Laptop Chartplotter?

[forgotmyfrekinuserid]

How easy is it to get a cable running from my chartplotter (NMEA) into my laptop (USB)?
I imagine it should be nothing more complicated than a cable feed and then I'd need to get some software with the right charts in the laptop.
But what do I know, I'm just an accountant?
If anyone can suggest anything, please dont reply with too much technical speak...I'd need subtitles.
Thanks.

 

[Playtime]

NMEA is (approximately) RS232 so you need one of these (or equivalent - just type USB to Serial into Google) http://www.usbnow.co.uk/Adapters_&_C...oduct_info.html
You will also need details of the NMEA wires (Data Out, Data In and Ground) from the GPS.

 

[Quandary]

You will get a technical answer soon all about nmea, Garmin etc but if like me you are a technophobe, you can buy a Gps receiver which plugs straight in to the USB port for about £30 -£60, then you can buy all sorts of nav programs. For the UK Admiralty or Imray charts are about £75 with UK Tides an extra tenner. Has the advantage of independence.

 

[Playtime]

PS If you like Admiralty charts (don't we all?) then I strongly recommend Maptech on the PC. All charts for Germany through to Portugal are now on one DVD for £90 or so; same price for the whole of the UK. Great value compared to their previous pricing. The real time display software (Offshore Lite or whatever it's now called) is 'free' with the charts.