GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Chapter 9: Interfacing a GPS Receiver to a Computer155Avoid GPS receivers that can’t interface with a personal computer. The benefitsof connecting to a computer far exceed the few dollars you’ll save.Untangling CablesIf your GPS receiver uses a cable to connect to a computer and you want tointerface the two, you need the right type of cable. Some GPS receivers comebundled with this cable; others don’t.If you don’t have a cable for your GPS receiver, get one. Cables tend to vary indesign between manufacturers and models, so be sure to get the right one foryour GPS receiver. (See Figure 9-1 for examples of different types of cables.)You can purchase a cable directly from the manufacturer at its Web site orthrough a retailer. Expect cable prices to range from $20–$45.Figure 9-1:GPSreceivercables fordifferentmodels,includinga USBadapter onthe left.