Navigation Programs

In searching the archives, it appears it's been almost a year since a discussion on navigation programs. So...

Our 58YF has a dedicated computer in the pilot house that has previously run a Nobeltec program that is now a couple of years old. Looking to update the Nobeltec, but open to new programs as well.

I've looked at Active Captain, but noticed that the bay where our marina is located in is mislabeled in the program, which doesn't inspire confidence. I've also begun looking at Maptech, Navionics, etc, but am looking for feedback from current users of the programs. Comments on reliability, user friendliness, etc would be appreciated. Thanks...

I run 3000+ miles each year on Nobeltec and am happy with it. It is an old version which I could not put on the new lap top running Win 7.

Jeff Siegel (Active Captain) sells a program which is cheaper and looks good in demo's. I'd certainly consider that one.

Bobk

Active captain is not a navigation program, it s a digital cruising guide

My favorite nav software these days is polar navy. Charts are stitched seemlesly and it includes Active Captain data (off line) it s also very reliable and uses little computer resources (unlike many commercial programs); I like the fact that you can run it on an older laptop.

Been using it for a couple of years now, well over 10k NM and happy with it.



And it s under $50!

I like InavX on the iPad (you also need a Bad Elf GPS attachment for the iPad). It's become our standard nav program/display. The Garmin 3010Cs at the upper and lower helm are now the backup.

I have coast explorer and like it along with active capt. Bill

And what computers does everyone use??

I have been running Nobeltec since `1994, do not go above version 9.3, all above that sucks big time. I run on a dedicated desktop in the w/h and then backups on two laptops.

I like "open cpn" which is free when in Florida or I can use one of my laptops with Nobeltec.

all has worked ok from Florida to Alaska and points in between...

polar Navy on a HP notebook

I'm sold on Toshiba lap tops. They seem to tolerate abuse better than others. The admiral spilled a bottle ginger beer into my newest one and I just poured it out and it continues to run OK.

Bobk

Thanks to everyone for their input. I will be looking at the various programs suggested. Anybody using Maptech?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaxfishgyd

And what computers does everyone use??

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With iPads waterproof and floating covers, they are hard to beat.

I have a really silly question about the ipod, and cell phone programs. What do you do when you are out far enough and outof cell phone range, or in an area where cell coverage doesn't cover?

I just went through this in my recent search for a smart phone. Apparently some phones work only with gps assist but the government is pushing for all phones to have their own gps chip. I settled on the morotrola atrix with the Navionics app for Android. It worked great 50 miles offshore (displaying no cell service) on a trip north in June on a 50' Hatt sportfish.

I must add that finding specifics that confirmed any given phone had it's own chip or merely gps assist was difficult!!

The Bad Elf GPS plug-in http://bad-elf.com/products/ turns the iPad/Iphone into a GPS receiver - no cell phone signal is involved or necessary.

iPhones have a GPS chip and work pretty well when no cell signal is avail (crossing over to the Bahamas or on the bank)

iPads with cell modem also have a GPS chip and should work the same way although I have nr tried one. iPads without the cell chip do not have built in in GPS but can use a Bluetooth external gps receiver, like the Globalsat 368 I use with my laptop

Ipad 2 and newer have a GPS that works when out of cell range in my experience. navionics marine app from antigua to newport on a sailboat worked fine (we had 2 ipads and bad weather took out the radar post) , and in small aircraft between 5000 and 9000 ft msl using Foreflight. Have used that app in commercial aircraft way up high with limited success.

Thank you all for the responses. I like the idea of a laptop plotter for a backup system. I still like a GPS and chart plotter for primary navigation.

One more question if I may.

Can these cell phone programs, accept changes as listed on the weekly notice to mariners, and can you make notes, and put way points into them. Opps sorry 3 questions in one.

From what I have read and from what my iPad 2 (WiFi) and my iPhone 3 demonstrate, the Ipad cannot determine position if it is not receiving a WiFi signal; the Iphone cannot determine position if it does not have either a cell signal or a WiFi signal. Maybe the latest versions are different but a device such as the Bad Elf receiver is required to turn my Ipad or Iphone into a "chart plotter" that will work anywhere.

The GPS function on an Ipad is on the 3G chip. You do not need a 3G signal or even a data plan for it to work, but a wifi only Ipad does not have a standalone GPS. You can also buy a non 3G Ipad and then get an external GPS as has been suggested.

I use Opencpn on a laptop with a GPS dongle as a primary source a electronic navigation since I can plan at home and just bring it. The Ipad (and garmin 2010c) is secondary, but is nice because of its portability. The external GPS would be less attractive to me for that reason.

iPhone gps works without cell signal. We have used it 40+ miles off. I have no tried the iPad that far out.