There are so many options and choices for GPS units! I have been trying to wade through all the marketing hype to figure out what GPS receiver would be best for my purposes... sailing! Ideally, I would like to find a low cost unit which can use the free ENC charts from NOAA and display depth info from those charts in addition to the standard GPS info. Thanks in advance!
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None so far as I know
My understanding is that all the chartplotters on the market use some sort of proprietary chart system for their system and that ENC charts would need a PC based viewer (Fugawi, etc.)
My understanding is that all the chartplotters on the market use some sort of proprietary chart system for their system and that ENC charts would need a PC based viewer (Fugawi, etc.)
ENC chart options.
I think Rick is right. You can download and test Fugawi software($200.) on your current desktop PC(without a GPS) for free. But for the boat you would need the laptop and GPS with cable. The good news is that a used laptop and GPS from E-Bay will cost much less than a chartplotter. And the charts are free. The bad news is that you probably would not be able to use it in the cockpit. And cheap laptops have a relatively short life in salt water environs.
I think Rick is right. You can download and test Fugawi software($200.) on your current desktop PC(without a GPS) for free. But for the boat you would need the laptop and GPS with cable. The good news is that a used laptop and GPS from E-Bay will cost much less than a chartplotter. And the charts are free. The bad news is that you probably would not be able to use it in the cockpit. And cheap laptops have a relatively short life in salt water environs.
It's funny Ed
you mention the typically short life span of computers onboard, which I agree with by the way, but I've got a cheapie Dell at our nav station that is nearly 5 years old and just won't die! I should probably replace it with something newer, better (and probably even cheaper) but I just can't bring myself to retire something that keeps chugging along. Maybe as I get older I'm relating to it somehow...
you mention the typically short life span of computers onboard, which I agree with by the way, but I've got a cheapie Dell at our nav station that is nearly 5 years old and just won't die! I should probably replace it with something newer, better (and probably even cheaper) but I just can't bring myself to retire something that keeps chugging along. Maybe as I get older I'm relating to it somehow...
computers on-board
Rick, I just retired a Dell that did 6 seasons on-board with me, although to defer to Ed, it was always at the nav station. just bought a new Dell. we'll see how long the new technology lasts. Bryce
Rick, I just retired a Dell that did 6 seasons on-board with me, although to defer to Ed, it was always at the nav station. just bought a new Dell. we'll see how long the new technology lasts. Bryce
GPS Receiver
This may be a simple and inexpensive solution: "The WAAS enabled BU-353 is completely self-contained and waterproof. It incorporates the latest SiRF Star III 20 Channel GPS chipset and an active patch antenna so you receive the highest degree of GPS accuracy" $87.95 Go to: http://www.gpsnavx.com/ then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the picture for the "Waterproof 20 Channel USB GPS" Since there are no expensive cables to buy this winds up looking like a very simple and inexpensive solution. Their GPSnavX program works with RASTER chart files and is $60 - works on a Mac and, apparently, also on a PC. The MacENC works with VECTOR chart files. The chart files can be downloaded or one can buy the DVD for $40. Hope this might help.
This may be a simple and inexpensive solution: "The WAAS enabled BU-353 is completely self-contained and waterproof. It incorporates the latest SiRF Star III 20 Channel GPS chipset and an active patch antenna so you receive the highest degree of GPS accuracy" $87.95 Go to: http://www.gpsnavx.com/ then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the picture for the "Waterproof 20 Channel USB GPS" Since there are no expensive cables to buy this winds up looking like a very simple and inexpensive solution. Their GPSnavX program works with RASTER chart files and is $60 - works on a Mac and, apparently, also on a PC. The MacENC works with VECTOR chart files. The chart files can be downloaded or one can buy the DVD for $40. Hope this might help.
Or, get a PC's GPS receiver with streets ....
You can go to Costco, or Fry. They have the Microsoft's Street + Trips software, including a USB GPS receiver for $79-$99. You can use it in the car for car trips, or use the charts John Nantz mentioned for the boat.
You can go to Costco, or Fry. They have the Microsoft's Street + Trips software, including a USB GPS receiver for $79-$99. You can use it in the car for car trips, or use the charts John Nantz mentioned for the boat.
