Garmin GPS 111 to Laptop USB connecting cable?

BML · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 11, 2004 Posts: 48

I connected my Garmin GPS 111 to my desktop computer via a serial connector and I got Memory Map and Auto-Route to run and provide a position.
I then tried to see if Memory Map and Auto-Route would work on my laptop for when I go on the road with my Motor Caravan.
The laptop only has USB connectors so I had to use a serial to USB converter and it crashes every time that I try to get a position.
Global Positioning Systems say that the Garmin GPS 111 only has a serial connector and they do not make a USB connecting cable for their GPS 111 which seems rather remiss.
Anyone got any ideas as to why the laptop keeps crashing?

BML · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 11, 2004 Posts: 48

I thought that I would try to replicate the problem with my desktop computer so I connected the GPS via what I refer to as a serial port and it ran the GPS perfectly. I then connected the GPS to the desktop computer via a USB Serial converter and the computer crashed. I then had a look at some notes I had when I last looked at this problem. The note that I found said, "The USB port, is and never will be the same as a serial port." If you purchase a USB to RS232 converter you are not creating a perfect replica of the original communications.” If that is the case the problem is irresolvable that is unless someone says otherwise although it would help of course if Garmin came into the modern world and created a connecting cable with a USB connector.

Pc-Mobile · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:24 pm Post subject:

A USB>serial converter should work.

It may be that you have configured the software incorrectly or that you did not install the correct driver.

There is also a possibility that the USB>serial converter is not compatible which is rare if it is relatively new.

Try another USB>serial converter.
_________________
Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

BML · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 11, 2004 Posts: 48

I wished that I had been equiped with a GPS when I was in the New Teritories Hong Kong in the 1950s. My map reading was not very good and I nearly lead my troop of Comet tanks into a paddy field. Thanks for the advice.

BML · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 11, 2004 Posts: 48

I’ve cracked it or rather you have Drivers, I thought, what are drivers? Looking through my collection of discs I found the appropriate disc/driver and after a bit of a struggle where it did not seem to want to run it was installed and now it all works. Many many thanks.

	PocketGPS
	Web