Computer Question

[SailPenelope]

I have a handheld Garmin GPS. I've purchased "Blue Chart Americas" (also called Mapsource) and have downloaded the Pacific coast on my laptop computer. I've planned routes on my computer and sent them to my handheld (and vice versa) using a cable interface.

So, since the computer display is bigger, I want to plug my handheld into the computer and have it display where I am and the track of my route. I have a friend who has some special software that does this (old) but you'd think that wouldn't even be necessary. And he just left on a month-long vacation so not available to ask.

So, how do you do this? I don't want to buy a chartplotter.......I just want to keep my compter down below and plug my handheld GPS into it. Anyone know how to do this?

[S/V_Surya]

I use a GPS mouse ($25 on ebay) and seaclear software (free).

[idpnd]

Try this forums opencpn software, development is active and ongoing, feedback welcome

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by SailPenelope

I have a handheld Garmin GPS. I've purchased "Blue Chart Americas" (also called Mapsource) and have downloaded the Pacific coast on my laptop computer. I've planned routes on my computer and sent them to my handheld (and vice versa) using a cable interface.

So, since the computer display is bigger, I want to plug my handheld into the computer and have it display where I am and the track of my route. I have a friend who has some special software that does this (old) but you'd think that wouldn't even be necessary. And he just left on a month-long vacation so not available to ask.

So, how do you do this? I don't want to buy a chartplotter.......I just want to keep my compter down below and plug my handheld GPS into it. Anyone know how to do this?

You'll need to find and download a copy of nRoute. The real-time tracking function in MapSource was removed from the program some time ago. I have also been told that Garmin was discontinuing nRoute but that a version is still available at Index of /perry/nroute (last item on the page). I cannot attest to the merit of this link however.

FWIW...

[brak]

Originally Posted by idpnd

Try this forums opencpn software, development is active and ongoing, feedback welcome

I think the OP is interested in using his BlueCharts with software (which is reasonable considering he already owns a set for his GPS). I doubt any software, except for software from Garmin itself can handle BlueCharts (I wish we could, I even got enough hutzpa to contact Garmin about it but, of course, they weren't interested).

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by SailPenelope

I have a handheld Garmin GPS.

Yes, its easy depending on the Garmin GPS. I have the GPSMap 76cx
On the back of the unit are 2 rubber covers to 2 holes. The smaller on is for a USB plug. The GPS end needs to small USB plu and the computer, obviously, needs the normal size. If you have a digital camera etc you should have the cable to fit somewhere. otherwaise off to the computer shop you go!

Then you have to set the Interface in Menu/Menu to Garmin and plug it it. Mapsource has a little Upload to GPS button and should find the plugged in GPS. There is also a download from GPOS button too


I hope this helps.


Mark



OOOOOPs! Of course I didn't read the question properly!!! You can not use Mapsource as a chrtplotter with real time updating from your GPS. Garmin, the little cons, want you to buy a chartplotter from them for many thousands of dollars to be the same size as your computer screen.

As other posers have said a good free one is OpenCpn.

[JusDreaming]

I also use the N-Route software Hylyte mentioned

[agrainofsand]

Hey fellow sailers. This is just me but I dont like Garmin or alot of other handheld GPS's. I have a very good Furuno 1632 GPS/Plotter mounted on my vessel. As a back up and also for my land based vehicle I use a DeLORME Earthmate PN-40. It has excellent interface with my laptop. The PN-40 will give you a daily tide table, will your Garmin do that?

[SailPenelope]

Thanks, all. I have some work ahead. Just downloaded all new updates from Garmin to my handheld. Would like to try nroute, but don't want to srew anything up. Not surprised that Garmin would want you to buy more.........

[sabray]

I use sea clear with a garmin 76 and the free NOAA charts. No problem. Off topic a bit. I found windows xp running all sorts of services in the backround that are not needed if your using the computer for navigation and basic web surfing. After selectively disabling these in xp pro the old 250$ itronix runs a dream is much more efficient.