GPS for UM385

[Pen_Man]

Just bought a UM385 radio. What GPS unit can I get for this radio? FYI this radio does NOT supply Vcc for the GPS.
Thanks
P

 

[merlin]

Accessory plug will accept NMEA 0183, a standard for many GPS units. Try a Garmin with NMEA 0183 output.
Data exchange is RS232, probably 3 wire and may need a null modem.

 

[Pen_Man]

That's what I was afraid of. I did'nt want a GPS that cost more than the receiver. Lesson: You get what you pay for. It would have been nice if the receiver had bluetooth connectivity so I could have my iPhone supply GPS to it.

 

[merlin]

You can find Garmin GPS awful cheap, even with 5" displays. However, marine maps from garmin can start getting expensive.
VHF, at least, all you need is coastal and maybe inland water ways.

 

[Pen_Man]

TNX @merlin. I'll have to have a look at Garmin.
P

 

[Hit_Factor]

Sell it and get a radio with all the features you need. Why start with a piece of safety equipment that doesn't meet your needs?

 

[Pen_Man]

[SOLVED] So I purchased a BR-355N GPS Mouse from Ama... for $60 (CDN), chopped off the connector, wired it to my RX and added a 5v power supply I had hanging around to power the mouse and... Bob's your Uncle. The UM385 now gives me a "GPS data OK" on the screen.

 

[scottmtoland]

Was encouraged by your post. Could not acquire the BR-355N you used. Bought a very similar unit. Serial connection through a USB A plug.

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Unit works great plugged into a computer. As a serial device standard 0183 settings / baud rate etc. I've tried every connection config I can think of. The wiring is dead simple. Data+ from the GPS (USB colors) GREEN to UNIDEN Data+ Yellow. GPS White to UNIDEN GREEN. Power with a standard USB plug Red / Black. UNIDEN bare to black. Tried many config setting on the GPS (There is a windows app for this). I'm stumped. Do you remember what wires you matched? Just wondering if there was a misprint in the manual or something. Thanks. Scott

 

[Pen_Man]

Hey @scottmtoland I believe that unit will not work because it is USB. You need an RS-232 unit in order to connect it to your RX.
Cheers PM

 

[scottmtoland]

The connector is USB, but the protocol is pure serial. No drivers required. 5v+ red, neg black, data+ green, Data - white.

 

[Pen_Man]

OK then:
BLK - 0V - UM385 GRN + external supply
RED - 5V - external supply
WHT - N/C
GRN - data - UM385 YEL

Keep in mind my GPS is a BR355N

Hope that helps.
P