Download Bu-353s4 Windows 11: G Star Iv Gps Driver
Before downloading drivers, you must understand what you own. Confusion between the BU-353 (legacy SiRF Star III), the BU-353S4 (current SiRF Star IV), and clones is the #1 reason for driver failure.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Driver error Code 10 | Disable driver signature enforcement temporarily or use older Prolific driver v3.8.28.0 | | GPS not providing data | Check COM port number in Device Manager. Ensure no other software is using the same COM port. | | Device disappears after sleep | Unplug and replug the USB cable. | | Works on USB 2.0 but not USB 3.0 | Use a USB 2.0 port or a USB 2.0 hub. |
A driver alone is useless. Your Windows 11 machine needs a program to read the NMEA sentences coming from the G Star IV chipset.
Sometimes the BU-353S4 arrives in "SiRF Binary" mode. To force NMEA for Windows apps:
The BU-353S4 uses:
Important: If you bought a “G Star IV” GPS from a no-name brand, it may not be a genuine GlobalSat BU-353S4. In that case, try the CH340/341 driver instead, as many clones use that chip.
How to Download and Install G-Star IV GPS (BU-353S4) Drivers on Windows 11 G Star Iv Gps Driver Download Bu-353s4 Windows 11
The GlobalSat BU-353S4 (often referred to as the G-Star IV) is a legendary USB GPS receiver known for its reliability in marine navigation, fleet management, and amateur radio. However, because the hardware predates Windows 11, getting it to talk to your modern PC can be a bit tricky.
If you’ve plugged in your device and seen the dreaded "Yellow Exclamation Mark" in Device Manager, follow this guide to get your GPS back on the map. 1. Understanding the Hardware
The BU-353S4 uses a Prolific PL2303 USB-to-Serial chipset. Windows 11 is notoriously picky about Prolific drivers because many older "Type HXA" chips are no longer supported by Prolific’s newest drivers. To make this work, you usually need a specific version that maintains compatibility with the S4 hardware. 2. Where to Download the Official Driver
Avoid third-party "driver updater" websites, which often bundle malware. There are two reliable sources:
GlobalSat Official Support: Visit the GlobalSat WorldCom support page. Search for "BU-353S4" to find the Windows driver package.
Prolific Technology Inc: Since the internal chip is Prolific, you can download the "PL2303 Windows Driver Installer" directly from Prolific’s website. 3. Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Windows 11 Step A: Clean the Old Drivers Disconnect your BU-353S4 from the USB port. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Go to View > Show hidden devices. Before downloading drivers, you must understand what you own
Look under Ports (COM & LPT). If you see an "Unknown USB Device" or an older Prolific entry, right-click it and select Uninstall device. Check the box for "Attempt to remove the driver for this device." Step B: Run the Installer
Download the PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v4.x.x (or the version provided by GlobalSat). Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.
Follow the prompts and Restart your computer when finished. This step is vital for Windows 11 to register the serial port mapping. Step C: Plug and Verify Plug your G-Star IV into a USB port. Open Device Manager again and expand Ports (COM & LPT).
You should now see: Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMx). Note the number (e.g., COM3). 4. Troubleshooting: "This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)"
If you see Code 10 or "Please contact your supplier," Windows 11 has likely automatically updated your driver to a version that doesn't support your specific chip revision. The Fix: Right-click the driver in Device Manager > Update driver. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer. Check Windows 11 bitness (Settings → System →
Choose an older version (e.g., version 3.8.x or 3.2.x) from the list. Often, the 2014 or 2015 versions work best for the BU-353S4 on Windows 11. 5. Testing Your GPS Signal
Once the driver is installed, your GPS needs a clear view of the sky. Download the GPSInfo Utility from the GlobalSat website.
Open the utility, select your COM Port, and set the Baud Rate to 4800.
Click "Start." You should see NMEA data (text strings) scrolling and, eventually, your lat/long coordinates.
By following these steps, your BU-353S4 should work perfectly with navigation software like OpenCPN, Google Earth Pro, or ESRI ArcGIS on Windows 11.
GlobalSat BU-353S4 (often called the ) is a veteran USB GPS receiver that remains a reliable choice for Windows 11 users, though it requires specific driver attention due to its aging Prolific PL2303
chipset. While originally designed for older versions of Windows, it continues to function well for marine navigation, fleet management, and even Aadhaar enrollment. GlobalSat WorldCom Corp. Windows 11 Compatibility Review BU-353S4 - GlobalSat WorldCom Corp.
Windows 11 blocks unsigned or modified legacy drivers.
