I'm about to get a GPS Plotter (Garmin 276C to be exact) and for the BlueCharts I'm wondering if it's better to get the CD and download the charts onto the GPS or to get the preprogrammed card. I don't plan to need anymore than one area so being able to buy additional unlock codes for the CD isn't an issue. Does anyone know if having the CD allows me to see the charts on my computer too and maybe even to create waypoints on the computer that are downloaded to the GPS? Thanks, Bob
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jimh.
garmin blue chart
bob to view charts on computer u have to purchase the garmin cd and download or "unlock your region" pre-programmed cards are not viewable on computer u will find your best bet is e-bay to purchase the cd jim
bob to view charts on computer u have to purchase the garmin cd and download or "unlock your region" pre-programmed cards are not viewable on computer u will find your best bet is e-bay to purchase the cd jim
I second the CD
I use the hand held and download the charts from my laptop as needed. This also allows for use of any street maps you might want to use in the future. I also prefer to view/use the charts on the Laptop rather than viewing on the hand held. Most Garmins can be hooked to the laptop to input GPS directly to the charts on the computer (set it up down on the chart table). This allows for simltanious viewing either on the very small hand held or 15" laptop. For about $100 you can purchase a little round Garmin puck that will hook directly to the USB on the laptop for a backup GPS unit. I recently purchased a chartplotter because I wanted a larger screen to view at the helm. It is very difficult to see the hand held small screen and almost impossible to set waypoints without laptop input.
I use the hand held and download the charts from my laptop as needed. This also allows for use of any street maps you might want to use in the future. I also prefer to view/use the charts on the Laptop rather than viewing on the hand held. Most Garmins can be hooked to the laptop to input GPS directly to the charts on the computer (set it up down on the chart table). This allows for simltanious viewing either on the very small hand held or 15" laptop. For about $100 you can purchase a little round Garmin puck that will hook directly to the USB on the laptop for a backup GPS unit. I recently purchased a chartplotter because I wanted a larger screen to view at the helm. It is very difficult to see the hand held small screen and almost impossible to set waypoints without laptop input.
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Benny
Get the CD
we run two Garmins, a 182 and a 182C on two separate boats. For the color unit we purchased a chip and it does not have Tide information. For the other we have the CD and get the tides plus Marinas and other landmarks.
we run two Garmins, a 182 and a 182C on two separate boats. For the color unit we purchased a chip and it does not have Tide information. For the other we have the CD and get the tides plus Marinas and other landmarks.
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Tim R.
2 licenses
When you buy the cd version, Garmin allows you to load the charts onto 2 different units. I have a 182c primary and an etrex handheld as a backup. You cound not do this with the preprogrammed card. Tim R.
When you buy the cd version, Garmin allows you to load the charts onto 2 different units. I have a 182c primary and an etrex handheld as a backup. You cound not do this with the preprogrammed card. Tim R.
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NIce N Easy
Garmin
Good advice above. To use your computer, you have to buy the CD. It is a really good setup. I have a 182, with a CD. I can preplan a trip or route on the compter. Showing distance, waypoints, tides and any other needed info. Wonderful way to go. Also since I lost my CD in Katrina, and my computer, I just bought a new version 7.5 CD on ebay for 107.00. Be sure to check out ebay.
Good advice above. To use your computer, you have to buy the CD. It is a really good setup. I have a 182, with a CD. I can preplan a trip or route on the compter. Showing distance, waypoints, tides and any other needed info. Wonderful way to go. Also since I lost my CD in Katrina, and my computer, I just bought a new version 7.5 CD on ebay for 107.00. Be sure to check out ebay.
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bob shultz
go with the cd
I have had a 276C for about two years. I decided to go with the CD because if the preloaded chip is damaged or inadvertly overwritten you have to buy a new chip. As stated previously you can do all kinds of cruise planning on the computer and then download the information to the 276C. By the way, the City Select is also a great addition to the Blue Chart. When you buy the chip get at leat 256MB. It is worth the price for the memory when transferring charts to the GPS.
I have had a 276C for about two years. I decided to go with the CD because if the preloaded chip is damaged or inadvertly overwritten you have to buy a new chip. As stated previously you can do all kinds of cruise planning on the computer and then download the information to the 276C. By the way, the City Select is also a great addition to the Blue Chart. When you buy the chip get at leat 256MB. It is worth the price for the memory when transferring charts to the GPS.
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Glenn
buying on e-bay
Check Garmin's web site under frequently asked questions. They said sometimes Blue Chart CD's are sold over e-bay and come up stolen and they will not give you the open code. They do not have anyone authorized to sell over e-bay, but this does not mean that the ones selling on e-bay are not legitimate, just the possibility.
Check Garmin's web site under frequently asked questions. They said sometimes Blue Chart CD's are sold over e-bay and come up stolen and they will not give you the open code. They do not have anyone authorized to sell over e-bay, but this does not mean that the ones selling on e-bay are not legitimate, just the possibility.
I use Maptech Navigator on my laptop
But I would like to be able to download the informaion to a handheld device as a backup and for ease of handling. I have been thinking about buying an HP Ipaq which is GPS compatible. Has anyone done this? Seems you get more for your dollars with an IPaq or any other handheld computer. Price wise they seem to be comprible to the Garmin 276C. What am I missing? Obviously I'm not a geek. *o (took me 3 weeks to figure out how to put these little faces on my posts) Tom At Last
But I would like to be able to download the informaion to a handheld device as a backup and for ease of handling. I have been thinking about buying an HP Ipaq which is GPS compatible. Has anyone done this? Seems you get more for your dollars with an IPaq or any other handheld computer. Price wise they seem to be comprible to the Garmin 276C. What am I missing? Obviously I'm not a geek. *o (took me 3 weeks to figure out how to put these little faces on my posts) Tom At Last
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