pc navigation software

[kenpatterson]

I have a garmin gps 126 which is connected to a nasa dsc radio for automatic distress location. I am thinking of buying maptech navigator software for use with a laptop. Can anyone tell me if i will be able to connect both to the gps at the same time. I would also be grateful for any feed-back on the maptech system it appears quite cheap (£99 a chart)

<hr width=100% size=1>co. down

 

[Johnboy2004]

hi there buy garmin blue chart atlantic, then you can connect ur gps to the laptop and also to the radio, then u will have a colour chart plotter on the laptop!!






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[philip_stevens]

Most "talkers" (i.e. your GPS) can be connected to up to 4 "listeners". Not all, but most.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[Jules]

I find maptech very good, as I like looking at Admiralty charts! As long as you don't stray into another folio of charts is is unbeatable value. Tidal info excellent BTW
Good luck

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[kenpatterson]

Thanks everyone. what price are blue chart atlantic. just read about admiralty/rya cp. costs £40 and lasts until the end of the year. you have to pay yearly but at least you would be getting up to date chart info.

<hr width=100% size=1>co. down

 

[Capt_Marlinspike]

I have the same GPS and connect it to the laptop (Maptech very good) and to the autopilot. This works with no problems.

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[Koeketiene]

Why not look at Transas (formerly Tsunamis) Navigator?
Cheap, all the features you could want, reliable, you don't have to order folios but you can order individual charts at no extra costs.

I know it's Russian, but I have tested loads of software - both professionally and on Yanita - and this one came out tops.


<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.

 

[rebeccas]

Your GPS should be able to drive both the laptop and DSC. For a navigation program you might want to try 'Navigate' (http://www.wizworldservices.co.uk/navigate) which is cheap and doesn't use expensive charts.

Regards,

Rebecca.

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[Johnboy2004]

hi blue chart atlantic cost me 300 euros with one unlock code. the unlock code allows you to unlock one region, so for the 300 euros i got the software with one region unlocked. i got the entire irish sea, and south as far as west cork and noth france, as far east as salcome in the uk. south as far as brest.

its v good, and works well with my laptop and gps map 76S connected serially. works quite well and updates position on screen very fast.
also includes tidal info for all ireland uk and tidal info for all of europe africa too

to unlock another region costs 128stg +vat,

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[Birdseye]

to my mind, the issue with pc chart software is the initial cost and update availability of the charts themselves - particularly given that the base data belongs to us anyway. we're in danger of having the pc printer type situation where the basic product is heavily loss making so that the customer can be screwed on the consumables.

anybody yet found a sharing web site for charts like for music or alternatively a hacker web site giving code unlock tools?

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[reeferjon]

I've just bought the MapTech charts for the Solent with Offshore Navigator Lite software and it works quite well, although the functionalities a little basic.

I've heard mixed opinions about Transas Navigator.. It looks pretty good on paper, with support for vector charts and good integration with NMEA equipment, but I've been told by "experts" that the chart coverage of the UK doesn't include high detail areas such as marinas and rivers. I'd be interested in hearing how you get on with it.

As for "acquiring" charting software, you do realise that that's illegal, don't you? ;-)
It seems that most of the chart software companies have been pretty hot on security.. with most software requiring dongles, or at least telephone pre-registration. There was some Maxsea and MapTech software floating around on Gnutella a couple of weeks ago... but I don't know if I'd trust my boat (and my life) to a dodgy internet download ;-)

On a similar note, I bought a "World of Charts" CD off Ebay a few months ago, and it appears to live upto it's name.. the charts appear to be S57 / CMAP format, and the software running them is demo version of dKart Navigator.. a Russian charting package that isn't available in the UK. Does anyone know of any other software that can use these charts / where to get a working version of dKart from?

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[david_bagshaw]

buy it from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dkart.ru/dn.htm>http://www.dkart.ru/dn.htm</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>David
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.euroboating.net>http://www.euroboating.net</A>

 

[bendyone]

Your cd maybe has Cmap 93 charts on. As you say the dkart will only work in demo mode, what you need is a copy of Raymarine charting software, or other, which will import the cmap 93 charts. Or print the charts you need and use seaclear software for plotting.

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[WayneS]

We have exactly your config, with a GPS repeater as well. Works fine.

Cheers

Wayne


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