Laptops & GPS Pucks or Dongles

[Stu Jackson]

I finally "broke down" and got a laptop, and have done my research on the pucks and programs. No serial port, 3 USBs.

I found this thread from some time ago and had saved it: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=106460

I have Garmin's MapSource, Ocean Navigator Lite (from a MapTech purchase) and a Garmin GPSMap76Cx. I do not intend to link the 76Cx to the computer, but rather buy a puck GPS with a USB connector to the laptop.

1. Are the DeLorme dongles still the way to go? Links to others? Recent costs?

2. I understand the DeLorme GPS will work with Navigator Lite and I could download the NOAA charts in that bsb file format. Have there been any other breatrhoughs that allow the use of the Garmin software to transfer waypoints over to the bsb format? Since I use primarily existing nav aids as waypoints, this is not critical to my waypoints database. In fact, it may be better to have two systems running. Yes, I understand the downsides of two systems with questions that could arise between them, just aksin'.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Just read even more back stuff: a search on GPS by Roger Long goes a LONG way!

There seem to be a couple of dongles out there that folks like: Delorme, USGlobalSat (off Amazon) and Canmore Critter.

I'll keep lookin'.

 

[RTB]

Stu, we used one of these on a trip from N.E. Florida to Cartagena, Colombia last month. http://www.maptech.com/accessories/usbgps/index.cfm

We were using Maptech Offshore Navigator on a Compac with XP or Vista (?). No problems.

I have installed the same software on my HP Notebook with Windows 7. Offshore Navigator works with my Garmin GPSMAP 76 CSX, but freezes with the USB GPS. Maptech has a good product support guy, so I'm sure he will help get this worked out when I call him.

 

[Stu Jackson]

RTB, thanks. The iGPS or Zenstar? The Zenstar says it works right with O.N. LITE, although Roger reports that the Delorme does, too, but needs the downloadable serial to USB adapter software.

The advantage of the Delorme is that it has a street atlas with it, for $69 at Best Buy. Just brainstorming and listing options.

How'd you hook up your GPSMap76 to the computer, just a USB cable from Garmin?

I'm still workin' on this and have continued to research, no decision needed today, and thanks again for the input.

I'm running Windows 7 on a Compaq laptop.

 

[RTB]

Stu, the Maptech guys sent me a link for a GPS fix. Windows 7 is the problem, but again Maptech seems to have it figured out. My Garmin just connects with the usb cable that came with the unit.



We found this to be reliable during 1700 miles.. some ICW down the Florida coast, finding a safe anchorage in Nurse Cay, Ragged Islands, Bahamas. And then finding our way to port and anchoring in Cartagena. Arrival was in the dark. 2:30 am, dog tired.

Here is a short video of our Compac, the USB GPS, operating Offshore Navigator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D56krmI7EKY

After looking at the link I put up, I realize it is actually not the unit I have. Sorry, it looks the same but may be something new. Mine is called a "GPS-M Pro".

I agree that the GPS receiver is the way to go. My handheld is the backup, plus I can have it in the cockpit if I need it.

Ralph

 

[Stu Jackson]

Stu, the Maptech guys sent me a link for a GPS fix. Windows 7 is the problem, but again Maptech seems to have it figured out. My Garmin just connects with the usb cable that came with the unit.

Ralph, thanks so much, nice video, looked pretty warm! Anything specific I should ask the Maptech guys? Any specific contact or email or just peruse their website for a Windows 7 upgrade/download?

 

[RTB]

hahaha...I see you are in San Francisco. Yep, it was warm where we were.

Contact Maptech and tell them of the problem you are having. I'll give you their ph#978-834-9950. But the tech guys are not too much on phones. However quite good service with emails. Try this. support@maptechnavigation.com.

We were trying to get my computer up and running as a backup. They were very helpful when we were still in Florida, in a rush to get things going before we lost cell and email service.

Best wishes,
Ralph

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thanks again, I'll let you know how it works out by pm and/or here.

And, Ralph, just for you today, here it's 85 degrees and sunny and I'm sitting in my office at a computer. Go figure. Gotta get on the boat and see if this all works after I get a hold of MapTech next week.

Best regards,

Stu

 

[RTB]

Wow! Now that is a fine day in SF! Too bad you aren't on the boat. Let me know how it works out, or if I can help.

Happy 4th!
Ralph

 

[Stu Jackson]

GPS & Google Earth

As yet another "point of connection" has anyone tried linking their Garmin with Google Earth?

 

[sinnettc]

If you don't mind doing some additional work, I highly recommend GPSBabel for converting waypoints/routes/tracks between various manufacturers & software data formats. http://www.gpsbabel.org/

I use it to transfer data to & from the Lowrance .usr files from my Eagle SeaCharter 642c iDGPS and the netbook where I use OpenCPN, Google Earth, and ExpertGPS. It also makes a good middleman to transfer data back and forth between the SeaCharter and my old Magellan 315 hand held.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thanks, sinn, I am aware of that and recognize its importance in file and waypoint transfers.