Recently I’ve got another Uniden scanner. This time it’s Uniden BCD536HP.
Scanner has been mounted into the car. So, the very next question was: how to attach GPS module to avoid entering zip codes while traveling between the states.
Uniden branded GPS module might not be a good choice. I’ve found following issues:
- cost. Around 120$
- additional power plug
- too many wires and modules
Ended up tinkering with GPS modules that I have. Additionally you’ll need RS232-to-TTL converter. Any MAX232 based will do the job.
First one was u-blox NEO-8M. Seems to be easy and straight forward. You need to switch it to old NMEA protocol. So scanner will be able to process messages from the module. Note: Scanner doesn’t configure modules using TX COM port line. Module was configured using u-blox u-center software. But was back to default settings after next power on. It appears that it doesn’t have flash memory (googled it after couple of hours of troubleshooting).
Second one was Beitian BN-220. Was able to set it up using the same u-blox u-center software. Configuration was successfully saved and was working after powering it off. Note: You need to configure RMC message to appear as GPS originated. So, it should looks like: GPRMC in serial console
Last issue was powering. Both: interface converter and GPS module need 5V. I’ve used USB on Uniden since I don’t have plans to use WiFi module.
Here is the result of the first iteration:
Information sources list
- https://freematics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1759
- https://www.handheldgroup.com/knowledge-base/enable-or-disable-nmea-datasets-in-u-blox-gps-module/
- https://portal.u-blox.com/s/question/0D52p00008HKCX6CAP/nmea-talker-id-the-module-prints-out-a-gnrmc-message-but-my-application-needs-the-gprmc-how-can-i-change-it