Jack Erbes wrote:
Gualtier Malde (Chuck) wrote:


You have to carefully consider which version of the GPS 18 you buy and
how you want to use it. Here is an extract from a Garmin web page:

"The PC and LVC versions both default to output data in the industry
standard NMEA 0183 data format, but may also be user programmed to
output data in the GARMIN proprietary format. The USB version produces
data only in the GARMIN proprietary format."

I looked all over for that kind of thing and didn't find it. I do wish
I were better at finding things in web sites.

If you are not using a Garmin automotive navigation software (nRoute,
MapSource City Navigator, etc.) the 18 USB will not work for you. If
you are looking for a NMEA output the GPS 18 USB will not work for you.
And, as far as I know, the GPS 18 USB is not compatible with any of
Garmin's marine charting packages.

OK. I am beginning to understand that my question was based entirely on
my own misunderstanding (and badly stated as well). Now I believe that
the entire GPS device is in the thing I thought was an antenna, and what
is on the laptop is the software.

So I have navigation software using NMEA and I have a DB9 connector. I
buy the GARMIN 18PC, plug in and power up and tell me software where
it's connected, and I'm off and running again.

I didn't realize that the Garmin unit, itself, is simply a GPS machine
without its own display.

Unless I am still incorrect in that assumption, I'll depart now with my
sincere thanks for all of your replies.

Chuck

Well, perhaps except for this from Jack Erbes:

For the most part, I would not buy hardware from Garmin because it would
mean I could use only Garmin's mapping/charting packages. Further, any
interoperability (automobile, marine, topo, etc.) would be limited to
what they wanted to market or allow and require additional purchases of
more Garmin mapping packages.

I don't have anything against Garmin, their marketing is simply not
aimed at me.

But if the unit I buy has NMEA output and I have software to handle that
(Nobeltec), then I don't have to worry about Garmin's software, do I? I
hope not, because that would be a deal-breaker.

Chuck