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/

[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/

[Mee-n-Mac]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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