PascalG
08-17-2004, 09:49 AM
When I got my 53, it came with a very nice Garmin 2006C plotter on the flybridge but nothing at the lower helm. I didnt' really want to spent another $1500 or so since I usually run the boat from the flybridge except when docking or in rain. Since the lower helm is well protected, using my notebook connecting it to the GPS was a cheaper option.
I looked into various software packages, inlc the free stuff, and finally decided to stick with the Garmin Blue charts. I ordered the blue chart CD from boatfix.com... $103...(previ owner had bought the regional cartridge instead of the cd) got a serial cable at radio shack ($12), some old phone wire and connected everything tonight. it's only 3 wires coming down from the GPS, I cut the serial cable, spliced the 3 wires to the 3 pin as explained in the instructions and...
it works! after installing the Blue Chart/ Map source software, unlocking the region... the boat position showed on on the screen...
for those considering a dual station system this is really the best option. i'ts also easier to plan routes, enter waypoints etc... on a notebook in the salon than on the GPS outside. and because you can use the charts on 2 GPS Plotters AND on the computer, you only need to buy one set of e-charts.
I haven't tried all the software functions but it seems real easy to use...
pascal
miami, fl
1970 53 MY
I looked into various software packages, inlc the free stuff, and finally decided to stick with the Garmin Blue charts. I ordered the blue chart CD from boatfix.com... $103...(previ owner had bought the regional cartridge instead of the cd) got a serial cable at radio shack ($12), some old phone wire and connected everything tonight. it's only 3 wires coming down from the GPS, I cut the serial cable, spliced the 3 wires to the 3 pin as explained in the instructions and...
it works! after installing the Blue Chart/ Map source software, unlocking the region... the boat position showed on on the screen...
for those considering a dual station system this is really the best option. i'ts also easier to plan routes, enter waypoints etc... on a notebook in the salon than on the GPS outside. and because you can use the charts on 2 GPS Plotters AND on the computer, you only need to buy one set of e-charts.
I haven't tried all the software functions but it seems real easy to use...
pascal
miami, fl
1970 53 MY