Thanks for the info from those who answered my earlier post. Couple more
questions.

The Garmin MAP76 or the Garmin MAP76s .

If I have this right; first buy the GPS unit, then get the Blue Charts.
Load the Blue Charts ,,, off and running.

How do the Blue Charts load? Is there a software program which I must buy?

I am looking at a picture of the GPS unit and it doesn't look very big. So,
I got to thinking that there must be some trick to loading info into the
device.

Also,,, where is a good store, outlet, online store, whatever which would be
good to shop for the GPS and the Blue Charts?

I looked on Ebay and didn't really see any deals.

Do you think I could get out of this for under $300?

Anymore info on GPS, handheld, whatever ????

Thanks all.

If this is for boat navigation, Get a bigger screen, 192Cs have been on sale
at $499. Even this screen size is quite small, you need to keep either a
paper chart or computer chart at hand, detail on the small screen and big
picture of your general location on big screen and/or paper. I have a new
boat, will be adding Garmin 10" screen. I also keep Cap'n running on
laptop. This is a whole other idea, Cap'n pirate copies are everywhere and
free electronic charts are avail from other sailors, all an next to no cost.
However, laptops are not totally reliable at sea due to salt spray, windows
quirks, etc. You can feed info from cheapest Garmin GPS. I cannot see tiny
2-3" screen being very useful with maps. I sail 3-6000 miles a year,
cruising sailors are not using that setup, either a bigger screen fixed
mount GPS/plotter, or a PC are what I see. I have the 192C + Cap'n on a PC.
Usually the PC charts have more detail than the chartplotters, it varies by
the area, in the BVIs, the Garmin was the best chart set. Other brands of
chartplotters I have seen had charts without enough detail to enter a
harbor.
Lee Haefele
"Lester Evans" wrote in message
news:2%ihg.3914$LN1.3191@trndny01...
Thanks for the info from those who answered my earlier post. Couple more
questions.

The Garmin MAP76 or the Garmin MAP76s .

If I have this right; first buy the GPS unit, then get the Blue Charts.
Load the Blue Charts ,,, off and running.

How do the Blue Charts load? Is there a software program which I must
buy?

I am looking at a picture of the GPS unit and it doesn't look very big.
So, I got to thinking that there must be some trick to loading info into
the device.

Also,,, where is a good store, outlet, online store, whatever which would
be good to shop for the GPS and the Blue Charts?

I looked on Ebay and didn't really see any deals.

Do you think I could get out of this for under $300?

Anymore info on GPS, handheld, whatever ????

Thanks all.

don't forget "portablilty" of your GPS unit...as I discovered
many other uses than "one spot" for a good GPS unit...I
use my garmin on the boat, plane, car, hiking, and some
GPG treasure hunts....Make sure you can "take it w/ya"
in a small bag or sack......a major feature Iimho...I like the
garmins, i have always had good luck w/them....and the cust
service folks...



Lee Haefele wrote:
If this is for boat navigation, Get a bigger screen, 192Cs have been on sale
at $499. Even this screen size is quite small, you need to keep either a
paper chart or computer chart at hand, detail on the small screen and big
picture of your general location on big screen and/or paper. I have a new
boat, will be adding Garmin 10" screen. I also keep Cap'n running on
laptop. This is a whole other idea, Cap'n pirate copies are everywhere and
free electronic charts are avail from other sailors, all an next to no cost.
However, laptops are not totally reliable at sea due to salt spray, windows
quirks, etc. You can feed info from cheapest Garmin GPS. I cannot see tiny
2-3" screen being very useful with maps. I sail 3-6000 miles a year,
cruising sailors are not using that setup, either a bigger screen fixed
mount GPS/plotter, or a PC are what I see. I have the 192C + Cap'n on a PC.
Usually the PC charts have more detail than the chartplotters, it varies by
the area, in the BVIs, the Garmin was the best chart set. Other brands of
chartplotters I have seen had charts without enough detail to enter a
harbor.
Lee Haefele
"Lester Evans" wrote in message
news:2%ihg.3914$LN1.3191@trndny01...
Thanks for the info from those who answered my earlier post. Couple more
questions.

The Garmin MAP76 or the Garmin MAP76s .

If I have this right; first buy the GPS unit, then get the Blue Charts.
Load the Blue Charts ,,, off and running.

How do the Blue Charts load? Is there a software program which I must
buy?

I am looking at a picture of the GPS unit and it doesn't look very big.
So, I got to thinking that there must be some trick to loading info into
the device.

Also,,, where is a good store, outlet, online store, whatever which would
be good to shop for the GPS and the Blue Charts?

I looked on Ebay and didn't really see any deals.

Do you think I could get out of this for under $300?

Anymore info on GPS, handheld, whatever ????

Thanks all.

~^ beancounter ~^ wrote:
don't forget "portablilty" of your GPS unit...as I discovered
many other uses than "one spot" for a good GPS unit...I
use my garmin on the boat, plane, car, hiking, and some
GPG treasure hunts....Make sure you can "take it w/ya"
in a small bag or sack......a major feature Iimho...I like the
garmins, i have always had good luck w/them....and the cust
service folks...


good point with the portability. My friend has a pda that he uses the
tomtom navigator software on...he says its really convenient, but you
just need to be sure you have a screen protector if you put in in your
pocket (you dont need keys breaking the screen). he told me he went
with the navigator software because the teleatlas maps had a good
reputation.

Here is my setup:

I use a Garmin 276C mounted in the cockpit. I feed my notebook/laptop
in the cabin via a long USB cable and the 276C in "Garmin Data
Transfer Mode"

When you buy your Garmin Blue Charts you will have to to find a
version of "Mapsource" Version 6.5 or earlier. Mapsource is the
(Garmin) chart management-plotting software that you will use in
conjunction with your Garmin GPS and Garmin "Blue Charts". Those
earlier Mapsource versions will allow you to see your vessel in
real-time on your notebook with the data fed from your (Garmin) GPS.
Versions of Mapsource after 6.5 do NOT support this. Don't follow
Garmins advice and use "N-Route" instead - it sucks.

I also bring my very small printer (Canon IP90) with me as well. I
print my own "charts for the day" from Mapsource. You can print in any
scale and the size at 8 1/2 X 11 (landscape) is very easy to handle.
(if they get wet they are screwed though, plastic sheet protectors
help)

These Mapsource printed charts are NOT suitable for "navigating" as
they have no lat/long reference or compass rose. They are however
great as a reference in keeping track of your relative location. First
I plot a course with lots of waypoints. Even if my plotted course is a
straight line from A to B I will drop a waypoint in every .5 nautical
miles or so. I then print my "charts". Course to follow shows up on
the charts as a pruple line with (previously numbered) waypoints). I
can then follow my vessels progress relative to the waypoints along
the way.

I hope this is of some help.


.....................and before the flaming starts - yes I carry
printed Gov't charts for all waters I sail. I sail in Canadian waters.
The "free" US charts are of no use/value to me, therefore software
like "Capn" is of no interest or use to me.


regards



"Spamson"

(the name deflects the spammers - e'addy works as is))