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    Marine Navigation

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by boomtown, Jul 10, 2012.

  1. boomtown

    boomtown Notebook Consultant

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    Hello. Need advice on navigational/GPS/chartploter software. At the moment I'm using an old Nobeltec with raster (BSB) charts and Holux SIRF III GPS.
    At the moment I'm upgrading to SIRF IV and looking for a different Software.
    Here is what I'm looking for:
    1. Inexpensive.
    2. Simple to use.
    3. Smooth and automatic quilting of BSB Charts.
    4. North up, Course up, Chart up display.
    5. Ability to move the "boat" marker (not only center on the boat).
    Any sugestions as what to get ? Thank you in advance, regards, Voytek.
     
  2. capt.dogfish

    capt.dogfish The Curmudgeon

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    Voytek, I'm still using "Offshore Navigator". I am far too old to switch to vector charts, can't stand the video game look. And the BSB charts are free and UPDATED regularly which keeps us commercial operators legal.
    CAP
     
  3. boomtown

    boomtown Notebook Consultant

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    Hello CAP. Thank you for the input. In Canada we don't have luxury of free charts like in the USA. We have to buy them (west coast charts are about $400.00). Free updates and licence is only for one year. "Offshore Navigator" in my book is a "modern" software. I'm still using on the daily basis Nobeltec "Visual Navigation Suite" from 1998. It's good but I will like to have few more options. At the moment I only have North up orientation and boat in the centre. Need chart up, course up and look ahead option. Tried to use Open CPN, but it's crashing on me. Need something reliable and simple. I'm also an old sailor and vector charts are not an option for me. Thanks, regards, Voytek.
     
  4. canuckcam

    canuckcam Notebook Evangelist

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    Fugawi Navigator? Pricey though.

    I've been looking for a good moving map too, but for aviation. Except Navcanada doesn't release their maps in digital format. ugh.
     
  5. sidenham

    sidenham Newbie

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    Look at this web sit. Free charts and pilotage There seaclear system, can be downloaded free, or you can become a full member for I think £25 or so, then you can down- load all or any chart for the region of the world your in (free). Check it out , I know it main aim is UK/Europe but your regions charts are in the system as well. Think this is what you might need. Have a GOOD read through everthing on the site, it's all there!!!, Cheap, easy to use lap top GPS, "made for". Good Luck. Sid.
     
  6. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    MaxSea? :)
    inexpensive on torrents :))