Internal GPS Mod Tech Support/Q&A
- Thread starter jonwienke
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So far all the testing has been on the bench connected to my computer and oscilloscope. I haven't had a chance to put one in a scanner yet.
The output is TTL. Connect a LED + 330Ω resistor between the PPS terminal and ground to get a brief blink once per second when lock is active. Or connect between PPS and VCC to get a GPS power LED that blinks off briefly once per second when the unit has lock.
RYN25DI 10Hz RS232 interface high performance GPS Glonass antenna module battery | eBay
Same general size as the GMouse module, but receives GLONASS + GPS, and outputs RS-232 rather than TTL, eliminating the need for the somewhat finicky MAX3232 converter. I'm thinking they could be useful as a DIY replacement for the Uniden puck for mobile scanners--simply connect +5V to pin 9, and then connect a DB-9 cable to the module and throw it in some sort of case. They are made by the same company that makes the RY636AI module (the one with the insanely good GPS reception), so I have fairly high hopes for fit and finish and performance.
I have some arriving Monday for testing, I guess I will find out pretty soon how good they really are.
Same general size as the GMouse module, but receives GLONASS + GPS, and outputs RS-232 rather than TTL, eliminating the need for the somewhat finicky MAX3232 converter. I'm thinking they could be useful as a DIY replacement for the Uniden puck for mobile scanners--simply connect +5V to pin 9, and then connect a DB-9 cable to the module and throw it in some sort of case. They are made by the same company that makes the RY636AI module (the one with the insanely good GPS reception), so I have fairly high hopes for fit and finish and performance.
I have some arriving Monday for testing, I guess I will find out pretty soon how good they really are.
Would be interested in a puck type option with USB for power and the BCD436HP GPS connector for input. I'll be watching to see how things turn out.
Well, the initial tests are complete, and they are VERY positive. First off, the RYN25DI is the new champ for low power consumption--25mA average, which is even more impressive considering that it outputs RS-232 directly, and does NOT need the MAX3232 converter module, which draws an additional 8-10mA. The previous champ in that department, the Ladybird + MAX3232, draws 35-40mA in comparison.
RFI is also virtually non-existent--better than any other module except the Reyax RY636AI--just a hint of noise in the 220-260MHz region with no ferrites or capacitors connected. Putting a ferrite on the power leads next to the module and jumpering the power pads with a 0.1μF capacitor seems to kill it completely.
Reception is quite good. Satellite lock is intermittent in my basement safe cubbyhole, but solid everywhere else. Like the other Reyax modules, fit and finish is excellent.
I'm sufficiently impressed with the RYN25DI that I pulled the GMouse out of my 436 and replaced it with the RYN25DI. The GMouse wasn't bad; it didn't seem to affect sensitivity when doing side-by-side comparisons, but it did cause some background hum on some frequencies when it was running. Testing with the RYN25DI so far indicates no background noise whatsoever on any frequency when it is running.
RFI is also virtually non-existent--better than any other module except the Reyax RY636AI--just a hint of noise in the 220-260MHz region with no ferrites or capacitors connected. Putting a ferrite on the power leads next to the module and jumpering the power pads with a 0.1μF capacitor seems to kill it completely.
Reception is quite good. Satellite lock is intermittent in my basement safe cubbyhole, but solid everywhere else. Like the other Reyax modules, fit and finish is excellent.
I'm sufficiently impressed with the RYN25DI that I pulled the GMouse out of my 436 and replaced it with the RYN25DI. The GMouse wasn't bad; it didn't seem to affect sensitivity when doing side-by-side comparisons, but it did cause some background hum on some frequencies when it was running. Testing with the RYN25DI so far indicates no background noise whatsoever on any frequency when it is running.
RYN25DI
Will the RYN25DI allow totally internal installation or will it be a cut-out type installation? Total Cost?
Will the RYN25DI allow totally internal installation or will it be a cut-out type installation? Total Cost?
Other than slightly less wiring, I don't see what the advantage over the Uniden GPS would be. You still have a Y cable going from the power plug to the GPS to the scanner. The Uniden puck gets pretty good reception, so there isn't going to be much practical difference between it and a homebrew external puck.
The advantage of the homebrew setup is most evident when the GPS receiver is integrated into the scanner, so that you can do GPS-enhanced scanning in buses and trains and rental cars and other vehicles without having to drag along a bunch of cables and a separate power supply for the GPS.
I have a 4+ port USB that plugs into a 12v "cigarette" port. A radar detector that requires a 12v port. I use a splitter to support 2 x 12v ports into 1 output. I could replace it, I guess, with a 3 x 12v splitter. I have open USB ports.
If I used my scanner while moving, I would definitely get one. I have multiple outlets, too. Some are wired to be "hot" all the time. With cell phones, dash cams, TomTom, etc., it sometimes looks like spaghetti. I don't have a radar detector because I don't speed. One less cord would be a blessing.
I also have the "corded" GPS but I seldom use it because, most of the time, I have no idea what the various units are talking about and I'm not familiar with the locations they talk about. I'll spend my driving time talking on the ham radio or listening to satellite radio,
I find scanning while driving useful, but only enable police/fire/EMS dispatch/tac/talk Service Types and set Range to 5 miles. It's a handy way to find out about accidents and road hazards before you encounter them. There's a lot of chaff, but you never know when it will be REALLY handy.
Here's a cable you could use for a DIY USB-powered external puck:
10 Ft USB 2.0 Type A Male to 4-Pin Mini A Male Cable Adapter/Converter/Changer | eBay
It has a USB connector on one end, and the plug for the 436 GPS port on the other. Cut it in half, solder the GPS puck into the middle, and put the puck in a case like this, and you're ready to go.
63*58*35mm Waterproof Transparent Project Electronic Instrument Enclosure Case | eBay
Well heck, I'm really happy with the GMouse mod you did to my 436,
but this sounds even better. How much to retrofit a GMouse mod you did with a RYN25DI?
but this sounds even better. How much to retrofit a GMouse mod you did with a RYN25DI?
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