I am a "Yeoman" Virgin!

[Mike2822425]

I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

Well I decieded to go for a Yeoman Chart Plotter. The add for it mentions using charts ect. This sounded good to me, and seemed to offer chart back up if GPS failed (or you ran out of power for GPS and/or the Yeoman).

So here I am now in "Demonstration Mode" ...... Wow this looks good, but already I have encountered a fiew probs. that I need your help with.

1 "The Plot Spot hole" ( from the instructions) a pencil should be used to mark your position on the chart. I find a pencil does not mark on the plastic surface. But the pen provided on the top of the Yeoman marks perfectly.

2.So I let the pen mark dry for a short time and you do have a good reference mark (but not on the chart) its on the plastic cover. So I spit on my finger and wiped it it accross the marks.........all dissappeared...........so if its a wet night.......and your GPS goes down, and a bit of rain falls on the chart cover, all your"on chart " positions will dissapear aswell!!!

Is it just me, please excuse me if I am being thick, but I need help and advice on this problem. I thought I had got it right by going for Charts +GPS!!!

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[pugwash]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

It's the best gadget afloat but I find it's better to clip the paper chart on top of the plastic cover so you can use a 2B pencil with a light touch.

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[stephenh]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

or use a permanent marker and wipe it off with white spirit.......

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[Oldhand]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

Yup, try taking the chart out of the plastic cover and placing the paper bit directly on the Yeoman mat. That's how both the chart and the plotter are intended to be used!

Don't understand the "chart backup if GPS failed" part of your decision to get a Yeoman. You should always be navigating by chart, that's where your GPS waypoints come from and where you check if you are where you think you are isn't it? Also if the GPS fails you will lose the NMEA position input to the Yeoman (you know you have to wire that up?) so it will be useless for finding where you are but will still give you range and bearing between 2 points on the paper chart, should you need them...

All said the Yeoman is a good bit of kit, especially if you need rapid position checks in restricted waters/poor visibilty.

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[starboard]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

First tried the Yeoman about 10 years agowhen the RNLI purchased a few for trial. In my mind it is the best piece of electronic navigation available as it still makes you use paper charts and when all goes "Tits Up" as it surely will you will be left with your last marked position on paper. It gives you the best of both worlds, basic and electronic navigation. Suggest as previous post you use the paper chart in direct contact with the "puck" Good luck and safe navigation.

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[philip_stevens]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

If it is the Sport model, it is the intention to use the chart under the plastic cover. That is why the wipe-able/non-permanent marker pen is supplied by Yeoman in the first instance.

I have a Sport model and use a wipe-able marker pen to mark the plastic. I kept the Yeoman under the spray hood, sitting on the hatch cover when sailing.

If you are talking of the other model of Yeoman, then yes, the chart should be used directly under the puck. I think he was talking about the Sport model.

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Philip

 

[ArthurWood]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

I think you're right; if you don't use the plastic cover, you can't hold the chart down firmly because the plasic cover is the hold-down. This is a problem if you are changing charts and want to keep wpts, routes etc on each chart.

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[peasea]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

Brilliant peice of kit. I mark all my refernce points for set up in big biro marks with big numbers ,likewise the chart ref. number.
You have to get used to folding full size charts and into two or even three.In this case each fold becomes a seperate chart with its own references.
I tend to use it in range and bearing mode most of the time for plotting and it is easy to see cross track error and estimate corrections or tacting possibilities.
My model is the pro so some of the above may not apply to the sport.
I would be interested in any tips anybody may have for getting better use.


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[Mike2822425]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

My thanks to you all for the advice. Nice to see I bought "a good piece pf kit", I will take it all onboard and put your help to good use. Yes it is the Sport, and even Yeoman (today) say the chart should be under the plastic cover .I will try both under and over in May in "real time" and see which is best.

Thanks again

Mike



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[ditchcrawler]

Re: I am a \"Yeoman\" Virgin!

I use a marker bought from an art shop,the sort used with overhead projectors & this takes a bit more rubbing to get off.Also mark the reference points in case the chart slips.I have the sport model & it works a treat with the chart under the cover.I think it is a brilliant bit of kit & I use it with the Admiralty portfolios & other charts.All in my humble opinion of course.

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