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GoBlueHiker 
Obsessive Island Hopper...
Group: Members
Posts: 14069
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: Jan. 25 2013, 8:58 pm |
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I have a gear request.
I'm going to the Greenland Ice Sheet this spring for 5-weeks, mid April thru May. I'll be spending considerable time driving a snowmobile and pulling a GPR (ground-penetrating radar) to survey sub-surface snow and ice layers. The laptop and software (which processes/collects the GPR data in real-time) can interface with a GPS unit to tag location and time along the radar track, which is obviously useful. With post-processing at home I'll link the data with a higher-precision dGPS we'll operate seperately, but having the tracks pre-tagged with a handheld GPS unit will be extremely helpful to us in the field, not to mention just for staying on our intended survey tracks while driving the snowmobile.
I need a high-end handheld GPS unit that has a Serial data cable (not a USB cable). Something like the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx would be perfect: that's what they currently use, but other models would work if they have a serial cable. I'd buy one (I'm in charge of this campaign, including the budget), but my budget is quickly maxing out so I need to cut costs where possible. Having 2 along (1 hooked to the GPR, the other for the snowmobile driver) would be even better.
Does anyone have a good GPS that they can lend to a Greenland science team for a couple months this Spring? Purrrty please?  You'd literally be helping cutting-edge polar science, I don't say that facetiously.
PM me or reply here if you have anything to offer and we could chat about details. Just thought I'd ask!
- Mike
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Wealth needs more. Happiness needs less. Simplify.
www.RainForestTreks.com
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| Post Number: 2
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Ecocentric
Group: Members
Posts: 3844
Joined: Jun. 2009
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 12:30 am |
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WildlifeNate may be the guy to talk to about capabilities. Based on what I read, I lean towards Delorme for features, but honestly, my iPhone 3GS is pretty versatile, and there are cases available that add battery life, GPS accuracy, and protection from water. A friend that does field geology is very fond of his Garmin, Oregan. I've helped him drag a ground penetrating radar around. I could send you contact info. He is the expert on water levels/shore lines of the Great Lakes over the last 10,000 years so you would have plenty to talk about.
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"Travel suggestions from strangers are like dancing lessons from God." -Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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| Post Number: 3
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wildlifenate
Group: Members
Posts: 5830
Joined: Jul. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 2:28 pm |
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Eco, it's the real-time data linking with the software that puts GBH's use requirements squarely into the serial data connection area. and a phone DEFINITELY wouldn't work. I believe the communications protocol is called NMEA.
Unfortunately, I can't help. All I have is an Oregon 450 and while it can communicate using the NMEA protocol, it does so using the USB interface, which is the only data port it has. It also does not have capability to link to an external antenna (not sure if that's part of the plan or not).
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The GPS Geek
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| Post Number: 4
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cuester
Group: Members
Posts: 293
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 4:24 pm |
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If the serial interface was the biggest hurdle for this project what about something like this?
Garmin usb to serial adapter
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bbobb169
Group: Members
Posts: 674
Joined: May 2009
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 5:48 pm |
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I think the 60csx or later is what he needs. I have a 60csx but with a USB connector. My original connector was a serial. Maybe a 76 series. I'd get on Garmins website and check, probably under the OLD models.
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| Post Number: 7
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| Post Number: 8
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GoBlueHiker
Obsessive Island Hopper...
Group: Members
Posts: 14069
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 8:34 pm |
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Nate's right... I need the serial cable, and an adapter won't work for it. They've tried every adapter possible but the radar system only seems to interface with a native serial cable for the real-time logging.
I've gotten a couple of offers (offline) now, so I think I'm set.  I am constantly reminded why this community is so awesome. Thanks everyone!
- Mike
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Wealth needs more. Happiness needs less. Simplify.
www.RainForestTreks.com
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| Post Number: 9
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21832
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 8:36 pm |
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I have a cable for the old-style four-pin serial connector, if that's any help. (it goes in the port on the right in Nate's picture.
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| Post Number: 10
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onepaddlejunkie
Group: Members
Posts: 276
Joined: Mar. 2008
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 8:43 pm |
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GoBlue,I have a 60 Cx that I would love for you to take to Greenland, but, there is a small hitch. I can't be without it so you will have to take me with you. All you have to cover is all transportation, lodging and food. I have my own gear. I'm not a scientist but I know Holiday Inn Express when I see one.
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| Post Number: 11
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bbobb169
Group: Members
Posts: 674
Joined: May 2009
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 10:21 pm |
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(wildlifenate @ Jan. 27 2013, 4:24 pm)
QUOTE
(bbobb169 @ Jan. 27 2013, 4:48 pm)
QUOTE I think the 60csx or later is what he needs. I have a 60csx but with a USB connector. My original connector was a serial. Maybe a 76 series. I'd get on Garmins website and check, probably under the OLD models. if you look on the back, you've actually got both connectors. it's probably under a different rubber gasket you've never bothered to mess with. I would suggest checking on the groundspeak forums. There's a GPS in education section there and some might have extras they'd be willing to loan for this sort of project. the classifieds section over there will also have some of these listed for sale.  also worth noting is that the serial port on the back also supplies external power to the GPS, which can be important when using it over a long period of time.
I know there is a USB and a 4 pin on the back of the GPSr. I was assuming he wanted the serial connector for the computer end. Mine goes to USB.....don't even think my computer would run a serial port. You are correct may have luck at the geocaching forum.... : http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/
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| Post Number: 12
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21832
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 10:36 pm |
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Here is the cable. It's 8 ft long, with standard female DB-9 connector.
Attached Image
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| Post Number: 13
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Cloudwalker
?
Group: Members
Posts: 6711
Joined: Feb. 2002
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Posted on: Jan. 27 2013, 11:21 pm |
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Hey GBH, I've got a Garmin eTrex Legend that I would be happy to loan you if it would work for you. It's definitely not "high end" but it does have a serial cable and I also have a USB adapter with it.
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| Post Number: 14
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Lamebeaver
trail? I don't need no stinkin trail!
Group: Members
Posts: 16223
Joined: Aug. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 28 2013, 9:31 am |
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You know, even the cheapest Garman eTrex units have a port that will accept a serial cable.
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| Post Number: 16
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WalksWithBlackflies
Resident Eco-Freak Bootlicker
Group: Members
Posts: 8754
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 28 2013, 10:43 am |
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Maybe talk with a local surveyor?
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When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. - Lao Tzu
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| Post Number: 17
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Lamebeaver
trail? I don't need no stinkin trail!
Group: Members
Posts: 16223
Joined: Aug. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 28 2013, 12:13 pm |
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| Post Number: 18
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Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
