OpenCPN for Dummies....

[Syserenity]

Good morning
I am very new to OpenCPN and also not very handy with computers. However I have downloaded the OpenCPN into my 2 LapTops and I have downloaded all the NOAA charts. The OpenCPN does read them very well and I have already figured out a lot. Nevertheless, I have had problems to manage me through OpenCPN (like I have problems with most of the Manuals) and I have downloaded the Manual. Nevertheless, it looks like I am to dumb for this software, since the Manual seems pretty short to me and explained in a way, that people´s knowledge of computer handling is pretty high. So, I have some questions:

1. Is there somewhere a Manual available OpenCPN for Dummies?
2. If I connect a GPS-Receiver with USB to my computer, can I use OpenCPN to track all my course?
3. I am trying to load my NOAA charts into my Garmin GPSMAP78, as also the planned route in OpenCPN. How can I do that?
4. I have intended with Moagu, but it doesn´t works because of 64-bit processor?
5. I understand, I have to convert the .BSB charts with Moagu and later on with the Software from the NOAA, so I can make them compatible to Garmin-Format?

Thanks for some help to a Dummie

[HappySeagull]

Syserenity,
per 1)...not really, .... just refer to the one that came with O when you run into an issue. When you get stuck, goto that section in the manual.
Also, search the Opencpn forum. If you can't find the answer to a PARTICULAR question, ask it there.
Tip... One of the tricky bits is using the route-pencil to create a route- how do you stop it? Well,you unstick yourself with the "escape" key on your keyboard....

2)yes, you can track yourself with a gps connected. The button on the toolbar is the boat with an "s" track behind it .Click to start tracking,click again to stop tracking.

3) and 4) ... if you figure it out, be sure to tell us! WE would love to put charts on our Garmin nuvis too!

[Syserenity]

3 + 4) ..... here is the response from the Guy who runs Moagu. This could may help! However, I just bought the BluechartsG2 from Garmin in order to have the American Territory on my GPSMAP78.


The following E-Mail response could lead you to convert your charts (NOAA) from .bsb-Format to Garmin-Format. Good luck!



Hi Hans,

Shouldn't be an issue related to Windows 8 - other people have had no problem. Exactly what problem are you seeing?

If you have a Garmin 78, you might take a look at my other program, G-Raster, instead. Converts raster maps (including BSB charts) into the Garmin Custom Maps format that can be viewed on your 78. Much, much easier to use than Moagu, and $5 cheaper as well.

Sincerely,

Leszek Pawlowicz

On Mon, Mar 25, 2013 at 8:58 AM, Hans-Rudolf Lehmann <lehmann.ecuador@gmail.com> wrote:
> Good morning
>
> I´m trying to install Moagu on my computer since I want to run the
> NOAA charts on my Garmin GPSMAP78. However – beside of being
> completely new to this – I cannot download Moagu into my computer. I
> figure this is because my computer runs on 64-bit? How can I solve
> this problem? Thanks and regards
>
>
>
> Hans-Rudolf Lehmann
>
> SY Serenity
>
> Bass Avenue 918
>
> Port Isabel, Tx
>
> 78578

[HappySeagull]

Yes,Leszek has a really interesting site!
G-Raster Updated: Raster Imagery In Garmin Handheld GPS Units

and would be great for handhelds but there's faint hope for Nuvi's...
https://forums.garmin.com/showthread...-a-Garmin-Nuvi
darn.