akk2@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Atul Kacker) (04/14/89)
A few days ago I posted a message on behalf of one of our users, regarding the feasibility and/or availability of products that would allow him to connect a PC laptop to various LORAN equipment on his sailboat. He wanted to be able to do some autopilot stuff from his PC. Here's a summary of what I received in response. Several others have asked me to reply to them if I got anything and I am sending this summary to them also. Nature willing, it will get to them. Thanks to everyone who replied or posted responses. Atul Kacker akk2@uhura.cc.rochester.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: rochester!ames!uts.amdahl.com!mat (Mike Taylor) The NMEA (I think that's right) protocol for the LORAN I use communicates with the OCKAM computer via a standard DB25 connector and uses the RS232 TXD and Ground pins. Whether its electrically compatible I don't know. The encoding is, I believe, ASCII text. It's something like National Marine Electronics Association and I expect the protocol definition is public. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mws@aplpy.jhuapl.edu (Michael W. Stalnaker) My company, Midship Technologies Ltd. is making several such products, which should be available in about 2 months. Please feel free to write or call us at: Midship Technologies, Ltd. 1924 Hidden Pt. Rd Annapolis, MD 21401 (301) 757 6950 --Mike Stalnaker, President --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mark Tilden <markt%tekig4.len.tek.com@relay.cs.net> I don't know of any NMEA 0183 to RS-232C converters, but I'm planning to develop one, since I couldn't find one either. If you hear of any such device from others on the net, please let me know. Otherwise, If you can wait a few months, (I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to devote the time required to finish the interface), I may have one. Let me know one way or the other (i.e. if you find another source or if you are interested in the results of my work). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: tegra!atlas!vail@swan.ulowell.edu One, please summarize to the net or forward interesting replies to me. I would be very interested in this. Two, you may try Steve, (wordy@cup.portal.com I think...) who is designing the new winnebiko now. It will have capabilities that must come from something like this. Hope this helps... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------