GPS question

[Mee-n-Mac]

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/