Electronic Charts
NOAA free electronic chart downloads use a format different from chartplotters. NOAA Charts are Raster format and are intended for computer software programs such as Maptech, Nobeltech, The Captain, etc., which means that the are, for all intents and purposes, sort of like photographs of a real NOAA paper chart. Chartplotters, on the other hand, use a vector chart format. There are major differences in the two formats. A raster chart which is re-oriented, say 180 degrees on your computer screen, will display the same way as a paper chart turned 180 degrees. All the feartures, printing, etc. would be "upside-down" on your computer screen. A Vector chart would display notations, symbols, labels, etc. right-side up no matter wheather you are usin North up, Course up or track up . However, the Vector chart eliminates much "un-necessary" chart information to decrease the screen re-draw time and to observe the limits of the memory capacity as well as the processor speed. For example, if you compare a raster and a vector chart for the same location one of the most obvious differences is that many of the land features have been eliminated. Also, the shore line is "less then exact" and is sort of a cartoon version - for lack of a better analogy - of the raster chart. There are other differences. The important thing is that they are not interchangeable. The vector chart is not readable on a PC while a raster chart is not readable on a chart plotter - at least for now. Things ARE changing all the time, however, I don't expect this issue to be resolved in the near future. Your free NOAA raster chart downloads must be read by computer software. Let's take Maptech Region 3 (Cape May, NJ to Nantucket) for example. This package comes bundled with a series of raster (NOAA) charts along with Topographic charts and a lot of very valuable nav photos at a price of about $300.00. It also includes the opperation program "Offshore Navigator". That is the important part of the program which allows you to read ANY(!) downloaded NOAA Raster Chart - from any region. In other words it is not necessary to purchase the Maptech program for each Maptech region; you only need one to read any NOAA chart. Of course you will not have the benefits of the topo and nav photo charts for the regions you do not purchase. Once you have the Offshore Navigator program you will be able to plan routes, waypoints etc. at home on you PC and then download the digital information into your chartplotter, providing you purchase the chartplotter/PC power/USB cable. (The Maptech program has an interface for all the major manufacturers). The interesting thing is that you will see major discrepancies between the two formats. I have created routes on raster charts which show my boat going over land on the vector chart, and visa-versa. I have also transfered a rout that I actually ran with my boat onto both chart version and showed that I went "over" land masses. Which one is more correct? Well you can't count 100% on either, as they both have errors. Hence the disclaimer by all chart publishers. The GPS is actually more accurate then either version of the chart. There is no cheep way around it; if you want to use the raster charts for planning, or even as the master to your on board nav system and still want a chartplotter at the helm, you will need both formats. The good news is that the Garmin chartplotters which will be released very soon (a matter of weeks) will contain preloaded vactor charts for the entire USA. You will not have to purchase chips unless you leave the country. Sorry for the length of my response but there is a lot of confusion on this issue. Good luck, Pat
NOAA free electronic chart downloads use a format different from chartplotters. NOAA Charts are Raster format and are intended for computer software programs such as Maptech, Nobeltech, The Captain, etc., which means that the are, for all intents and purposes, sort of like photographs of a real NOAA paper chart. Chartplotters, on the other hand, use a vector chart format. There are major differences in the two formats. A raster chart which is re-oriented, say 180 degrees on your computer screen, will display the same way as a paper chart turned 180 degrees. All the feartures, printing, etc. would be "upside-down" on your computer screen. A Vector chart would display notations, symbols, labels, etc. right-side up no matter wheather you are usin North up, Course up or track up . However, the Vector chart eliminates much "un-necessary" chart information to decrease the screen re-draw time and to observe the limits of the memory capacity as well as the processor speed. For example, if you compare a raster and a vector chart for the same location one of the most obvious differences is that many of the land features have been eliminated. Also, the shore line is "less then exact" and is sort of a cartoon version - for lack of a better analogy - of the raster chart. There are other differences. The important thing is that they are not interchangeable. The vector chart is not readable on a PC while a raster chart is not readable on a chart plotter - at least for now. Things ARE changing all the time, however, I don't expect this