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Most
GPS devices are capable of transmitting, via an attached cable, the
information collected from those satellites in the sky. The GPS unit
outputs data "sentences" to a receiving device, in our specific case an
onboard laptop computer. These sentences typically
contain current position, course, speed, date and time.
The
cable from the GPS unit is plugged into a "port", or socket, of the
laptop. This may be an older-style male 9 pin serial port, or a more
modern USB type. Either way, PC navigation software running on
the computer can process the GPS data and display functional
information accordingly.
Now
let's examine some examples of the cables, plugs and ports that may be
required, (please click on images to enlarge).....
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This type of
cable is used to connect the GPS to a 9 pin male serial port on the PC
laptop. The PC female serial plug is on the far left. This item should
cost about 10 GBP on Ebay.
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This type of
cable is similar to the one above, but incorporates a "cigarette
lighter" power supply to the GPS unit as well. About 12 GBP on Ebay.
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This is an example of a USB
plug...
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This picture shows
the male 9 pin serial port on the rear of a PC , and a cluster of 2 USB
ports.
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If your existing GPS unit
outputs serial data, (non-USB), and the laptop has USB ports only, you
will need a "serial to USB" adapter. About 8 GBP on Ebay.
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To power your onboard
laptop, a 12v DC power adapter will be required. This unit outputs
selectable voltages that match the laptop specifications. Shouldn't
cost more than 15 GBP.
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