NOAA Charts in Ocean Navigator Lite?

[Roger Long]

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to add the NOAA charts downloaded from

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/chartspubs.html

to the chart list so they can be used in Maptech's Ocean Navigator Lite?

The Readme.txt file with the NOAA download says, "“BSB File Format” is a trademark of Maptech, Inc." and there is an empty bsbdata folder in the Maptech data structure. However, pointing to the directory where I downloaded the NOAA charts and updating the list doesn't add them to the chart list.

Any hints appreciated but I'm primarily trying to find out right now if the Lite version of the software is restricted to just reading the charts that came in the chartbook the software was bundled with.

 

[Ross]

Roger, I used to subscribe to Ocean Navigator but have long since realized that my ocean has shrunken to the size of the Chesapeake Bay.
Anyhow see if this link will be of any help.
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/

 

[Johnb]

My version 5.07 can use the downloaded NOAA charts. Click file, open chart, advanced chart managemant, browse to chart directory to add, select the directory the charts are in, rebuild chart list.

John Brecher

 

[Stu Jackson]

John, do you think this will work

w/ Offshore Nvgr. LITE? or just the full version??? It would be great to be able to do it with just the limited LITE version, as mentioned in the question.

 

[JustDucky]

I use Maptech Offshore Navigaor Lite regularly to plan trips. I keep my charts updated with downloads from NOAA. I have created a folder on my hard disk (C:\CHARTKIT\BSBCHART\) and place the downloaded files in it. Then open Maptech software and select /Carts, Chart Lists then go to the Advanced Chart Mgt tab and Add your chart directory.

 

[Roger Long]

I use Maptech Offshore Navigaor Lite regularly to plan trips. I keep my charts updated with downloads from NOAA.

Seems like I'm doing just what you do. I wonder why it isn't working. Thanks though for letting me know it can be done. It's easier experimenting when you now that there is a solution.

 

[Johnb]

http://www.maptechnavigation.com/support/doc.cfm?docid=412&CFID=2019264&CFTOKEN=25485268

This is a discussion on Maptech's website titled "Installing Free Charts in Maptech Chart & Offshore Navigator"

John Brecher

 

[Roger Long]

http://www.maptechnavigation.com/support/doc.cfm?docid=412&CFID=2019264&CFTOKEN=25485268This is a discussion on Maptech's website titled "Installing Free Charts in Maptech Chart & Offshore Navigator"

Thanks. I got it working though before your post. I put the charts in a pre-existing but empty bpsdata subdirectory under the program application directory instead of the chartkit directory but it works fine.

My current issue is that I can't get my Garmin GPS to talk to the Maptech software even after a firmware upgrade and every settings tweak and combination I can think of. I don't plan to use the Garmin with the laptop but I'd like to use it to pass routes from Mapsource to Maptech since Ocean Navigator Lite doesn't seem to import .gpx files.

 

[sailingdog]

Roger—

Did you check to make sure the Garmin is actually talking in NMEA 0183 rather than its default proprietary Garmin protocol?? Also, make sure it is set for 4800, 8N1.

Thanks. I got it working though before your post. I put the charts in a pre-existing but empty bpsdata subdirectory under the program application directory instead of the chartkit directory but it works fine.

My current issue is that I can't get my Garmin GPS to talk to the Maptech software even after a firmware upgrade and every settings tweak and combination I can think of. I don't plan to use the Garmin with the laptop but I'd like to use it to pass routes from Mapsource to Maptech since Ocean Navigator Lite doesn't seem to import .gpx files.

 

[Roger Long]

Did you check to make sure the Garmin is actually talking in NMEA 0183 rather than its default proprietary Garmin protocol?? Also, make sure it is set for 4800, 8N1.

Yup. Did all that. Maptech actually says to set it for Garmin but I tried setting it up as a generic 4800 NMEA. Nada.

The one thing I haven't tried yet is a serial data cable instead of the USB. I'm stopping by the boat shortly as the cable is there since Garmin's software that I've been using for planning seems perfectly happy with USB. The USB DeLorme puck requires a port emulator available from DeLorme to work with Maptech. I tried with and without that running. It doesn't seem to recognize the Garmin which is no surprise since it is specifically written for the DeLorme products.

I strongly suspect now that the Ocean Navigator Lite doesn't do USB and it will work when I try the serial cable. I'll let you know.

 

[Johnb]

Roger,

Please keep us updated - I am on the verge of upgrading. I note that the navigator pro supports AIS whilst the navigator does not.

John Brecher

 

[sailingdog]

Roger—

You have to use the serial port. The Garmin's USB port has a Garmin-specific device driver that no one else recognizes. It is also, always set to Garmin's own protocol. BTW, the Garmin device driver doesn't show up as a serial port, since their driver doesn't emulate a serial port, so, a lot of software won't even recognize it.

Yup. Did all that. Maptech actually says to set it for Garmin but I tried setting it up as a generic 4800 NMEA. Nada.

The one thing I haven't tried yet is a serial data cable instead of the USB. I'm stopping by the boat shortly as the cable is there since Garmin's software that I've been using for planning seems perfectly happy with USB. The USB DeLorme puck requires a port emulator available from DeLorme to work with Maptech. I tried with and without that running. It doesn't seem to recognize the Garmin which is no surprise since it is specifically written for the DeLorme products.

I strongly suspect now that the Ocean Navigator Lite doesn't do USB and it will work when I try the serial cable. I'll let you know.

 

[tsmwebb]

Roger,

Please keep us updated - I am on the verge of upgrading. I note that the navigator pro supports AIS whilst the navigator does not.

John Brecher

FWIW, Seaclear II supports AIS and NOAA's raster charts and it is FREE... I don't have any charts for it for Mexico so I'm not using it here, but it was very cool when we were in CA.

