Connecting your Cassiopeia E-1xx/E-200 to a serial GPS

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I've written this document because I get asked this question on an almost DAILY basis :). Please don't ask me about CF (CompactFlash) GPS units, because I've not used any of them.

In order to hook your Casio up to a GPS, you first need to make sure that the GPS supports the NMEA communications standard. Chances are, that if it has a serial port, that it does (except for the DeLorme TripMate/EarthMate... those are kind of weird... it's possible to get them working with software other than DeLorme Solus Pro, but they're finicky).

If your GPS does support NMEA output, then this is what you need to do to hook it up to your Casio E-1xx or E-200.

HARDWARE:

You will need three or four pieces of equipment depending on which model you have:
  1. The serial cable for your GPS
  2. Check the store where you got your GPS from to see if they have this cable, or contact the GPS vendor...
  3. A Null Modem/Gender Changer connector
  4. DeLorme makes a nice Null Modem cable (can use with any GPS, not just DeLorme GPS): DeLorme Null Modem Cable - Click on 'Add to Cart' in the upper-left hand corner to buy it. The DeLorme site is not very friendly. This is the best link I could find...
  5. TeleType also makes a nice little adapter, but they only sell it with their Teletype GPS software: TeleType GPS Software page
  6. The Casio serial cable
  7. Casio Part#: JK-580CA
  8. (My apologies to anyone who saw the previous version of this document and purchased the 711Cable!!! :( )
  9. FOR E-200 Users Only: The Casio 20-pin serial adapter (also has USB port)
  10. Casio Part#: JK-744CV

SOFTWARE:

There are quite a few GPS packages out there, but here are the ones I've personally used, along the pros and cons of each:
  • DeLorme Solus Pro V1.5 I'm not totally even sure if this is available anymore... DeLorme no longer supports PocketPCs (idiots!)
  • PRO: Will work with standard NMEA GPS devices and/or DeLorme EarthMate/TripMate
  • CON: Is only in Black & White, and only works on PocketPC2000 devices. Only has one level of zoom.
  • CON: Requires routes and maps to be created on desktop using other DeLorme products (Street Atlas, AAA Map 'N Go, TopoUSA, etc...)
  • CON: Very small maps (in terms of land size covered)
  • Teletype GPS (V1099) I've only used the older version (V1099)... not sure how much better the newer versions are...
  • PRO: Color :).
  • PRO: Containts 'highway-only' map files (by state).. if you're only travelling on major roads, you can use this very nice, very small (file size) map...
  • PRO: Detailed maps are stored in files by county, by state. You can choose with maps to load!
  • PRO: You can fit many states on a CF card (with 512MB+ CF card you can fit the ENTIRE US...)
  • PRO: Supports any GPS using standard NMEA output
  • CON: Kind of akward interface...
  • CON: With a lot of maps loaded, can take a long time on an older device to re-draw map
  • Ozi ExplorerCE
  • PRO: Color :)
  • PRO: Allows you to scan in custom maps (on desktop software)
  • PRO: Does wonders with USGS Topo maps
  • PRO: Great Interface
  • PRO: Autoselection of maps (if you have multiple maps loaded)
  • PRO: Constantly getting new features
  • PRO: Free upgrades
  • CON: Requires maps to be created on desktop using other DeLorme products (Street Atlas, AAA Map 'N Go, TopoUSA, etc...)
  • CON: No routing features whatsoever unless you mark them graphically on a scanned map.

    • Questions? Comments? E-Mail me!
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