MapTech Computer problem

[LuckyPenny]

Has anyone used their handheld GPS with a computer? I have the MapTech Region 6 and would like to interface my Garmin 76 to my laptop for navigation. The problem is i needed to get an adapter to interface the serial connection from the GPS to the USB on my computer. No matter what I do or install the software will not read the GPS. Does anyone know of a website where I can download a driver or application to let the two machines talk to each other?

 

[JB]

Re: MapTech Computer problem

Non-boating tech.

 

[tommays]

Re: MapTech Computer problem

it sounds like you are trying to use a laptop or other computer without a serial port ?<br /><br /><br />I program industral PLC controls and a real serial port is a must none of the 10 different brands of controls i repiar on will work with a USB to SERIAL adaptor.<br /><br />The handshake for the standard serial CTS and RTS singles get lost in USB .<br /><br />it makes my life cost a lot more because only high end laptops have kept the serial port.<br /><br />tommays

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: MapTech Computer problem

I used Microsoft Streets and Trips. My ETrex GPS was hooked up to my laptop through a port replicator. The replicator plugged into the USB port and had the PS/2 and Serial ports on it. It required 120 VAC to run, so I bought an inverter for the truck. Plugged in the laptop and the port replicator into that. My GPS connector was a split 12VDC power and computer connector.<br />We drove from AK to Montana and over to CA with the GPS and mapping going the whole time. It worked like a charm. It was kind of funny when the older software didn't reflect the correct routing of the highways. It would said we were in the middle of no man's land but the track would paralell the highway. That only happened about three times over 4,500 miles. Not bad really.<br /><br />AK Chappy

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: MapTech Computer problem

Yeah, I purchased an adapter from ebay that converted the serial to usb. After that I had to play around with the communications hook up on the gps hook-up. I remember having to play with the com port selection and gps setup. Be persistant it will work.<br /><br />I have the driver and the web site is: http://www.gilsson.com/usb_drivers_download.htm this is the adapter driver from serial to usb.<br /><br />I love when I end up mapping new roads that are not listed on the old maptech projections.