C-MAP

[BLACKBIRD1]

I have the old c-map big cards, not the small micro, cards now used,im trying to find a way to use a usb card reader for c-map if possible ,I have a ton of these and would like to use them as a back up on my PC,c-maps web site now touts a system that ,from what I could see wont use the cards I have, can any one shed any light on this ,and help this computer illiterate sailor?

[CS Cruiser]

Defender sells a twin USB ADAPTER READER

C-MAP / PC Planner With Memory Card - 2MB
Includes charting software plus C-MAP card reader

PC-Planner turns your PC into a virtual chart plotter, less GPS antenna, while using your actual C-MAP electronic chart in the process. You can...

View actual chart data
Create and change routes
Accurately measure distances
Add and edit waypoints and marks
...All the functions normally found in your chart plotter.

Since you'll be using the actual C-MAP chart you use in your chart plotter, your PC will mirror the detail you see onboard your boat. You'll gain access to all the planning data that C-MAP charts offer, including:

Coastal Navigation Data
Depth Contour Data
Spot Soundings
Port Information
Marina Information
Tide Data
PC Minimum Requirements:
Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP
8 MB RAM (32 MB for 2000, ME and XP)
4 MB available disk space
VGA Display
One available USB port

[BLACKBIRD1]

Paul, Thanks, but my cards are 2 1/4 inches across, and ,it doesn't appear that this card reader is big enough?

[BriaF]

Have you tried calling a c-map retailer you might find you can update
The maps & change the card type for the cost of updates
Would guess about $100
Good luck.

[BMD21]

I've used C-Map charts for years, and like them. So when I got my new MFD I got the new NT+ cards, which are SSD cards. And now I want to do planning on my home PC. I've bought PC Planner, the C-Map proprietary software and the USB dongle which reads the old style chips.

I can't find anyway to read those C-Map cards and display them on my desktop. C-Map US tells me "there is nothing at this time." They've been selling those cards for years, so it's obvious that nothing is forthcoming. C-Map Italy apparently sells a new USB dongle that reads both old chips and the SSD format. That's another $180 and you can oly order it from some company in Italy.

Does anybody have any comments? Other than buy Navionics chips?

Boris