First time here? From a search? You can go to pfranc.com so you know what's going on - um, then again, it could be more confusing than staying here on this page if you just want to connect your Nikon to your Garmin GPS - fast and easy. If you want to make your own cable -- check out the link at the top of this page "Plugs for Garmin".

Here below is my circuit diagram to connect a Garmin GPS to a Nikon D1X digital camera. If you don't already know about Moose Peterson (I didn't, but I've never owned a Nikon), then you must check-out is web and reviews here: Moos Peterson -- look for his Article named "GPS with the D1X & D1H". He doesn't mention Pfranc.com - but I bet it's only because he didn't know about us, probably because he didn't search the web for a Garmin plug and get 2 from his local Pfranc for just a pledge. Sorry for going on - I notice I rattel in awe of all who write well.

Garmin <================================> Nikon D1X or D1H camera via 2.5mm stereo phono plug.
-------------------------DB9F---DB9M----------------------------------------------------------
GPS out (T)  ---------->  2 -->  2 -----> Sleeve     (pD8, eD1, pD32 = brown )
GPS gnd (-) ------------  5 ---- 5 ------ Ring       (black)
GPS in (R) ---------------3------3------- N/C        (white)
GPS pwr (+) --------------x------x------- N/C        (red - x= 6, 8, 9 )

More info about connecting a GPS to the Nikon Cameras can be found on the Nikon web site here: Nikon notes - woha, thank you Peter! Peter is Nikon's GPS guru for the US market and sent the URL to me! Awesome! BTW: One of Phils (Microsoft) team members said in an email to someone (I was Cc:d) ... he/she said something like: "We got the cable from Larry and not only does it work but the Pfranc.com plug is a work of art!". Ha! How cool is that? We worked so hard on the plug, me and Richard Plummer, and Eldon Ulmer (professional world class guru mold maker - you've probably touched a part that came from a mold that Eldon built as he made many that make the buttons used in cars - and he lives across the road from us here in the woods!), it's really nice to hear that someone notices and cares. Check out the main nikonusa.com web site too.

I will make one of these custom cables for you (NOT!!! in the summer time when I want to work on my turboprop ultralight and fly!) for $50 (add cost of shipping), payable to Purple Computing. Specify length (6ft or less) and shipping method UPS or FedEx.

Note: A fellow software developer in Oregon wrote: GPS-Photo Link! which now supports the Nikon cameras! It matches up photos and GPS data based on time stamps after the shoot so no cable is needed!

Sep-30-2002: News: Kazuo, Pfranc of Japan, is sending me a new CASIO QV4000GX. You can attach a GPS to it just like the Nikon - but it's not available in the USA. I have asked a friend at Casio Tokyo if I can license the rights to install the special software in the basic QV4000 here for re-sale. No word back yet. If they license it to me, I could supply the cameras in the USA for about $599 - maybe (with a cable of course:) or maybe even upgrade existing cameras? Let me know if you might be interested. You can see the QV-4000 specs at Casio.com.

Purple Computing
PO Box 100,
Murphy, OR 97533
541-479-8087
pfranc.com
[send an eMail to larry]
We accept Visa/MC/Amex/Discover card for your pledge honoring convenience - just call 541-479-8087, I'm Larry.

I take one of our new Pfranc.com cables, an eD1, pD8, or pD32, and replace the DB9F with a gold plated 2.5mm stereo phono plug. Do an electrical test, package, and ship. We can ship FedEx, UPS, or USPS. Please specify the length (up to 6 feet) and the Garmin model or plug type (4 or 5 pin round, or eType-rectangular). [ Request one by eMail here. ]

Here is what Jon said about the cable for him, the first I made - May 2002):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Larry:

The cable arrived and it worked!!  Congratulations!

The right angle plug is a must for future models.  As to length of cable, 3'
seems OK to me, but I'm sure there will come a time when I want and need a
longer tether.

Setting up the GPS record function with the Nikon D1X camera is no trivial
matter, You've got to configure the camera, configure the GPS receiver, and
once connected, activate the function by hitting the autofocus button on the
camera.  Fortunately, both units are hot-swappable, so long as everything in
the sequence is proper.

I will pass your information on the my local camera shop owner.  But, you
probably ought to contact the folks at Garmin Tech Support to let them know
you can supply the cable.  Maybe Nikon too.  My guess is that only
professional photographers and a few very serious amateurs will be
candidates for this -- especially nature photographers and maybe
architectural photographers.

Thanks, and please call with any Q&A.

Sincerely,

Jon Clarke
-----------------------------------------------------

( since 07May02)

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