On Feb 10, 3:19 am, "Shaun Van Poecke"
wrote:
cross posted to rec.boats.electronics

Hi all,
Im looking at getting a cheap(ish) setup for my boat, i have a couple of
laptops with navigation software and charts, so what im looking at is a
couple of GPS units to hook up to them. Ive seen GPS receivers with serial
or USB connections that plug straight into a laptop, but these things cost
as much as or more than a basic hand held GPS. are they any better?

What im probably thinking is one basic handheld unit (maybe garmin GPS 72)
and one receiving antenna to plug straight in to the laptop. any ideas on
this setup?

Thanks,
Shaun

There is nothing complicated about this, in spite of what some others
have said. We use both a Garmin eTrex Legend and a Garmin GPSMap76 in
conjunction with Maptech charts on CD and the Cap'n. Maptech charts
Can be set for Garmin output, the Cap'n requires NMEA. Both handheld
units can be set for either Garmin output or NMEA. Both GPS units
come with a serial interface, so a serial to USB adaptor is necessary
(Best Buy or similar place). Our laptop is kept below decks and the
handheld GPS sits on the cabin top. The system works well regardless
of which GPS or which nav program we use. The advantage to the
maptech program is that you can get a lite version of Maptech's
Offshore Navigator Pro when you buy a Maptech chartbook. This is a
lot cheaper than buying the whole program and you get paper charts as
well. The Cap'n nav program has been bought out by Maptech and I'm
not sure if it is still available although Maptech is providing tech
support for it.