USB GPS receiver

[SailingWebGuy]

Hello!

I need to pick up a USB GPS receiver for my laptop. Anyone recommend a particular model?

I found a few that used magnets for mounting. Will it interfere with a compass?

Thanks!

[galynd]

I purchased a GlobalSat Bu 353 from Amazon. It was about $36. Works very well. have never lost satellites even inside. It does have a light magnet. I've heard of some pulling it out. I've not tried. Waterproof.

[jackdale]

+1 on the 353.

I keep it below away from the binnacle compass.

I have to start and close the GPS program, then start the charting software, MapTech. A little quirky. but it does work well.

[windward54]

I use a Canmore GPS logger. Plugs directly into your USB port, and even though there is no exterior antenna, I find it logs in when down below, in under 30 seconds. Powers off, and charges up off of the USB port. Although it is designed to be used as a logging GPS stick, the output is NMEA and is compatable with any mapping system. I use mine to provide a GPS signal to Airmail 2000 software.

Amazon.com: Used and New: Canmore GT-730FL-S USB GPS Tracker Stick Data Logger (Built-in Rechargeable battery, WAAS, A-GPS, 256,000 Waypoints, 65 channels, Windows XP / Vista / 7 Compatible)

[JimsCAL]

Originally Posted by jackdale

+1 on the 353.

I keep it below away from the binnacle compass.

I have to start and close the GPS program, then start the charting software, MapTech. A little quirky. but it does work well.

Good to hear the 353 works with Maptech software. My current GPS puck doesn't support Windows 7 64-bit so looking for a replacement. What OS are you using?

[JimsCAL]

Originally Posted by jackdale

+1 on the 353.

I keep it below away from the binnacle compass.

I have to start and close the GPS program, then start the charting software, MapTech. A little quirky. but it does work well.

Good to hear the 353 works with Maptech software. My current GPS puck doesn't support Windows 7 64-bit so looking for a replacement. What OS are you using?

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by JimsCAL

Good to hear the 353 works with Maptech software. My current GPS puck doesn't support Windows 7 64-bit so looking for a replacement. What OS are you using?

I am using XP.

The 353 is actually a serial device that requires a usb-serial driver to work. Is that a problem with your current puck?

[SailingWebGuy]

Thanks everyone! Just ordered the GlobalSat Bu 353. I'm gonna give it a whirl with PolorNavy when it gets here.

[brak]

I use BU 353 myself (so yes, PolarView/PolarCOM will work with it ), but also just ordered Canmore device (thanks for the pointer). I was looking for an inexpensive dongle-style USB GPS because in some situations I'd prefer not to have a long connecting cable (when used with a small netbook). Also found it really cheap ($30).

BU 353 is an excellent device, though - has been extremely reliable for me and provides a very accurate fix (i.e. in my personal use it has rarely been off by more than a few feet). Because it uses a common PL2303 chipset, it is supported pretty much on any operating system. I.e. it will be visible as a serial device on that system - the rest is up to the GPS/navigation software.

[JimsCAL]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I am using XP.

The 353 is actually a serial device that requires a usb-serial driver to work. Is that a problem with your current puck?

Problem is lack of a 64-bit driver. Unit is a Delorme LT-20 which also requires a USB-serial driver. Delorme had driver that worked on my old XP laptop. Works with their software on my new laptop but customer service says no intention to develop 64-bit driver to permit supporting other software.