Randy,

The first thing we will want is for you to update to our latest version in the downloads section of this website (which contains new GPS drivers).

When Hyperterminal sees data, we know that the port is seeing data. When the Garmin is set to None/NMEA mode, such as when running Hyperterminal, Maptech will be set to Manufacturer-- NMEA-Generic, Unit NMEA 0183 (most likely 2.1 for your unit). These setting can only be used for real-time tracking.

When the Garmin is in its GRMN/GRMN mode, Maptech will need to be set up as Manufacturer- Garmin and the Unit set to your unit (48).

Ensure all the settings, such as the baud rate, match between the Garmin and Maptech.
Try everything with the Garmin in its Simulator mode so you do not have to worry about sat. coverage.

Hope this helps,

- Mike

Hello, I was having some problems with the transfer. however I found the problem and maybe it will be usefull for others to know that:
When you name a waypoint in Digital Chartkit and put a spacebar in that name, the GPS48 will not recognise it, hence, instead of writting DNR KEY, put DNRKEY.

rgds

JI

I HAVE CHANGE MY TD NUMBER BUT WILL NOT KEEP IDID WHAT THE BOOK SAID...NUMBERS DO NOT SAY WHAT GPS SAYS...WHAT IS ANOTHER WAY TO DO IT

Try switching system interface on the 48 to NMEA 0183 - NMEA 0183 to run GPS interface. Upload and down load waypoints, etc. needs to be switched back to Garmin - Garmin.

The Garmin protocol is "too busy & too data rich" for most PC interface, The NMEA protocol , although with not as much data transfer info, will be smoother and more stable.

I am using a new Dell Inspiron 2650 with windows XP professional with Maptech Offshore Navigator 5.01 and a Garmin 48 with Software 4.55 shown on the start up screen and version 2.01 on the second screen on the GPS unit.

I am new to Maptech. After trying for many hours to get the GPS to talk to the laptop I looked at your forum and tried the hyperterminal test. Bingo - we are coming in loud and clear at 4800 on com 4 in the NONE/NMEA mode NMEA 0183 2.0 4800 baud.

However when I get into the Maptech software and selcet "vessle/GPS" then "Setup" then "GPS" I then check the port setting says 4800 Parity none, data bits 8 and stop bits 1. I then select "GPS ON" an then "test" and all I get is "failed to initi Garmin 48 GPS unit". Also incendently, when I select "position from GPS" under "vessle/GPS" the computer crashes?

Any words of wisdom? Thanks in advance.

Langley

Offshore 5.01 had a few issues with GPS connectivity in specific circumstances that were addressed in version 5.02. Download and install the free update to 5.02 from our website, www.maptech.com, and you should be able to connect to your Garmin GPS.

Sincerely,

-Ed Lecuyer

Manager, Quality Assurance and Technical Support

Also, be sure that if your Garmin is in NMEA mode that you choose NMEA-Generic as your GPS manunfacturer and NMEA 2.1 as the unit. Alternatively, set the GPS to GARMIN mode and choose the GPS 48 in Offshore Nav.

Sincerely,

-Ed Lecuyer

Manager, Quality Assurance and Technical Support

Thanks Ed for all your help. I downloaded the new software and we are up and running. Keep up the great work.

Cheers,

Langley

I was finally able to get my Garmin GPS 48 to communicate with Offshore Nav 5.02 using my Toshiba laptop by loading a Serial port to USB adapter driver and setting the GPS interface to Garmin/Garmin 4800 baud rate and then selecting baud rate of 9600 in the Offshore Nav Vessel/GPS in thsetup port settings menu.

I can not explain why having the GPS running at 4800 baud would work with Offshore Navigator at 9600 baud. However, if you are, in fact, connecting to the GPS with those settings sucessfully, you should be OK.

Sincerely,

-Ed Lecuyer

Manager, Quality Assurance and Technical Support