Using a computer as a chart plotter

[Roger Long]

I would like to find out more about the offshore navigator lite, perhaps it would work for coastal areas in the PNW, my first thought due to the name was that it is intended for offshore but perhaps that is not what the name is intended to mean. Has anyone used it for coastal stuff in sight of land?

The name is purely marketing. I haven't used it on the boat yet but I've been working with it at home, loading NOAA charts, and driving around in the car with it. I think you'll be quite happy with it.

Of course Garmin disabled the notebook tracking. They would sell of a lot fewer of their larger chartplotters if they hadn't, or at least the marketing department thought so. I can get Offshore Navigator Lite to read my GPSmap76c so Garmin had to intentionally disable the feature. You have to upgrade to version 5.08 from the one you may find bundled in your Chartkit.

 

[Stu Jackson]

For Kermie: Offshore Navigator Lite and Chartbooks and Chart Kits

I use a Garmin GPS MAP76CS. ...
I would like to find out more about the offshore navigator lite, perhaps it would work for coastal areas in the PNW, my first thought due to the name was that it is intended for offshore but perhaps that is not what the name is intended to mean. Has anyone used it for coastal stuff in sight of land?

Kermie, yes Maptech does have a Pacific Northwest called a "Chart Kit" spiral bound (as compared to what they also sell called a "Chartbook") with the companion CD, it's Region 15, $129.95 in WM's 2008 catalog.. The different "Chartbook" version has Puget Sound and San Juan islands as separate volumes. $49.95 EACH same catalog.

Both the book and kits give you the CD with OFN Lite. Please be aware that the Lite version has built in limitations compared to the Offshore Navigator software. LITE is just what it says. NOT the full version. Read the catalogs and check out Maptech's website to see the differences.

I use it for planning purposes with our SF Bay & Area Chartbook. I actually purchased the Chartbook to replace all my old individual paper charts that were getting somewhat long in the tooth. It "just happened" to come with the CD, and I did NOT buy it because of the software. The book's very good for use on board. I haven't linked anything and don't have a laptop. We have a Garmin GPSMap 76Cx, and I use the Garmin Mapsource software for saving my routes, tracks and waypoints.

Yours seems to be the Garmin GPS MAP76CSx, not just Garmin GPS MAP76CS, because Garmin doesn't make a model with that number.

I haven't gotten to the following suggestion, yet...

You should read Roger's associated thread about using Offshore Navigator recently posted on this board. It's here: http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=106460&referrerid=74093

 

[MrBee]

I just got one of these for my 12 V. Asus sub laptop and am having a strange problem with my tests in the car and trying to use it with street navigation software.

The computer has a window that pops up whenever external power is connected or disconnected to notify you that it is switching from high performance to power saving mode. When I plug it into the car jack, this window starts popping up with alternate messages every 2 - 3 seconds like someone was pulling the power jack in and out. It isn't alternator interferrence because it does it when the engine is off. I've checked the cord outlet with a meter and it is rock solid 12 volts.

What's up with that do you suppose?

I haven't tried it on the boat yet but it is going to make the laptop unusable for navigation if
I can't solve it as the window pops up right where the boat is.[/quote

If it seems to be "Glitching" could be that not enough power is getting to the computer.
When I first tried this with a Cigerette plug in The " Power Inverter" was only a 75 watt unit and my laptop mouse and pointer just kept jumping all over the screen. I took the inverter back to the Shack and the other person there told me that I needed the 150 Watt inverter. might be due to the fact that my Laptop is a Large one and takes more power, not sure. I can't say if it works yet because I just did this today and it's raining so I didn't take the laptop out to the car to try it.

Brian

 

[MrBee]

I've been using SeaClear. It works great for Planning at home. I haven't had it on a boat yet but do have a GPS that plugs into the USB. I took it with me and a friend when we went to his marina just to look around. Made sure it worked, mostly needed to make sure the GPS was set up correctly in SeaClear. Showed a little boat icon while we drove down the road next to Perryville, MD.
I intend to use it on board but down below, not up in the weather. I have paper charts / Chart books and Handheld GPS.
It has been a great asset in Plan the trip to bring our New 1975 Irwin 10/4 down to the Chesapeake bay from CT.
I Already had the Laptop so it just made sense to use it rather than spend money on a plotter. I don't want to get to used to doing things the easy way.
Plus.. when in port, with the Laptop we have a DVD player, Internet with Internet TV and Movies.
Having the laptop is more than just a computer with Nav software.

Bee