[ltp] Serial port for a T40

[Jeffrey Veiss]

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Hi Joan,

I had/have the same predicament when I upgraded from a T20 to a T42.
I use the serial port quite heavily and it was a serious drawback of
the T42 (but of course there were lots of other things to make it
worthwhile) including the following:

  o Connecting my GPS to download maps and waypoints via Garmin
    software

  o Connecting my GPS to MS Streets & Trips

  o Connecting to a Sun or Cisco serial console

  o Connecting to my HP palmtop

and others.  I did a lot of research and found that the most
recommended was the Keyspan USB to Serial connector Model #USA-19HS
particularly because they also provide Linux drivers though it's
said newer kernels will recognize it right away.

I just purchased one from EBay yesterday and will report to the list my
findings when I receive it.

James,

I have played with my GPS on various trips (particularly international)
with no complains.  It's hard to get a signal unless you're right by
the window but since a GPS only receives and doesn't transmit like a
cell phone, no one really should complain.

-Jeff


On Tue, 28 Sep 2004, James McKenzie wrote:

> Joan:
>
> Do you plan on using the GPS unit only when you are home or otherwise
> connected to a mains (AC) power source?  If that is the case, then get th=
e
> dock.  If not, get a USB to Serial convertor with a 4 port hub, either US=
B 1.1
> or USB 2.0.  Units are available that do not require any power, other tha=
n the
> power supplied by the USB bus.  Of course, I recommend a powered hub when=
 you
> have mains (AC) power available.  I have not run into a powered hub that =
runs
> off of power that can be obtained from the Thinkpad or an auto's lighter =
or
> power outlets.  Of course, using a GPS system may not be allowed on aircr=
aft
> in flight.
>
> James McKenzie
>
>
> Joan Roig Amor=F3s wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> > does anybody have any experience connecting a GPS unit to a T40 running
> > linux? of course my T40 has no serial port, so... what is the best/chea=
pest
> > way to add a serial port that will work also with linux? serial to USB?
> > PCMCIA to serial (I see that cards  are ~$25 in ebay)? or should I wait=
 for
> > Xmas and buy myself a dock?
> >
> > thank you,
> >
> > joan
> >
>
>
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