Chart plotter tidal calculations

[firstascent2002]

Are there any chart plotters out there that can work out tidal calculations for passages like the neptune planning sorfware? I really do like what neptune does, but am never prepared to take my laptop on board so end up having to re do everything the old way (keeps my eye in I suppose) when plans change by a few days.

Any one got any good reccommendations

Thanks

J

 

[shmoo]

Don't mean to hijack the thread but am interested that you are keen on neptune - I'm thinking of buying it, but if one wants east coast round to western approaches it gets a bit expensive in chart packs. Is it worth it?

By the way I use a laptop on the boat (and take a spare!) Key seems to be to run it *inside* the chart table - nice and dry. Model before last can be quite inexpensive secondhand and powerful enough.

 

[hightech]

Most plotters, Simrad, Raymarine etc, now have tidal routines built in that allow current and future tides to be viewed, thus aiding route planning.

Geoff

 

[bonny]

Not sure what Neptune does but I have a Raymarine C80 plotter and the latest software upgrade (3.18) from Raymarine allows you to click on tidal diamonds and shows graphically the direction and current rate against time of day for the current day (or other selected day).

 

[beneteau_305_553]

Like other chartplotters, the navman 5605 does show tides with cmap max cartidge. gives 3d views also. It also acts a repeater for depth wind and speed and outputs to DSC radio and to the autopilot for sailing to a waypoint etc

But a laptop screen is still a lot better so cmap max on cd and a program like mapsim or maxsea is perhaps a better option ?

The neptune software looked a bit untested at the show yesterday...

 

[Malcb]

I don't think that there are any chart plotters that will actually work out a Course To Steer based on the tidal info that they now seem to have.

I use Neptune, because it uses my C-map catridges, but Neptune supplies it's own tidal information for the calculations.

Maybe that will be the next generation of Chart Plotters, they have only just really stated to include tidal flows and directions fromwhich they could make the calculations.

 

[Skyva_2]

I think it has to be a laptop. But you can always use CCX when on shore for the central Channel, link here:

CCX

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

I have neptune and a fantastic little programme called CCX, developed by a fellow forumite I think. Whilst it only deals with cross chanel and the chanel islands, its simplicity and ease of use makes it my first choice and then confirm with my paper charts etc. Free down load and donation. No connection just a happy bunny

 

[sheyes]

I like the neptune software but have only used it on the home pc and taken print offs to the boat (with obvious limitations). The programme is now available for hand held machines (see www.neptune-navigation.com) and I'm hoping to look at this at the boatshow tomorrow
Steve