the laptop thing....

[bobbyb]

hi all.


looking at setting up a laptop for chart plotter and all looks easy enought except for software and maps.

there seams to be a big difference in prise and brands. is more dollars better

when it comes to accuracy or are some brands just better.

trying to keep it cheap but not at the exspence of running aground and bumping into thing that shouldent be there.

i'm sure lots of you guys have bean through this and i'm hopping you's can give


me some advise. thanks rob..........

[honda900]

Rob,

I am guessing that you want to hook the laptop up to one of two things;

1. Transfer data to and from an existing GPS, manage you marks etc.
2. Use the map software and the laptop as a GPS.

For point one, what software you need will depend on your gps, so that will determine what software you need.

The second point will depend on your your laptop and gps, the software will need to support the devices.

Really in both cases you need to make sure that the devices are supported by the software, this may limit your choices of software.

For instance, I have Garmin gps172c, the software I need to use is called mapsource. I also have lowrance sounder with an internal gps, but I have to use a different piece of software to manage data from that data card which is called navplanner.

The navplanner software was more expensive than the Mapsource software but the mapsource application and interface are much easier to use, so cost does not always make for a better product.

Hope that makes sense, first determine the hardware, then find the software that is able to drive your hardware, then you will be able to decide on what is cheap and what is not from the software side of things.

Regards
Honda.

[Outsider1]

Might be worth having a look at this thread, Snelly1971 has a Laptop GPS already set up and for sale;

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...d.php?t=141163

Cheers

Dave

[on-one]

I've been using digiboat software as a chartplotter and it works fine, initially with a handheld gps only but I've now got a minplex to take data from the sounder and gps and send it to the laptop through one usb, the only expense was the map. Having said that I was looking at the software snelly1971 is selling and may need to look at upgading

[bobbyb]

thanks guys.
have a garman gps and laptop which are compatible just need map and software.
prises are any ware between $350 and $100 for the map. Johny Appleseed has map of Queensland for $100 (CD ROM). and for software to run it $130. so i will be dropping in to check it out when i get a chance

[SatNav]

1. Not really a viable option for small vessels

2. Standard notebooks not the best option

3. Can be done easily and much better than typical small vessel systems but don't expect or try to do it on the cheap

[TheRealAndy]

Maybe one day you will elaborate on your comments SatNav. Please tell us more about point 3.

[SatNav]

1. Well in a small vessel as generally talked about here something like a Toughbook would give good service with any of the licenced software supporting Seafarer

2. Medium small vessel might get away with a standard desktop PC

3. Cost will depend on if you want a usefull reliable system or a toy

[O SEA D]

Fanless computers are the only way to go on a small boat.Computers with fans will suck salt air into them and eventually destroy the computer.

[bobbyb]

thanks o sea d


good thinking..........

[honda900]

Just be aware that most of the "tough book" type note books provide high reliablity but sacrifice performance (heavily).

Need to have a good think on how you might store the laptop on the boat, while provide shock resistance, power and water resistance.. wont be easy.


regards
Honda.