A plug for Garmin customer support...

[MikeP]

My Garmin 3010cs, state of the art when I bought them in '04 or 5, are badly out of date both chart wise and software wise. I have been using the iPad with InavX for navigation and it works great, automatically updates as necessary, and uses the free NOAA charts (or can use vector charts from a supplier for 79.95). But it does not interface with the depth sounder or radar (at least I don't think it can but heck, maybe "there's an app for that!)

But it bothered me that the 3010s were not really usable and I have been totally unable to update them via the web - "not supported" is the result as far as downloading anything for it. So today I called Garmin's customer support, expecting to be told, "Sorry, buy a new chart plotter" but that's not what happened. The tech was extremely helpful and spent 20 minutes assisting me/solving the problem.

He verified that there is no way to download anything to it from the internet even using my Garmin USB card reader. But he is sending me the current software version on a Garmin card (The 3010c doesn't use current cards like SD/whatever as the newer Garmins do). There is a $50 deposit for the card but is completely refunded when I return the card in their pre-approved return envelope after installing the updates in my two 3010s. He is also sending me another card with the current blue charts that cover from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland - I have to pay for that one and it stays plugged into the machine.

The tech was very knowledgeable and spent the entire time explaining the issues and the resolution for as opposed to telling me that my 3010Cs are obsolete and trying to sell me a current Garmin product. He never brought that up and I was quite pleased about that.

 

[Artzco]

Thanks for the tip. I have a 3010 and need an update since the charts I have are woefully out of date. Does your software on the ipad need internet or is it stand alone and does it update as you move with gps?

 

[MikeP]

The software I use for the iPad - InavX - is an app available on the app store and it requires a GPS attachment - I use the Bad Elf http://bad-elf.com/products/be-gps-1000. For navigation use it is better in every way than my Garmins. It is faster and easier to use and tracks perfectly. You can download NOAA raster charts at no cost, which is what I have been using. Vector charts are more convenient but I have never purchased them.

No internet is needed. I have used it for virtually all my navigation for the past two years. It's really pretty slick and, if nothing else, makes a superb back up for an on-board chart plotter. It's much easier to use than the 3010 though a more modern touch screen chartplotter would probably be quite easy as well. OTOH, even if you bought an Ipad just for that purpose, the total price of an Ipad, InavX, and a Bad Elf would be around 650 bucks. I thought about buying another Ipad and mounting it at the helm as a dedicated marine navigation unit and totally forgetting about the 3010s but since they are there, I want them to work properly. BUt it wouldn't really bother me at all to operate the 3010s STRICTLY as depth sounders and use the ipad for nav.

 

[Artzco]

Thanks Mike. I already have two ipads and the App is only $49. Sounds like a good combination and I can now get my 3010 updated.

 

[rwappleton]

I use the same set up as Mike and it works very well!

 

[SeaEric]

My experience with GARMIN tech support is exactly what Mike has stated. Very good - always. This is why I just purchased a GARMIN for my 41TC. I plan on adding their auto pilot as $oon as I recover financially from what I have already $pent on my boat this $eason.

 

[jmagel]

A side question here... how do you all mount your iPad at the helm. Looking into products (suction and rail mount) and would love a recommendation.