Laptop as a chartplotter

[cburger]

I was recently given a Garmin Colorado handheld gps. I find the small screen cubersome to view. I was wondering if there is any way to interface with my laptop running Windows xp?

[David M]

No. There are no data ports on small handheld GPS receivers that transmit chart images to other devices. NMEA data yes, but not images.

You could though buy a GPS antenna with a USB connector that plugs to your laptop. Then load freeware or paid chart software onto your laptop.

[Waterwayguy]

You can interface the GPS function to your computer and run a free software program like SeaClear or OpenCPN to do the charting. We have been doing this for years with a handheld Garmin 75 connected to our computer with a USB to Serial adapter connected to the GPS. Works like a charm. Chuck

[cburger]

This model Garmin has a USB connection point and cable, guess I am good to go.