How can I hook up my Chartplotter to my Laptop?

[JAYEL]

I have a Navman 5380 that I would like to link up to my laptop. How do I do it , what connectors do I need , what's the best programme to use on the laptop, and what results can I expect to see on the laptop, and can the chartplotter functions be controlled from the laptop? I can just about get around on a computer. Any help gratefully received.

 

[Richard10002]

Just get a GPS USB dongle off ebay for about £40 - more or less plug and go .... and a backup if one fails!

I use SOB www.digiboat.com.au . It ties you to C-Map charts, but nothing wrong with that.

 

[Refueler]

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I have a Navman 5380 that I would like to link up to my laptop.

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No problem - read the manual on NMEA connections

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How do I do it , what connectors do I need

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NMEA cable as per manual ... and most Notebook PC's are now USB not RS232 serial - so probably third party adaptor needed.

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what's the best programme to use on the laptop,

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Google PC Chartplotter and loads will come up ... freeware, shareware, commercial etc. and don't forget you will charts on the computer as plotter charting will not display on the PC as well as plotter...

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and what results can I expect to see on the laptop,

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very good results but depends on software installed and also charts used ...

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and can the chartplotter functions be controlled from the laptop?

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Simple answer here - No. You can upload and download routes, waypoints data etc. - but that's it.

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I can just about get around on a computer. Any help gratefully received.

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Think you're going to be asking a lot of questions once you start down this road as it will need some PC knowledge greater than doing e-mail or a letter !!