Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

[whiteman]

I've got the Navman 5500 chartplotter and the only way to connect to the PC and manipulate/backup waypoints is via a separate card and USB card reader - an additional cost of several hundred dollars.

As this unit will be upgraded some time soon, is there a chartplotter on the market for under $US1,200 that supports a direct USB connection to a laptop?

This is an area of frustration as it should be simple to design in to the unit.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

Don't know about USB connections on the plotters themselves.
But a memory card can be bought for $20, and the reader for about the same.

Unless I am totally misunderstanding your question, I think you could solve the problem with one of these.

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=1036760&cid=25608&fp=F

http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...37326&Pn=Pocket_Card_SD_MMC_Flash_Card_Reader

http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...17325&Pn=ImageMate_12_In_1_Memory_Card_Reader

 

[JB]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

I think all of the Garmins connect directly, Whiteman.

My Garmin 276C plugs right into a USB cable. My previous (older) units had a cable to plug into the serial port.

 

[tommays]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

As things have gotten newer they have taken steps to keep people from shareing there software

They dont want it be easy for the whole marina to share one map CD so many even will not transfer files without there card reader and a software key

I would not assume anything will work without some fact finding


Tommays

 

[whiteman]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

JB, you're on the right track with the Garmin and that may be an option.

My Garmin 12 provides a 2 way interface to products like Oziexplorer via a serial cable. It works really well. I get to backup the data and manipulate and analyse on the PC waypoints, routes and tracks.

But my chartplotter is attached to the boat. So why can't manufacturers build a model with a USB port supporting a USB key to transfer data in the same way as the old and clunky Garmin 12?

There must be thousands of people like me with an expensive chartplotter with hundreds of waypoints AND NO BACKUP!

 

[JB]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

"But my chartplotter is attached to the boat."

So is mine when I have it mounted in the boat. I take it off the mount and carry it to my 'puter room.

Don't see why you couldn't do it in the boat with a laptop.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

What's wrong with a card reader? It takes me less than a minute to back up the data off my plotter. Stick the chip in the slot and push the backup button.

I have the serial interface on the Garmin but I either have to tear the unit off the boat and bring it home or take my lap top to the boat which is not going to happen.

As stated above, your in business for about $20 USD

 

[whiteman]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

You guys have supplied the solution ... Garmin. Can't do this at the moment for a reasonable price because Navman supplies proprietary cards/software and readers for the price they want to charge - which is expensive.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

All the map software cards are proprietary.
But you should be able to put a blank card in your unit, and back up the waypoints that are stored in the unit itself. Your data is your data, it belongs to you.

Call the NAVMAN customer support line, tell them what you want to do, and ask them how.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chartplotter <-> PC easy connection?

Ok, upon further research, Navman has you locked into using C-Map software. It is the PC-Planner software you are paying a fortune for.
They want $179 for the card, reader, and software. Bummer.