GPS

[Whole in the Water]

Why not bite the bullet and get a good depth sounder/GPS combo unit like a Lowrance LCX 25c or 26c. It has good GPS mapping and powerfull fishfinding capabilities with the 50/200 dual frequency transducer

Sharp hooks and full traps!

 

[Pescadero]

quote:
Pescadero which Standard Horizon do you have? Been looking at the 155 and 175 plotters. You said you had 2, did you have problems with one.

Tournament Proven !

====================================

First one was an older CP150C. Cost about $700. listprice, but I got it as the newer models were coming out. Shopped Internet and found it for under $400.00. Second one was CP155C. Got it shopping the same way, for about the same price. Never had a problem, of any kind, with either one. Still using them, in fact. I was using them on two smaller boats that I was running. I am now running a 41 footer with networked Furuno gear. But, I took the CP155C off one of the other boats, before I sold it. And, the thing is now seeing duty at my aft steering station. Does a great job there and acts like a backup, in case I have Furuno Trouble.

Pescadero

 

[BOJANGLE]

2 questions guys ... these GPS's that are the " Automotive " Type.. do they work just as well on the water ? Probably a dumb question, but thought maybe they were programmed for streets, etc..and....
do units come with certain charts,maps etc, programmed in, or do you buy chips for the area you want ?

 

[scott craven]

the gps system is the same, but the automotive ones are
all plotter's. the chip designates the mapping area.
a hand held plotter/gps can be loaded with a marine or land
map chip and used on either land or water. yes you buy the chips
separately.
clear as mud ?


scotty

 

[Tsquared]

I am wrestling with getting a better gps with charting function happening on my boat this year.
Kisinana-I have the same gps as you, a global map 100. I hope to hook it up to an old laptop(as yet unbought) and run the nobeltec software.This route definately seems the way to go to get quality charting on the saltchuck. My problem is, the computer cable that came with the gps has a 9 pin female serial port, which doesn't match with my usb or female serial port on my home laptop. Did you find an adapter to hook to this cable? If so, what are the specs and brand name and where did you get it? I talked to a guy at compusmart here in Victoria who cautioned me that the adapters changing serial to usb sometimes don't work very well. The other option is to get a gps receiver with a built in usb cable. $80 will get you a waterproof one NMEAA capable! (unbelievable!) Get some nobeltec software from a buddy, buy a used cheapy laptop (and an inverter for your cigarette lighter)and you have an advanced colour 14 " plotter for under $500.That nobeltec software is incredible.
Therock--you advocate the same thing with the addition of an lcd screen. Question--why not just use the screen on the laptop?
Have to get all this in place before the derby!
<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
T2



Edited by - tsquared on 02/15/2006 22:04:17

Edited by - tsquared on 02/15/2006 22:05:36

 

[North Island]

We bought (what I consider) expensive GPS/depth finder combo when we bought our boat (around $1000). The GPS portion of it never worked, can never get a signal. I think it has to do with where the fellow (where we bought the boat) mounted the receiver. Anyway, we ended up buying a cheap $200 handheld Lowrance, spent another $100 buying the BC chip, and it works like a charm. We plot where we drop our traps, our favorite fishing spots, and docking spots. Then on those rare days when we aren't out on the boat, we can take it in the truck to do some of our second favorite past-time - backroading. The chip even includes most of the logging roads. Certainly not a bad idea to get a hand held to familiarize yourself with a GPS, then upgrade at a later date when you have learned what features you like and don't like. Then you still have your handheld for the truck. I do carry LOTS of batteries. We have a plug in for it, but the cord is short and it's awkward, good in an emergency though.

 

[Kisinana]

T Squared
Too bad your laptop does not have a male serial port on it. I have 2 latops and 2 desktops right up to a new dell 3.4 that I just bought and they all have a male port. If you are looking for a serial to usb cable I would look for a Belkin or IO gear or USB gear as these companies cables support almost all communications formats. The cheaper route would be to get a 25 pin to 9 pin adapter plug and then use your printer port to communicate.
I use a program called Cap'n, but I presently downloaded a demo of NavSim it is inexpensive and very user friendly. I will probably change to it



Edited by - kisinana on 02/19/2006 06:49:47

 

[saltspringer]

I have a garmin gps color in the boat and it works great no problems after 3 years but I also have a garmin " fish finder" lol that I mounted inside the hull and not through it as they claimed it worked just as well. I see fish occasionally on the screen but have never put a fish in the boat that was on the screen!!! Do they work just as well inside as through the hull types, don't really want to drill through the hull if I don't have to but would if it would work a whole lot better.Saltspringer

 

[Tsquared]

Thanks for the reply Kisinana. I'll look around for a used laptop with a male port, which would solve my problem.
T2

 

[Kisinana]

Toshiba and Dell usually have male plugs.

check out

http://www.ns-computers.com/usednotebk.htm

Edited by - kisinana on 02/19/2006 21:02:24

 

[ratherbefishin]

Overall, i like the lowrance maps much better than the garmin maps. Compare both before you make a decision. A lot of guides have told me that they like the lowrance relibility much better?? yOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND.