GPS antenna/receiver

[claymore]

Direct into the laptop rather than buying a handheld gps and linking it via an NMEA cable.
Anyone use this and if so what do you think?

My GPS unit is up the duff and initial estimates seem to suggest it would be cheaper to scrap it - I hate those sorts of comments don't you?


<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>regards
Claymore<font color=purple>
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[ParaHandy]

ah dinna ken if ra dos 3.11 wull support sich gadgets ... ??

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[MapisM]

Definitely handheld, imho.
Gives you a backup to the laptop, when it will go nuts.
In fact, it's not a matter of IF it will fail, just of WHEN.
Besides, the cost nowadays isn't that different.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gordonmc]

Ebay has GPS flash cards for PDA with adaptor laptop use (PCMCIA) for the £40 mark. I am wary of using my laptop on board so the PDA option looks good for passage planning and quick navigation.
I will, however, keep my old Garmin 45 handheld until it falls to bits. The sextant won't fall to bits so it will be around for longer than all the above.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Anthony]

on the basis that GPS receiver with LCD display etc can now be had for aroud £90, I would go that route, I love using my laptop for nav, but know that if (when) it fails, I havnt got enough juice to run it etc, I have a handelhd on board. It will take batteries, and I can get by with that.

Can also then take it wth you ashore etc.

the black box units seems to cost almost that much, and just doent seem worth it to me, unless its bluetooth, talking to a handelf luuetooth PDA so you have wireless nav, but I am not even convinced by that, just where do you want to go with a nav tool on a boat that a cable wont reach to!

Anthoy

<hr width=100% size=1>The difference between men and boys, is just the price of their toys...

 

[claymore]

Thanks

your responses helped me with my decision. Hanheld Garmin/Magellan with a data cable and cigarette lighter for power
Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>regards
Claymore<font color=purple>
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Nick_Pam]

Re: Thanks

Garmin...
the datacables/mounting brackets etc are about half the price of the Magellan ones!!
Just a thought...
Nick

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jhr]

15 - all

Magellan.

The Sportrak comes packaged with a mounting bracket and combination 12v power/data cable included in the price.

You pays yer money....................

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[boatless]

Re: Thanks

If you go down the Garmin route, I have a serial to Garmin cable (which you can cut and add 12V input to) which you can have for two pints of Guiness.

<hr width=100% size=1>my opinion is complete rubbish, probably.

 

[claymore]

Re: 15 - all

Oh Bugger
just when I thought it was going so well.
Go on then - which one.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>regards
Claymore<font color=purple>
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[jhr]

Re: 15 - all

I bought the Magellan (because of the bundled package), but actually, I suspect the Garmin is a slightly, but only slightly, better bet.

This is because:

1) Garmin after sales support and service is legendarily good (well, according to peeps on here, anyway), and

2) The Garmin's software is allegedly a little more intuitive than the Magellan's - though since even I am able to use the Magellan without problems, it is probably accessible to the most intellectually challenged.

I'd get whichever is cheaper at the swindlery/website of your choice.

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho