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Old 10-12-2009, 10:43   #1
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Bluetooth GPS Units

Hi Folks,

I just received an early Christmas present! I got the Garmin BlueChart/Map Source program for my PC but, I don't have a GPS for the laptop.

Since I have never setup a GPS unit to work with a map program I'm hoping someone will give me some brand recommendations.

I am looking at the Garmin 10x Bluetooth, is this a good one?

Thanks
Meck
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Old 10-12-2009, 11:22   #2
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I don't believe the PC based Garmin Mapsource will plot your real-time position using GPS input. I believe its intent is planning (i.e. transfering waypoints, routes, tracks, and maps/charts) to/fro a Garmin GPS.

Garmin does have a new application available..

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=64242

You will probably need another marine charting application. Dozens available from free to very expensive. Many use the free NOAA raster and vector charts.
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Old 10-12-2009, 11:31   #3
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Hi

If it's Garmin HomePort i do not think it can use a GPS on a PC
It is only a program for planning our trips
I use a Global 350 GPS on my PC but whit OpenCPN (in this forum)

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Old 10-12-2009, 11:38   #4
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A USB GPS will be much more reliable than bluetooth.

Bluetooth is pretty marginal to begin with, add all the interference on a boat and it's just garbage.
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Old 10-12-2009, 12:08   #5
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If you own a Bluechart product you can do real time mapping with an attached GPS. You have to download (free) nRoute from the Garmin website. Homeport does not seem to have any real time interface with the GPS.
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Old 10-12-2009, 14:36   #6
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Here you go

http://www8.garmin.com/software/nRoute_276.exe


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Old 11-12-2009, 03:26   #7
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Pharos with MaxSea

I hope I've picked the right thread. I am using MaxSea v. 10.1.3 under Win XP. I have to plot my current position manually by keying in from one of the GPSs on the boat.

I'm contemplating buying one of the Pharos units, either the Bluetooth (120) or USB (010) in order to get a real time placement on the charts.

Anyone doing this successfully with either of these units? Need a quick reply as I'm in Thailand and I'll have to order in the US and have it brought out after Xmas.

Tks in advance.

S.
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Old 11-12-2009, 17:23   #8
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From personal experience, pass on the bluetooth and go for the USB connection.
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Old 11-12-2009, 19:12   #9
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Bluetooth OK if you know how to get it to talk via a COM. Anybody knows how to achieve this?

b.
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Old 12-12-2009, 16:16   #10
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Thats not the problem. Bluetooth is blocked by you or any flesh, metal, electrical interference. Has a very short range and even when it is working perfectly is garbage compared to a hard wire.

I spent a lot of money to find this out.
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Old 21-12-2009, 22:06   #11
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I use a Garmin 10X with my laptop. I think it is a pretty good unit although it has lost it's connection with the computer a couple of times while using NRoute. I don't know if it was a problem with the computer or the receiver. I plan on using it on our boat starting next month in Florida and the Bahamas. We will the laptop for planning and to supplement the GPS installed on the boat as well as paper charts. We carried this system on our old boat last year while in the Fla. Keys for a few months and seemed to work O.K. We use Maptech Ocean Navigator and just installed Sea Clear II.
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