GARMIN GPSMAP 440 or 540 ???

[ANYTIME]

I am interested in upgrading my GPSMAP 492 to either a 440 or a 540 and have a couple of questions to ask the experts. I want to be able to use the G2 Vision Card features of the new unit that I buy.

Note that I do not desire the depth sounder as the RL760 that came with my Sea Ray is okay, the RL760 chart resolution leave much to be desired for me, so I use the Garmin instead of the RL760 for navigation.

I have the GARMIN Card reader and MAPSOURCE that I use with my 492. I am able to create routes and waypoints at home and using their card reader, upload my new routes and waypoints on the 492. Also, when the 492 software is updated, I load it on to their memory card with their unique card reader and then upload it to the 492. Most of my boating is in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.

Will I be able to use MAPSOURCE to maintain my Routes and Waypoints? Will I need new or additional hardware or software?

Is there any advantage in using the 540 instead of the 440, or vise versa? Are there any know problems or anomolies with either one of these units?

Thanks for any insight or suggestions you may offer.

 

[CSR_Admin]

The nly difference in the 540 and 440 is screen size. You would be looking at the 540 if you currently haver a 492. The 540 comes preloaded with charts as your 492 did, adding the Vision chart will give you a bunch of new features your 492 is not capable of. You can still use your mapsource software to manipulate waypoints, they are transferred to teh 540 using a SD card instead of the Garmin Bluechart card you are using now. You will need a blank SD card and card reader to do this. Both available at Radio Shack for probably less than $20.

http://byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=38341&cat=2619&page=2

 

[rondds]

moondance
i have the 492 and love it. i cant answer your questions about the newer 440 and 540, but maybe garmin can. i have dealt with them regarding software upgrades and card readers and the like and they were very helpful. check here for the 800# and give them a call.
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/supportcontact

 

[Nehalennia]

The nly difference in the 540 and 440 is screen size. You would be looking at the 540 if you currently haver a 492. The 540 comes preloaded with charts as your 492 did, adding the Vision chart will give you a bunch of new features your 492 is not capable of. You can still use your mapsource software to manipulate waypoints, they are transferred to teh 540 using a SD card instead of the Garmin Bluechart card you are using now. You will need a blank SD card and card reader to do this. Both available at Radio Shack for probably less than $20.

http://byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=38341&cat=2619&page=2

Jim one this I was trying to ascertain from Garmin's site. If I have old waypoints on my old Garmin eMap GPS from the Mapsource program I used to use can I tranfer them via Mapsource to the new 545s?
I gave the old GPS to the new owner of Nehalennia II when I sold it but I'm sure he hasn't done anything with it since and I'm sure I could get it back and save my old routes and waypoints if the above's possible.

Does Mapsource come with the new 545s?

 

[CSR_Admin]

Mapsource does not come with any of them. You need to buy either Mapsource Americas CD or the Trip and Waypoint Manager CD. You will need a blank Bluechart card, blank SD card and a card reader for each.