Maptech chart navigator software experiences

[nicholat]

Hello forum....
I'm reasearching PC based chart software and am particularly interested in the Maptech chart navigator software as it seems to fulfill most of our needs. We're looking at something primarily for route planning and then being able to print out the chart details for the plans we have made. Its unlikely we would then have the laptop on whilst under way and would just use the paper prints and paper passage charts.

It looks like we need the Pro version in order to use the free charts available for the USA (where we will head in a few years).

I've run the demo but before splashing out and buying I wanted to find out what people's practical experiences are of the software - I read the forum post about tidal data for 2009 not being initially available but has now been added to the website for download. However, I didn't find any info about if there are costs to get these new data downloads - or are they free if you have the software? If there is a cost do you have to pay for each area you own (e.g. UK&IRL is one cost, Western Europe have to pay again). Do you have to download new data each year?

Thanks in advance
Nichola

 

[CPD]

I have maptech charts on a PDA mounted on the chart table and it works very very well.

 

[Eccles]

I use Maptech on a PC @ home for passage planning and find it very useful - features are great - guess if you used it onboard and interfaced with GPS it would be a even better!

 

[youen]

Its a problem to get the tide every year and in France you have to pay it for every year At the moment they are not ready for 2009.Have you try Software On Board in seems much better

 

[Blue5]

I use Maptech Chart Navigator Pro on a toughbook laptop on board, I have found it very good, contrary to another post you do not have to pay every year for tidal data and although there was a problem earlier it is now resolved and available. We also have AIS overlaid using NASA engine
I have found the tech staff very helpful and when I had a problem with my copy of CNP they replaced it without argument.

No connection, just a satisfied customer.

 

[johnnys]

I have used Chart Navigator for several years, find it very user friendly. I also have it linked to a furuno GPS and it works very well as an onboard plotter. Have just updated all my tidal data, it is a free online download.

 

[knightvision]

I love it. works very well. I also run it on a PDA along with walking maps. It makes a great solution. Also it is one of the few programs where you can actually print the maps, and calibrate your printer to ensure they are correct aspect ratio
and scale.

 

[giraffe]

[ QUOTE ]
I have maptech charts on a PDA mounted on the chart table and it works very very well.

[/ QUOTE ]

which pda do you use with it?