Garmin interface cables

[BruceB]

I just tried to update my Garmin sofware as I have seen there is a new update I haven't loaded for better WAAS use.
However I have just found that I can't as my cable/software is now not up to the job!
My old trusty laptop that I used to use only runs 98 which won't work with currrent update software and my new desktop doesn't have a serial port so I can't plug in the cable!
Does anybody know what the connections are for converting my home made interface cable from serial port to USB plug are?

[Bern Hanreck]

www.maplins.co.uk

I thinks they are £20 !

[MikeCC]

. . . or one of these
Serial / USB Converter here
Post-free if you give me a call to order it - 01256 478000

Alternatively, there are various websites outlining the DIY route but it's not a straightforward pin-to-pin job. You need to include a little converter chip.

Mike

[codprawn]

Funnily enough just(1 hr ago) helped out an old bloke on his sailing boat who couldn't get his laptop to talk to his Garmin 12 - the usb/serial connector works quite well and wasn't causing the problem - he had the wrong port selected.

[BruceB]

I didn't have any problems with the old software, I find the new stuff won't even run to get as far as selcting the port.
My biggest problem is that I don't have a computer running XP that has a serial port to plug in, the next one is that I made my interface cable out of an old on for nowt and don't want to spend any money buying Garmin ones or expensive adaptors to get it to work.
Call me cheap but I prefer to spend what cash I have on shiny useful bits rather than bits of wire if I can make them for nothing!