Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

A few months ago I bought a Garmin GPSmap76s instead of the old GPS76
because it was able to interface with my computer to load chart
software. I'd never done this before but thought it migh be useful
enough to make me change my Luddite ways. Well, it won't happen cuz I
am totally unimpressed.
First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.
Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.
Many people like waypoints on GPS but I do not because i find them to
be too cumbersome. After all, from the GPS (or compass bearings) I
know where I am and where i want to go so why use waypoints?
One thing I do like about GPS is the use of what I call "danger lines"
meaning, "If my longitude exceeds such and such there is a possibility
I am getting too close to that shoal". Of course, prior to GPS we did
that with our hand compass but GPS does make it easier but you do not
need waypoints or chartplotters for that.
I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On 10/28/09 10:20 AM, Frogwatch wrote:
A few months ago I bought a Garmin GPSmap76s instead of the old GPS76
because it was able to interface with my computer to load chart
software. I'd never done this before but thought it migh be useful
enough to make me change my Luddite ways. Well, it won't happen cuz I
am totally unimpressed.
First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.
Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.
Many people like waypoints on GPS but I do not because i find them to
be too cumbersome. After all, from the GPS (or compass bearings) I
know where I am and where i want to go so why use waypoints?
One thing I do like about GPS is the use of what I call "danger lines"
meaning, "If my longitude exceeds such and such there is a possibility
I am getting too close to that shoal". Of course, prior to GPS we did
that with our hand compass but GPS does make it easier but you do not
need waypoints or chartplotters for that.
I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.



So, what you are saying is that you were too lazy to spend a little time
investigating various GPS units before you bought one that was "right"
for you.

Is that about it?

I use bluechart software. It has water depths.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

Frogwatch wrote:
A few months ago I bought a Garmin GPSmap76s instead of the old GPS76
because it was able to interface with my computer to load chart
software. I'd never done this before but thought it migh be useful
enough to make me change my Luddite ways. Well, it won't happen cuz I
am totally unimpressed.
First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.
Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.
Many people like waypoints on GPS but I do not because i find them to
be too cumbersome. After all, from the GPS (or compass bearings) I
know where I am and where i want to go so why use waypoints?
One thing I do like about GPS is the use of what I call "danger lines"
meaning, "If my longitude exceeds such and such there is a possibility
I am getting too close to that shoal". Of course, prior to GPS we did
that with our hand compass but GPS does make it easier but you do not
need waypoints or chartplotters for that.
I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

I have used Garmin Mapsource with various Garmin GPS units for the past
10 years or so. By itself, Mapsource isn't a wonderful mapping program.
But you can use it to save waypoints, tracks and maps. Also you can
download custom sets of waypoints off the WEB. Updates of the program
have always been free. And you might even be able to find sets of marine
data to download to Mapsource and then to your GPS.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Oct 28, 12:17*pm, Jim wrote:
Frogwatch wrote:
A few months ago I bought a Garmin GPSmap76s instead of the old GPS76
because it was able to interface with my computer to load chart
software. *I'd never done this before but thought it migh be useful
enough to make me change my Luddite ways. *Well, it won't happen cuz I
am totally unimpressed.
First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. *If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. *Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. *It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.
Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: *basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. *Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.
Many people like waypoints on GPS but I do not because i find them to
be too cumbersome. *After all, from the GPS (or compass bearings) I
know where I am and where i want to go so why use waypoints?
One thing I do like about GPS is the use of what I call "danger lines"
meaning, "If my longitude exceeds such and such there is a possibility
I am getting too close to that shoal". *Of course, prior to GPS we did
that with our hand compass but GPS does make it easier but you do not
need waypoints or chartplotters for that.
I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

I have used Garmin Mapsource with various Garmin GPS units for the past
10 years or so. By itself, Mapsource isn't a wonderful mapping program.
But you can use it to save waypoints, tracks and maps. Also you can
download custom sets of waypoints off the WEB. Updates of the program
have always been free. And you might even be able to find sets of marine
data to download to Mapsource and then to your GPS.

