Registered: Feb 2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 5

Adapter cable for mouse-type gps and Visor

After trying to connect a USB mouse-type gps to my Visor and failing, I decided to get a serial type.

After looking through the net I found several ways to connect the gps and Visor. The one I liked best, is using a serial hotsync-cable with an interface for power supply.

The layout looks like this:

Visor ----------------------- GPS
(Male 9pin) (Male 9pin)

2 ------------------------- 3
3 ------------------------- 2
5 -----------+------------ 5
+----------------- -9V

8 -------------[450 Ohm]--- +9V

This doesn't sound too difficult.

My problem:

Is pin 8 going to my Visor and will I have problems with the 9 Volts?
My gps mouse has specifications ( http://www.fortuna.com.tw/U2.htm ) for the power supply form 3 Vdc or 5 Vdc. Will I fry my gps or are the 9Vdc just for the triggering?
Do I need to supply power by ps2, or can I draw from the adapter?

I would be a shame to fry my Visor or gps.

Thanks for your help.

wooster

Last edited by wooster on 02-18-2003 at 12:46 PM

Registered: Jan 2003
Location: B.C.
Posts: 24

Have a look at:
http://wac.addr.com/ee/visor/visor.html

Registered: Feb 2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 5

Thanks, but I don't want to make a PCB and then try soldering smd parts.

Are there any other ideas?

wooster

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

I'm pretty sure you can find the specs on the connector at the developer section of Handspring's website.

You might also want to check the cable selection over at www.pcables.com and see if they have one that fits your needs.

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Registered: Feb 2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 5

I looked at pccable.com and found the PDCE-M9BATT 3ft Visor Edge Battery Powered Data Cable. That would fit my needs. BUT the price!! $64.99 + $10 shipping make it quite a sum.
Saddly I can't find a similar offer here in Germany or Europe.

It shouldn't be to difficult to build the adapter myself.

I have a serial hotsync-cable and when someone tells me what I need in electronic-parts I will be able to put them together.

Are there any more suggestions?

wooster

Registered: Jan 2003
Location: B.C.
Posts: 24

Did you follow the link to this site.

http://www.pocketaprs.com/visor.html

At the bottom it say that the voltage can vary from 3 volts up but must be current limited by a resistor to 20 ma. So you could use your Visor serial cradle and use 3 volts. Then you wouldn't have to worry about frying your GPS unit. I've seen Visor serial being sold in the bargain bin as the model is discontinued. You might be able to find one to modify as a compact unit without destroying your regular cradle.
Lee