Find a USB-to-serial cable for iFly EFB
Find a USB-to-serial cable for iFly EFB
This article shows the type of cable to buy from a It also shows how to examine the cable before you connect it.
To connect the cable to an autopilot, refer to Drive an autopilot from iFly (wired NMEA output).
NOTE Adventure Pilot does not sell these cables. For price, availability and help to buy a cable, contact the cable manufacturer or the seller. |
When to use this cable
An iFly GPS uses a USB-to-serial cable to send NMEA data to an autopilot or a different serial device (Figure 1). The cable changes the USB signal to an RS-232 signal.
| iFLY DEVICE | SERIAL CONNECTION | USB-TO-SERIAL CABLE |
|---|---|---|
| iFly GPS (520, 700, 720, 740, 740b) | USB port of the iFly GPS | Necessary |
| Original Aviation Tablet with Docking Station | Docking Station serial port (DB9 female) | Not necessary |
| X7 Aviation Tablet | Bluetooth RS-232 adapter. The X7 has no wired serial output. | Not applicable |
Figure 1. iFly GPS to autopilot connection
Recommended cable
Use a USB-to-RS-232 adapter cable with an FTDI chipset. One example is the FTDI US232R-100-BULK (Figure 2). This cable has the electronics in a housing on the cable.
View the FTDI US232R-100-BULK cable
| SPECIFICATION | FTDI US232R-100-BULK |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB to RS-232 |
| Chipset | FTDI FT232R |
| USB connector | USB-A male |
| Serial connector | DB9 male |
| Length | 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Indicators | Blue TX and RX lights. The TX light flashes when the cable sends data. |
Figure 2. Parts of a USB-to-RS-232 cable
Specifications to look for
If you buy a cable from a different seller, make sure that the cable agrees with these specifications.
| SPECIFICATION | NECESSARY VALUE |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB to RS-232 serial adapter. Not USB to TTL. |
| Chipset | FTDI |
| USB connector | USB-A, if your device has a USB-A port. |
| Serial connector | DB9 male, if your equipment or wiring has a DB9 female connector (Figure 3). |
Figure 3. DB9 male and DB9 female connectors
SEARCH TERMS
These search terms can help you find the correct cable:
USB to RS232 FTDI cableFTDI USB serial adapter DB9FTDI US232R-100
Examine the cable before you connect it
TO EXAMINE A NEW CABLE
- Read the label or the product data. Make sure that it shows RS-232.
- Make sure that the product data shows an FTDI chipset.
- Look at the serial connector. Make sure that it has the correct type, for example DB9 male with 9 pins (Figure 3).
- Make sure that the USB plug agrees with the USB port on your device.
TO CONNECT THE CABLE
For the wiring and the NMEA Output settings, refer to the article for your equipment:
Troubleshooting
| CONDITION | ACTION |
|---|---|
| iFly GPS shows No Serial Ports, or NMEA Output is not in Setup | iFly does not find the cable. Disconnect the cable and connect it again. Make sure that the cable has an FTDI chipset. |
| The TX light on the cable does not flash | iFly sends data only when it has a position. Get a GPS position or start simulation mode. Make sure that NMEA output is set. |
| The TX light flashes, but the equipment receives no data | Make sure that the cable is RS-232, not TTL. Examine the data wire (pin 3) and the ground wire (pin 5). Make sure that the baud rates agree. |
| Data stops at intervals | Replace a Prolific-chipset cable with an FTDI cable. |
CONTACT SUPPORT
If this procedure does not solve the problem, contact iFly EFB support. In your request, give the device type and the iFly EFB version.
| SUPPORT REQUEST | iflyefb.com/Support/Get-Help |
| support@adventurepilot.com | |
| HOURS | Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Support replies by email. |
| KNOWLEDGE BASE | support.iflyefb.com |
| FAQ AND VIDEOS | Frequently Asked Questions · Video tutorials |
ADVENTURE PILOT • iFLY EFB 14.0 • SUPPORT@ADVENTUREPILOT.COM