gps to laptop

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owen

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i am going to connect a laptop for navigation. . what would be the suggestions for the gps input. cani split the incoming data from my garmin( i want to keep the garmin ) and if so how do I connect the gps to usb.thnks in anticipation. i have not decided on which nav software to use. sailing today gave a good review to maptech lite any comments thhanks
 
Get yourself a serial to usb adapter and a serial lead fro your GPS, it's pretty straight forward. I'm sure that the Nigel's GPS group could help out with the wiring if you get stuck.
 
You can connect the garmin, i use maptech offshore navigator and its been fine for me.
Most good chandlers have the leads for the gps you would need other than that its straight forward.
 
Don't buy the lead as they are really expensive for what they are.....

Most Garmins have a power lead that contains the NMEA cables as well..... and the special data connector does nothing more than provide a 'Y', that connects to the original power cable, and then presents 2 or 3 wires for the NMEA connection....

What Garmin do you have?

A little research will help to discover what cables in the lead do what (manuals are available on line, and detail the cable colour codes), and then simply connect them to a serial connector, and you are away.... pin outs for the serial connector are readily available on line...

I've done this with a laptop and a Garmin GPS120, and it works perfectly....

PS I also use Maptech Lite, and get on really well with it....
 
Have a look at:
www.digiboat.com.au/

The Software On Board charting software is freeware and you only have to register to get a download. I thought it was pretty good stuff. Of course it means you are tied to C-map. From the Digiboat web-site you can order a CD from C-Map and then pay to activate the charts that you require; I personally bought a C-Map card reader (USB connection for the PC) so that I can use the C-map cartridges from my plotter also with the PC. I use the PC/SOB software with a GPS USB 'mouse', which I bought on-line for about €80; the GPS mouse (antenna/receiver) sits on the chart table next to the PC and so far has worked fine.

No connection with Digiboat, just thought it was very good considering it costs nothing, and you can have up to five (I think) free licenses for different PCs (e.g. one at home on desktop; one on portable; e.t.c.).
Alan. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
I asked this question a few months ago and was given the following link which I found invaluable. serial lead wiring diagram The ones you buy in the swindlery are horrendously expensive for what they are. I made this for a couple of quid and interfaced it to the computer with a usb to serial converter available off ebay.
 
That's just what I did and it works fine IF the computer doesn't think the GPS is a mouse. I struggled for a bit with the cursor prancing about all over the screen in response to the GPS signals. The solution is to fire up the computer without the USB plug in so it knows where its mouse is. Then run the plotter programme and plug in the USB when it says "oh dear I can't find the GPS".

Geoff
 
Can we help ??

The GPS group url in my signature is a worldwide frre group with all sorts of advise / info etc. etc.

As to cables - they are so easy to make up as long as you have the garmin end .... and prices in Chandlers are just so high for what they are ....

Ask on the group and I'm sure that someone has already done what you want to do and can give you the info you need .....
 
[ QUOTE ]
There's a patch available on the Microshaft site to fix the jumping cursor.

Brad

[/ QUOTE ]

Where exactly I can't find it.
 
Patch installed ...

Still have it occasionally though ......

Best is to plug in AFTER starting PC.
 
I'll find it for you, I did mine about 18mths ago and it works most of the time, agree with Nigel though, I still try to remember to plug in after booting laptop.

Brad
 
Free plotting ...

Ozi-Ex is good and I don't knock it .... but it is designed more for off-road Aussie outback .... The range of charts also is limited. Plus it is actually Shareware ...... so if you don't regoster and pay the small fee - you are seriously limited in its scope.

For a better Marine related package and COMPLETELY Free ... is Seaclear. It is not limited / no requirement for any fees etc. It displays AIS, is very good and honestly rivals many commercial packages......

http://www.sping.com/seaclear/
 
Re: Free plotting ...

thanks for the replies. is it really possible to scan charts on tho a4 flatbed and then stitch them together .??
 
Scan and Stitch ....

Yes it is actually not that bad to do .....

Suggestion ..... before scanning make clear 'crosses' with lat and long written next to them ............. then you have :

a) definite marks as well as charted lines (meridiens and parellels) to line up for stitching and
b) ready marks to use as calibration points in your mapping program.... in addition to any charted merdien / parellels etc.

I use Photoimpact to stitch and its far better than most other offerings .... Panavue I just got so angry with !!

Oh - and best is to set up the scanner on a large clear table !! so that you are not fighting the bits at side etc. that are outside the scanner !!!! Also good idea to find a heavy A4 sized book or similar to press the chart onto the scan bed before closing the lid ..... helps to reduce edge distortion. Make sure you have good overlap - so that any edge distortion can be overlaid. Remember that no scanner actually stays at true scale size .... they all distort and reduce slightly ... but as long as you remember to overlap reasonably - it is not a problem.

Go for it .... its worth the effort. If you scan a few at a time just to cover immediate sailing area and slowly expand folio over time - its not so bad .... you actually will find it enjoyable at a point !!

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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