Electronic Navigation and Macs

[Topcat47]

I just want to know if anyone has any experience of running a boat navigation suite using a Powerbook. I've "Googled" electronic charts for Macs and got nothing. I also know that in theory it's possible to run PC software using the MAC's inbuilt emulator, but I don't know how successful it is and would prefer some experience based advice, if there's any out there. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Channel Ribs]

I am ashamed, I am an omnipotent guru of electronic navigation and have been using a Mac for years, but alas the two are not yet runing in tandem. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

There is software out there, much of it cheap or even free which will get your 'book set up as a chartplotter and waypoint manager, though you will need to scan in or find your own map data.

I have long considered Garmin to be the masters of PC/Mapping integration, but until they pull there fingers out and get the Mac support we all deserve they not much use either. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I look forward to being shown to be completely wrong... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

I know these guys were working on it, but don't know if they've made progress. You could ask - they're friendly, and despite appearances, UK-based.

 

[Topcat47]

I asked at a local computer shop and the response was "Why would anyone want to do that?".

My local "chandler's" response was "Laptops are so cheap now, buy a separate one for the boat." I don't know where most of his client base do for a living, but it's definitely NOT what I wanted to hear! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[ChrisE]

Erm Ken, your link is about as duff as your avatar...

 

[Danny]

I think he meant these guys.

 

[MOTORBÅD]

There is a nice programme called Mac ENC that can use BSB format as well as S 57/ S63 official charts. AIS info as well.
http://www.gpsnavx.com/MacENC/index.php?page=Downloads
Havent tried it as I use PC.

Michael

 

[srp]

[ QUOTE ]
There is a nice programme called Mac ENC that can use BSB format as well as S 57/ S63 official charts. AIS info as well.
http://www.gpsnavx.com/MacENC/index.php?page=Downloads
Havent tried it as I use PC.

Michael

[/ QUOTE ]
I've got MacENC. The same company also do gpsNavX, which uses raster charts. I use my laptop at home for route planning, and then transfer waypoints and routes to my Garmin 60 using a Keyspan usb/serial adaptor. When I get back I can transfer the tracks back onto the Mac. I've got a Navionics chart of the Solent which I downloaded from www.chartworld.com which I think cost around £100. (US charts are free /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ).
Go to the gpsnavx website and download a trial copy, along with a free chart of San Francisco Bay, and have a play. The support from this company is second to none - its a small company, maybe even just one programmer, who actually compiled an update for me to sort out a minor display problem. There is also a forum which is useful - http://www.macsailing.net/

 

[Topcat47]

Thanks,

I've had a glance at the UKHO ENC charts but F@~* me they are expensive. I'd be better off buying a plotter. Perhaps that's the way to go.

 

[Gunfleet]

Maptech charts are BSB format, Tom. You can get the entire south coast for £70.

 

[oldvarnish]

I've been using GPSNavX on a powerbook with Maptech charts on both sides of the Atlantic. It works straight out of the box, and their website is full of useful ideas - such as plumbing in a Mac Mini to a 12v supply. Also good is the ability to download GRIB files and overlay them. I have been downloading mine through a satellite phone - something else they told me couldn't be done with a Mac!

 

[Topcat47]

Sorted! Sort of anyway. No 3 son comming over on Sunday to help choose the best platform for me. A Mac is top of the list. This has been so helpful, perhaps there ought to be a permanant link to the thread. I'm not the only guy thinking about this, surely......We've a Mac "cube" in the house and it's solidly (if unadventurously) reliable and free from attack. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[srp]

Have a look at these photos, showing MacENC in action in the Solent. The Wightlink ferries are transmitting AIS data, just to make it more interesting. Other info:
ENC chart - Navionics S63 charts (from www.chartworld.com)- much cheaper than UKHO
- Nasa AIS engine (from www.nasamarine.com)
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