Garmim next generation of PC charting program?

[chuck1]

Ok, I've been thinking/dreaming about a new larger GPS. I really like my 276C it does everything I can ask for, just would like a bigger screen. One of the problems I'm having is that it appears the newer GPS only work with the preprogrammed cards ieG2+, etc) Since the preprogrammed cards can not be used on a pc how do you do route planning on a PC??

 

[ChuckW]

In the Garmin way of the world you can

1) - Buy a unit with built-in coastal maps
- Then using MapSource by Garmin, buy maps for your pc (duplicate map purchases), but you only have to transfer routes and waypoints.

or

2) - Buy a unit without built-in maps
- Then using MapSource by Garmin, buy Maps for your PC and transfer the maps with your routes and waypoints to your unit. Only have to buy one set of maps, but get's pricey of you cover a lot of coast line.

or

3) - Use the model I wrote about in this post, which you were on. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16864

 

[RollerCoastr]

Chuck,

No worries - it's not true that the new units only accept pre-programmed cards. I've been using the continually-updated MapSource program since I had my first 176GPSMap. That unit connected via serial cable, my 478 connects by USB and I use any ol' SD card to transfer that same data to my brand-new 5212.

 

[chuck1]

In the Garmin way of the world you can

1) - Buy a unit with built-in coastal maps

Not sure I understand you. How does that help with PC charting/routing program?

Am I the only one that does all their routing on a PC then transfer it to the unit? Who does route planning on their unit?

 

[ChuckW]

Not sure I understand you. How does that help with PC charting/routing program?

Am I the only one that does all their routing on a PC then transfer it to the unit? Who does route planning on their unit?

Sorry, I had fat fingered the post button before I finished typing. Fixed up the post.

I do all the planning on my PC.

 

[chuck1]

Chuck,

No worries - it's not true that the new units only accept pre-programmed cards. I've been using the continually-updated MapSource program since I had my first 176GPSMap. That unit connected via serial cable, my 478 connects by USB and I use any ol' SD card to transfer that same data to my brand-new 5212.

How are you going to use the new update charts on your pc and 5212 since it does not support the CD version of Bluechart or Inland Lakes. It appears to only support the

The GPSMAP 5212 features highly-detailed BlueChart g2 marine cartography of the coastal United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and the Bahamas. For other areas, the 5212 has a worldwide basemap with high-quality satellite images in place of more traditional maps. With the SD™ card slot, you can add additional maps without having to connect to a computer.

Am I missing something?

 

[ChuckW]

The CD Version is just a convenient way to ship the massive amount of data that a map represents. Once you have it and install it on your PC, you have to purchase unlock codes to be able to use a specific map. If you don't unlock it then you can't use it, even thought its sitting on your PC. Then once in MapSource you can transfer to the memory card routes, waypoints, tracks AND maps that you have unlock codes for. On the plotter, you load the routes and waypoints into the memory of the plotter, but NOT the maps. The maps stay on the card and the plotter accesses them off the card as needed.

Note the quote you provided above states that the 5212 has coastal US but only base maps of the rest of the world. You have to get the CD or memory card from Garmin. By definition the pre-programmed memory cards are unlocked. The CD is not, you purchase unlock codes for the maps you want after you install the CD on the PC.

 

[RollerCoastr]

I transfer routes, waypoints and tracks between the plotters and the PC. The maps on the computer don't need to go to the devices, and the maps in the devices can't go to the PC...

For the most part, I'm ok with that. My waypoints rarely change even with updated maps.

The caveat is when I have to plot a course in an area that have I haven't paid to unlock in MapSource. In those cases, I plot on the device, then pull it to the PC to name waypoints etc.

 

[ChuckW]

I transfer routes, waypoints and tracks between the plotters and the PC. The maps on the computer don't need to go to the devices, and the maps in the devices can't go to the PC...

For the most part, I'm ok with that. My waypoints rarely change even with updated maps.

The caveat is when I have to plot a course in an area that have I haven't paid to unlock in MapSource. In those cases, I plot on the device, then pull it to the PC to name waypoints etc.

RollerCoastr, I hate having to plan on the device. Too cumbersome and time consuming. In the cases where I don't have a MapSource map for the area I'm headed to, I use the method I wrote up in this post http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16864

 

[chuck1]

ChuckW

I agree with you on the Current/Older GPS units. The problem is that on the new GPS units you can not transfer the maps and the new units do not support the old maps. So if you wanted to do planing on the PC the maps will be different. Why would any body purchase updated maps that can not be used on their GPS unit.

In my case it would be a nightmare since I boat inland and coastal waters.

