PC Navigation Software

[captddis]

Personally I prefer the Nobeltec program, Hooking the computer up to a gps is simple and most programs will work with the 0183 format. Dave

 

[Mike53C]

Personally I like Oziexplorer (www.oziexplorer.com ). I simply connect my gps to the laptop and that is it. I use a Panasonic 74 Toughbook (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webap...Id=11201&catalogId=13051&modelNo=Toughbook-74 ) and GPSmap 76S Garmin. Even thou it is not a weatherproff laptop, it has taken rain, splashes, etc,..without any harm.(I am knocking wood now...). I usually navigate a zone with many reef lumps. If conditions are fine you don’t need anything more sophisticated than your polarized sunglasses, but if the sun is shining in your eyes or you get caught in rain or at night then you definitely want some navigation system. Since you can use your own maps, oziexplorer let’s you calibrate them, I preplan the route I wish, then when conditions are fine I run that track and make any corrections if needed. Then I save the corrected final track and that is the one I use, I just follow that road. Don’t need the map any more, just a blank white “map” with the “road” showing nicely. I have the different tracks, corrected tracks, to different places in my zone and that is it. If you use captured google earth maps then you have fantastic views of your area. If you can hook to the internet via your cellphone, then using google earth with a moving map option like eartbridge (http://mboffin.com/EarthBridge/) you overlay your tracks (http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map?form=googleearth) and are all set.
Hope it helps

 

[polaris6]

Re: PC Navigation Software Capn upgrade

I haven't figured out how to post a new thread...so I am going to try this.

I am hoping one of US might have saved the 7.5 Capn upgrade 'exe'. I need it to upgrade my 6+ Capn to read the newer raster charts..

 

[Sparky1]

Wow! Talk about a blast from the past. I never did pick up any navigation software, and I still haven't read my owner's manual for my 2210. Now that I'm stuck back on the river, I don't figure I need a back up for it.

Sorry for the sidetrack polaris6, maybe somebody else can answer your question.

 

[polaris6]

Re: PC Navigation Software-Capn 6+

Thanks for the response. I personally use Coastal Explorer, but I have use the Capn 6.1 for teaching this AP course in the Power Squadron format. The student all like it and eventually learn enough about a 'working system' to purchase what they really want/need.

Thanks again...perhaps there are others who have that upgrade.

 

[John Dickson]

I would like to connect my Garmin handheld to my laptop for chartviewing while underway. I have a Garmin 76CSx. I have connected it before to exchange charts however I have had no luck in getting a display underway.
Do any of you have any suggestions?

tx
John

 

[polaris6]

Re: PC Navigation Software-Capn

I assume you want to use your Garmin GPS unit to view charts on a laptop (or equivalent computer screen) while under way.

If this is the case, your GPS will act as an attenna for GPS (NMEA) input to your laptop, which should have installed the appropriate navigational software...like the Capn, Nobeltec, Fugawi, Coastal Explorer, etc. Each of these software packages have the necessary capability to configure your software so that your vessel position will be superimposed on the appropriate navigational chart while underway. That configuration is not difficult to accomplish.

There are a few issues here:

one is that the power to your GPS is usually provvided by batteries; as a consequence, the use of your GPS as an attenna for the laptop-based nav software is limited to the battery life of the GPS power;

two, your GPS should have what they call a 'data cable' which allows you to route the NMEA (GPS) data to the appropriate registers on your laptop to be used by the Nav Software. Some data cables come with a 'pigtail' that allows for DC power through a 'cigarette lighter' adapter; some do not come with that 'pigtail'. If you don't have such a data cable, please make sure you get one with that alternate power feature;

three, once you have this working, you should protect the laptop from the 'elements', like saltwater spray. I have an older (and smaller) IBM Thinkpad for use on the bridge protected by a surround bimini. I view the laptop as a 'dispensable' piece of equipment.

If this is what you had in mind, I would be happy to provide you with further assistance. Contact me directly @ polaris6@nc.rr.com.

 

[nyrussell]

Ok, I am looking to back up my Garmin 2210C with a computer sysytem, but all of you just don't think of all the possibilities... LOL, I will split my keyboard and mouse from my Server box, as well as a monitir cable; run them up to the flybridge. Now, I am going to build a table to hold a 17", 19", and then 2 22" monitors in succession right next to me captains chairs. This will hook into my GPS on the radar arch and i really could care less if the keyboards ($14), mouse($), or monitors (free for now mostly) break. Oh, then i will take a 17" laptop monitor from a broken toshiba board, and hook that up behind some waterproof plexiglass LOL.

Should work. As for software, choose a package you are comfortable with, I personally like Maxsea frm what I have seen. And Maptechs not too bad either, just need to "hack" the registry....

Noel

 

[34Hatt]

Noel


That will work some here say NO but it does since I have done it. Just go with a 18 dollars spill proof keyboards. Yeah I know it not free but they last for ever . Also I have found a touch pad works better verse a mouse. If you split the monitor and have it downstairs you will find you don't even need a keyboard at the helm most times. I use the keyboard when making routes and the only time on the bridge is when we have a knock down I use F12 to mark the spot.
One other option is a friend is using a tablet bought it on EBay for $120.00 sunlight viewable, window XP loaded and sunlight viewable! He added the Capt a USB to serial adapter and he was off cruising. He already had a GPS to hook to the serial port.

 

[Sparky1]

Heck, I don't know why I didn't think of just using a monitor or even using a television as a monitor in my pilothouse instead of worrying with software and my laptop. I remember Carl hooking his chartplotter up to his bigscreen on the GuzCruzer so we could sit back and see where we weren't.