More questions - laptop PC chart software

[Amulet]

I asked a few questions about updating from Offshore Navigator to Chart Navigator Pro in a previous thread. The responses have led me to consider reviewing my allegiance to the MapTech system. Is there other laptop software which would serve me better at a reasonable price? A very recent less specific thread asks about laptop chart software in general. I'm trying to assemble enough info to take a decision. The features I want (apart from the obvious ability to navigate and create routes) are:

[1] Communicate with a Garmin GPS72 using the Garmin Protocol. Unless I've misunderstood, NMEA does not support the transfer of routes. I transfer routes to the hand-held (two different ones in really anxious situations) so that I still have electronic navigation if the computer dies.

[2] Take NMEA input from a NASA AIS engine (the NASA one is the only one I can afford).

[3] Give me tidal heights and currents on the chart. (Tidal planning functionality would be nice, but the basic information would do.)

[4] Ability to export and import route and other data with the computer as simple tab delimited files so that I can use my own systems to edit them. (Not some horrendeous XML navigation object export.)

[5] It'd be nice to be able to use my fairly extensive collection of BSB charts from MapTech, and if I can't then I need to be able to get East of England, Channel and Netherlands at a sensible price.

 

[Richard10002]

I used Maptech charts in 2004 and ISTR that OziExplorer worked with them - not sure if it still does. Those that use OziExplorer seem to rave about it, although I dont know if it does everything in your list... worth a look as it's shareware, so you can try it for free.

 

[fergie_mac66]

sea clear 11

http://www.sping.com/seaclear/
will use bsb and raster charts plus ais you can create your own charts using a scanner and ccs and calibrate them using mapcal (get them free from same place) easy once you have understood it You can scan digital charts using prtscreen( I set my screen to 3072 x1024 ) before scanning (doesn't use CM93 )

another one is open cpn

http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/




This one uses bsb and it will use CM93 world charts off the net It can use files from mapcal aswell forum below info on it

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/opencpn-13653.html

edit: not sure about tidal stuff though with above.

if you can get garmin mapsource that does . Only uses bluecharts , I believe its discontinued but look on the net
Garmin have replace mapsource with a new version recently

 

[RobBrown]

Replied to a similar query a couple of days ago with suggestion of looking at the Imray Digital Chartplotter- the new 2010 version is available on USB, so can be used by netbooks without CD /DVD drive as well as PCs. Has GPS route planning , AIS & single large area with tides add on is £59.95.
I have used the older 2008 version with an additional 1 year tides software update purchase for 2009 & found it pretty good functionally & value for money. New version looks to be improved on tides planning, but haven't first hand experience. I would like more AIS functionality tho- eg doesnt have CPA.

Doesn't use BSB tho