--Tom.

 

[Roger Long]

You have to use the serial port. The Garmin's USB port has a Garmin-specific device driver that no one else recognizes.

That makes perfect sense and, in fact, I later found a note in the Garmin unit's menus that confirms it. The USB port only talks Garmin. What a pain.

Ah ha! Before finishing this post I tried a different Google search and came up with this Maptech support page:

http://www.maptech.com/support/doc.cfm?docid=508&plid=24&CFID=12319769&CFTOKEN=40218646

If you upgrade (free) ON Lite to 5.08, it will accept a driver that reads the USP port, or so they say. I'm off to try it. I'll edit this post later to let you know if it worked.

Later:

Hey! It works!:dance::dance:

There is a note though that the USB driver is in beta and should not be used for primary navigation with the Garmin driving a computer; especially in a fast boat. For transferring tracks and other day though, it's solid.

When in doubt go through the tech support web stuff with a fine tooth comb.

Even later update:

All very cool and looks great with one small disappointment. The routes I imported go down in to Canada beyond the NOAA chart coverage. I had hoped that the tracks would continue into the black space beyond the charts so that, if I did need to go to the laptop for backup, I would at least be able to confirm that I was following my planned route which would be a good check on my paper chart navigation. Instead, the routes just truncate in a little circle at the edge of the chart.

If only Canada would come out with compatible charts.

 

[Rick D]

Webb, supposedly the Mexican charts are available online, and I think in the same format as NOAA. At least that's what I read on a Mexican cruisers site. But, I'll be darned if I can find the site!

 

[tsmwebb]

Webb, supposedly the Mexican charts are available online, and I think in the same format as NOAA. At least that's what I read on a Mexican cruisers site. But, I'll be darned if I can find the site!

If anyone can find them they'll make LOTS of folks cruising in Mexican waters happy! I can't even get the Mexican paper charts here in La Paz -- there are rumors that some charts are available in Mazatlan. Seriously, I've tried pretty hard to get the Mexican charts and failed miserably. Any help finding them in digital (which I've never even heard of) or paper would be wonderful! I do have the chart catalogue and I have gotten a local dealer to admit that the charts exist but that's the limit of my success.

Cheers,

--Tom.

 

[luvitt]

I have that program somewhere, and Im pretty sure I imported NOAA bsb's. maybe I had to convert them?

but another option that I havent heard much about is OZIexplorer. I like it. it does everything. land, sea, and air. You have to convert NOAA charts, and i figured out how to do it for free, but it takes 2 pieces of software.

I even installed it on my hacked car gps (the little portable kind you buy form best buy, mio moov 300). I carry it in my pocket and use it for hiking, driving, and when i hop on someone elses boat. I think it can run on smartphones too. it's pretty cool.

let me know if you are interested. I know how to get the "trial" version.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Yesterday, I bought a laptop from costco. I was looking at another there that had a tv tuner and built in gps. I ended up buying the "entertainment" pc because it was all around faster and had blueray, but no internal gps. I thought it was interesting that it had a gps card or gps in the mother board. I looked for a gps card and couldn't find one online. They have bluetooth wireless pucks and a card you plug in to where the wireless broadband card goes. But none that are internal. I will probably just buy a usb wired puck so I won't have to charge the batteries in the wireless puck. I am going to download one of the free programs that reads noaa charts.
I read alot on here about seaclear. This is the first I have heard about ocean navigator. Is there one that reads the vector charts that is free? Is there another program that is way better that is worth paying for, like ocean navigator?
Also if anyone knows of a good gps card, I think I would prefer it that way. Does the puck work well in the cabin or do you put them outside?
Also are there any problems with vista?

 

[Roger Long]

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10091

Yesterday, I bought a laptop from costco. Does the puck work well in the cabin or do you put them outside?

I think you did well not to buy the onboard GPS. If it isn't getting a good signal, it's a lot easier to move an antenna on a wire than the laptop. The best buy on a wireless puck right now is probably this one that I just got:

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10091

It comes with Street Atlas for car use with audio directions and is currently 20 bucks off at 50.

Ocean Navigator Lite comes on a free DVD when you buy one of Maptech's Chartkits which are the most convienient paper backup format I have found for a boat without a full size dedicated chart table (I mean FULL size, the kind you walk around while watching your uniformed junior officers working up sextant sights.) You'll need to downoload the DeLorme serial port emulator to get it to read the puck. ONL appears to be serial port only so I wouldn't buy another puck if you plan to use it unless you can confirm that it has a serial emulator available. DeLorme seems to have done a good job with it. It has a monitor that gives you position, speed, and course without any other software running. You should have paper charts on board anyway and you can't get them any cheaper than the Maptech kits that I know of so ONL is essentially free.

Both of my GPS's and my SPOT have worked fine inside the cabin so I expect the puck to as well. My decks are not cored but there is plywood bonded to the underside. I don't have any inside GPS experience with other boats. My older Garmin GPS sometimes would lose it's fix when on the passenger seat of the car but the newer on seldom does. I still wouldn't bet on an onboard laptop GPS working in a convienient position.

No idea about Vista. People seem to love it or hate it.

 

[paulj]

Roger Long
Looks like your headed in the right direction....
Todays USB GPS pucks work above and below deck...
No problems with anyones Nav software versus Vista besides Vista comes on almost all new laptops today...
Fast new laptops today $250 to $400 with minimum 3 USB ports, 802, 2GB memory sticks...
I've used Ozi, Maptec, Sea and few others and would up with using Coastal Explorer Beta 3 years ago.... :dance:

http://www.rosepointnav.com/CoastalExplorer/Trial/default.htm

Watch out the next thing your going to get is the big screen monitor....


paulj:troll: