I'm very happy with an inexpensive program I have called Memory Map. The main
reason I chose it, however, was that I didn't want to take my notebook computer
onboard (risk of salt air damage and the greater power draw) and so picked up a
Pocket PC (like a Palm Pilot) very cheap on eBay -- I think Memory Map may be
the only software so far running on palmtops (also runs on notebooks, of
course). It does the usual navigation stuff, transfers waypoints easily between
the GPS and palmtop and desktop PC, shows you your position live on the
on-screen chart, is easy to make routes and transfer them, and uses standard
MapTech charts available on CDROM, diskette (for single charts), or web
downloads (you can get Canadian charts too over the web). It no doubt lacks some
of the fancier functions of the more expensive navigation programs, but the
Pocket PC's power draw is minimal, its battery holds a charge much longer than a
notebook, and the thing is small enough to put into a small waterproof box with
a clear top that I use in the cockpit in the rain. After a couple seasons in the
Northeast, I'm still very happy with it. You can easily find Memory Map's web
site with a web search, and they have links to the makers of the electronic
charts as well as a good demo version to check out free (all functions except
the GPS connection). Good luck.
Tom
Vega 1240 "Allegro" Downeast Maine
vega1838 wrote:
