Imray digital charts? Any good? Vista problems?

[bluedragon]

This seem to be a steal at the price
http://www.imray.com/record.cfm?i_stock_code=ICID30
Is there a catch? There have been some problems running under Vista in the past. Has this been fixed does anyone know? I'll call Imray tomorrow, but just wondered what the forum knows.

It's really for passage planning, and back-up if my cockpit plotter goes down. I've got Maptech, but it's a bit clunky to use, and the Imray ones can be corrected online it seems. All-in-all they almost seem to good to be true!

 

[colvic]

I always used Admiralty charts but at the price quoted it has to be a steel. Funny, I always tended to buy Imray paper charts.
With the basic software included you shouldn't have a problem
Are you using a PC or a laptop.

 

[ditchcrawler]

I have used them for passage planning since they first came out because I like Imray Charts.I use the proper ones with my Yeoman.You can set Waypoints in a route then print it out.I then transfer the Lat/Longs to my chartplotter.I also print out A4 charts on photo paper to use in the cockpit.You can have an area of chart of any size to print out.Useful for harbour approaches.You will find that they are 2008 charts & are only supported for one years corrections.You can still use them forever by the way.I have not used them with a laptop so cannot comment.

 

[Laundryman]

i use them on board as a back up for my main chartplotter. They are a lot better than i expected. I had no problems loading on vista but did have fun and games loading the antenna i use. No problems with either on my previous xp. Definately worth the money

 

[discovery2]

I too, have recently been looking at these charts, primarily as a back-up to the on board plotter, and also the screen size will be much larger (plotter only has a 6" screen).

Although the Imray charts seem good value, it would be very helpful to 'play before buying' but local chandleries do not have them available for this purpose.
I have looked at other software on-line, but the Imray charts seem to be very competitive.
Does anyone know of an interactive website to compare these charts.

I am also considering whether to use the GPS input from a Garmin 152, or whether to purchase a separate aerial. Any thoughts or comments from forumites would be welcome.

 

[StugeronSteve]

The Imray charts seem to work fine as a back up and interface well with my usb gps "mouse". Very easy to load and the accompanying tide prog is ok. Overall I would say that it is reasonable value for money. I havent linked the laptop up to an AIS antenna yet, so I can't comment on that option.