Help needed with chart plotting software options...

[rays]

We have a Raymarine RL70 mono chart plotter in the cockpit and wish to use a PC down below as planning/backup. I'd like to use the CMAP+ charts we have already bought so thought we could use the CMAP PC Plotter to achieve the above. We have a GPS feed for the PC. Will this allow us to plan routes and waypoints AND have a live postion on the PC? If not
I have read that Software on Board + the charts + the Cmap card reader will enable me to achieve what I need.

It seems pointless to buy another software/charting package in addition to the CMAP we have already. Must confess that I barely understand what I have written here and desperately need some help (preferably using short words and sentences!)

CD

 

[aluijten]

"Software on Board + the charts + the Cmap card reader"

This will bring you what you need. However, not at the same moment in time as on your RL70. Unless you have two identical cartridges.

If you need it for planning only then you can limit to buying the special C-Map reader as it comes with (horrible) planning software. I state horrible as I find it completely non-intuitive to use.

Software on Board is quite nice and a huge improvement over the C-Map program

Arno

 

[Malcb]

Neptune C-Map planner works with the C-Map reader and a USB GPS to provide a backup chart plotter and also a tidal passage planner. The newer version that I got last year when I swapped to a Vista machine now has all the tides for the area e.g. Dungeness to Isles of Scilly incl France that you need (before it kept requiring you to load separate areas at a time e.g. Selsey Bill to Portsmouth).

I only use C-Maps planner for swapping waypoints/routes/tracks between the chart plotter and the PC.

 

[alan]

SOB will do what you want, and is really easy to use.

Alan.

 

[rays]

Thanks for the advice. I suppose I should have worked out that the PC Planner doesn't give you a live GPS feed.
Am in process of acquiring SOB and card reader (£68 from Fox's Chandlery) and deciding which charts to update/change. Marinestore charge £34 +vat if you take a local chip in for a local update and £109 for local to wide. Anyone know if these prices are competitive?

Thanks

CD