Garmin GPS Chartplotting etc

[wakeup]

I perhaps should have asked the forum before I made a recent purchase. But, until recently I had owned a portable garmin which came wiht it's own plotting software you could run on a pc and then upload all your waypoints.

The new chart plotter in question is a Garmin 292 colour chart plotter. It does all I need however I didn't come with any software to load on a pc so I can plan and then upload my routes. Has anyone got any suggestions or experience with using a good chart plotting and planning package I can upload to the garmin.

Second question is that I also purchase the chart for my area whcih comes on a single chip which fits into a single chip slot. Once I have planned a trip on the PC how do I get the routes in, via another chip or do i use a serial link?

Sorry for the dumb assed questioned. I had assumed the bigger, more expensive garmin kit would have worked like the older and cheaper kit.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

WU

 

[ThreeSummers]

As far as I know, Garmin units work with their own software - so you'd need "Mapsource" - the progam that handles the maps, and also used to upload to your unit (chip in unit via serial, or also chip in USB holder if applicable). You need to add separately purchased maps that work in conjunction with "Mapsource" - for marine use these are called "BlueChart"

Have a look at garmin.com for more.

I don't think other mapping software will work with a Garmin. I have an old one and am very happy with it (use it in car and on bike) and am looking to get their 276C portable plotter for when I have finished building my boat.

T

 

[Liselle]

Hi

I recently bought the Garmin 292c (Internal). At that time I intended on buying the software too, however I took up the suppliers much cheaper suggestion of buying a spare lead fit a cigarette lighter adapter onto it, buy a 240v/12v 3 pin adapter and take the unit home. Works fine and all for about £30.

Out of interest, how are you getting with the charts. I went for the G2 chart instead of the G1. I am finding it difficult to see any real difference between the two, that justifies the extra cost. Especially as one of the main selling points, the photographs of ports etc, I am yet to find a single photo along the south Uk coast.

 

[wakeup]

Hi, I haven't been able to get a G2 chart for my area or indeed find out when they will be avaialble. I have also ordered the garmin 240v cable so I should be able to ue indoors.

 

[jonnybuoy]

I bought mapsource software, connected the Garmin to the laptop with a combined power and PC cable from www.yachtbits.co.uk and a serial adapter from www.maplins.co.uk (to turn the 9 pin PC connector into a USB). Works great.