On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 13:05:16 -0800, "Steve" wrote:

I'm considering a Furuno GP-32 fixed mount GPS for my nav station.. I don't
need a plotter since i use the laptop.. Handhelds have fallen short of my
needs at the nav station because of the deck hardware above.

I figure if I'm going to install an antenna, I might as well go with fixed
mount and retain my handhelds for a back up system..

I have compared features on a number of models (fixed mount, just GPS, no
potter) and come up with the Furuno GP32.

It has external antenna, NMEA and RS232 ports and the ability to upload and
download routes and way points.. (comprehensive configuration menu/options)

Another feature I have found with the Furuno line of equipment, is the
prices of options, spare or replacement items. ($75 for antenna, $5 for pair
of knobs, extra mount, cable assemblies, etc. are all very reasonable and
available.)

I'm looking for any experience or feed back on this model..

Thanks,

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

FWIW, I had the same situation and came to the same conclusion. Got a
GP-32 from Defender and had a little bit of trouble installing it. The
computer interface was tricky because the connector and cable they
provide are not well designed. You need to combine 4 NEMA signal wires
and 2 DC power wires into one cable and it's a solder job to do it
right. The cable they provided was not long enough to get to the
computer so I had to buy and disassemble a serial cable. Not really
that hard but it could have been designed better. Separate plugs for
power and signal would be handier.

Question for people: I had an old Furuno antenna on the stern of the
boat on a pole. I plugged the new Furuno into it and it operates but
doesn't pick up WAAS. I'm dreading pulling the new cable through the
boat. I could use the old cable with the new antenna but I would have
to cut it and put in a connector. The instructions say not to do that,
but how serious a problem does it create? Probably loses a few dB?