Garmin and Bizer

[NHskier]

The C-Map version has been available for some time and is complete. The Garmin version is new and still in development. So yes, at this point the C-Map version is the best.

While many shops around the lake probably carry the Standard Horizon unit and C-Map chip, I know that Thurston's has the unit on display on the counter in their showroom.

Hopefully Bizer has seen enough interest in the Garmin version to continue development and add in the remainder of features in the not-too-distant future.

NHskier

[Marie]

The test download worked on the 496, so I sent my $ for the full file. I will let you know my success with the whole thing when I get it.

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by Marie

The test download worked on the 496, so I sent my $ for the full file. I will let you know my success with the whole thing when I get it.

It also worked on my nuvi 350 in that I could see the markers etc but the colors of the markers did not show up. Since it's not made for marine use I couldn't find anywhere to download that particular type of upgrade. Has anybody else had that type of issue with non-marine specific units?

[Marie]

Got the software emailed from Bizer and it downloaded perfectly to the 496. Understand it is a prototyple at this point, but it is much better than the "old" C-Chip I had in a 2001 boat. It identifies buoy's and suggested travel routes but lacks the glitz of more developed software. I dont see any reason Bizer won't get there for 2008.

[NH_boater]

Good to hear it works on the Nuvi and the E-trex since I have both. This would be more valuable for me if it had recommended routes around certain markers since a few areas are a bit tricky as you direction changes from N/S to E/W.

[Gatto Nero]

According to the Bizer web site http://www.bizer.com/garmin/ they have made some improvements. Curious to see if anyone has tried them out (on a sled) since the latest revision.

[Overlake97]

I've been trying to load the bizer test file (3islands) onto my Nuvi 200w, but no matter how I try it it does not seem to work. Everything appears to be going smoothly onscreen, but then when I disconnect, go to settings > map, then click "map info" on the bottom of the screen, only my onboard road map is listed as a selectable option. Any suggestions?

[Sunset Bob]

Overlake97 try this. If you have a NuVi or StreetPilot, please read garmnuvi.doc. http://www.bizer.com/garmin/garmnuvi.doc
Let me know how it works I just got one of these for a 35 year anniversary gift from work.

[Overlake97]

I had already read the garmnuvi.doc, and followed the procedure, but that seems to describe what to do with the official purchased file, not the "test" 3islands file. I did everything the garmnuvi.doc suggested, except for changing the name (which seemed to relate to the full operational file). There is also a 'read me' file which downloads along with the zipped 3islands test file. That describes a slightly different procedure, which also did not work. The person answering the phone at BIZER said he'd never heard of it not working on any particular Garmin unit, so I'm still hopeful. Maybe I'll call him again.

[Bizer]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

I did everything the garmnuvi.doc suggested, except for changing the name ...

The file must be renamed. The only way Bizer has been able to use a NuVi is if the map file is named GMAPSUPP.IMG.

[Overlake97]

Thanks BIZER! I changed the name from 3islands to GMAPSUPP.IMG as instructed on the garmnuvi.doc page (and as you noted above), then dragged that file into the Garmin (K) folder showing on "my computer" (Dell laptop). Then I opened the Garmin (K) folder/directory and further dragged the GMAPSUPP.IMG into the Garmin folder inside.

That last step was essential, as just dragging the file into the main Gamin (K) folder/directory (where it showed up besides "Garmin" and "JPEG" folders on my system) did not do the trick. Meaning, opening settings > maps > map info [at screen bottom] on the nuvi did not show that the map had been downloaded. After doing the second drag, the test map appeared there just as described in the garmnuvi.doc page. I seleced it, de-selected the other (main) map, went back to the screen, and there it was! Long, Cow and Bear islands - with buoys showing.

So, the test worked and my check for winni-g2 is in the mail!

[upthesaukee]

Test worked fine, once I figured out how to zoom in. No difference with the Streetpilot as far as color goes...buoys were the same color...no matter, it's not my primary navigation tool anyway as I will always have my Bizer chart handy as well. Oh yeah, my check is in the mail as well.

thanks bizer.

[upthesaukee]

Here is a copy of the email I sent to Bizer as feedback for the V2 map I got recently.

Hello Stewart:

Thanks for your prompt service on the download for the Garmin V2. It uploaded like a dream. A few comments

Unit: Garmin Steetpilot c550. Usually acquires signals very quickly and is easy to change from Lake map to Street map. If I had a blue tooth phone, it would be even better, but that will be coming down the road. Easy controls.

Software: As you have already noted, the buoys are not colored due to the unit being primarily an auto unit. If you zoom in enough, you can see the RW or BW or FLxx, giving you ample opportunity to visually locate the markers or slow down / stop until you do. We have only gone out on the eastern end of the lake, and only for a few short trips. Last evening, just after supper, we went out for a ride, and came out of Alton Bay from Parkers, around Clay Point and down by Kenniston Island. In that area, there are a few rocks that are not marked by the Marine Patrol, but you have shown them by RCK...thank you. In short, the software currently is operating as I thought it would. Particularly nice are the "safe routes" , ie: Alton - Wolfeboro. Also, the lines that delineate shallower water parallel to shore. When zoomed in enough, this feature does not seem to "clutter" the map, in my opinion.

Using the unit with the software. 1. There are no breadcrumbs like on other GPS units. 2. I selected my dock as a favorite before leaving. Out in the middle of Rattlesnake, Treasure, and Ship Islands, heading southwesterly, I selected go to: Dock, and the unit advised me to drive south to route 11, then turn left! Where is that amphibian car when you need it. 3. Unit does not do well in direct sunlight, usually requiring me to take off my sunglasses. Unfortunately, I do not have a place that is shaded on my "dash". 4. The Garmin windshield mount does work nicely on Gelcoat! 5. I have been using it just on battery power, and find that in that mode, doing a lot of changes such as zooming in and out seems to use a lot of additional battery power, as does having to keep it up at 100% daytime bright. Might have to add a 12V outlet.

