GPS/laptop/chartplotter

[mrmac]

I figure that anything that I think of was probably done years ago - maybe someone here can tell me where to find it.

Is there a way that I can connect a hand-held Garmin GPS to a laptop (XP) containing NOAA charts - rather than having to buy an expensive chartplotter w/ a small screen? Obviously I would need some kind of cable interface and accompanying software.

If I'm not able to use my current GPS, is there a USB card made for this purpose?

Thanks,
Mrmac

 

[DianneB]

Re: GPS/laptop/chartplotter

You can pick up a GPS receiver that connects to the USB port of a laptop for around $35.

Then you need navigation software and charts. I have Fugawi software and CHS charts on my laptop and it works great!

 

[mrmac]

Re: GPS/laptop/chartplotter

Thanks DianneB - the BU-353 looks good on Amazon at the price you said. So then I pick up the software and the charts (can I just download the NOAA charts?), and I'll be able to see my boat's position on the chart, speed, estimated time of arrival, rhumbline, etc in color? (Sorry to be so dense)
mrmac

 

[jhebert]

Re: GPS/laptop/chartplotter

Most GARMIN GPS receivers should have a NMEA-0183 serial data output. You should be able to connect the NMEA-0183 serial data to a laptop computer serial port.

There are software applications available which can use electronic charts from NOAA. These applications should be able to indicate your vessel position from a GPS receiver you connect to the computer.

The drawback to this method is the visibility of the display of a laptop computer in sunlight. Most are very difficult to view in sunlight.

The USGlobalSat BU-353 GPS receiver with USB output is an excellent device. I have one connected to my laptop.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: GPS/laptop/chartplotter

Nice having a dedicated GPS on your boat. Not many places on boats to set a laptop and when one good wave hits your boat and the laptop goes crashing down...