HowTo Setup The NST System With A GPS (gpsd)

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Revision as of 11:27, 23 September 2010 by Paul Blankenbaker (talk | contribs)
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Why Connect A GPS?

The primary reason you would connect a GPS to a NST system is to geolocate systems based on WIFI transmissions.

  • You connect a GPS to your NST system.
  • You run the kismet process which will scan for systems using WIFI communications.
  • You then view the locations of discovered WIFI systems in Google Earth.

This page provides information on getting a GPS properly connected to a NST system. For details on using kismet after you have your GPS connected, see: "HowTo Geolocate kismet Data".

Selecting GPS Hardware

It can be tricky in selecting GPS hardware that will be compatible with your NST system. Basically, you want to look for:

  • GPS hardware which can put out the NMEA data such as the v2.1 GSA format.
  • The necessary hardware and drivers to physically connect the GPS hardware to your NST system.

The Compatible GPSes list at the web site is probably a good place to start. However, GPS models change so frequently, you may find yourself searching for reader comments and feedback at on-line stores.

Here is a photo of a Magellan Meridian Color GPS with its RS-232 adapter and a serial to USB adapter which are known to work:

Magellan Meridian Color GPS and serial to USB adapter

Unfortunately, the serial to USB adapter was purchased a long time ago (probably from http://www.cyberguys.com/). The only labeling on the serial to USB adapter shown above is a model number of GUC232.


Testing GPS Connection

Hardware Setup

Listing Serial Devices

Using gtkterm to View GPS Data

Setting Up gpsd

Editing: /etc/sysconfig/gpsd.conf

Starting The gpsd Service

Testing gpsd Configuration

Using telnet

Using xgps