issue to be resolved in the near future. Your free NOAA raster chart downloads must be read by computer software. Let's take Maptech Region 3 (Cape May, NJ to Nantucket) for example. This package comes bundled with a series of raster (NOAA) charts along with Topographic charts and a lot of very valuable nav photos at a price of about $300.00. It also includes the opperation program "Offshore Navigator". That is the important part of the program which allows you to read ANY(!) downloaded NOAA Raster Chart - from any region. In other words it is not necessary to purchase the Maptech program for each Maptech region; you only need one to read any NOAA chart. Of course you will not have the benefits of the topo and nav photo charts for the regions you do not purchase. Once you have the Offshore Navigator program you will be able to plan routes, waypoints etc. at home on you PC and then download the digital information into your chartplotter, providing you purchase the chartplotter/PC power/USB cable. (The Maptech program has an interface for all the major manufacturers). The interesting thing is that you will see major discrepancies between the two formats. I have created routes on raster charts which show my boat going over land on the vector chart, and visa-versa. I have also transfered a rout that I actually ran with my boat onto both chart version and showed that I went "over" land masses. Which one is more correct? Well you can't count 100% on either, as they both have errors. Hence the disclaimer by all chart publishers. The GPS is actually more accurate then either version of the chart. There is no cheep way around it; if you want to use the raster charts for planning, or even as the master to your on board nav system and still want a chartplotter at the helm, you will need both formats. The good news is that the Garmin chartplotters which will be released very soon (a matter of weeks) will contain preloaded vactor charts for the entire USA. You will not have to purchase chips unless you leave the country. Sorry for the length of my response but there is a lot of confusion on this issue. Good luck, Pat
Low-Cost Option go Raster For Now
These are some notes I found that might provide some more info for you. If you're trying to keep costs down it would be the least expensive to go with raster charts for now, get the feel of the system, and then in a year or so switch to vector. The software for vector is quite a bit more expensive than for raster and due to competition the prices for vector programs have been coming down and are expected to continue for the near future. Also, as Pat pointed out, there are a lot of glitches with current software programs and there remains a lot more programming work that needs to be done. Given the state of flux with the vector programs, unless one feels they must have that capability, go raster for now and upgrade later. Prices will be less, there will be more features (lots in the works), the software will be more trouble-free, and better/cheaper hardware will be available. The raster files are free too, but their file size is larger. If you have a high-speed modem you can selectively download the files you need. Notes: P.S., Just in case you can't tell, for PC (vector) I like Rose Point but GPSnavX (raster) blows them away for bang-for-the-buck) Four elements needed for electonic charts: (1) Satellite (2) GPS (3) Chart files (4) Computer · No Canadian charts at present – the contract with NBI ends in (I think) 2008 (but may be extended). · One of the only waterproof computers is Nauticom. However, a new technology is being developed which is readable in bright daylight called FEG(?). · Sony has developed Xbright and this works in bright sunlight. “The SDM-HS95P/S features XBRIGHT technology—a clear coating that blocks less light than typical anti-glare screens—so colors seem to really pop. Dark areas appear richer, giving images more depth than most LCD displays.” · NOAA S57 chart files are free · Maptec bundles · Vector charts are a database and are much smaller file size than raster files. · Terra Server has aerial photos available for free · ENC chart files are free · NGA – DNC NOAA to have finished around 2008 with charting but f(funding) · AIS – will show all commercial vessels greater than 300 Tons. · AIS Class B for recreational vessels will allow a simplified check when crossing the border. Rose Point Coast Pilot in digital vs. *.pdf: · Nicer tides and currents screen · Only program that lists hazards · Only program with Un-Do. · “Cruise mode” for planning purposes · Can email documents and “cut-and-paste” like in your Word documents. · Government S57 database is incomplete. · Rose Point Doesn’t do 3D · Rose Point radar overlay – work in progress. Currently on beta and hope to ship this fall. · Rose Point also has a sounder in the works. · Rose Point Coastal Explorer is available at a street price of around $369. · Maptec has more information available. · So far Rose Point updates are free but this may change with MS Vista. · Nobeltec has vector charts to Prince Rupert · Rose Point has vector charts to Bull Harbor. · Datum WBS84 · GPS is a VERY week signal and is easy to spoof. · Mac ENC is available for Mac users.
