Reading mode: Light Dark

Ultimate GPS solution (The MC-35 integrated gps MOD)

Go to last post
just bought the MC-35 yesterday. Now I have to decide on the GPS module. The globalsat BR-355 seems as a good choice. I am not sure if I will hack it the same way. initially I will just use PS2 to serial converter. The only thing I might have to hack is the power.

Rif
 
I was wondering, how long does the D200 battery last when the GPS is switched on? I guess i will just buy more D200 batteries, I do not want to fiddle with 2 different kinds of batteries

Also on the schema on your website I see only 3 wires, shouldn't there be 4? GND(black) Vcc(red) TX(green) and RX(white)?

thanks rif
 
No reason to connect the RX lead since the camera only receives data.

But if you like to it would be possible to include an output socket with the TX/RX connections for the matter of upcoming possible user updatability of GPS firmware.

It would also be possible to involve a second power switch and intake to make it possible to use external power source for the GPS unit.
--
Diy freak :0)
 
Stefan Lindgren said:
No reason to connect the RX lead since the camera only receives data.
But if you like to it would be possible to include an output
socket with the TX/RX connections for the matter of upcoming
possible user updatability of GPS firmware.
Click to expand...
If so, then how do you "input" the firmware update? through the 10-pin connector? (Forgive me if I am entirely missing the point here.)
Stefan Lindgren said:
It would also be possible to involve a second power switch and
intake to make it possible to use external power source for the GPS
unit.
Click to expand...
Could that power source also be used to power the D200? by feeding power through the 10-pin connector back into the camera?
Stefan Lindgren said:
--
Diy freak :0)
Click to expand...
Just plain old dumb guy. :()

--
LongTimeNikonUser
 
On question #1. the answer is:
I would chose to use an separate connector for this.

On question #2 the answer is:
I don't know but I would not recommend it anyway
the D200 has it's own dedicated connector for external DC power input.

Regarding question #2: I still looking for that aftermarket connector to fit the D200 DC power inlet, have some one out there found it???
--
Diy freak :0)
 
I have decided to try this. I have bought the MC-35 cable and the BR355 (V3.1.1) GPS unit with a cable (also provided by GLOBALSAT) that converts the PS2 connector on the GPS unit to the RS232/DB9 serial connector (required by MC-35). Power for the GPS unit is supplied from another PS2 connector.

The plan was to test the setup with the cable before I start hacking. So I have connected the MC-35 to D200 and connected it to the GPS unit through the additional cable. I am powering the GPS fro PC PS2 connector. The GPS unit seems to work fine and the LED status light flashes. But on my D200 I get only occasionally flashing GPS icon....

If I connect the GPS unit only to PC (through the same cable and RS232/DB9 connector) it works fine with supplied GPSInfo software.

any ideas?

thanks rif
 
I have the same setup. You need to connect ground and power from the Gps to a battery, i have 4 AAA NimH. The same Ground goes to MC 35 and the Data Out from GPS to Data in on MC-35. My GPS is from Navilock, NL 303P, i think its the same as the Globalsat. I also connected a 3,6V Litium Battery for testing, works good. I think the modul takes 4,5-6,5 V Input. You also can connect the GPS to the D200´s 5V, as an other Poster has done here, by modifiying the MC 35 to put out 5V. The GPS works better as any etrex or my GPS 60.

Martin
 
can be cut and suitable male/female jack/plug connections added so you can disconnect cord from Nikon EH-6 power supply when appropriate and plug cord into a compatible external portable power supply/battery pack.
 
So I have finally finished the whole setup and put it in the box. Thanks everyone here for help and inspiration, I shamelessly copied all good ideas here. It works great.

I have used a box with little flange. So I can attach the GPS unit by running the camera strap trough the flanges on the box without any strap modification. I have a little too much of the cable left but in testing it does not cause any problems and is not in my way. Here are some pictures:

the entire setup on D200:



front detail:



strap attachment detail:



in use:



in case you wonder, no these pictures were not made by 5D, it is just my cellphone...

rif
 
I couldn't source a case with the dimensions that Stefan used, so got out my Dremel & a craft knife and set to work on the MC-35 case:



A small slot was drilled in the side to take the light guide out of the BR-355. I then found it had to be set lower down to avoid fouling the MC-35 circuit board, and this meant I had to cut a recess in the lower face of the guide to accommodate the LED.

In the picture below you can see how much of the 2 pillars had to be cut away - the bits that were left were reinforced at the sides with epoxy. Surprisingly the screws still had enough grip, and fortunately stop just short of the BR-355. Screwing the case back together holds everything nicely in place.



I finished it off with a section cut out of a plastic travel toothbrush case (!) and, of course, the label from the BR-355. You can see the faint glow from the first slot I cut for the light guide, which I filled with epoxy.



Many thanks to Stefan for providing the inspiration.
 
Wow! That's incredible. I like it a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top