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Old 02-04-2009, 18:24   #1
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Laptop Nav Question

Hi,

I have a laptop on board and I would like to use it for navigation in an upcoming passage, I would like to get suggestions about the most efficient and affordable way to achieve this.

Thanks in advance,
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Old 02-04-2009, 19:18   #2
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I would suggest Seaclear II (free download from www.sping.com) and a cheap GPS fed in via a USB to serial converter. This works really well with free downloadable charts in the USA, but you'll have to find .BSB charts for where you are.

I think the biggest issue people have with Seaclear, aside from a "user tolerant" interface, is not learning to use MapCal (included in the download) to load and convert the charts. Did I mention it was free?

If you're prepared to spend some money I'd suggest you find out what format (CMap, Navionics etc.) has the best chart coverage for the area you intend to cruise and then what package will work with it.

Cheers.
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Old 02-04-2009, 19:21   #3
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Thanks Islander I can tell you know a lot about this, can I PM you as to establish direct contact and ask you some more detailed questions about this project?
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Old 02-04-2009, 19:24   #4
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I use Maptech Offshore Navigator with a Delome GPS with a USB connection on an IBM laptop with a 12V convertor. The little red boat moves around on the chart as I go from place to place. The waypoints can be downloaded to my Garmin GPS that talks to my autopilot.
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Old 02-04-2009, 19:25   #5
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Thanks redcobra I will google that too

This is a great forum isn't it?
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Old 02-04-2009, 23:32   #6
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Sure, PM me.

Cheers.
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Old 03-04-2009, 04:53   #7
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Hello my friend! My personal fav is: Rose Point Navigation Systems This is a wonderful piece of software. Stable, with a great interface, and has more features than you'll ever use. Little pricey, but you'll be hard pressed to find anyone with anything bad to say about it.
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:02   #8
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Hi dear Chris, thanks for the nice tip I am now browsing Rose Point Navigation Systems and I will try to budget for it, I am not sure if I will have enough money for this passage but I will still keep it on my list as you are a knowledgeable person on this matters as well.

Thanks again,
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Old 03-04-2009, 06:02   #9
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I second Coastal Explorer from Rose Point Navigation. I use it with a Garmin GPS 18 USB GPS. I've never had an issue. I've used both Maptech BSB charts and NOAA RNC and ENC charts. I've never had an issue with it. Remember to turn off power management while you are using it or your laptop may go into hibernation if you don't have any mouse or keyboard input for whatever time it's set up for.
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Old 03-04-2009, 06:07   #10
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Thanks Captain Bill I think I need to keep Coastal Explorer on top of my list.
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Old 03-04-2009, 08:15   #11
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I use Maxsea - definitly not cheap but it is a routing program that is worth its price on long passages. Heres a tip. Buy a cheap flat screen monitor, plug it into the monitor port on yourlaptop and with a long cord- mount the monitor on a bulhead in your cockit with velcro. Use a wireless mount to run your software. That way your laptop stays protected from the weather below and you have acess to the software in your cockpit.
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Old 03-04-2009, 08:21   #12
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SoftAir, instead of PM'ing your questions, why not ask them here so that we all benefit from the answers?
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Old 03-04-2009, 09:20   #13
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Rather than using a GPS, I use a GPS receiver through a USB port (with serial driver) Less expensive and more compact.

Jack
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Old 03-04-2009, 13:21   #14
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Thanks Jackdale I will check this nice option too.

Great help on this forums, how did people sail before the Internet?
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Old 03-04-2009, 13:36   #15
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