Floating Mind wrote:
First I'd like to say that I know almost nothing about these units. I
have installed the Mapsource software in my Desktop PC and have
transferred the required info to the GPS unit. I have been using the
GPS unit for over a year with no problems. I only use it on inland
waters to aid navigation through shallow areas.

My question is this. Can I connect a laptop computer to this unit
while I'm using it on my boat? The only reason I'd like to do this
is to be able to utilize my laptop's larger/color screen to view the
map.

I do not have any kind of autopilot system or anything like that, but
the 162 does have NMEA in/out, and also a white and a green wire that
show "no connection" in my manual.

If this question is too elementary, or "off topic" for this group
please let me know, or refer me to another site for the information.

Thank you.

Yes, of course you can use the Mapsource software on your laptop. You can
make up a lead, once you have deciphered the 3 important wires, or rather
pins, on your unit. The Garmin sockets come in 4-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin and
8-pin, and there is a section on the Garmin website which gives the pinouts
for all of the configurations.

You need to find the data-in, data-out, and ground pins, and wire up a
suitable plug and lead to connect to your laptop's serial port, if it has
one.

Suitable leads complete and made up ready to link to your GPS can be found
by typing "pfrank" into your search engine and looking for a local supplier.
If the laptop is USB only, you will need suitable software, and a lead,
from Garmin.


Dennis.