[time-nuts] Rapco 1804M - serial problems?

[David J Taylor]

> Actually no, it doesn't have to be the software. In my day job, I work 
> for a company that makes terminal servers (networked serial 
> concentrators) and have seen many times where USB/serial converters do 
> not behave properly. I would bet that choosing a different USB/serial 
> dongle would fix the problem. Generally speaking it seems the FTDI based 
> units are the most dependable, but implementations vary.
>
> HTH
>
> Paul

Paul,

Many thanks for your remarks.  Actually, I do trust this particular 
USB/Serial box, as it's never let me down before.

Encouraged by your remarks, I have made more tests, and found a second 
cure!  Use a different RS-232 cable, with just RX/TX/ground pins 
connected.  No control lines.  That simple.  I don't have an RS-232 
breakout box, otherwise I might have watched the control lines to see 
where the problem was, but I feel as if I've wasted a day on this already!

Thanks for your comments and help.

Now to write a program to graph the number of satellites, PDOP and signal 
level so that I can see whether the different GPS antenna puck I bought 
makes any difference.  Or not!

Cheers,
David
-- 
SatSignal software - quality software written to your requirements
Web:  http://www.satsignal.eu
Email:  david-taylor at blueyonder.co.uk