NMEA-183 Ver 2.0 GPS Sentence Compatability
                       By Jack Yeazel
       (Compares map requirements Vs. receiver outputs)
                  # (Revised 28 Sept. 1998)
 
       [$GP*** Sentences - $PG*** Sentences not included]

 Many people wonder why their brand of GPS receiver won't work
 with one or the other map programs.  The reason is that ALL NMEA-
 0183 DATA STREAMS OUTPUT BY VARIOUS GPS RECEIVERS ARE NOT THE
 SAME.   NMEA-0183 version 2.0 and earlier protocol versions list
 a number of "sentences" which can be output by a navigation
 system.   Many of the sentences produce similar information in
 slightly  different  formats.  This is done so as to maximize
 compatability with older equipment while providing the necessary
 information in newer sentences for new applications.

 Here is information about what NMEA-0183  "sentences" are
 delivered by common GPS receivers and what "sentences" are needed
 by various common GPS related software.

 Note:  If your map software (such as Street Atlas 5) requires data  
 sentence GGA, and your GPS (such as the Magellan 3000) does not 
 output GGA, then they will NOT work together.


 VECTOR MAPS:

#Street Atlas 5.0 and Map-n-Go 3.0:
  Requires: GGA and GSA and RMC

 Map Expert 2.0 with GPS Link II:
  Requires: GGA or GLL or RMA

 Precision Mapping 3.0, GPS Link:
  Requires: GGA or GLL or RMC
   Also can use: GSA, GSV, RMA, RMB, VTG

 Vista:
  Requires: RMC
   Also can use: GGA, GLL, VTG


 SCANNED MAPS:

 Fugawi:
  Requires: Either RMC or (GGA plus VTG)
   Also can use: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMB

 Navigate-GPS:
  Requires: RMC

 NeverLost:
  Requires: GGA or GLL or RMC
   Also can use: BWC, BOD, RMC, ROO, RTE, VTG, WPL, XTE

 Ozi Explorer:
  Requires: RMC

 Vista: 
  Requires: RMC
   Also can use: GGA, GLL, VTG

 GPSS:
  Requires: RMC
   Also can use: GGA, GLL, VTG


 RECEIVERS:
  * Required by Street Atlas 4.0 and all supplied by receiver

 Eagle Explorer Ver. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and Eagle AccuNav
   Outputs: APB, GLL, RMB, RMC
 Eagle Explorer Ver. 1.4
   Outputs: APB, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV  RMB, RMC*,
 Eagle Expedition II Ver. 3.00
   Outputs@: APB, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*
     @ Selectable

 Garmin-45 (and XL) 
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
#Garmin-48
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*  GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
 Garmin 12XL Ver. 3.02
   Outputs: GGA*, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
 Garmin 12XL Ver. 4.00
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
 Garmin G-II+ Ver. 2.04
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
 Garmin G-III Ver. 2.04
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL
 Garmin eMap Ver. 2.50
   Outputs: BOD, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*, RTE, WPL

 Lowrance GlobalMap Sport
  Outputs: APB, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*
#Lowrance GlobalMap 100
  Outputs: APB, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*

 Magellan 3000, 4000
  Outputs:
   Mode "A": APA, BWC, GLL, VTG
   Mode "B": RMB and RMC
   Mode "C": APB, BWC, GGA, GLL, VTG
 Magellan NAV 5000DX add:
   Mode "C": BWC, GLL, VTG, XTE
   Mode "D": APB, BWC, GGA, GLL, VTG
#Magellan 2000XL, 4000XL, M-315/320 and #ColorTrak
   Mode "1.5 APA": APA, BWC, GLL, VTG
   Mode "1.5 XTE": BWC, GLL, VTG, XTE
   Mode "2.1 GSA": APB, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB, RMC*
 Magellan Trailblazer
  Outputs: APB, BWC, GGA, GLL, RMB, RMC, VTG
   (Requires Delorme driver for SA4 and MNG)
   
 Trimble Scoutmaster
  Outputs: APA, APB, BWC, GGA*, GLL, GSA*, GSV, RMB
   RMC*, VTG, WCV, XTE, ZTG

            ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

      $GP*** Sentence Titles

 APA: Autopilot Sentence "A"
 APB: Autopilot Sentence "B"
 BOD: Bearing, Origin to Destination
 BWC: Bearing and Distance to Waypoint, Great Circle
 GGA: GPS Fix Data
 GLL: Geographic Position, Lat/Long
 GSA: GPS DOP and Active Satellites
 GSV: GPS Satellites in view
 RMA: Recommend minimum Specific Loran-C Data
 RMB: Recommend Minimum Navigation Information
 RMC: Recommend Minimum Specific GPS/TRANSIT Data
 ROO: Waypoints in Active Route (not in standard)
 RTE: Waypoints in Active Route or GOTO
 VTG: Track Made Good and Ground Speed
 WCV: Waypoint Closure Velocity
 WPL: Waypoint Location
 XTE: Cross-Track Error, Measured
 ZTG: UTC & Time to Destination Waypoint


 So:  Be sure you compare and match the requirements of your
 software to the capabilities of your GPS hardware
 BEFORE you buy or you may be disappointed.

 NOTE: Those that can add to the list or make corrections:
 Please reply via Email> Jack@FinalApproach.net

 Jack Yeazel