gps laptop

roffey

roffey

Junior Member
I have been looking at chart plotters for my boat, they seem to run from $500 to $1500. I have a couple of laptop computers at home. I think I can get the GPS hardware for around $50 and the software for about the same price
(http://www.canadagps.com/GlobalSat_MR-350.html). Has any one tried this setup and is it worth giving it a try? Any comments would be great..
 
phatdaddy said:
how would the laptop get a gps signal? might need a hand held feed location to the laptop
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you can get the signal via a USB connected device, I just wonder if it would have the power and what the waves might do to the laptop. I think I get all the hardware and software for $229 ( plus what extra they add on to it, LOL)
 
Laptop would have to have a built in or external. Get a tablet with a built in gps antenna and get a navionics program. Put the tablet in weather proof "condom" with a charger and your in there!! Been researching for a while. Just need to weather proof your equipment.. the big guys have been doing this for a while.....but they have nice enclosed bridges.
 
Microsoft has a awesome GPS antenna that plugs into your computer and is very accurate.

My questions is how long the laptop will take any pounding and what about a mount where you can put it with in reach and view while you are running?

Just step up and buy a good GPS Chartplotter and be done with it.

My .02
 
Street Atlas USA is a software program for laptops that has an optional (very cheap) USB connected GPS receiver. It's a program like Mapquest. It works like todays car GPS units to show you where you are and give you directions to wherever you wanted to go. The GPS receiver is WAAS functional. No reason it shouldn't work with just about any GPS program.
It's made by DeLorme, who makes high end handheld GPS receivers for geocatching. Just make sure you get the USB connector model. They also make a Serial connector unit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeLorme-LT-...0903658502?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item2ec6ca8c06
 
I had a laptop set up in the boat years ago with gps and mapping software... It worked but was a royal pain. I bought a used lowrance plotter sonar unit for $250 and never looked back... smaller screen, black and white, less features, and SOOOOO much simpler to use, waterproof, doesn't fall off of the dash, doesn't have to boot up, uses less power to run, and built in sonar.
 
I used this free plotter software - http://opencpn.org/ocpn/ on a laptop , with this GPS receiver http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BU-353-USB-Navigation-Receiver/dp/B000PKX2KA . I find laptop touchpads difficult to use on land, and almost impossible on a rolling boat, so grabbed a cheap trackball mouse for menu navigation. It worked great.

I ended up installing a DC->AC inverter and mounting a mini-ITX computer (with solid state drive) on the cuddy bulkhead, and connected it to a touchscreen. Works great, plus I have the added advantage of full internet access on my boat since there's open wireless networks everywhere.
 
Thanks you answered my question. I am a computer tech by trade. Laptops are portable but not so much when running, even with a solid state hard drive. So,, I think I will just purchas a used or new chart plotter or maybe just use maps for now..
 
Not sure of your needs, but if you have a sonar unit already, I would suggest that you go the radar/chartplotter route. I got a Raymarine unit for that very reason. Already had 2 nice sonar units, one with GPS built in, so I figured that the radar /chartplotter was the logical way to go. Just a suggestion.
 
Destroyer said:
Not sure of your needs, but if you have a sonar unit already, I would suggest that you go the radar/chartplotter route. I got a Raymarine unit for that very reason. Already had 2 nice sonar units, one with GPS built in, so I figured that the radar /chartplotter was the logical way to go. Just a suggestion.
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I have a "fish finder" so I belive that is sonar, so you think all I need is the GPS unit.
 
roffey said:
I have a "fish finder" so I belive that is sonar, so you think all I need is the GPS unit.
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Everything always depends on your needs and your wants. I presume you already have a compass, so yes, a GPS would be your next logical item. Whether you get a hand held, radar/chartplotter, sonar/chartplotter, or some other type is entirely up to you, your budget and your needs.
 
Destroyer said:
Everything always depends on your needs and your wants. I presume you already have a compass, so yes, a GPS would be your next logical item. Whether you get a hand held, radar/chartplotter, sonar/chartplotter, or some other type is entirely up to you, your budget and your needs.
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Not keen on hand held as driving the boat is what I am looking forward to. I do have some cash to put into this boat but am waiting to see if it's worth putting cash into it or just buy a different boat or new to me boat. I purchased the boat and trailer for $3500 or as I tell my wife I bought a trailer and got the boat for free.
Your advice and experience is what I am looking for.:beer: I will be asking for lots of advice over the summer if I restore this boat and that’s what I really want to do… make it mine..
 
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