Bottom line: as you so aptly warn, I do not use the unit and software as my primary means of navigation. I always have my Bizer laminated 11x17 chart next to my seat for easy reference, and slow down to find my marks as necessary. The unit will be a great assist, especially at night to help find a few of those pesky markers, or spot Moose Is or Ship Is., or when in unfamiliar territory. With a marine unit, I can only imagine how wonderful it can be. With an auto unit, understand your limitations and use it as an assistance tool, and it will pay for itself in a season or two.

Thanks Stewart.


Hope this helps others with their choice of units, features, and drawbacks. I just could not swing getting up into the $600 range for a Marine model, and wanted to be able to use it on land as well. My wife can make use of it at least once a week in the summer, and so having one that can do both weighed heavily on my decision. Safe boating to all.

Dave

[Skipper of the Sea Que]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

{snip - RE: Garmin Steetpilot c550} 3. Unit does not do well in direct sunlight, usually requiring me to take off my sunglasses. Unfortunately, I do not have a place that is shaded on my "dash". {snip}

Hi Up, Just a thought here. I'm assuming that once you remove your sunglasses the display is bright enough to be seen. You don't go under a "hood" or to a shade place to see the display. That gives me a clue.

Maybe you have POLARIZED lenses in your sunglasses. If you do, your problem is not a dim Garmin display but light cancellation due to polarization. The Garmin and many other displays are Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). All LCD light is polarized which, in the right orientation, can be blocked by polarized lenses. Polarized sunglasses usually block horizontally polarized light.

A test for this is to rotate either your sunglasses or the LCD through at least 90 degrees while you observe the LCD through the glasses. If the "brightness" or ability to read the display changes considerably during the rotation you know that it is an issue of polarization rather than the brightness of the display.

This holds true for all polarized sunglasses and any LCD display - and LCDs are everywhere. Again, it's just a thought about your Garmin - it may be that the display is not bright enough for sunny places - that happens too.

[ossipeeboater]

Originally Posted by Skipper of the Sea Que

Hi Up, Just a thought here. I'm assuming that once you remove your sunglasses the display is bright enough to be seen. You don't go under a "hood" or to a shade place to see the display. That gives me a clue.

Maybe you have POLARIZED lenses in your sunglasses. If you do, your problem is not a dim Garmin display but light cancellation due to polarization. The Garmin and many other displays are Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). All LCD light is polarized which, in the right orientation, can be blocked by polarized lenses. Polarized sunglasses usually block horizontally polarized light.

A test for this is to rotate either your sunglasses or the LCD through at least 90 degrees while you observe the LCD through the glasses. If the "brightness" or ability to read the display changes considerably during the rotation you know that it is an issue of polarization rather than the brightness of the display.

This holds true for all polarized sunglasses and any LCD display - and LCDs are everywhere. Again, it's just a thought about your Garmin - it may be that the display is not bright enough for sunny places - that happens too.

I dropped my boat off afew years back and asked them to check out my depthfinder because the image was all black sometimes, picked the boat up went out turned it on and it was still black so I was ripped, then I took my glasses off and found out it's the polarization. Man did I feel stupid

[Overlake97]

Coley,

My off-the-shelf garmin nuvi 200w did not require anything extra. Just follow the directions, making sure to remame the file (see my earlier posts), and it should work just fine. I can see everything (depths included), in full color, with the new version of the map for garmin.

[coley]

I have a garmin nuvi 350. I followed the instructions everyone has given-can see the file in the 350--but when I do the part to see the map on the garmin, it isnt showing--I have deselected the other map and have checked only the file of winniepsaukee in the settings--any ideas to help out there??Thanks...........

[neckdweller]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Coley,

My off-the-shelf garmin nuvi 200w did not require anything extra. Just follow the directions, making sure to remame the file (see my earlier posts), and it should work just fine. I can see everything (depths included), in full color, with the new version of the map for garmin.

I've got a Nuvi650 and I just did the test download of 3islands and I am able to see regular and numbered buoys and that's it. Is the test version a lo-fi version that doesn't have all the bells and whistles or am I just an idiot and need to do something else to my Garmin?

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Coley,

My off-the-shelf garmin nuvi 200w did not require anything extra. Just follow the directions, making sure to remane the file (see my earlier posts), and it should work just fine. I can see everything (depths included), in full color, with the new version of the map for garmin.

Coley, do markers show up in black and red? I loaded a version from last spring and, although it did show the markers, the colors where not differentiated. They all show as white. When I asked some questions both Bizer and Garmin told me it was a limitation of the Garmin. I have a Nuvi 350.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Coley,

My off-the-shelf garmin nuvi 200w did not require anything extra. Just follow the directions, making sure to remame the file (see my earlier posts), and it should work just fine. I can see everything (depths included), in full color, with the new version of the map for garmin.

I downloaded the test for my 200W. I couldn't get it to load. I'm going to go back over it step by step using the steps you outlined, and try again.

I will tell you my 200w does work on the lake without the chip, to show all islands. (No markers, suggested routes, depths etc.) But combined with the Bizer chart.. it did make it easier to go to some parts of the lake we haven't been to. ("She who must be obeyed", who mostly pilots the boat, does want me to get the chip and make it work so she can be free of me saying.. ' the chart says!".)

It still does look strange having the "car" driving on water.