GPSReader

GPSReader is a simple PC based GPS communication port configuration tool. The GPSReader is the same as GPSXCAD Setup command. The program has pulldown lists to select Port, Baud Rate, Parity, Data Bits and Stop Bits. The GPS standard NEMA speficies 4800 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits and 1 Stop Bit. These standard settings are the default settings for GPSReader and GPSXCAD. For information on GPS output setting refer to you GPS manual.

Test Communications

To test the communications, connect the GPS and move to a location where you can recieve a GPS signal. Turn on GPS and wait until you aquire a GPS position. Click the test button, if successful the program will display the RMC sentence from your GPS. If unsuccessful change the Port setting and try again.

Setting the Communications Port

Before clicking the Test Button identify which GPS port. Computer Management|Device Manager in the Control Panel. This will give the locations of the ports. If you are using a serial port, the ports will be labeled on the PC. Bluetooth ports and USB\Serial ports will be identified in the Device Manager. See figure.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth ports are configured to a serial port and given a COM designation. Use this designation shown in the Device Manager when running GPSReader and GPSXCAD.

USB Connections

USB connections require a USB\Serial USB-HID. This is a virtual serial port, which can be setup with the following drivers. If setup this will be displayed in the Device Manager