Date: Sun, 29 May 2005 13:47:25 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: PCMCIA Power & GPS
List folk, I've been using my L100 as a GPS-routing software tool, using MS Streets & Trips or Street Atlas or Autoroute, and a Garmin Etrex Venture GPS receiver. The Etrex PC interface is serial, and I use a cable that splits to a 9-pin connector and a DC cigaret lighter power supply, which powers the Etrex as well as enabling communication with the Libretto. I recently bought a Holux "mouse" GPS receiver, which has no display and is meant strictly to operate with a PC. It uses a USB connection, providing both signal and power. Problem is this: the Belkin PCMCIA/USB2 card I use in the Libretto to provide USB ports doesn't pass enough amps to the GPS through the PCMCIA connection. The GPS works perfectly when connected to the USB port on the enhanced replicator, and on other laptops with integrated USB ports. And it will work with the Belkin adapter if I use the Belkin external power supply. The whole idea of the Holux GPS was to do away with some of the cabling mess inside the vehicle. And I'd prefer not the have to use the L100 dock because of size. Is there a way to increase the output to the PCMCIA slot? Alternatively, are some PCMCIA/USB cards higher output/efficiency than others? This problem is odd, as I have an IBM external hard drive that runs strictly off the Libretto's PCMCIA interface, no external power required. Yet this no-moving-parts GPS needs more juice than a hard drive? Thanks for any suggestions. Lee
