HP 48GX Data Transfer
I still have an HP 48GX with SMI card. With technology advances, they haven’t been making any laptops or desktops with COM ports for a while now, just usb connections. I have an old desktop with XP that I can use, but I’m afraid it could stop working any day, so I’m trying to figure out how to transfer data via usb to a newer laptop. Has anyone been able to transfer data from an HP 48GX to a computer through a usb connection? I have a new Dell laptop (Windows 11) or an older HP laptop (possibly windows 7, can’t remember for sure). Thank you
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It’s been awhile, but I’ve had success communicating with older serial equipment by using a USB to serial adapter. The key is to get one that uses the FTDi chipset; they cost a little more, but seem to more faithfully emulate the serial protocol.
It’s impressive that you’ve kept it going, I just remember going to the yellow brick and it was so much faster that was the end of my 48.
It’s impressive that you’ve kept it going, I just remember going to the yellow brick and it was so much faster that was the end of my 48.
I work for a construction company and we have very nice, modern equipment. I also do some surveying for the public for myself, but can’t justify new, expensive equipment, so I still have a 48. I have considered getting something newer, but for what I do, it does alright. Younger guys I used to work with are blown away by it. They’re spoiled lol
Oh that is a nice set up. I still have mine and const 5 card. We should set azimuth and try and beam data lol. Infa red. I remember having two set up on the hood of a suburban and sending data from one to another. Had to make sure sun was not interfering though. Good luck getting it to work. I have not used mine in a while. I had a built in 3 wire level program i put i to the ho itself as well. And could spit it out on a computer as a back up to field book.
Definitely look into a USB to Serial or Serial to USB connector. However, I really, truly, highly suggest that you look into some new equipment. While you may, “do alright” newer equipment can be a godsend. It is MUCH better to be prepared for the future when, and it is WHEN, that HP stops working. If you are in a big pinch and need to get stuff done, and it breaks, you are going to have a really tough time justifying NOT having spent that money earlier. Check some of the leasing programs out there. Some of them are really great. Hayes Instruments has a great one.
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