MacSailing.net

If you are using a USB GPS like those from USGlobalSat then just install the OS X driver and plug the GPS in.

If you are using a handheld GPS like those from Garmin the continue reading.

Most will use a Keyspan USB to serial adapter and a PC interface cable (provided by GPS manufacturer).

If the PC interface cable does not terminate in a female DB-9 connector you will need to add one using this diagram..




Some Garmin models also include a USB cable with them. This cable only supports the Garmin transfer protocol and not NMEA data. Both GPSNavX and MacENC use the NMEA data. As such you must have a serial connection through a Keyspan adapter or a Multiplexor.

contact gpsnavx@mac.com if you need further assistance with a GPS connection.

Just bought the Microsoft Blue tooth gps... Works great with my mac and my Sony Cell phone.... Highly recommended....

It's made by Pharos and the version I bought was a USB standalone....for $99.00 then I added the bluetooth module for another $99.00..

Battery lasts a long time and is fairly cold resistant.

I recently aquired a cable for the Garmin 72 with a USB to Serial converter. The signal lines were on pins 2 and 3 with the ground on pin 5 and the positive on pin 9 of the 9 pin serial connector. This would allow a hookup to a NMEA system aboard a boat with an external power source. The external power source should be rated at 8 to 35 volts DC.

The MTC USB to serial converter software driver requires a minor hack in the terminal for OS 10.3x and above.
http://www.mct.com.tw/driver.html
in the terminal after root user is enabled type:
sudo su then hit return
enter your user password and hit return
now type:
chmod -R og-w /System/Library/Extensions/USBSerialDriver.kext
hit return
then type:
chown -R root:wheel /System/Library/Extensions/USBSerialDriver.kext
hit return and quit the terminal
reboot and the driver works properly. You may now use the Garmin 72 with GPSNavX.