Andy Cox
Well-Known Member
Does anyone have any experience of the VP Glass Cockpit System and any opinions on how good or bad it might be?
Thanks
Andy
Thanks
Andy
Volvo Penta / Garmin Glass Cockpit System
- Thread starter Andy Cox
- Start date
NGM
Well-Known Member
I have this set up.
I presume it looks and operates almost identically to other Garmin plotters ( I’ve had Raymarine in the past).
The difference being a more comprehensive set of engine data available and the option to set up smart modes ( layouts automatically change depending on what you are doing , docking, cruising, fishing etc )
Everything is integrated into the screens including autopilot so don’t under spec your screen space, I have 2x 16 inch side by side.
I’m still hoping Garmins purchase of Navionics will lead to the charts being as detailed as Nav/Ray but overall I really like it but admit there is a huge amount of functionality I haven’t got around to exploring.
I presume it looks and operates almost identically to other Garmin plotters ( I’ve had Raymarine in the past).
The difference being a more comprehensive set of engine data available and the option to set up smart modes ( layouts automatically change depending on what you are doing , docking, cruising, fishing etc )
Everything is integrated into the screens including autopilot so don’t under spec your screen space, I have 2x 16 inch side by side.
I’m still hoping Garmins purchase of Navionics will lead to the charts being as detailed as Nav/Ray but overall I really like it but admit there is a huge amount of functionality I haven’t got around to exploring.
admillington
Well-Known Member
One thing to consider is that the high level of service that Garmin was known for no longer exists, whereas the service from Raymarine is excellent. I have an open service ticket with Garmin and their service is slow and unprofessional.
A serious point to consider before you spend a ton of money with them.
A serious point to consider before you spend a ton of money with them.
jfm
Well-Known Member
I’m still getting the same great Garmin after sales support - no down turn- sorry to hear of your problems am.
NGM gotta admit I’m not loving the new Garmin charts. I have top of range most expensive version. Whatever Navionics data they have merged into the Garmin charts is hard to spot. The charts still look and feel like Garmin. They should have scrapped Garmin charts completely and used pure Navionics, but I guess there is too much corporate pride in the Garmin charts and an inability to see how third rate they are. No big deal- they are not terrible and imho Garmin hardware functionality and gui remain the best there is.
NGM gotta admit I’m not loving the new Garmin charts. I have top of range most expensive version. Whatever Navionics data they have merged into the Garmin charts is hard to spot. The charts still look and feel like Garmin. They should have scrapped Garmin charts completely and used pure Navionics, but I guess there is too much corporate pride in the Garmin charts and an inability to see how third rate they are. No big deal- they are not terrible and imho Garmin hardware functionality and gui remain the best there is.
jfm
Well-Known Member
Smartmode is a difference between Garmin and Ray/Furuno, not a difference between Volvo-cum-Garmin and naked Garmin.
I have smartmode (and love it) but no Volvo.
NGM
Well-Known Member
arrghh that's annoying, I've also just upgraded and was hoping the new version was a mirror of Navionics,
NGM
Well-Known Member
ok, well in that case I'm not sure what differentiates the volvo/Garmin Glas sBridge to regular Garmin
jfm
Well-Known Member
i think it’s just a few Volvo specific (with logos) engine monitoring screens- which is perfectly fine.
jfm
Well-Known Member
I wish. Alas not ...
Andy Cox
Well-Known Member
I guess what I'm really interested in is if one experienced a problem with the Volvo / Garmin interface. For instance, if you had an intermittent problem such as a screen freezing, who's problem is it, VP or Garmin? The screen is branded Garmin but the VP logo displays during boot up and I understand the VP software is loaded on the screen itself?
I'm guessing VP don't want to have anything to do with any part of the network on the Garmin side of the interface and visa versa. Or can either of them look at the whole network to see any problems?
Andy
I'm guessing VP don't want to have anything to do with any part of the network on the Garmin side of the interface and visa versa. Or can either of them look at the whole network to see any problems?
Andy
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
Oh that's a missed opportunity I think. Even if the cartography differs, can you now sync Navionics routes to/fro between tablet and Plotter?
jfm
Well-Known Member
I don’t know I’m afraid - I don’t use routes because they’re pointless in the Med imho.
Sticky Fingers
Well-Known Member
Ah yes that's a fair point 
NGM
Well-Known Member
No you can't. But if you want to plan routes or make a list of waypoints away from the boat you can do it on Garmin's Homeport software and transfer from that to the plotter via SD card. I don't think the software is available as tablet app.
NGM
Well-Known Member
I haven't had any problems to date but my understanding is the warranty would be from VP. You can't buy these screen/software combos off the shelf from Garmin, they come as part of an engine package.
However, there is obviously a lot of cross over, these devices are happy to be recognised and registered on Garmin Express and Garmin support have no problem giving phone support.
