Ok. Time for a Dumb Question

[aussiefool]

Ok I know for some this may seem a really dumb question, but could someone please the difference between a GPS and a chart plotter please.

Are they the same thing or 2 totally different gizmo's?
Thanks
Aussiefool
Andrew

[cormorant]

GPS just gives you coordinates and a trail of breadcrumbs and speed , direction etc.

A chartplotter overlays all that info over a pretty colour map on the screen so you can see where you are in relation to the land or reef etc.

[finga]

Similar gismo's matey.
GPS will basically tell you where you are and where you've been inco-ordinate number form or as a line (where you've been) and a chart-plotter can be filled with maps for you to see where you are or where you've been or where you want to go against a map.

[SatNav]

1. In the true sense of the gismo's they are probably best defined separately and different. GPS generally relates to basic position only, Chartplotter runs the charts but is basically useless without a "GPS"

2. A chart plotter may or may not have a "GPS" included (read internal) but will require a "GPS" either connected to the chartplotter as some sort of navigation feed. This GPS connection in more cases than not these days will be separate, either a smart "GPS" antenna (fairly common) or a feed from another separate GPS device.

[Noelm]

full marks to satnav for the full and proper description.

[aussiefool]

Thanks guys, just what I needed to know I think. Just woke up from my afternoon power nap and may have to re-read it later
Aussiefool
Andrew

[bondy99]

G'day Andrew,

GPS and Chart Plotters, sounds like you have a boat ready to go.

Have you tested it out lately?

Cheers, Peter

[PinHead]

no such thing as a dumb question...I bet there were plenty of others curious as to the answer also.

[aussiefool]

ok awake now and it all make sense. But at the end of the day all I really want is something that will tell me when I'm at spot x or y or just where the reef is. I'll just have to keep looking of an old cheap one that still works. Fancy smancy things don't do a lot for me. Still trying to work out how to use the camera in my phone. I'm not a techophobe but just like things to be simple and reliable
Aussiefool

[cormorant]

Mate if you have a Iphone look up the $15 chartpltter navman maps and you will have yourself everything you want. Not sure which phone you have.

[finga]

The boaties market is in a couple of weeks.
Usually something there.

[aussiefool]

G'day Andrew,

GPS and Chart Plotters, sounds like you have a boat ready to go.

Have you tested it out lately?

Cheers, Peter

Yer Mate
I have had it outside once since I bought it, plus a few false starts with the bar not to my liking or fuel line clip not staying clipped and the wind blowing it's guts out.I've had a few runs in the river just for the fun and to get used to the boat
Andrew