(powered by the SiRF Star IV chipset) is a popular USB GPS receiver, but users frequently encounter driver issues on Windows 11 because the Prolific PL2303 chip it uses often lacks official support for newer operating systems. Essential Driver Download & Installation
To get the BU-353S4 working on Windows 11, you typically need to install a specific legacy Prolific USB-to-Serial driver. Download Sources:
The official latest drivers are often found on the GlobalSat Support Page.
A commonly recommended version for overcoming Windows 11 compatibility errors (like "PL2303TA does not support Windows 11") is the Prolific PL2303 Driver Installer v4.08 or earlier legacy versions like v3.3.2.105. Installation Steps:
Uninstall Existing Drivers: In Device Manager, right-click the unrecognized device, select "Uninstall device," and check "Attempt to remove the driver for this device".
Run Installer: Download and run the PL2303_DriverInstaller.exe as an administrator.
Manual Selection: If it still shows an error (yellow exclamation mark), right-click the device in Device Manager > Update Driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list.
Select Legacy Version: Choose the specific older version (e.g., Version 3.3.2.105 [2008]) from the list. This version often bypasses the "not genuine" or "unsupported" blocks. Performance Features Windows - OpenCPN
The G-Star IV BU-353S4 is a compact, high-sensitivity USB GPS receiver powered by the SiRF Star IV chipset. It is widely used for automotive and marine navigation due to its ability to maintain a fix in challenging environments like dense foliage or urban canyons. Windows 11 Driver Support G Star Iv Gps Driver Download Bu-353s4 Windows 11
While the BU-353S4 was originally designed for older Windows versions, official support for Windows 11 is available.
Download Source: The official driver for Windows 11 can be downloaded from the GlobalSat Support Center or GlobalSat Russia.
Chipset Driver: The device uses a Prolific PL2303 USB-to-Serial bridge. If the standard installer fails, you may need to manually install the Prolific PL2303 Driver from the manufacturer's site. Installation Guide GPS-приёмник GlobalSat BU-353s4 (USB)
Getting the GlobalSat G-Star IV (BU-353-S4) GPS receiver to work on Windows 11 can be tricky because the hardware relies on a Prolific USB-to-Serial chipset that sometimes triggers compatibility errors with newer Windows security policies. Official Driver Downloads
To start, always try the official manufacturer sources first. The BU-353-S4 uses the Prolific PL2303 chipset.
GlobalSat Support (Russia/Global): You can find a dedicated Windows 11 Driver directly on the GlobalSat support page.
RadiumBox: For users in specific industries (like Aadhaar enrollment), RadiumBox provides an updated driver package compatible with Windows 10 and above.
Roadsoft: A direct link to a reliable Prolific Driver V4.08 is often recommended by community forums for stabilizing "puck style" GPS units. How to Install on Windows 11
If your computer shows an error like "This is not Prolific" or an exclamation mark in Device Manager, follow these manual installation steps to force the correct version: The GlobalSat BU-353S4 Go to product viewer dialog
Extract the Files: Download your preferred driver and unzip it to a folder on your desktop.
Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate the Device: Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section. Look for "USB Serial Port" or "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port". Update Driver Manually: Right-click the device and select Update driver. Choose "Browse my computer for drivers".
Click "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer".
Select the Legacy Version: Uncheck "Show compatible hardware" if necessary, and look for an older version (e.g., Version 3.3.2.105 or similar from 2008/2010). Windows 11 often requires these older, digitally signed versions to bypass current chipset verification blocks.
Verify: Once installed, the LED on your BU-353-S4 should be solid (searching for signal) or flashing (position fix). Key Specifications & Tips G star iv gps driver installation
Before downloading any driver, it is critical to understand what you are working with.
Why does this matter? Windows 11 does not natively recognize the "SiRF Star IV" by name. Instead, it sees the USB-to-Serial bridge chip. The BU-353S4 uses a Prolific PL-2303 variant. Microsoft removed built-in support for older PL-2303 chips (HXA, HXD) in Windows 11. However, the BU-353S4 typically contains the PL-2303TA (or TB), which is compatible if you install the correct Prolific driver, not a "GPS driver."
Key Takeaway: You are not searching for a "G Star IV GPS driver." You are searching for the Prolific PL-2303 driver v1.14.0 or newer that is signed for Windows 11. Part 1: Understanding the BU-353S4 and the "G
No. GlobalSat does not write USB drivers; they depends on Prolific. Any website offering a "G Star IV GPS Driver.exe" is likely a repackaged Prolific driver or malware.
You might ask, "Why not just use your phone's GPS?"
Because the BU-353S4 is honest. It doesn't need the cloud. It doesn't need a SIM card. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, or the Arizona desert, or an Alaskan highway with no cell towers—that little blue puck will still whisper your latitude and longitude to your laptop.
It is a piece of infrastructure. And infrastructure should last decades.
If you are buying a new GPS puck today for Windows 11, skip the legacy BU-353S4 and buy the BU-353S4-W10 (Windows 10/11 Ready) or the BU-353N (USB-C compatible). But if you have the old "S4" in a drawer? Now you know the magic spell to wake it up.
To successfully install the GlobalSat BU-353-S4 (G-Star IV) GPS driver on Windows 11
, you must address compatibility issues with its internal Prolific PL2303 chipset. While Windows 11 may initially flag the device as unsupported, the following steps will help you get it running. Microsoft Community Hub 1. Download the Necessary Driver
The primary driver required is the Prolific USB-to-Serial COM Port driver. Official GlobalSat Source : You can find a dedicated Windows 11 driver package on the GlobalSat Tech Support center Manufacturer Source : Alternatively, download the latest Prolific PL2303 Driver Installer directly from the manufacturer. www.globalsat.ru 2. Installation Steps Extract the Files : Once the file is downloaded, right-click it and select Extract All Run as Administrator : Right-click the installer (often named PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller.exe ) and select Run as Administrator Follow the Wizard : Click "Next" through the prompts and select once completed. Restart your computer to ensure all services are correctly set up. Radium Box 3. Resolving "Device Not Supported" on Windows 11
If your Device Manager shows a yellow exclamation mark or says "PL2303-PHASE OUT SINCE 2012," you may need to manually roll back to a compatible version: Microsoft Community Hub G star iv gps driver installation