 

[RollerCoastr]

I hadn't noticed that thread until just now. Interesting. I haven't been able to get a hold of Chart Navigator for some time. I have it on an older computer, but it eventually became easier for me to plot on the devices.

Ironically, the most recent area I struggled with was SW Fla. Trying to plot from Naples to Key West wasn't any fun without unlocked maps! I finally booted up the old desktop.

There was a gentleman in the club who offered to sell people his routes. Aside from the liability, I didn't like any of his data...

 

[ChuckW]

I hadn't noticed that thread until just now. Interesting. I haven't been able to get a hold of Chart Navigator for some time. I have it on an older computer, but it eventually became easier for me to plot on the devices.

Ironically, the most recent area I struggled with was SW Fla. Trying to plot from Naples to Key West wasn't any fun without unlocked maps! I finally booted up the old desktop.

There was a gentleman in the club who offered to sell people his routes. Aside from the liability, I didn't like any of his data...

That's too funny. :smt043
The process I use sounds a bit daunting for the PC weary, but once one "learns" the tools, it takes a few seconds to do the transformation of the data for use on my Garmin plotter. Works very well for me. IMHO. :thumbsup:

 

[RollerCoastr]

I'm game! I think my biggest problem will be that the preloaded maps don't include coverage in Canada, but I'll need that on the units themselves, so I'm afraid the solution will require $$ no matter what.

Chuck1, I also agree that Garmin's logic about map licensing is flawed, and I hope they change their thinking. In the meantime though, there are several ways to work around it - you just have to choose the most comfortable method...

 

[chuck1]

Chuck1, I also agree that Garmin's logic about map licensing is flawed, and I hope they change their thinking. In the meantime though, there are several ways to work around it - you just have to choose the most comfortable method...

Bingo - I hope Garmin is reading this.:thumbsup: How do we send them a copy of it?

I've done planning the way ChuckW talks about, but IMHO there has to be a better way. I really like Garmins units, but I may have to start looking at other units.

 

[ChuckW]

I'm game! I think my biggest problem will be that the preloaded maps don't include coverage in Canada, but I'll need that on the units themselves, so I'm afraid the solution will require $$ no matter what.

Chuck1, I also agree that Garmin's logic about map licensing is flawed, and I hope they change their thinking. In the meantime though, there are several ways to work around it - you just have to choose the most comfortable method...

Well said...

 

[RollerCoastr]

This same issue was recently batted around on the Grumpy Forum as well, so we're not the only ones scratching our heads at Garmin's policies.

Another irony is that back "in the day" when I bought unlock codes for MapSource AND my 176C, Garmin allowed me to also unlock them on a second device, the 176CS. So they have essentially gone backwards.

 

[ChuckW]

This same issue was recently batted around on the Grumpy Forum as well, so we're not the only ones scratching our heads at Garmin's policies.

Another irony is that back "in the day" when I bought unlock codes for MapSource AND my 176C, Garmin allowed me to also unlock them on a second device, the 176CS. So they have essentially gone backwards.

Yes their policy is crazy. It certainly can't be based upon any technical limitation. All they'd have to do is setup a private key between the laptop and device and let the maps move in either direction. Quite simple, heck I'd even send them the software code for free to do it if they'd get their heads out of their arss on this stuff.

 

[chuck1]

This same issue was recently batted around on the Grumpy Forum as well, so we're not the only ones scratching our heads at Garmin's policies.

Another irony is that back "in the day" when I bought unlock codes for MapSource AND my 176C, Garmin allowed me to also unlock them on a second device, the 176CS. So they have essentially gone backwards.

Ok, what is the Grumpy Forum?

I really did not have a problem with the way Garmin used to do it "in the day" It was great to be able to purchase different maps/charts (Lakes, & Fishing, Blue Chart, etc) and be able to use them all through one program and unit. One prime example is when you run from the inland lakes of SC to Charleston. You had to use both the inland and bluechart charts on one route. My biggest concern is in the future where it appears that you can not use the same maps/charts on both the PC and GPS unit.

 

[ChuckW]

Ok, what is the Grumpy Forum?
My biggest concern is in the future where it appears that you can not use the same maps/charts on both the PC and GPS unit.

Not so, you can use unlocked maps on your PC on your plotter. You just can't, and never have been, use any built-in maps on the plotter on your pc.

 

[chuck1]

Not so, you can use unlocked maps on your PC on your plotter. You just can't, and never have been, use any built-in maps on the plotter on your pc.

ChuckW - That is why I never purchased a unit that has built in maps/charts. With the new units you can only use the G2 or Vision Series charts. You can not get a version of them that works on the PC. There was a time when you could have the same charts on both PC and GPS units. That is the point of this whole thread that you are losing the ability to do route planning on your PC with the new Garmin units.