Laptop chartplotter/gps help

Sumner · Jan 5, 2010

I downloaded Seaclear and I'm having the same problem downloading the NOAA charts into it, so I'll be interested in the replies you get.

I did also download OpenCPN............

http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html

................... and have been able to use it will little problems and so far I like it and I think it will also do what you want. You can't load the charts into the GPS with them, but you can download your route waypoints and track your location real time on the computer if you want. You might want to also look at it.

On the wiring, I haven't tried that, but I'm pretty sure there are two wires that are the important ones. One for data out and the other data in. I'm also pretty sure you won't be able to hook up to a USB port directly, at least I can't with my map76 GPS. You are going to have to use a serial to USB converter.

http://www.totalnavigation.com/Gilsson/Gilsson Cable Pages/Gilsson_R12C_Adapter.html

I got the above that will power the GPS and has the connector to plug into the GPS for the data that goes to the serial plug on the other end. Here is a cheaper place to buy it from and where I got mine......

http://www.cascadegps.com/store/gilsson-r12c-pc-interface-cable-w-cigarette-lighter-adapter.html

The DP 9 pin plug will have to go into a serial to USB adapter that will then plug into your USB port. I just got this stuff, so haven't tried it all together at this point, so can't help you there.

Hope this helps a little,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac Links

Tim R. · Jan 5, 2010

I am not sure about the charts but Seaclear should have a tutorial on how to import charts. See the link below.

http://www.sping.com/seaclear/mc_ii_man_en.zip

As for the GPS, it sound like the round port you found is for a remote antenna. What model GPS is it? Some older models do not have a serial interface.

Chuckbear · Jan 5, 2010

Here is an excellent tutorial on loading the charts etc.
http://www.boatmaine.us/seaclear-overview.aspx
Chuck

windward54 · Jan 5, 2010

If what you need is a GPS, try this one. I use it for my Airmail2000, and it works well. It is a USB GPS dongle, charges off the computer and is a little larger than your thumb.

http://www.buygpsnow.com/Canmore_GT_730FL_S_USB_GPS_Tracker_Stick_Data_Logger.aspx

Chuck Creel · Jan 5, 2010

laptop connections

sailormanbigd said:
Hi everyone, happy breezy New Year. I recieved a Toshiba used laptop for Christmas, downloaded seaclearII, and a bundle of NOAA charts, and unzipped them.
Q- How do I get the charts into Seaclear so I ca use them?

The charts dont go on the GPS , they go on laptop.

Q- Also, I have a handheald gps and want to use it for boat position...what is the cord called that hooks the gps to the laptop?

A- Depends on the laptop, If it hs a DB-9 ( pin serial input then you only need a connector from Radios Shack " less than 10 bucks "

Q- I have a sortof like coax output on the gps, and i suppose the usual USB port inputs on the laptop.
A - you also need a serial to usb adapter available from Best Buy, Radio Shack , even Office depot. Plugs into USB port and has a DB-9 connector

Thanks for the replies. THe "free boat" is slowly comming along-SV Free Willy. Patrick

You then have to configure your software" presuming sea clear" to look at the com port that you set up on the adaptor.

I use Capn Voyager and Coastal explorer. Prefer Capn voyager over anything ive seen so far in being a professional tug captain since 1993

Good Luck and Fair winds;

RonRelyea · Jan 5, 2010

SeaClear -- NOAA RNC Charts

unzip your charts to the SeaClear/Charts directory ... then open the MapCal II program that comes with SeaClear

in MapCal II from the Tools dropdown, select "AutoLoad list" and then "Scan for new Charts". MapCal with then make the charts available to SeaClear. Open SeaClear and go to File==> Chart ==> list all ..... you should have your list ... select one!

