simple python script to pull data from a USB GPS stick

import serial

def getdata(port):
# open the serial port
    port.open()
# check that the port is open
    if port.isOpen():
# read 16 lines
        line = []
        for i in range(1,16):
            line.append(port.readline())
# close the serial port
    port.close()
# discard the first line (sometimes it contains rubbish, so just always discard it)
    del line[0]
# return the list of lines
    return line

def outputdata(data):
# print the list of lines
    for i in range(0,len(data)):
        print data[i]

def initialise():
# initialise serial port settings
    Port = serial.Serial()
    Port.baudrate = 4800
    Port.port = '/dev/ttyUSB0'
    Port.xonxoff = 1
# return the port as an object we can use
    return Port

# main program starts here
sPort = initialise()
data = getdata(sPort)
outputdata(data)
# end