It might make sense for a larger display but not for the tiny one on
the 76.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On 10/28/09 12:27 PM, Frogwatch wrote:
On Oct 28, 12:17 pm, wrote:
Frogwatch wrote:
A few months ago I bought a Garmin GPSmap76s instead of the old GPS76
because it was able to interface with my computer to load chart
software. I'd never done this before but thought it migh be useful
enough to make me change my Luddite ways. Well, it won't happen cuz I
am totally unimpressed.
First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.
Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.
Many people like waypoints on GPS but I do not because i find them to
be too cumbersome. After all, from the GPS (or compass bearings) I
know where I am and where i want to go so why use waypoints?
One thing I do like about GPS is the use of what I call "danger lines"
meaning, "If my longitude exceeds such and such there is a possibility
I am getting too close to that shoal". Of course, prior to GPS we did
that with our hand compass but GPS does make it easier but you do not
need waypoints or chartplotters for that.
I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

I have used Garmin Mapsource with various Garmin GPS units for the past
10 years or so. By itself, Mapsource isn't a wonderful mapping program.
But you can use it to save waypoints, tracks and maps. Also you can
download custom sets of waypoints off the WEB. Updates of the program
have always been free. And you might even be able to find sets of marine
data to download to Mapsource and then to your GPS.

It might make sense for a larger display but not for the tiny one on
the 76.


And you were not aware of the small display when you bought the unit,
right?

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:27 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

It has already happened for many people, about 10 years for us and
many others. I carry some paper charts, mostly in booklet form, but
rarely if ever use them. The small hand held Garmin's however are
mostly useful for small boats, dinghys and emergency backup however.
The level of detail available on a laptop computer (free NOAA charts),
or on a full sized GPS/plotter (10 inch screen or larger), is more
than adequate for serious navigation.

If you'd like to see the latest and greatest in handheld plotters,
take a look at the Garmin Colorado 400C. It comes pre-loaded with
all coastal charts for the US and Bahamas, has good detail, and nice
bright color display. A relative bargain at a bit over $400.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:05:17 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

If you want to get a feel for what can be done with electronic
navigation and no paper charts, download and install the latest
release of OpenCPN. It's free, easy to install and easy to use.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/

It comes with some sample charts but you can download free charts for
your area directly from NOAA or I can EMAIL a few of them to you. In
an hour or two you can download all of the charts for the entire east
coast.

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download_agreement.htm

If you want to use it on your boat for actual navigation you can get
an inexpensive USB "hockey puck" GPS for less than $60.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S2C7TG

I have one of the MR-350s for backup and it's a decent unit.

Assuming you already own a laptop you can be on the air with
state-of-the-art electronic nav for about the price of 3 or 4 paper
charts.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:05:17 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

I do not see GPS plotters replacing paper charts anytime soon.

If you want to get a feel for what can be done with electronic
navigation and no paper charts, download and install the latest
release of OpenCPN. It's free, easy to install and easy to use.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/

It comes with some sample charts but you can download free charts for
your area directly from NOAA or I can EMAIL a few of them to you. In
an hour or two you can download all of the charts for the entire east
coast.

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download_agreement.htm

If you want to use it on your boat for actual navigation you can get
an inexpensive USB "hockey puck" GPS for less than $60.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S2C7TG

I have one of the MR-350s for backup and it's a decent unit.

Assuming you already own a laptop you can be on the air with
state-of-the-art electronic nav for about the price of 3 or 4 paper
charts.




Wondering if one of the tablet PC's would be a better choice than some of
the new expensive GPS units. A lot cheaper than paying for the same NOAA
maps in propriatary format.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:59 -0700, "Bill McKee"
wrote:

Wondering if one of the tablet PC's would be a better choice than some of
the new expensive GPS units. A lot cheaper than paying for the same NOAA
maps in propriatary format.

It is now possible to buy a brand new laptop for well under $500, some
with a built in GPS. With free software and charts it really doesn't
get much better than that. I did several Newport-Bermuda sailboat
races a few years back with a laptop wrapped in Saran wrap. It
worked just fine.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:59 -0700, "Bill McKee"
wrote:

Wondering if one of the tablet PC's would be a better choice than some of
the new expensive GPS units. A lot cheaper than paying for the same NOAA
maps in propriatary format.

It is now possible to buy a brand new laptop for well under $500, some
with a built in GPS. With free software and charts it really doesn't
get much better than that. I did several Newport-Bermuda sailboat
races a few years back with a laptop wrapped in Saran wrap. It
worked just fine.


Wouldn't that cause an over-heating problem?

--
Nom=de=Plume

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:27 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

First, the Bluechart plots on my PC are crappy with really badly drawn
outlines of the land. If real charts were that bad we wouldn't buy
them. Then, buying charts for more regions are really expensive.
Next, the download onto my GPS is almost useless with tiny things I
need a magnifier to see and an awful interface to change the level of
detail. It does not display water depth and if it did the display
would be too crowded to read.

Well, I'm sure it does - you need to expand the zoom level. I'm not
all that familiar with the 76 series handheld, but I'm sure I've seen
it on the same software.

Quite frankly, I see no reason for the chartplotting feature of this
small GPS.

