C Map Reader for PC - A Simple question

[JamesS]

Does the C Map kit enabling you to load charts onto your pc have provision for a GPS input?

I saw the Maptech offering at the Southampton Boat Show that had a snappy looking GPS that was connected to their charts via a USB port.

Many thanks in advance

 

[alan]

No, it doesn't load charts onto the PC, it uses them from the reader; thus you need to keep the reader connected and loaded with the chart cartridge.
You can connect a GPS via USB or serial interface. Hope that this answered your question.

Alan.

 

[JamesS]

Many thanks Alan, just what I needed to know.

Cheers

 

[Malcb]

It has the provision to transfer data to/from an external device using NMEA. But it doesn't read a GPS input and show the position on the computer as a chart plotter.

 

[SimonD]

So, if you need to use the charts on a laptop, you have to buy the charts on a CD Rom. If you then want to change to using a chart plotter, you will have to buy the cartridges and, according to CMap, you will not get a discount. However, if you buy the cartridge and then change to a laptop, you will get a discount on the CD Rom version. I bit the bullet and bought the CD Rom version and am chuffed to bits with it. I doubt very much I'd dump the laptop for a chart plotter now.

 

[alan]

I just re-read your question .... and maybe I mislead you regarding the GPS input.
There is no USB port on the C-Map card reader itself, I was inferring that you could connect a GPS mouse (e.g.) to the computer as well as the card reader.
The card reader is available as a serial interface (D-9 connector) or a USB interface.

Incidently the card reader can be used for C-Map standard cards and also C-Max cards.

Sorry for any mis-information previously.

Alan.

 

[Nagaina]

Hi, The only problem with the laptop onboard as opposed to a chart-plotter is that you can't use the laptop outside when its raining or damp or if you get caught out in fog (they are not waterproof unless you spend a lot of money plus you have to fasten it down securely including the screen) when you really need it for pilotage. Not perfect for a boat unless its the size of a ferry and used in the wheelhouse.

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
So, if you need to use the charts on a laptop, you have to buy the charts on a CD Rom. If you then want to change to using a chart plotter, you will have to buy the cartridges

[/ QUOTE ]

You can use the cartridges on a laptop/PC if you buy a card reader. Buying on cartridge rather than CD gives the flexibility to use the cartridge in a plotter at a later date.