GPS question

Kamper · 09-08-2005, 08:08 PM

My boat and consoles are aluminum. If I had a glass boat I might have hidden the antenna but I decided a better signal was worth the effort.

billhurley · 09-09-2005, 07:25 AM

Thanks Woodsy I will keep that in mind. I am still trying to decide if I really need it.

ThePlut · 09-09-2005, 09:16 AM

Bill. Get one. Just do it. You will NOT regret it.

Do you *need* one, no, probably not.

But you will never be without, once you have it. Trust me.

As for units, I have the Navman 5500i. Works great. I wish you had asked sooner because there was a GREAT rebate on this unit through the end of August. It basically cost me $315 for the unit, no external mountings, just add the C-map. As Dave said, the best part about it is that it's just power and ground to install (he knows, because he helped install mine!).

The best price I found for the Navman was $489. The same place sells the Standard Horizon for $571. Both are great units, and Dave listed pretty accurately the advantages and disadvantages...

But buy one.

smoke eater · 09-09-2005, 10:49 AM

I also bought the Navman 5500 with the $175.00 rebate and paid well under $400. Bought the Bizer C-map chip and I have been really pleased with it. The unit has great color graphics that can be seen in direct sun and is very easy to use and quick to hook up. Takes alot of stress off of boating especially at night.

Aquadeziac · 10-15-2005, 07:21 PM

What is there out there for GPS software for laptops, and is Bizer chartplotter software compatable? I already have a laptop on the boat and I have seen GPS software with USB port reciever. Would seem if Bizer chartplotter is compatable with the GPS software, that would be cheaper than a new complete GPS unit. With the advantage of a larger screen. Any thoughts?

Lakewinniboater · 10-15-2005, 08:17 PM

I had this on my last boat. Color and very easy to use. One of the cheaper ones out there. B&W is even cheaper.

I liked it though. Boat US was the best price

ThePlut · 10-15-2005, 08:27 PM

Aqua,

Check out Bizer's GPS page. They do sell a waypoint file, and they do have graphic images of the lake available, and a chart kit for maptech software...

Using those, you might be able to get something running on a PC and use the GPS to plot your position...

...Jim

Mee-n-Mac · 10-16-2005, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquadeziac

What is there out there for GPS software for laptops, and is Bizer chartplotter software compatable? I already have a laptop on the boat and I have seen GPS software with USB port reciever. Would seem if Bizer chartplotter is compatable with the GPS software, that would be cheaper than a new complete GPS unit. With the advantage of a larger screen. Any thoughts?

There are a number of programs that will accept a standard serial data stream from a GPS receiver and plot, in realtime, your position on the screen. Maptech is one of the more "serious" (big $$) of those and if I recall Bizer's site correctly, will input their chart. There are also a couple of shareware programs (Fugawi, OZiExplorer) for under $100 that should accept Bizer's chart, the one you can get on a CD for $50. I'm finally going to get around to trying just that, though I'm going to wait and see if Bizer makes a new edition first. Of course the big screen is nice but most notebook screens aren't very readable in direct sunlight and the marine environment (bumping and moisture) is not recommended for long life.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

http://www.fugawi.com/

Orion · 01-12-2006, 01:55 PM

If you check out Bizer's web site, he is checking on interest in porting his map data to Garmin-compatable format. These handheld GPS units can be used in the car, for hiking, and in the boat and have come down in price significantly. The portable flexibility means you can buy one unit and use it in any boat, car, or on foot.

The default map data on these units do not accurately show all the islands, so the ability to import Bizer map data would be great. If there is any interest in getting the Bizer map data for Garmin, please make sure you let him know or it won't happen. Here's the link to the info and how to respond......

http://www.bizer.com/

Mee-n-Mac · 01-12-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion

If you check out Bizer's web site, he is checking on interest in porting his map data to Garmin-compatable format. These handheld GPS units can be used in the car, for hiking, and in the boat and have come down in price significantly. The portable flexibility means you can buy one unit and use it in any boat, car, or on foot.

