Chartplotter navigation software for Raymarine
- Thread starter smokey73
- Start date
Have you tried downloading Raymarine software through the WiFi? I believe yours has WiFi. I have an e-version, but the last time I updated SW, I believe I downloaded from Raymarine directly to my boat via Wifi.
You can download the Raymarine a98 software updates through WiFi but that is the operating system, not the Mapping program. As the Navionics customer rep implied (not said) you are SOL without the card.
I said scr*w Garmin 6 years ago after they EOL'd my chartplotter a year after purchase. I use OpenCPN, with the Garmin chartplotter as radar display and backup mapping device. It is not pain free but the occasional inconvenience is offset by the cost of the software (free) and the NOAA charts (also free). I pay $20/year for charts of the west coast of Canada. I run it on an old Thinkpad i3 NUC that I bought for $100.
It's not for everyone, but for me it was worth the effort to become proficient in its care and feeding. The base software is pretty straightforward. Autopilot and radar integrations are challenging. There are many plug-ins to extend functionality but I try to keep it simple.
It's not for everyone, but for me it was worth the effort to become proficient in its care and feeding. The base software is pretty straightforward. Autopilot and radar integrations are challenging. There are many plug-ins to extend functionality but I try to keep it simple.
I’m a fan of OpenCPN at home, but is there a cost effective waterproof sun viewable touch screen to make it feasible at the helm?
Yes, but they're pretty expensive. I see links posted on Cruisers Forum from time to time, but I haven't made the leap myself. I use a tablet in a waterproof case that has worked well so far.