Interfacing with USB GPS module

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi folks, I am trying to make use of an existing GPS module I had lying around from an old project.

I have a BU-353 GPS USB module. It outputs in the standard NMEA format used by other chips.

My question is how to interface the module to the Arduino since it uses USB and not a TTL serial interface. My best guess is to use a USB to R232 adapter and then convert to TTL with a MAX232. Will this work?

It's probably worth noting: When I plug the module in to my PC, it is recognized as a USB-Serial Controller. Is there any way to hook this directly up to the Arduino without any adaptors?

I hope someone can make some sense of this.

Thanks,
Scott

2

Link to BU-353 datasheet: http://www.usglobalsat.com/download/62/bu353_ds_ug.pdf

3

You could probably do it directly - by implementing a virtual USB port, but I'd suspect that'd be a bit of a pain.

Better bet would be to use something like the USB Host Shield or a VNC1L.

4

Acting as a USB Host is tough.

If you can't bypass the USB side of things, then the Arduino may not be the best platform.

5

If it uses a USB to serial converter then open it up and find the serial lines then use them.

No point in trying to use the USB, it won't be easy...

Mowcius

6

Or post it to me and I'll get it working with the VNC1L. :wink:

8 (resident VNC1L fan-boi)