The default map data on these units do not accurately show all the islands, so the ability to import Bizer map data would be great. If there is any interest in getting the Bizer map data for Garmin, please make sure you let him know or it won't happen. Here's the link to the info and how to respond......

http://www.bizer.com/

I don't think the issue is with lack of effort on Bizer's part. IIRC he's approached Garmin but they said they didn't wan't his chart. We need to write to Garmin and complain.

FWIW : I looked for, but never found, a program to take a bitmap chart and turn it into something a Garmin GPS could load and understand. I'm a little surprised that someone hasn't hacked Garmin's proprietary format but I guess there's just not that much demand. I hear Garmin's Bluewater charts are comparable to the competitors. It's us marginal people who are getting left out because the market for Winni (or other small lakes) is apparently too miniscule for Garmin to bother with.

Silver Duck · 01-14-2006, 11:54 AM

Finally, I have a GPS that will let me use the C-Map chip with your map!

(The new boat made a great excuse to buy a S-H CP 175C.)

Before I buy the chip, I was wondering if there have been any updates since it came out? I want to be certain to get the latest version, if there have been.

Also, please feel free to pass along to the folks at Garmin that their products were instantly eliminated because I could not use your map with them!

Silver Duck

Kamper · 01-14-2006, 01:50 PM

If you buy a new one from C-Map USA they will sell you the most current version. You can ask if they expect another edition out soon before you commit.

Figure on an update being available every other year.

codeman671 · 01-18-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

Finally, I have a GPS that will let me use the C-Map chip with your map!

(The new boat made a great excuse to buy a S-H CP 175C.)

Before I buy the chip, I was wondering if there have been any updates since it came out? I want to be certain to get the latest version, if there have been.

Also, please feel free to pass along to the folks at Garmin that their products were instantly eliminated because I could not use your map with them!

Silver Duck

I believe that the latest update was last March. I waited a few weeks to get mine last spring to make sure that I had the latest version. I have the CP175C and a CP155C (in different boats) and love both.

Silver Duck · 01-18-2006, 07:40 PM

Thanks, Codeman671. I'll assume, then, the latest revision of the chip would have all the changes reflected in Bizer's 6th edition and make certain that I get that version of the chip.

Silver Duck

Bizer · 01-19-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

I'll assume, then, the latest revision of the chip would have all the changes reflected in Bizer's 6th edition ....

C-Map's current chip is based on data available last spring. By late February, they should have incorporated changes found during Bizer's fall tour of the lake (as listed on our web page).

billhurley · 01-19-2006, 01:09 PM

Bizer,
Will we be able to tell when the updates are complete? I would like to buy the latest version from you before the boat goes in the water.

Thanks Bill

Silver Duck · 01-19-2006, 06:57 PM

Even with this warm winter, I doubt that I'll need the chip before late February! Please do let us know when the updated chips ready and I'll place an order.

Silver Duck

billhurley · 09-09-2005, 10:51 AM

ThePlut,

Thanks. I sent a note to Tiger GPS to see if they are still giving the rebate. I know it says 8/31, but it is on every site. It is worth a shot.

How is it with the C map?

Thanks Bill

ThePlut · 09-09-2005, 12:00 PM

It really is killer. Having all the details of the Bizer map at your fingertips with your exact position and course plotted right on it. My mounting location blocks part of my speedo, but I use the speedo in the GPS now more than anything.

I haven't taken the map out of the glove box since I got it.

09-09-2005, 09:16 AM	#3
ThePlut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Get one Bill. Get one. Just do it. You will NOT regret it. Do you need one, no, probably not. But you will never be without, once you have it. Trust me. As for units, I have the Navman 5500i. Works great. I wish you had asked sooner because there was a GREAT rebate on this unit through the end of August. It basically cost me $315 for the unit, no external mountings, just add the C-map. As Dave said, the best part about it is that it's just power and ground to install (he knows, because he helped install mine!). The best price I found for the Navman was $489. The same place sells the Standard Horizon for $571. Both are great units, and Dave listed pretty accurately the advantages and disadvantages... But buy one.

