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Steve Pope · 07-12-2009, 23:22

Connemara,
I'm sure the charter co will supply all the relevant charts you would need, and will have a GPS with all the relevant data needed.
Look for the Dolphins around Roberton Island. Remember that the bouyage system is opposite to the US one.

sae140 · 08-12-2009, 00:58

If you only want position and not all the bells and whistles, another approach to using handheld GPS's is to buy yesterday's technology and treat it as disposable.
I favour the Eagle Expedition/ Explorer/ Lowrance GlobalNav 200 series. They are fairly chunky beasts compared with modern stuff, so few people want 'em to carry around, but are fine on a boat.

They're 12 channel, so lock-on in 10 secs or so, and are sensitive enough to receive easily inside the house (through a concrete roof). Half an inch of GRP is invisible.
I've just bought another (4 so far, it's getting silly ...) on Ebay for $8. A set of batteries (I use Hybrio/ Eneloop) costs more than that !

The only negative with Eagle/Lowrance kit is the power/NMEA connector - very expensive - so I make my own from 'D' connector shells.

Masquerade · 08-12-2009, 02:33

IPhone will only work in phone reception areas

scotte · 08-12-2009, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Sure

What part of this are you confused about? With Magellan all that you need is a data cable and compatible (both Magellan and non-Magellan) software. With Garmin you need pretty much everything from Garmin only.

Hmmm... I disagree. My 76CSx accepts a regular mini USB connector, and there's lots of different software that can communicate with it just fine. My older 76 is serial-only, but the cables for that are readily available (from other than garmin).

Not trying to take anything away from Magellan, but your assertion is false.

Lost Horizons · 08-12-2009, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masquerade

IPhone will only work in phone reception areas

Google maps need either phone reception or Wi-Fi, Navionics charts work without it. At least on my phone the do.

s/v 'Faith' · 08-12-2009, 08:58

FWIW,

Woot.com had the Bushnell Onix 400 on sale for $99 last week, and then again this morning.

When I bought one last week I checked around and saw they sold for between $350 and $400. I doubt I would use the XM wx function (hate paying any subscription fees).

Anyone using any of the Bushnell GPS's?

fla.sailor · 08-12-2009, 09:28

I also bought one last week and can't wait to try her out! I'm going to try the xm weather myself, could be helpful in the bahamas next year and for FL summer storms.

-dennis

JiffyLube · 08-12-2009, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by markpj23

I bought the USB data card programmer from Garmin. Take a blank card and load away.... Works with both XP and Vista but be sure to download the latest device driver from the website

Part Number: 010-10776-00

Just checking. I do it the same way on my 3210 plotter. I also have a special powered adapter that I can connect between the plotter and my laptop (Coastal Explorer on the laptop), and it will alow me to upload routes and way points right to the plotter without the card, or to my 76Cx with just a USB cord.

JiffyLube · 08-12-2009, 21:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Sure

Just as an FYI, the Magellan units seem to be more amenable to uploading route data, etc., from a PC (and vice versa),without the need for special data cards and a bunch of rigmarole, etc., than the Garmin units.

Garmin has better TV commercials, though.

If Garmin users have the right adapters uploading from a laptop to a plotter or hand held GPS is easy, but if they don't have the adapters than the card way will have to be done.

JiffyLube · 08-12-2009, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganministry

I have an E-trex Legend. Been using it for several years now. It is very handy. I've used the trac function to find my way back through fog. Mine came with bouys and other landmarks pre programmed.

It likes to eat batteries.

Make sure you have lots of batteries with you. It's no fun to find your way though a fog bank with the sound of waves crashing and then have your navigation aids quit.

I've got to get a compas on that boat

Scott

I have a Garmin 76Cx that eats batteries too, but I also have a powered adapter that I can plug into a electrical plug in the boat, with the other end plugged into the 76Cx (with inverter on)...don't need batteries then. I bought just about every powered and un-powered adapter for my 76Cx and 3210 that there is, so I could deal with any situation I might find myself in. I've only used a few of them, but I'm covered if I need the other ones.

Morganministry · 12-12-2009, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiffyLube

I have a Garmin 76Cx that eats batteries too, but I also have a powered adapter that I can plug into a electrical plug in the boat, with the other end plugged into the 76Cx (with inverter on)...don't need batteries then. I bought just about every powered and un-powered adapter for my 76Cx and 3210 that there is, so I could deal with any situation I might find myself in. I've only used a few of them, but I'm covered if I need the other ones.

I hadn't thought of that.

I just did a quick search and found a couple of adapters for $1.99.
They look like the same connecter as my motorola cell phone.
I'll see if that works.
Thanks,
Scott

MarkJ · 12-12-2009, 00:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiffyLube

I have a Garmin 76Cx that eats batteries too, .

If using batteries make sure you change the Settings Option to Alkaline... otherwise they chomp realy quick!!

Mark

unbusted67 · 12-12-2009, 10:50

Do the 76CXs come with street maps installed? Can I upload routes and waypoints from open cpn?

Lost Horizons · 14-12-2009, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Do the 76CXs come with street maps installed?

No, you need to buy maps. I found that uploading maps from the CD is not a straightforward process. I already had the CD's with the marine charts and street maps that I bought for another Garmin unit. You can install them on two separate GPS units, but the installation process is a pain, Garmin overdid it with anti-piracy protection. It may be easier if you had a memory card with preloaded maps.