Yes and now. I have an RC-400 Raymarine and it's a full function
handheld chartplotter. The screen is big enough to see though and
that may be the difference.

Now, some consideration of how i use GPS: basically as a knotmeter
and rarely using the coordinates, I tend to know where I am without
using the GPS because I always have a chart beside me and my hand
compass around my neck and constantly take bearings. Out of sight of
land I do use GPS but still find DR to be more useful.

To each their own. I'm the exact opposite - I use the GPS as the main
tool and keep the charts and hand compass handy in case I don't have
the GPS. I will occasionally turn the GPS off and run into unfamiliar
waters just to keep myself sharp with chart and compass, but it's
foolish to keep using the chart and DR skills when you have the
electronic tool available.

Besides, you never really know where you are with DR - it's always an
approximation.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:59 -0700, "Bill McKee"
wrote:

Wondering if one of the tablet PC's would be a better choice than some of
the new expensive GPS units. A lot cheaper than paying for the same NOAA
maps in propriatary format.

It is now possible to buy a brand new laptop for well under $500, some
with a built in GPS. With free software and charts it really doesn't
get much better than that. I did several Newport-Bermuda sailboat
races a few years back with a laptop wrapped in Saran wrap. It
worked just fine.


I was thinking the tablets would not take up the space of a folding laptop.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:26:31 -0700, "Bill McKee"
wrote:

It is now possible to buy a brand new laptop for well under $500, some
with a built in GPS. With free software and charts it really doesn't
get much better than that. I did several Newport-Bermuda sailboat
races a few years back with a laptop wrapped in Saran wrap. It
worked just fine.


I was thinking the tablets would not take up the space of a folding laptop.

In practice it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. I've used my
laptops on boats as small as 24 ft with no problem, keeping the cover
folded down when not actually using it.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:53:44 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

In practice it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. I've used my
laptops on boats as small as 24 ft with no problem, keeping the cover
folded down when not actually using it.

I spilled coffee into the keyboard of a brand new Sony. I held it
upside down until it quit dripping, wiped it off with a damp rag, and
that was that.

What is unbearable is the OV, operating virus. Vista is malware. They
should ship these things with a blank drive, and you have the store
install the virus of your choice. When I used 3.11 I had the reformat
and reinstall everything down to 45 minutes.

Casady

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

"Richard Casady" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:53:44 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

In practice it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. I've used my
laptops on boats as small as 24 ft with no problem, keeping the cover
folded down when not actually using it.

I spilled coffee into the keyboard of a brand new Sony. I held it
upside down until it quit dripping, wiped it off with a damp rag, and
that was that.

What is unbearable is the OV, operating virus. Vista is malware. They
should ship these things with a blank drive, and you have the store
install the virus of your choice. When I used 3.11 I had the reformat
and reinstall everything down to 45 minutes.

Casady


Windows 7 is much, much better so far. I've got it installed on one comp.
but only looked at it for a short while.

--
Nom=de=Plume

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:24:41 GMT, (Richard
Casady) wrote:

What is unbearable is the OV, operating virus. Vista is malware. They
should ship these things with a blank drive, and you have the store
install the virus of your choice. When I used 3.11 I had the reformat
and reinstall everything down to 45 minutes.

Vista works fine on a quad-core desktop with at least 2 GB of main
memory. Anything less than that should be running XP in my opinion.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

On 10/30/09 3:39 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:24:41 GMT, (Richard
Casady) wrote:

What is unbearable is the OV, operating virus. Vista is malware. They
should ship these things with a blank drive, and you have the store
install the virus of your choice. When I used 3.11 I had the reformat
and reinstall everything down to 45 minutes.

Vista works fine on a quad-core desktop with at least 2 GB of main
memory. Anything less than that should be running XP in my opinion.




Your opinion as what? A knowledgeable computer expert? Please.

There's no question VISTA likes 2 gigs of RAM, but you sure as hell do
not need a quad core CPU to run it.

RAM is dirt cheap.

Not impressed: Garmin GPSmap76
 

"Richard Casady" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:53:44 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

In practice it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. I've used my
laptops on boats as small as 24 ft with no problem, keeping the cover
folded down when not actually using it.

I spilled coffee into the keyboard of a brand new Sony. I held it
upside down until it quit dripping, wiped it off with a damp rag, and
that was that.

What is unbearable is the OV, operating virus. Vista is malware. They
should ship these things with a blank drive, and you have the store
install the virus of your choice. When I used 3.11 I had the reformat
and reinstall everything down to 45 minutes.

Casady


Problem with drinks spilling is the additives. Plain Coffee is OK. Soda
and coffee with sugar will weld things in to a fixed position.0