This page covers the various ways a Lowrance or Eagle GPS can connect to a PC and how to configure the GPS and OziExplorer.
Notes
OziExplorer cannot send maps to any Lowrance or Eagle GPS, the type of maps OziExplorer uses are not in the correct format required by a GPS.
A Serial Port is also known as a Com Port and both names are used throughout this document.
Types of Connections Used by Lowrance & Eagle GPS
No Connection - Some models have no serial connection or memory card.
Connect to PC using a Serial port - Older models have upload/download capabilities and can output NMEA data. Models which read and write data to a memory card do not have upload/download capabilities through the serial cable, they can only output NMEA data.
Memory card - Waypoint, route and track data is transferred by reading and writing .usr files on a memory card in a card reader attached to the PC.
Connect to PC using a USB port - Some models connect to the PC using a USB port, but these models do not seem to be able to transfer waypoint, route or track data.
Which Port is My GPS Using
If you are using a Lowrance or Eagle GPS which connects to a Serial Port.
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If you are connecting to a standard Serial port (pictured left) then it is most likely Com Port 1 or 2 and may be labeled on the PC. |
If you are using a USB to Serial Port adapter then it will create a new Serial Port.
The Com Port number of these Serial Ports is not always known or obvious. Here are a couple of methods to determine
You can use the Devices section of the System Shortcut in the Windows Control Panel to see what Com ports are available.
You can use our GpsPortChecker program to see if it can find your GPS.
Lowrance or
Eagle GPS
Connecting by a Serial port
(this also includes
connecting through a USB to Serial Port adapter)
Settings for the Upload/Download of Waypoints, Routes and Tracks and Moving Map
Please double check all settings - do not assume they are correct.
GPS Configuration (done within the GPS)
For Moving Map operation the GPS must be configured to output NMEA data. This is done by using the GPS menu system.
OziExplorer Configuration (done within the OziExplorer software)
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Lowrance or Eagle
- Select the GPS Model to match the model of Lowrance or Eagle GPS you have. If you model is not listed then select the "Other Lowrances" or "Other Eagles" setting. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- Set the GPS Upload/Download Datum to WGS 84 (almost always). Most Lowrance and Eagles always send their data and expect their data positions to be referenced to the WGS 84 datum, However some model Eagle Explorers and Lowrance GlobalNav 200's send and receive their data referenced to whatever datum you have the GPS set to, for these units set the GPS Upload/Download datum to match the setting in the GPS.
- Set the GPS NMEA Output Datum the same as the GPS Upload/Download Datum.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- Set the Com Port number that you have connected the GPS to.
- Set the Parity to None.
- Set the Stop Bits to 1
- Set the Upload/Download Baud Rate to match the Baud rate setting you have in the GPS.
- Set the NMEA Baud Rate to the same as the Upload/Download Baud Rate.
- The Garmin USB Checkbox is ignored.
- The Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA Checkbox is ignored.
- The Serial Port Driver should be set to Driver 2 (this is the default)
- Auto Pilot Output can be ignored.
Lowrance or
Eagle GPS Transferring Data using a Memory Card
(this also includes
connecting through a USB to Serial Port adapter)
Settings for the Upload/Download of Waypoints, Routes and Tracks and Moving Map
Please double check all settings - do not assume they are correct.
GPS Configuration (done within the GPS)
For Moving Map operation the GPS must be configured to output NMEA data. This is done by using the GPS menu system.
OziExplorer Configuration (done within the OziExplorer software)
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Lowrance or Eagle
- Select the GPS Model as USR Files. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- Set the GPS Upload/Download Datum to WGS 84.
- Set the GPS NMEA Output Datum the same as the GPS Upload/Download Datum.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- Set the Com Port number that you have connected the GPS to.
- Set the Parity to None.
- Set the Stop Bits to 1
- The Upload/Download Baud Rate is ignored.
- Set the NMEA Baud Rate to match the Baud rate setting you have in the GPS.
- The Garmin USB Checkbox is ignored.
- The Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA Checkbox is ignored.
- The Serial Port Driver should be set to Driver 2 (this is the default)
- Auto Pilot Output can be ignored.
Models Supported
Lowrance (using USR Files on a Memory Card)
Lowrance (using Serial port upload/download)
Eagle
OziExplorer will not work with the Eagle AccuNav Sport and similar models, these use a upload/download protocol which OziExplorer does not support.
OziExplorer cannot upload or download tracks for the Lowrance Global Map 12, this model uses a protocol for the tracks which is not supported by OziExplorer.