Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[l1n00x]

Hi!

I've installed the PL2303 driver and the LED on the receiver is flashing, but the GPSinfo utility only displays gibberish on the log window. Date, time, direction, speed, ... are not shown.

http://www.imagebanana.com/view/ywbxyn7e/Unbenannt.PNG

Using gpsd on linux, I can get the device to work. Still, the FIX is constantly lost even though the LED is constantly flashing.

Thanks for your replies, l1n00x

[GS_TECH01]

Actually, when you use the BU-353 on Linux, and you have "gpsd", it will actually automatically switch your device to SiRF Binary protocol. I would recommend to disable "gpsd" in order to prevent that from happening.
 
In order to switch your device back to NMEA protocol, you must follow these instructions on Windows:
1. Download and install this software: http://www.usglobalsat.com/store/downloads/SiRFDemo387.zip
2. Run the Sirf Demo software.
3. Connect your device, choose the correct COM port, and select the 4800 baud rate.
4. Go to Action > Open Data Source.
5. Next, go to Action > Synchronize Protocol & baud rate.
6. Then, go to Action > Switch to NMEA Protocol.
7. In the pop-up window, select the 4800 baud rate under the Baud Rate and click Send.
8. Close the Sirf Demo software.
Now, try your GPS Receiver with the GPSInfo Utility (http://www.usglobalsat.com/store/downloads/GPSInfo.zip) to see if the problem persists.

Note: Be sure and not to click on anything else in this software, as you can render your device unusable.

[l1n00x]

Thank you very much! It's working now!

However, I was unable to get the device working reliably under linux using gpsd. As I already stated, the FIX is lost frequently in xgps and other applications making navigation impossible.

You can find the gpsd project here: http://catb.org/gpsd/
The gpsd team is really putting a lot of effort into providing GPS for unix/linux. However, they only have limited ressources so buying every receiver available is obviously impossible.
If you could provide a BU-353 S4 unit to them, they would definitely make it work under linux.
You can read their wish list here: http://catb.org/gpsd/wishlist.html

I would very much thank you if you supported the open source community by providing a unit to the developers. This would also benefit the sale of new units to customers like me who enjoy using free software.

Kind Regards, l1n00x

[GS_TECH01]

Thanks for the update. And, good to hear that it's working now.

Regarding the device getting a good GPS fix, what is your testing environment? Are you inside a building or outside with a clear access to an open sky, with no tall trees or buildings around?
To able to acquire a good GPS signal, place the device in an ideal environment as stated here: http://www.usglobalsat.com/forum/index.php?topic=3780.msg9921#msg9921
You could also test with our GPSInfo in your Windows computer and see if the device is able to get a good GPS fix consistently. Also, check if the red light is blinking on the device.

If the device consistently acquires a good GPS signal with GPSInfo, then, the issue possibly lies with the xgps software. You can contact the software manufacturer and work with them to check where the problem is.

As for the gpsd, you can reach out to them and see if they could directly contact us. In turn, gpsd could place a formal request for a BU-353-S4 sample and the appropriate department would handle this request.

[l1n00x]

Thanks for your reply.

After some more testing, I am experiencing a continous fix with both NMEA and SiRF data. Hopefully, it will stay that way.

I would like to thank you for your professional support. We do not see many companies caring for their customers like you do.
Keep on the good work!

Greetings, l1n00x

[GS_TECH01]

Great to hear that the problem is fixed.

You're welcome and do appreciate the compliment. We try our best deliver good customer service.

Just let us know if you have any questions. Thanks.