gps for laptop

[c_j]

I have been thinking for a while to hitch the Garmin 210 gps to the lappy but as I have an open cockpit boat it would be difficlt to read the screen in any sunlight and then I had the brainwave to get a handheld GPS to use just with the laptop down below.

Now here is the problem. I really want to get a GPS that is compatable (uses same charts) as the 210 but are C-maps actually better?

Should I take this opportunity to change the 210 and get new and compatable handheld?

And now my laptop has packed up anyway and I will have to get new. Any recommendations. I would like infrared and I am finding it difficult to find new with infrared.

Chris

 

[Guest]

I have the same GPS - sorry had the same GPS on my last boat and I simply made up a cable from its NMEA0183 output to a male nine pin computer socket mounted on the chart table area. A second cable plugged into that and the other end into the serial port on my laptop which then nicely superimposed the vessel's position on the plotting software (fairly ancient PC Wayplanner) Why would you not just do the same but lead the cable from your Garmin to a socket down below so that you can plug your laptop in as appropriate. The manual shows what wires go where and if you are handy with a soldering iron the bits are cheap from Tandy or the like.

This would be a lot cheaper than a separate handheld which in any event would probably need an external aerial to work properly if permanently below decks.

Good luck

Nick

 

[c_j]

Thanks for that Nick.

I probably already have the bits actually from an old serial network I once maintained.

I am a bit apprehensive about routing the cable but I can look at that.

Of course this means that I cannot now go out and buy a nice bit of new kit nor suggest as Christmas pressie!

CJ