Softwareentwicklung Heinz Lüdert

How to connect a Mac (OS 9.x) via an USB port to a RS-232-port equipped GPS?

GPS devices, which transport their data via a RS-232 interface, cannot be attached directly to Macintosh computers of the new generation. These computers probably have several USB interfaces, however no printer or modem interfaces, which would it make possible to connect a RS232 device directly. While choosing your GPS device, "PreFlight" in addition would like to know, at which serial interface (printer or modem) you have attached your GPS.
To solve this problem, for example the following adapters are suitable:

Mini-iDock Adapter of the New Motion Co., Ltd

This USB to serial adapter extends your Mac by two serial (mini DIN) ports, which you can directly select in "PreFlight". Furthermore you still need an appropriate cable to connect the mini DIN socket with the 9-pin sub D socket of the GPS data cable (see "PreFlight" Documentation on page 33).

High Speed USB Serial Adapter of the Keyspan Company

This adapter makes it possible to address serial equipment using a (9-pin Sub D) RS232-port via USB. Thereby you get no real Mac printer port, however you can simulate one:
In the current software "Keyspan USA19W (1.9)" one can activate a classical printer port by checking the "Emulate Printer Port" checkbox of the "Advanced Settings" dialog box. However, this check box is only available under Macintosh versions without classical serial interfaces, thus e.g. on an ibook. After the interface was activated, "PreFlight" can access the GPS device without any problem. This configuration was tested by "PreFlight" user Thomas Eichmann.
To the list of frequently asked questions