10-15-2005, 07:21 PM	#5
Aquadeziac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Concord NH Posts: 239 Thanks: 19 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	What about a laptop? What is there out there for GPS software for laptops, and is Bizer chartplotter software compatable? I already have a laptop on the boat and I have seen GPS software with USB port reciever. Would seem if Bizer chartplotter is compatable with the GPS software, that would be cheaper than a new complete GPS unit. With the advantage of a larger screen. Any thoughts? __________________ "He who dies with the most toys wins"

10-15-2005, 08:17 PM	#6
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Standard Horizon with CMap winni chip I had this on my last boat. Color and very easy to use. One of the cheaper ones out there. B&W is even cheaper. I liked it though. Boat US was the best price __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

10-15-2005, 08:27 PM	#7
ThePlut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Yes and no Aqua, Check out Bizer's GPS page. They do sell a waypoint file, and they do have graphic images of the lake available, and a chart kit for maptech software... Using those, you might be able to get something running on a PC and use the GPS to plot your position... ...Jim

01-12-2006, 01:55 PM	#9
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	Bizer chart for Garmin If you check out Bizer's web site, he is checking on interest in porting his map data to Garmin-compatable format. These handheld GPS units can be used in the car, for hiking, and in the boat and have come down in price significantly. The portable flexibility means you can buy one unit and use it in any boat, car, or on foot. The default map data on these units do not accurately show all the islands, so the ability to import Bizer map data would be great. If there is any interest in getting the Bizer map data for Garmin, please make sure you let him know or it won't happen. Here's the link to the info and how to respond...... http://www.bizer.com/

09-08-2005, 08:08 PM	#1
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,312 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	My boat and consoles are aluminum. If I had a glass boat I might have hidden the antenna but I decided a better signal was worth the effort.

09-09-2005, 07:25 AM	#2
billhurley Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Augustine FL. Posts: 86 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks Woodsy I will keep that in mind. I am still trying to decide if I really need it.

09-09-2005, 10:49 AM	#4
smoke eater Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica & Moultonboro Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I also bought the Navman 5500 with the $175.00 rebate and paid well under $400. Bought the Bizer C-map chip and I have been really pleased with it. The unit has great color graphics that can be seen in direct sun and is very easy to use and quick to hook up. Takes alot of stress off of boating especially at night.

01-14-2006, 11:54 AM	#11
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	A Question for Bizer Finally, I have a GPS that will let me use the C-Map chip with your map! (The new boat made a great excuse to buy a S-H CP 175C.) Before I buy the chip, I was wondering if there have been any updates since it came out? I want to be certain to get the latest version, if there have been. Also, please feel free to pass along to the folks at Garmin that their products were instantly eliminated because I could not use your map with them! Silver Duck

01-14-2006, 01:50 PM	#12
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,312 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	If you buy a new one from C-Map USA they will sell you the most current version. You can ask if they expect another edition out soon before you commit. Figure on an update being available every other year.

01-18-2006, 07:40 PM	#14
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks, Codeman671. I'll assume, then, the latest revision of the chip would have all the changes reflected in Bizer's 6th edition and make certain that I get that version of the chip. Silver Duck

01-19-2006, 01:09 PM	#16
billhurley Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Augustine FL. Posts: 86 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Bizer, Will we be able to tell when the updates are complete? I would like to buy the latest version from you before the boat goes in the water. Thanks Bill

01-19-2006, 06:57 PM	#17
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Even with this warm winter, I doubt that I'll need the chip before late February! Please do let us know when the updated chips ready and I'll place an order. Silver Duck

09-09-2005, 10:51 AM	#18
billhurley Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Augustine FL. Posts: 86 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	ThePlut, Thanks. I sent a note to Tiger GPS to see if they are still giving the rebate. I know it says 8/31, but it is on every site. It is worth a shot. How is it with the C map? Thanks Bill

09-09-2005, 12:00 PM	#19
ThePlut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	It's killer It really is killer. Having all the details of the Bizer map at your fingertips with your exact position and course plotted right on it. My mounting location blocks part of my speedo, but I use the speedo in the GPS now more than anything. I haven't taken the map out of the glove box since I got it.

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