PC Navigation software

[John_d_Smith]

I remember seeing a post a while ago about a freeware navigation software package but cant remember the name has anyone used it and whats it like?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[johnwest]

Have a look at the thread started by Cactus today on the PBO forum.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BrendanS]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.sping.com/seaclear/>http://www.sping.com/seaclear/</A>

<hr width=100% size=1> I asked an economist for her phone number....and she gave me an estimate

 

[Renegade_Master]

I know its not free but have you looked at Transas Navigator?

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[oldgit]

RE "free" navigation soft ware.this subject has been raised in many posts recently.If you use the forum search engine,posts dealing with the various pros and cons of PC based navigation will appear.My own opinion is that if you are computor savvy then the available freeware my enable you to cobble together a basic system.However if like most of us,you feel proud if you know which is the ON button,then there are half a dozen basic systems available starting at around 100 pounds.Just put CD in drive,pretend to read a few bits of the manual and away.
You will also need GPS of some sort that has a port to send signal to PC.Basic navigation versions do NOT need super duper cutting edge lap-top.Am using old Early pentium thing which works perfectly well with Transas system.
Ps Go to boat show to see all systems and for good deal.All makes will have basic systems but will try to sell you ocean tanker version if they poss can/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif



<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[hlb]

What I want to know is this. What do you do with this thing when youve got it. Is every one but me, going thousands of miles and visting every continent, country and village before teatime. If so can you tell us about it. I only seem to hear about visits to the Folly Inn!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[Gtdog]

I have been using Wincharts packages for a few years now, and find them excelent, From Portifino to Bristol no hitches or glitches.
Nice big buttons to use at sea as well!
Just plug my laptop into a lighter socket, my magellan into the laptop and Bingo, instant 15inch colour GPS on any vessel with a 12v battery!

<hr width=100% size=1>Work? You call this Work?

 

[Renegade_Master]

I've used Transas Nav around South & East coast of UK, up Thames tut Teddington and from Menorca to Costa Del Sol, CDS to Africa etc.

Very usfull to have as it continuously gives read out of XTE, SOG COG ETA distance to next waypoint, time to next waypoint,, you can set alarms around hazards, and most importantly when coming into a new port, if its on your chart, then it will aid your navigation into a strange port. We found this expecially useful at night coming into Almerimar.



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[hlb]

I just use bog standard 8ish year old chart plotter for those things. Bolted down and seaman like!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[Gtdog]

Aye but advances in kit are tremendous, and fun too!
Still to be sure preparation a route/pilotage plan and a chart plot cant be beaten!

<hr width=100% size=1>Work? You call this Work?

 

[oldgit]

Ha......I just to back from the Canaries








admit i left the boat at home still.................

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.