Garmin 176

[simon]

I have just purchased a Garmin 176c. My options seem to be Map Source CD and down load chart via programmer to blank card, or preprogramed Blue Chart cards.
Any advice on pro's & con's welcome.

 

[RayB]

I have a 176 also.

Only buy pre programmed cards for this, unless you want to cruise in more than one chart area. If you bought the CD then you have to buy a blank card to download onto as the 176 has no in built memory unlike plotters hihger in the bluechart range. I'm on the south coast and one pre programmed cartridge gives me nigh on all the Channel, both sides.

Does this make sense? If not PM me!




"Hopefully that won't be too expensive to fix?"

 

[Steve_D]

I too was looking at the 176c as I like the portability of it. How do the two of you get on with the screen size? From what I could tell the resolution was better than the larger models so should help to compensate for the relatively small screen. Does this pan out in actual use or not?

I'd be interested to hear opinions

Regards

Steve D

 

[RayB]

I use the (excellent) rolling road when underway, so screen size is not an issue in this mode.
For pilotage, into a harbour for instance, I am in plotter mode so I can see my position on the chart. The small screen is not a real problem then because you tend to be going slow at this time. I bought the B&W model but wish I had the colour as this would help in this mode.
As for reading the chart at 25 knots, the small screen makes this difficult, although once again colour would be better.
The unit is a very very excellent piece of kit and another advantage is that it is a portable unit, easy to take it home and plot your routes from the comfort of the armchair, or PC plotting as it comes with a PC lead as standard, or using it in the car.

Hope this helps

"Hopefully that won't be too expensive to fix?"

 

[simon]

Thanks for the info so far.
How do you operate PC plotting if only using the preprogrmmed card?
Do you upload the chart onto the PC or does it require extra software?

 

[RayB]

I don't know is the honest answer! I do my plotting at home on the actual unit, which takes batteries for operation off the boat. I think you can plug it into any PC charting system such as Maptech?



"Hopefully that won't be too expensive to fix?"

 

[andyball]

Navman are threatening to finally produce a tracker 5500i (i for internal antenna).....they reckoned end of July, but maybe one day?

 

[Steve_D]

send me a PM if you want the manual in PDF format (or download it from the Garmin site)

I think I'm gonna go for the 176C I'm only going to have a small boat and realestate on the dash is at a premium. The resolution of the l76 is better than most of the larger models so that should help to compensate for the smaller screen.

Regards

Steve D

 

[BrendanS]

I bought a 176c earlier this year. I too have limited helm space, which is why I opted for it (21' sports boat). Despite the smallish screen, the chart is very clear in most conditions, even at high speed in rough conditions. Does need backlight on in some light conditions, so I'd recommend wiring it in, as the battery drain is high with backlight permanently on.

Also discovered that the supplied mounting bracket will fit perfectly into the cup holder at the helm - good tight fit, perfectly secure, no need to permanently mount, and yet can pick it up instantly if I need a closer look.

Very tough bit of kit, has already survived a 20' drop and several good drenchings when I took green water over the screen. Only drawback is the battery compartment which is a bit fiddly (getting cover off, and old batteries out) with cold wet fingers - so another reason to wire it in.

 

[jon_bailey]

I am thinking of the 176c on my sportsboat. The only problem seems to be one of visibility, particularly with the sun at the wrong angle. They appear to offer a software update that addresses this problem (to some extent) so is anybody aware if this is only a problem with the older 176c's?

 

[Steve_D]

The latest firmware revision is 2.08 you can download this from www.garmin.com (head towards the marine stuff and find the downloads page) I'm not sure how a soft/firmware upgrade could improve the visibility tho'. Its always worth having the latest software anyway. I've not used it in anger yet but the screen looks quite good and clear. there will always be conditions that are going to make it difficult to read the screen occasionally, especially in an open cockpit. I wonder if some sort of sunscreen would help?

Having heard the opinions here and being able to get a good deal I went and purchased a 176c, now all I need is the boat to attach it to and we're away!

Regards

Steve D