QL-RAV977 software mods

@ gomelkiev: in post#13 you wrote:
Solution:
(theoretical) - didn't do it yet, but probably will:
1. rename manager.exe to manager_old.exe
2. create windowsCE apps , call it manager.exe
new manager.exe will:
a. copy DLL to \windows from sdcard/usb or from \other
b. start manager_old.exe

Did you tried already? will it work ?
I must install a vcp driver (virtual com port) to connect the GNS TrafficBox FM9 via usb. This TMC receiver transfers tmc data via serial connection. A vcp driver for WinCE 6.0. and ARM cpu I found at:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Do you think it should work ?

@ gomelkiev:
in Post: #13 your wrote:
Solution:
(theoretical) - didn't do it yet, but probably will:
1. rename manager.exe to manager_old.exe
2. create windowsCE apps , call it manager.exe
new manager.exe will:
a. copy DLL to \windows from sdcard/usb or from \other
b. start manager_old.exe

o.k. but the new manager.exe also has to be stored in \windows so that it can be startet automatically. When power off/on it has gone away and nothing happens, or not ?

I got the TMC running with external GNS TrafficBox !

Using a FTDI USB-Serial adapter model "USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT_5.0" (http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm)
soldering its cord direct to the pads at TrafficBox.
Before plug in the adapter you must modify the .inf file to force correct installing the driver !
If you forget, the driver will create registry keys for serial port com10 but iGO8 don't know any com pots higher than 9. If this happens, you have to modify the registry key after that by hand.

To mod the .inf file:
old content : HKR,,"InitialIndex",0x00010001,10 <-- this would create COM10
new content : HKR,,"InitialIndex",0x00010001,9 <-- this will create COM9

The ftdi_ser.dll and modified FTDIPORT.INF must copied to \StaticStore\Bin_CE and the inf file additional to \Windows.
Now plug in the usb adaptor and a window will pop up where you can type in the complete path of drivername "\StaticStore\Bin_CE\ftdi_ser.dll"
After plug out/in Windows will load and activate the adaptors driver and iGO8 can control the tmc receiver. You can watch the activity by a red and green LED inside the transparent usb plug.

That's it ! And I'm very happy to solve this.

Hi enzo,
it's very simple.
The FTDI adaptor's cord contains 6 wires for GND, CTS#, Power, TXD, RXD, RTS#.
But we only need these 4 : GND black, 5V Power red, TXD orange, RXD yellow.
The GNS TrafficBox FM9 Universal (=RS232) is fitted with a cord with PS/2 plug. But we don't need this cord and solder it off complete. -> But notice the colors of the wires first, that's important, cause there are no sighs on the pcb.

I cut the cord of the FTDI adaptor for about 30cm length, original is 180cm, that's too long. Now the 4 wires black, red, orange and brown have to be soldered to the pads of the TrafficBox like you noticed the original wires before. : GND black, -> black, 5V Power red -> red, TXD orange -> orange, RXD yellow -> brown (that's the only different colored wire).

You can have a look at the FDTI datasheet, page 7 : http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_USB_RS232_CABLES.pdf

and GNS TrafficBox : http://www.gns-gmbh.com/shop/xtc/pr....html&XTCsid=91d4c638615e9eb78a2b408e58406274

with pinout : http://www.gns-gmbh.com/index.php?e...6686263&hash=9eb468b46aca95520a49e3cee26c4c35

I created this: TrafficBox -> (black cord=RS232) -> FTDI-Adaptor -> USB.

Look at the pictures you can see behind the links:
1) GNS TrafficBox: You can see the TMC-Receiver, it's a tiny little black box with one cord that has fitted a MD6 = PS/2 plug. This cord isn't needed, so I soldered it off (but notice the wire colors before).
2) FTDI datasheet: On page 1 you can see the adaptor, which is built in the USB plug with an open cord fitted. That cord is lenght of 180cm, I cut it to 30cm.
- After that I solder this 30cm cord with 4 wires black, red, orange, yellow to the 4 pads GND, 5V+ RXD, TXD of the TraffixBox.
Ready, that's all.

The Unit this topic depends on is a "Roadrover C7009TR". I purchased it from QualiR (www.autodvdgps.com). They sell it as their own label "QL-RAV977".

The special of the Roadrover units are: All apps you can select from menue (radio, mp3-player, dvd-player, bluetooth = mobilephone and also navigator are running direct on WinCE6.0 ! There is no additional second level prozessor with firmware necessary.
The unit contains 3 ! USB plugs. One at the front, two at the back. All 3 are direct connected to the mainboard and are controlled by Windows. When you plug in any device, i.e. USB stick or anything else, you can hear the well known "dingdong" as it sounds on any WinXP or Vista PC.

When you plug in your wifi dongle a window pops up immediately which is asking for the name of driver.dll. That will happen only the first time. Very important: You have to prepare two things previously. First modify the .inf file to force Windows to create a COM9 Port instead of default COM10. Second copy the .inf file and the .dll to "StaticStore\Bin_CE\" and once more to \Windows. That can be done by Total Commander. When typing in the .dll name you must type the comlete path "\StaticStore\Bin_CE\ftdi_ser.dll". This will create a key to the registry, which is independent of the folder \Windows cause the folder \Windows will be overwritten on every reboot = poweroff/on.

I ordered my unit with already fitted 3G modem cause I didn't know, that I could add it by myself. (now I know it). I'm running Navigon MN7 with TMCPro and will try update it to Traffic Live service. But this requires a permanent internet connection to get realtime traffic information.

I also wondered why this could not be used. But the GNS support explained to me that all GNS TrafficBoxes which are fitted with a mUSB plug only looks like USB. They all have a serial interface with TTL level built in. That is because all PNA (Navigation) units are using their mini USB plug for power supply, for USB-Storage device function and additional for serial data transfer on TTL level. It's a tripple function combined in one plug. To connect a TrafficBox to the QL-RAV977 we need a regular USB data interface. Now there are 2 options:
1) Combining a GNS TrafficBox Universal http://www.gns-gmbh.com/shop/xtc/pr....html&XTCsid=40073c425479fcbe600117f8bf3ad4cb (that has real RS232 interface) with FTDI adapter USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT_5.0.
2) Using a GNS TrafficBox 5860 http://www.gns-gmbh.com/shop/xtc/pr....html&XTCsid=40073c425479fcbe600117f8bf3ad4cb
Advantage of this unit: It has already built in Serial / USB Converter and so it is plug&play for the USB of QL-RAV977. Disadvantage is its price of 89,- Euro plus shipping.
I decided option 1) because of less cost. FTDI adaptor about 35.- Euro incl. tax and shipping from GB and GNS TRafficBox Universal about 15,- Euro off eBay.