GPS RIP

[DownWest]

Yes. Mobile phones are too fussy, too needy, too fragile for me. Touch screens are bad enough on dry land, cant pick the thing up without entering the dark web or phoning someone in Iceland.

Found anything interesting on the dark web? Not brave enuf meself.

My Garmin 72 is still quite happy and connected to a Yeoman, as I like paper.
Local friend, a DCA organiser, has asked London Chartplotters for a kit, but, so far, no contact?

 

[doug748]

The guy who runs London Chartplotters posts on here now and again. I think he is having problems, perhaps health related, and wants to sell the business. The details may be on his site somewhere.

 

[lustyd]

I do recall transferring waypoints donkey's years ago but it's old tech so no chance now with USB ports......AI tells me I would need an interface card or serial converter. Don't think I will bother at this stage, I am over the initial shock of grief and disbelief.

Garmin support their devices for literally decades, you'd be surprised. You would need the right cable, but their software almost certainly still supports it.

 

[lustyd]

Still can’t see the benefit over a modern phone. Battery life lasts a day and easily recharged via any USB source (and carry battery booster when might be needed).
As noted earlier, got all charts and detailed OS maps for a wide area downloaded on the phone, so also used on water and ashore.
Can keep a record of track using multiple apps, including Memory Map.
Also acts as camera to take photos and messaging as needed.

AA batteries are globally ubiquitous and you could very easily store enough for a month on board in a small box. Phones can absolutely be recharged if you have power, but in a grab bag a dry bag full of AAs is a much better solution.
Yes, charts and maps are the same on both, although many phones will require occasional connection and licence checking (not all, but it is something to check).
The format and connection to get the files from a Garmin have not changed in decades. Memory Map didn't exist when I bought my GPSMap 62 and it's been through many changes since launch. Export and access to the data often changes with apps while a simple GPX file is portable accross all platforms and convertable to any format. It's open and can be read with Notepad. Zero lock in and zero subscriptions.

We also have phones on board with cameras, charts etc. but they don't do what the handheld GPS does. We use Navionics for most of our navigation, and the GPSMap would be an absolute last resort for that purpose. They aren't really comparable in any way.

 

[The Q]

But your phone GPS also works without any phone signal. Have used mine mid Atlantic.
And can download charts or maps as needed. I have the entire UKHO set of UK & Ireland charts permanently on the phone (£25) as well as OS 1:25,000 for walking (another £25, though the latter needs the relevant area downloaded pre walk).

Not all phones have GPS.

 

[dunedin]

Not all phones have GPS.

You would have to try really hard to buy a phone without GPS nowadays.