GPS module to Serial port

[dacflyer]

i got a GPS module that i want to see the raw data on my laptop.
the GPS has serial output of 9600 baud and has the common TX RX Gnd.
well i tried to connect to it via Hyper Terminal and it did not work, i also used a Program
that the GPS ( U-Center v.8.10 ) and i still cannot connect.
do i need something more between the GPS and my laptop ? a sort of converter ?

i have seen other uses of the GPS module connected to Arduinos etc.
but i read that the GPS has serial output. so i thought it could connect directly to the laptop.

[Engineer3104]

Can you look at the output of the GPS module on a scope?
Check the signal for two things.
1. The level. Some units only send out 0 to 5 volt signals. The serial port on the computer may require true RS232 levels of +12V to -12V.
2. Check to see if the signal is inverted.

The output of the GPS module may have been intended to be connected to a level shifter like a MAX232 chip or similar.

Hope this helps.

[dacflyer]

thanks.. ya, i finally found out the GPS TX RX are only 3V levels and i do need a 232 converter.
so thats the next item to find..
local electronics store does not have any such thing, neither does RS..
so online i go searching.

i also posted this in the Smiley's Work Shop section since i noticed that not everyone here reads all the topics on here..

so i am gonna add another question here related..
as far as TX and RX connections go...
am i correct to assume that they connect by TX---RX, and RX----TX
or is it TX---TX and RX---RX ?

[dyarker]

am i correct to assume that they connect by TX---RX, and RX----TX
or is it TX---TX and RX---RX ?

no, not correct to AssUMe, it's a big MAYBE.
For example, a PC is a term device, and a MODEM is a comm device. On the PC the TX is an output and RX an input, on a MODEM TX is an input and RX an output. Petend you are in the PC looking toward a distant end; for data to send to distant end, first you see PC's TX pin, then MODEM's TX pin, then phone line, then DE(distant end) MODEM, then DE MODEM RX pin, then DE PC RX pin.

Now if, repeat if, GPS unit is acting like a term device, then you need a crossover cable. The idea is to get an output connected to an input, and an input connected from an output; regardless of TX/RX labels.

Hope that is a little clearer than mud. If not I can try a different expanation.

Is your 3V data inverted?

Cheers,

[dacflyer]

not sure if it is or not... but here is the link for the schematic
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/038/544/ ... 38_840.jpg
maybe you can make better heads or tails of it..

[haklesup]

search for RS-232 level shifter. plenty of schematics on image search

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171320861390?lpid=82
This one gets you to 5.5V but if you really need 12V, then a simple NPN transistor amplifier should work see image search results for ideas.

[dacflyer]

thanks,, i found a cheapo rs232 converter on Ebay for bout 3 bucks / free shipping.
i am able to read the GPS data now (another step getting closer to building my GPS clock )