Laptop GPS

[byrdric16]

I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD SOME SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I NEED TO TURN MY LAP TOP INTO A GPS CHART PLOTTER? LIKE WHAT TO USE FOR GPS ANTENNA WHAT CHART DOWNLOADS ARE BEST ETC, ETC

[lordgeoff]

Have a look at a site www.digiboat.com.au Software On Board (SOB)
They have a Plotter package either the lite version which is free or you can buy the full version for about $250. They have a USB GPS that plugs into your laptop or you can use their multiplexer to hook your Raymarine NMEA data. They use a USB reader for C-Map charts. All very compact and stable program. It sit entirely within C:\Program Files\SOB
I used it to navigate from Europe to Australia. You can copy the SOB directory and past into another laptop and it works fine. Good support also.
Geoff

[Vasco]

First you need one of these.

[Double You]

Hy, I use seaclear. It is a shareware programe that can be downloaded from The SPING Home Pageseaclear/ You have to scan your paper chart and calibrate the immage . It takes some time but it is very good. And you have the paper charts as a backup in case the technology lets you down. I have a small handheld garmin gps that is connected to the laptop via the serial port. It just lays inside near the window and has never let us down.
I use an old toshiba that runs perfectly on 12V dc.So as long the service battery holds, we have a perfect immage.
The seaclear programe has also provisions for AIS. But then you need an AIS receiver connected in serie with the gps. The AIS information is integrated in ther mouving map.
This setup has given us great satisfaction.

greetings

[rebel heart]

The BU-353 (pictured above) works great.

Amazon.com: GlobalSat BU-353 Waterproof USB GPS Receiver: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

[Inkwell]

I use GPSNavX for software, charts with a USB attached GPS that works with the GPSNavx program. Check them out GPSNavX™ - Marine Navigation & Charting Application for Mac or email them at
gpsnavx@mac.com. I have been a user for several years.

[barnakiel]

Open CPN software, plus charts (e.g. US govt charts).

A USB GPS antena/unit (like the Garmin puck model 18) or a bluetooth GPS unit, or a cable for your existing GPS unit.

b.

[barnakiel]

Then browse other threads - there is a lot at CF on this subject. Use the search function above.

b.

[CaptnPete]

I use Polarnavy software with both raster and vector charts from NOAA, with some Garmin GPS.

Peter

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

The BU-353 (pictured above) works great.

Amazon.com: GlobalSat BU-353 Waterproof USB GPS Receiver: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

+1

I need to start the GPS program, get a fix, and then turn it off before starting my MapTech software. Aside from that, a great little device. Works well below decks.

[byrdric16]

.thanks for the info. i have downloaded opencpn and seaclear. i have downloaded noaa charts and i kinda have seaclear up. i can manually load charts. and plot courses. i havent been able to load the charts on opencpn yet. a little confused. im the kind that needs an elementary instruction guide. i am going to order the puck next

[hpeer]

Get Microsoft Streets and Trips w/ GPS antenna, buy from Ebay for under $15.

Then get Fugawi. Others don't like it, I do.

You are set for land and sea.

[goin2slow]

I have fugawi along with a bluetooth gps antenna on a netbook and it works great at the lower station or on the bridge. Make sure that your netbook has a LED backlit screen to enhance clarity and brightness.

[Tia Bu]

I think you'll find OpenCPN to be easier to use than SeaClear. It also has better tools and features. The OpenCPN.org website has lots of user-friendly info. I've found it considerably easier to load charts into OpenCPN than SeaClear. Maybe you should try downloading and reloading the program again. It seems I had to do that once to get it to find the charts for some reason.

I use Open CPN all the time as my chart plotter.

[Bernd]

Hi together,
I am using MaxSea 10.3.2.1 with CM93 charts. Works well but could have more details especially for the mediterranean Sea where we are sailing. I am looking for more detailed maps but go to the following website from a friend of mine. There you can download the software with all manuals and including the charts
Index of /downloads
regards,
Bernd