Akka wrote:
On Jun 29, 4:50 am, "Dennis Pogson"
wrote:
Akka wrote:
We're thinking of buying a new Garmin GPS. We don't need a plotter
because we use our laptop with C-MAP for that. The only way we can
find to buy a Garmin GPS without also paying for the built-in
plotter is to get a 152. When we looked at the Users' Manual for
the 152, we found the NMEA output port (listed as being for an
autopilot, but will work fine with the PC) and two input ports.
Problem is, they're noted as being for a 'Beacon Receiver' and a
'Device with Sonar Output'. Can we use those lines to upload
waypoints from the PC? If so, how?

Buy a handheld, there are dozens to choose from.

DP

Do you think I should? This is the main navigation device on our
full- time cruising boat, and we rather like having a built-in
display at the nav station indicating things like position and
bearing, time and distance to the next waypoint. I grant you those
are echoed on the laptop and at the helm, but we actually to refer to
the mounted unit pretty often. Also, does that solve my problem
about uploading waypoints directly from the laptop?

Rob

Using a handheld Garmin connected to the laptop's serial port, (which
probably won't exist if it's a newish laptop) involves changing the
input/output parameters on the Garmin setup from NMEA to Garmin if you want
to upload/download waypoints, routes, tracks etc. This takes about 30
seconds. You then have to change the I/O parameters back to NMEA for normal
position-fix and navigation. Since you only upoad/download waypoints
etc.infrequently, this is usually no hastle.

The latest Garmin handhelds also have a USB connection facility, which,
depending on whose software you are using on the laptop, transmits and
receives both waypoints etc. AND position fix information in Garmin mode,
using PVT instead of NMEA. With these, not only do you not need a
USB-to-serial converter for the laptop, but you do not need to change the
instrument's I/O setup as in the first parargraph either.

If you go for the built-in display type, you would have to ascertain that
the interface is compatible with your laptop and software, buy a USB-serial
converter (unless your laptop already has a serial port), pick up the
connection to/from the Garmin at the most convenient location behind the
bulkhead/interior joinery, connect also to battery ground, etc, etc, it can
be done, but the instrument can also be stolen whilst the boat is
unattended.

Me? I like to take my laptop and handheld Garmin home with me!

Dennis.