My Byonics GPS-5 receiver is not receiving proper GPS data that it used to. My adapter broke and I replace it with a Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial Cable. It has a Prolific chip in it. Does it need to be an FTDI chip to work properly?

Spike N4EBF

Sounds like a better question for one of the Byonics support groups?

Thank you, I'll try that. FTDI chip must be in the GPS receiver module.

Did you get this configured and working?
I didn't see any post on the subject on the TinyTrak (Byonics) group.

Rob KB8RCO

No. Byonics says I need a male to male adapter between the DB9 FTDI/USB adapter to open Pin 4. Can't find one of those. FTDI says I have the correct WIN 10 driver.
I am punting and bought a new GPS receiver with USB connector with a built in FTDI chip that is suppose to be plug and play.
At the moment a couple of us are having object and overlay retention problems with APRSIS32 that I posted in another Message.
Thank you for the help.
Spike N4EBF

Okay - I understand.  Byonics GPS receivers are designed to connect to their (or other) Trackers and TNCs.
As such, they receive 5V power on pin 4, but the rest of the pins are RS232 levels (+/- voltages and inverted logic).
Since you already have the GPS here are 2 options to use it:
1. Byonics GUA adapter ($20 adaptor for USB to Byonics GPS with 5V on pin 4)
2. If you able to create your own cable here are a couple of "quick" options connecting a Male DE9 and Female DE9 connects with a few wires:
    a) Add 3 short wire jumper adapter with 3 AAA (or AA) battery holder (I like the ones below with an ON/OFF switch) for the 5V
        straight jumper pins 2, 3, and 5 between the 2 connectors.  On the Make end (which connects to the GPS cable), connect the battery holder.  Red pin4 black pin 5 with other wire.
    b) With a couple extra components(diode, 5V voltage regulator, small capacitor) in the DB9 (DE9) shell, you add 5V from one of the control lines
       A little more complicated, but a practical solution.

Rob KB8RCO

Thank you for the help. I believer I will get another GUA then add a flexible 2 foot USB extension cable I can route to reduce the weight or pressure on the connecters. Wish I had though of this earlier.
Thanks again.
Spike    N4EBF

I have heard of using the tie wraps, especially on Anderson Power Poles. In my case, I have never had a problem.
  For mobile I'll have to use painter's tape for the day and take everything off that evening. On the tablet mount I can use some other form of attachment. Need it in hand to see what  will work.
  Thank you for the advice.
    Spike N4EBF