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Navigation/Chart plotting on Netbook
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:14 pm
by shawzy44
Any suggestions from the forum?
I am looking for real-time marine navigation software to use with my Garmin 76Cx. I have Bluecharts but there is no Garmin option for real-time tracking to my 10" Netbook.
I am happy to look at both WindowsXP and OSX solutions since my netbook dual-boots.
Thanks for any input!
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:28 pm
by rossjo
I use SeaClear II - free - and great chart imports ... runs on Microsoft. Just buy/use a $25 USB GPS.
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:57 pm
by jwhalen
I agree. Sea Clear II is great.
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 10:41 pm
by k9th
I am also interested in using a netbook or laptop to view the data from my Garmin chartplotter since I am getting older and seeing things in detail on a smaller screen is becoming increasingly difficult. I had a Garmin 162 a few years ago that allowed that and I used to use that feature but my current Garmin 420 does not appear to have that feature.
It appears that SeaClear will give you positional information on its own map but will not reproduce your BlueChart g2 Vision cartography on the laptop. Am I reading that correctly?
Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:00 am
by rossjo
I don't believe SeaClear will import the Garmin Cartography, but it reads in the NOAA BSB format (.KAP files), so you'll have these, which work GREAT! I've tried all of the other free PC charting softwares, and SeaClear is the best.
Handles Charts (will auto-zoom to the largest scale as you move), save waypoints, save tracks, etc. - and you can back it up and store the stuff on a 2nd PC just in case! I always carry 2 laptops on a trip ...
Free NOAA Raster Navigation Charts (BSB .KAP format) here:
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/RNCs/RNCs.shtml
NOAA Raster Navigational Charts® (NOAA RNCs) are full-color digital images of NOAA's entire suite of paper charts. NOAA provides weekly updates to the RNCs, which are available for free on this site in the BSB format. NOAA RNCs are official data that can be used in many types of electronic charting systems, including Raster Chart Display Systems (RCDS) and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
SeaClear available here:
http://www.sping.com/seaclear/
Buy an inexpensive USB port GPS and you're set! I always travel with 3 (or 4) GPSs
Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 10:14 pm
by wowzer52
I use a Dell laptop with Nobeltec Visual Suite. I use the 3-D alot. I love it but it's not free.