OziExplorer - Com Port Problems Support

Com Port (Serial Port) Problems

We have a program available which may help you diagnose port problems. This is a simple program which scans the ports on a PC and reports their status. It also scans all the ports to see if there is a GPS attached.

You can use our GpsPortChecker program to see if it can find your GPS.

• If you are using a USB to Serial port converter or a plug-in card type GPS (compact flash) or a Bluetooth GPS a virtual com port will be created. You must know the number of the port which is created, if you do not the GpsPortChecker program mentioned above may help locate the port number used.
   
• Make sure you do not have any other programs also trying to use the COM port. These may include FAX programs, programs which interface to Palm Pilots and other PDA's,   terminal type programs (e.g. Hyperterminal).  If you have been using a DOS terminal program to read the output from the GPS you must not only exit the terminal program but may also have to completely exit the DOS window to release the COM port.
   
• If you get the error from OziExplorer "Error Opening Com Port" this means the port is in use by another program or does not exist.   Note that OziExplorer has not yet attempted to communicate with the GPS, it does this only after it has successfully opened the COM port.
   
• It is possible to lock up the communication port on the GPS, so it is advisable to turn the GPS off and on when attempting to establish communication to reset the port. 

Com Port and GPS won't communicate and I have used a Palm Pilot

• If you have a Palm Pilot and you have communication problems, ensure that the "Hot Sync" is only active when the Palm Pilot is connected. You will need to check the settings for the "Hot Sync" program, and make the Hot Sync feature to only run when the Palm Pilot is running, and not run all the time.  Adjusting this setting will free up the COM port.  While the Palm Pilot has control of the COM port, you will not be able to establish communication.

Serial Port Drivers

• The Serial Port Driver used for communication with the GPS is selectable - Driver1 or Driver2.  (Driver2 is the default).  The COM page of OziExplorer Configuration has the option to change driver.  If you are having trouble communication with your GPS, try the other driver. (Most GPS's will work with either driver, in this case we recommend using Driver2).

Mouse Cursor Jumps around the Screen when the GPS is Connected

When I plug my GPS into the adapter or reboot the PC with the GPS plugged in the mouse cursor jumps around the screen.

See this page for advice Mouse Jumping Support page

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