Rework of NixieSat with Haicom HI-204III GPS?

[Steve Terry]

I am planning to replace the Oncore GPS receiver in my NixieSat clock with a Haicom HI-204III puck-style receiver. Given that Jeff Thomas is no longer with us to provide updated firmware, I believe that I will have to:

1. Install the MAX232 transceiver chip and associated capacitors.

2. Continue to use the 1PPS signal from the new GPS receiver.

3. Program the Haicom unit to only output the $GPRMC string using the SiRF demo program.

The manual on the Haicom puck describes both a 1PPS signal and a "1PPS valid" signal. However, neither of these appears on the 5-pin miniDIN connector from the receiver.

In searching various Haicom literature, I believe these signals appear on pins 5 and 6 of the 6-pin interface header that the din cable is fed from in the Haicom receiver.  Questions:

--Has anyone done this Haicom conversion without new firmware in the clock?

--Am I correct about the signals on pins 5 and 6 of the header?

--Does anyone know the manufacturer and part number of the female 6-pin connector that mates with that header?

Many thanks!

Steve Terry

[Nick]

Hi Steve... I rebuilt mine in 2014 with Jeff's instructions. I detailed some of it here, including the din receptical installation...

https://groups.google.com/d/topic/neonixie-l/evzX0noEGXg/discussion

I did use the new firmware. Others may have a copy as Jeff didn't do the firmware himself...

Nick

[Steve Terry]

Hi Nick--

I already have your excellent summary of the rebuild--thanks!  I'm just fishing for backup on the use of 1PPS under the assumption that new fimware will not be possible.

Steve

[Robert L]

Hi folks,

I've used the most current f/w with a Garmin "GPS18X LVC-5m" with excellent results... fast lock times,  sensitive receiver, 1PPS... While the latest f/w does not require a 1PPS signal, the GPS 18X LVC-5m does have a 1PPS signal available if you want to use it.

The GPS18X LVC-5m uses RS-232 polarity on the serial port and a 1pps signal is provided. You would need to provide your own cable termination connector. Output sentences can be configured using a Garmin support program available for download at the Garmin site. Firmware updates are also provided if needed.

From the Garmin spec sheet (https://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/GPS_18x_Tech_Specs.pdf):

Best regards,

Bob

[Nick]

I have messaged the author of the NixiSat & NixiChron firmware as to whether he's still supplying the code (I last contacted him in 08/16) - I'll let you know how this progresses. Maybe you'll be lucky!

Jeff Thomas did the hardware - not the firmware...

Nick

[MichaelB]

Per Bob post below, you don't need the 1PPS with the latest FW. It uses the leading edge of the $GPRMC string. I can provide you an MCU with the latest version he issued. V11-02-10 if you want it. I also have a boatload of Haicom 204III's and GlobalSats BR355 I'm not using (which work just as well, as do several others also per Bob's post below) if you need one. Send me an email

[Bill Notfaded]

I'm just wish I had a nixisat! Really neat clocks! Post some pics!

Bill

[MichaelB]

Hi Steve,

I can help you with a copy of the latest/last FW if you're interested. Sent you a private Email

On Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:57:47 AM UTC-7, Steve Terry wrote:

[Nick]

Please note that if this is the original software it was never owned by Jeff and is still copyright to the (still alive) author who sells it.

Distributing copies may well be a breach of copyright.

Nick

[David Forbes]

Nick,

Does this mysterious code author entity have a name? A copyright requires a copyright notice, with a name and a date. Otherwise, who knows what it is?

(Not that I have any interest in copying this code; it just seems odd that the firmware that runs this clock is treated as both secret and unobtanium.)

[MichaelB]

I assume that statement is in reference to my post. To clear things up for those that may be misled, these are copies of the original firmware coded by John Miktuk (the still-alive author). I have an arrangement with John whereby he has authorized me to legally provide MCU's programmed with the latest version firmware for the NixiSat/Chron. He has not given me the source code and it is my understanding he has no intention to do so. Hope that clears things up for those that read your post. Oh, and my name is Michael Barile and my site/tiny business is Badnixie.com.

[Bill Notfaded]

Any you make the coolest cases on the planet too Michael!

[MichaelB]

Hey, Thanks Bill..we have fun doin' it! Working on a new MOD-SIX too. Big changes...will be a while tho

[Michail Wilson]

“Working on a new MOD-SIX too”

Very nice!

 

Michail Wilson

206-920-6312

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[MichaelB]

Yeah, Michail, don't sell all those 7971's just yet

On Monday, May 20, 2019 at 10:16:23 AM UTC-7, M1 wrote:

“Working on a new MOD-SIX too”

Very nice!

 

Michail Wilson

206-920-6312

 

From: neoni...@googlegroups.com [mailto:neoni...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of MichaelB
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2019 9:45 AM
To: neonixie-l
Subject: [neonixie-l] Re: Rework of NixieSat with Haicom HI-204III GPS?

 

Hey, Thanks Bill..we have fun doin' it! Working on a new MOD-SIX too. Big changes...will be a while tho

On Monday, May 20, 2019 at 8:58:17 AM UTC-7, Bill Notfaded wrote:

Any you make the coolest cases on the planet too Michael!

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[Nick]

Ah! That's ok then... I've also been messaging John...

If he's given you the all clear, then that's fine ..

Cheers

[MichaelB]

We made this arrangement about 2 years ago. Glad its OK with you.

[neonixie-l]

It's cool - we just have to be careful that the group doesn't transgress any legal boundaries...

It's also useful to know that there are other sources for the binaries out there as there are undoubtedly other NixiSats & NixiChrons that will need updating, and I haven't heard back from John for a while!

Cheers

Nick

[dixter]

Would be nice if we could find out what the latest and greatest software for the NixiSats and NixiChrons and how to update them if required...   

DB

[MichaelB]

you might want to reread the string above

[Steve Terry]

Hi Nick--

I successfully reprogrammed the Haicom receiver today using your excellent documentation. New firmware on its way from MichaelB.

Thanks!

Steve Terry

[Steve Terry]

For anyone planning this update, I can recommend the resources provide by MichaelB on this forum, including updated firmware and details of hardware revisions. Bottom line--NixieSat is working great with Haicom puck GPS!