Hi, Any I.T. guys out there that can point me in

[juanita]

Hi,

Any I.T. guys out there that can point me in the right direction.

I would like to use my garmin gps on my computer to download my trip after a days fishing and to just get a lot more used to it at home instead of having to connect it up to the boat each time.

I understand i need some kind of adapter that the gps plugs into and is powered by a transfomer (220v to 12v ) and software to download onto my pc.

Who are the best guys to contact. Original garmin accessories are very pricey surely there must be some kind of pirate part at a better price.

Thanks

 

[Hammertime]

Shyte Juanita I heard about this and never gave it much thought.
But if I could download my info instead of getting home, taking out the naval chart and making good old transparency overlays like I do, what a pleasure.

pleeeaase, if anyone knows help.

 

[carcharias]

I dont know that model of garmin but, as far as power is concerned , you can power it up with any 12v battery.
You should have recieved a cd with your unit that gives you the software to use the garmap website. On the garmap website you can download various maps as well as preplan your marks.
when entering garmap you will need the serial no on your unit to register.
Hope this helps.
Does your unit use a usb cable for downloading?

 

[trevz]

howzit
i have the garmin 178c, with a cable and software.it makes life a lot easier. i bought the cable from a supplier here in durban(+/- R500)and the software is called mapsource (+\- r1000).i do have it if you need it. If you need the cable go to www.killerdeals.co.za speak to the owner Clint he can most probably have it sent to you or fing you a supplier there.
contact me for further info

 

[Hammertime]

Thanks.

 

[juanita]

Thanks Trevz

 

[Patrick]

Mike (juanita), check this hack on making your own data cable for an Etrex.
http://www.jens-seiler.de/etrex/datacable.html

I know your model is a 178, so perhaps there is a hack for that model too. I'll do a search and see if i can find 1. Then you can take it to Hamrads or other specialist cable makers and have them make one up.

 

[Patrick]

Actually, looking a bit further at this, all you have to do is work out which is the input/output/ground points on the gps and any cable can be wired up to act as a data cable.Hamrads or one of those shops will be able to wire it nicely.
Its madness the money they are charging for a really simple cable.

 

[Patrick]

Here's an instructable on making your own maps and using free IMG2GPS to upload your maps instead of Mapsource.
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html

I'm starting on a map of the false bay coastline now.Will let you know how it goes.

 

[AndreE]

Good day all
I also have a garmap 178c with a data card & card reader. I cant get the card to interact with my pc. anyone experiencing the same issues ? the gps does read the card

thanks

 

[Foxhat]

I have the new garmin 7 inch touch screen purchased locally; and purchased "garmin homeport & a SD card for South Africa from the USA online.

To transfer waypoints captured on the unit to the computer you use a blank SD card and vise versa. The unit will place a program on the card to facilitate the transfer of routes/waypoints.

Trying to get Garmin support online for me has been really unsuccessful as ultimately where I want to be is building more accurate contours of existing structure & seabed for transfer to homeport.

All the big manufacturers Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine seem to have bragging rights for their new units to record, save & update but to actually put it to practice seems to be beyond my IT skills.

Navionics & some other companies also brag about their ability but the cards and annual subscriptions are expensive and you start moving away from the original OEM. I'm also doubtful that their support of SA waters is dedicated.

Even getting a data cable and plugging your unit into the laptop for update does'nt provide you with any additional detailed fishing chartwork. I actually havent even successfully got any update maintenance support.

Maybe some guru's can comment further.

 

[Dr halibut hoffman]

To get the chart updates you must buy the charts or upgraded maps which are separate to the GPS units. The maps, or previous versions, are available on gps forums though and on torrents. You figure out how to unlock them, the forums again like gps underground I think are very helpful. You use software like mapsource or basecamp to send the data across to a card or via miniusb cable to your unit. I have always just used my camera's cable to transfer maps and waypoints and trip data back and forth with no issue, does your unit have a miniusb jack under a waterproof rubber knob somewhere?

 

[trier]

Foxhat wrote:

Trying to get Garmin support online for me has been really unsuccessful as ultimately where I want to be is building more accurate contours of existing structure & seabed for transfer to homeport.

Its just about here and free and should do exactly what you want
Garmin Quickdraw Contours (if your unit supports it)
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-water/fishfindergpscombos/garmin-quickdraw-contours/prod543340.html

 

[Foxhat]

Juanita if you do have the latest Garmin software on your unit you can download apps to your I pad and bluetooth from the unit on site to record routes & waypoints. The bigger I pad also displays the gps and provides an alternative platform for navigation or dropping anchor. The I pad can also give accurate info for how long a vessel has been anchored in outer anchorage for dorado & tuna fishing. Helps with weather forecasting as well.

I think the only limitations exist in our ability of limited IT parameters.

 

[trier]

Just got my email for Gamin Quick Contours, downloaded it and will install.will give some feedback if i get to water this weekend

 

[Foxhat]

Yeah, just got mine too but I'm out of SA. I'll sort it when I get home.

Can't wait to fish contours instead of waypoints.

 

[trier]

Any idea where we get the additional documentation for Quickdraw Contours as a few new menus have appeared with variable that one can adjust . Garmin has nothing on their website so its sort of try for yourself

 

[Foxhat]

I could'nt update the 720S to load Quickdraw, it only loads onto 721 onwards, so I bought a new one only to find that the quickdraw still had to be loaded from site. The agent put the whole package in for me and we now tracing & recording. I bought the 7407xsv which comes with DV/SV and a lot of other tricks. It's a whole new world of fun but the price tag is high. The beauty is the vivid display in deep rough sea, weve tested it up to 170 metres and the DV/SV was spot on. We zoomed right in to the seabed and it held firm with limited adjustment. Nice and easy, and user friendly. The favourite's page is like posting shortcuts on your desktop.

Once again the quickdraw contours is amazing, really gives perspective to structure.