I am planning on buying the new Skydemon flight planning software. In the past and todate I have used Proplan and downloaded via my desk top computer. Since then I have purchased a HP laptop running Vista and a notebook running Windows XP. The cable connection for the Skymap in 9 pin and the connections on both computers is 15 pin. Has anybody an idea how I can overcome this.

Tony

Hi



You need a USB to serial cable. They are about a fiver on eBay. Try and get one that has an FTDI or Prolific chipset.



USB > serial cables are fickle things so don't be surprised if the first one you buy doesn't work!

Actually 'serial' is one of the most reliable forms of communicating down a wire, l think the protocol is RS232. Some hardware problems do occur but 99.9% of the trouble is setup. You must have the correct port assigned to the USB to serial connection, the speed (baud) and handshake and stop-bits must be right.



I have used a Skyforce IIIc but so far, despite having the correct (Harry Mendelsohn) lead cannot make SD talk to the Skyforce box. My intention was to restore the Skyforce to my Europa to enable the Dynon D10A to take NAV signals from the GPS. SD currrently runs on either a 7" UMPC or my AWARE box.



I will report back if/when l get SD to talk turkey to the Skyforce.




John Wighton

Europa G-IPOD

I don't know why, but many of the USB-to-serial devices out there are just rubbish and don't work properly. Nothing beats a real-life serial port for reliability.

Don't try to connect your serial Skymap to the 15-pin port - that is the connector for an external VGA monitor or projector. I used to run a computer business and you would be surprised how many users managed to make such incorrect connections with combinations of adaptors. As others have suggested, use a USB - RS232 connector. (and if you find one that works please let me know as mine doesn't work with Skydemon, although it does with Proplan)

Has anyone got the wiring diagram for the PC \ sky-force lead please. ( it is not on the instruction CD, one of the most confusing instruction thingy's I have used to start with)

What programs are you using to write to notepad

Thanks

I think that all you need is here:

http://www.matronics.com/skycomm/



Have fun,

Enrico

R 44 II from Italy