dave_D]

Garmin GPS 18 it is!!!

Thank you, all, for the terrific advice!!!

Looks like the Garmin GPS 18 is just what the doctor ordered. This'll be a permanent install in my Porsche, so the puck really wins on style points. And, it's only $70 on eBay! [Look for the "OEM" version.]

Yippee! No more vent-mounted handheld!!!

Thanks again.

 

[seamusg]

Thank you, all, for the terrific advice!!!

Looks like the Garmin GPS 18 is just what the doctor ordered. This'll be a permanent install in my Porsche, so the puck really wins on style points. And, it's only $70 on eBay! [Look for the "OEM" version.]

Yippee! No more vent-mounted handheld!!!

Thanks again.

The thick double sided tape works very well for mounting it. it's been on top of my pickup for 5 years now

 

[kingpin]

Thank you, all, for the terrific advice!!!

Looks like the Garmin GPS 18 is just what the doctor ordered. This'll be a permanent install in my Porsche, so the puck really wins on style points. And, it's only $70 on eBay! [Look for the "OEM" version.]

Yippee! No more vent-mounted handheld!!!

Thanks again.

I can't wait to see the pictures! I've never seen a scanner in a porsche.

 

[Dave_D]

Will do!

Dave

 

[ScanBoston]

It does sound like the GPS-18 is the way to go. However I do already own a Delorme Earthmate LT-20. Does anyone know what it would take to use it instead?

 

[UPMan]

You'd have to be willing to risk damaging it by opening the case and trying to "sniff out" the raw NMEA, then putting in a serial level converter... Might be as simple as finding exposed test points, could be impossible.

You might ask around in the Delorme forums (http://forums.delorme.com/viewforum.php?f=65).

 

[aguyindallas]

I am sure this noob sounds like a total idiot, but what exactly is going on here? Are you connecting some sort of GPS antenna to a radio/scanner and if so, what is accomplished.

I am sure I sound like an idiot, but I really have no clue what you guys are talking about here.....enlighten me please.

 

[STiMULi]

I am sure this noob sounds like a total idiot, but what exactly is going on here? Are you connecting some sort of GPS antenna to a radio/scanner and if so, what is accomplished.

I am sure I sound like an idiot, but I really have no clue what you guys are talking about here.....enlighten me please.

These scanners use a GPS to auto-lock/unlock systems as you move from place to place...

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996T