These are some notes I found that might provide some more info for you. If you're trying to keep costs down it would be the least expensive to go with raster charts for now, get the feel of the system, and then in a year or so switch to vector. The software for vector is quite a bit more expensive than for raster and due to competition the prices for vector programs have been coming down and are expected to continue for the near future. Also, as Pat pointed out, there are a lot of glitches with current software programs and there remains a lot more programming work that needs to be done. Given the state of flux with the vector programs, unless one feels they must have that capability, go raster for now and upgrade later. Prices will be less, there will be more features (lots in the works), the software will be more trouble-free, and better/cheaper hardware will be available. The raster files are free too, but their file size is larger. If you have a high-speed modem you can selectively download the files you need. Notes: P.S., Just in case you can't tell, for PC (vector) I like Rose Point but GPSnavX (raster) blows them away for bang-for-the-buck) Four elements needed for electonic charts: (1) Satellite (2) GPS (3) Chart files (4) Computer · No Canadian charts at present – the contract with NBI ends in (I think) 2008 (but may be extended). · One of the only waterproof computers is Nauticom. However, a new technology is being developed which is readable in bright daylight called FEG(?). · Sony has developed Xbright and this works in bright sunlight. “The SDM-HS95P/S features XBRIGHT technology—a clear coating that blocks less light than typical anti-glare screens—so colors seem to really pop. Dark areas appear richer, giving images more depth than most LCD displays.” · NOAA S57 chart files are free · Maptec bundles · Vector charts are a database and are much smaller file size than raster files. · Terra Server has aerial photos available for free · ENC chart files are free · NGA – DNC NOAA to have finished around 2008 with charting but f(funding) · AIS – will show all commercial vessels greater than 300 Tons. · AIS Class B for recreational vessels will allow a simplified check when crossing the border. Rose Point Coast Pilot in digital vs. *.pdf: · Nicer tides and currents screen · Only program that lists hazards · Only program with Un-Do. · “Cruise mode” for planning purposes · Can email documents and “cut-and-paste” like in your Word documents. · Government S57 database is incomplete. · Rose Point Doesn’t do 3D · Rose Point radar overlay – work in progress. Currently on beta and hope to ship this fall. · Rose Point also has a sounder in the works. · Rose Point Coastal Explorer is available at a street price of around $369. · Maptec has more information available. · So far Rose Point updates are free but this may change with MS Vista. · Nobeltec has vector charts to Prince Rupert · Rose Point has vector charts to Bull Harbor. · Datum WBS84 · GPS is a VERY week signal and is easy to spoof. · Mac ENC is available for Mac users.
We Use A Mini Desktop Computer
I have never been comfortable with a laptop in the cockpit. I could not figure out a way to keep it from flying around in rough seas. I bought a small desktop in a mini case and mounted it in a locker. I ran a video cable and a USB cable to the cockpit and mounted a 15 inch LCD on a swivel so we could move it around and keep the sun off the face of it. The USB connection allows both a mouse and keyboard so that is easy to use. We cover the LCD in rainy weather with a clear plastic cover. We have used the Fugawi software with the free NOAA charts and found that the charts are very accurate. We traveled from Sandusky to western Lake Superior and back last summer (1700 miles) and used it all the time both ways. If it said there should be a buoy to port, it was there. Amazing. We have about a $1000 in the whole system. About $500 for the computer, $250 for the LCD, $50 for a 50' video cable, $200 for the Fugawi software, plus a few dollars for the keyboard, mouse, etc. An added benefit is that we can play a movie from the hard drive.
I have never been comfortable with a laptop in the cockpit. I could not figure out a way to keep it from flying around in rough seas. I bought a small desktop in a mini case and mounted it in a locker. I ran a video cable and a USB cable to the cockpit and mounted a 15 inch LCD on a swivel so we could move it around and keep the sun off the face of it. The USB connection allows both a mouse and keyboard so that is easy to use. We cover the LCD in rainy weather with a clear plastic cover. We have used the Fugawi software with the free NOAA charts and found that the charts are very accurate. We traveled from Sandusky to western Lake Superior and back last summer (1700 miles) and used it all the time both ways. If it said there should be a buoy to port, it was there. Amazing. We have about a $1000 in the whole system. About $500 for the computer, $250 for the LCD, $50 for a 50' video cable, $200 for the Fugawi software, plus a few dollars for the keyboard, mouse, etc. An added benefit is that we can play a movie from the hard drive.
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