Let me know if you need more details ... don't have much time right now to do a long post

Ron

sailormanbigd said:
Hi everyone, happy breezy New Year. I recieved a Toshiba used laptop for Christmas, downloaded seaclearII, and a bundle of NOAA charts, and unzipped them. How do I get the charts into Seaclear so I ca use them? Also, I have a handheald gps and want to use it for boat position...what is the cord called that hooks the gps to the laptop? I have a sortof like coax output on the gps, and i suppose the usual USB port inputs on the laptop.
Thanks for the replies. THe "free boat" is slowly comming along-SV Free Willy. Patrick

druid · Jan 5, 2010

Most older GPS's expect a serial port (to be pedantic: NMEA 183 uses "balanced" signals similar to RS422, but RS232 works just fine). Unfortunately everyone says you don't need a serial port any more, so laptops don't have them any more. There are Serial-to-USB adapters, but my experience is less than perfect on them. But without getting a USB-capable GPS, I think they're your only option.

So you will need to get a USB-Serial adapter, and the custom serial cable for your GPS. EBay is an EXCELLENT source for both.

Oh, and for displaying NOAA (BSB3?) charts, try OziExplorer.

druid

Chuckbear · Jan 5, 2010

Did you look at the tutorial from boatmaine? Chuck

Sumner · Jan 5, 2010

sailormanbigd said:
ok Druid, you lost me atPEDANTIC. is that like frantic? I get that i need to use a serial to usb adapter. I think I will take the gps to radio shack and get their opinion? Hey Ron, unsuccessful at unzipping to c;\Program Files\SeaClear\CHARTS, the unzip copied it there but when i went to autoload list in mapcal it could'nt find it. Your direction was clear? I am just not too put'r literate

I found out today you can set the directory/folder where it is to look for the files, but it has to be the folder not the parent folder above it. Use the "too" and then "set directiory". It has to be the folder with the *.KAP file for the area and it has to be the RNC files not the ENC files. At least I can't get it to see ENC files. Since I did the entire Florida area I had to set it where it looked to all of the different folders that NOAA setup, but it didn't take that long to load all of those paths.

I wish I would of come back and read Ron's advice it would of saved me at least an hour :cry:.

Sum

Sumner · Jan 5, 2010

Chuckbear said:
Did you look at the tutorial from boatmaine? Chuck

I did, and thanks, but for some reason a couple minutes in it hangs and I can't get it to go any further. I tried it a couple times with the re-fresh and it hung at the same spot always. Maybe it is just a bad day for my computer. I'll try again tomorrow.

c ya,

Sum

Prime Time · Jan 5, 2010

Looks interresting

windward54 said:
If what you need is a GPS, try this one. I use it for my Airmail2000, and it works well. It is a USB GPS dongle, charges off the computer and is a little larger than your thumb.

http://www.buygpsnow.com/Canmore_GT_730FL_S_USB_GPS_Tracker_Stick_Data_Logger.aspx

Have you used this GPS dongle down below and gotten a fix?

windward54 · Jan 5, 2010

Prime Time said:
Have you used this GPS dongle down below and gotten a fix?

I use the dongle below all the time. It uses Assisted GPS (AGPS) and with an open sky, it will lock on in about 15 seconds provided you haven't moved more than 500 miles from the last fix. Down below, it may take a little longer, 30-40 seconds, but it takes my laptop longer to load. Considering no antenna, works great! I like the fact that it charges off the laptop, so no batteries to deal with.

Moody Buccaneer · Jan 7, 2010

druid said:
Most older GPS's expect a serial port (to be pedantic: NMEA 183 uses "balanced" signals similar to RS422, but RS232 works just fine). Unfortunately everyone says you don't need a serial port any more, so laptops don't have them any more. There are Serial-to-USB adapters, but my experience is less than perfect on them. But without getting a USB-capable GPS, I think they're your only option.

After wasting time and money on Serial to USB adapters from various sources that didn't work with NMEA 183 ...

SeaLevel makes one that works. So far 100% Not free, but if it makes the instrument system work is is worth it.

Link

paulj · Jan 8, 2010

GPS things keep getting better and lower cost.

paulj :troll:

http://www.panbo.com/archives/2010/01/new_garmin_gpsmap_700_series_sweet_spot.html#more