GPS connection to Flowscan and VHF-gctid813030

[alanmoor]

I decided to install a Flowscan and the MPG option (that requires a GPS) wasn't that much more, so even though I didn't have a GPS on the boat I bought the model that supports that. I have several USB GPSs laying around the house and I was hoping I could make them work. I didn't have any luck as USB is significantly different than RS232. I ended up purchasing a GlobalSat BR-355 BR-355 Serial GPS Receiver:

https://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BR-355S4-GPS-Receiver-Black/dp/B00AMAJFUO/

for under $30. I used a 7805 regulator I had:

https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/LM7805.pdf

to supply power for the GPS since it needed 5 volts instead of 12. I also attached it to a piece of scrap metal as a heat sink. I was able to take the NMEA + from the GPS and connect it to both the radio NMEA in and the NMEA in on the Flowscan. It was a cheap way to enable GPS without a chartplotter, etc.

[Dadrock33]

Which flo-scan did you install and how did the whole project end up? . . . inquiring minds want to know. . . . :whistle:

[alanmoor]

I got the Floscan 9000 (single engine, not metric). Overall I am pleased. My old tach didn't work right so of course I had to replace it, so why not spend roughly what the boat is worth to replace it???:cheer:

It is REALLY nice to have MPG at my fingertips. I haven't been in a situation where I need to get the most miles out of my tank, but if I do it will be good to have. Unfortunately, I never remember to reset the total gallons when I fill up so I haven't calibrated it. The project overall was not hard, just run some wires and figure out the logistics of placing the various sensors, etc. The documentation is good, and I had pretty good luck talking to tech support about the GPS interface.