Hello Bob,

Maptech software requires that the GPS unit be able to output NMEA 0183 navigational sentences. Unfortunately, we cannot give out specific unit recommendations. There are too many different units and manufacturers, and to make a specific recommendation may not fit the various needs of our many users.

A unit that outputs NMEA 0183 1.5 or later navigational strings will be able to give real time tracking on-screen. For uploading and downloading data, such as routes and waypoints, we have a variety of units, mostly Garmin and Magellan as of now (to find the specific units, please contact our sales staff at 1-888-839-5551 or at marinesales@maptech.com), worked into the program. As time goes on, we will have more and more GPS units worked into the program for upload/downloading of data, and as units gets worked in, we will post downloadable software patches online for these units.

Thanks,

Mike Field/Maptech Tech Support

1-978-933-3072

Are there current plans to add software for upload/download capability for the Garmin 175?

Maptech works closely with GPS manufacturers, such as Garmin to ensure complete compatibility with the most popular units in their product line. When a particular unit is not listed as 'compatible', it usually means that the manufacturer (for whatever reason), has declined our request for the technical specifications (including a unit for testing) so that we can adequately develop a driver and support that unit.

That having been said, we've found that usually within a particular manufacturer's product line, most of the units share identical protocols for the transfer of routes, waypoints and the like. Thus, most Garmins share the same specification.

Try using the Garmin 12 setting in your Navigation software with your Garmin 175. Chances are, it will work properly. Another Garmin unit that the 175 may be similar to is the Garmin III (try that setting if the 12 does not work.)

Finally, note that we do track all requests made for particular GPS units. When there is sufficient demand, we revisit these units with the manufacturer so that we can add them to our list of those units officially compatible with Maptech Navigation software.

-Ed Lecuyer

Manager, Quality Assurance and Technical Support

Is there any software to run the Magellan NAV 5000DX with the Offshore Navigator program?

In Offshore Navigator (as well as Cruising Navigator and Terrain Navigator), there are two things you can do with a GPS connection:

1. Plot the location of your vessel (in real-time) on your charts.

2. Transfer waypoints to/and from your GPS unit and Computer.

The first feature (real-time tracking) does not require any special software, driver or GPS unit. Instead, any GPS unit that supports the NMEA protocol for position information can be used. Almost every GPS unit manufactured today supports the NMEA specification.

The second feature (transfering of waypoints/routes/tracks) is unit-specific. This is beacuse each manufacturer (and often, different products made by the same manufacturer) has its own proprietatry protocol for the exchange of this data. Thus, extensive development and testing is required to ensure complete compatibility.

When a perticular GPS unit is listed as compatible, we have written and verified a driver for that unit to communicate properly with our software. We also maintan each of these units, in house, for further testing and to provide support to our customers. Basically, it acts as a 'seal of approval' that these units will work properly with our software.

That having been said, almost every Magellan unit shares a similar design. Thus, if you choose the 'ColorTrack' setting in Offshore Navigator, you may be able to transfer waypoints, etc. to and from the unit. Don't forget though, real-time tracking is supported, regardless of the unit you may have.

-Ed Lecuyer

Manager, Quality Assurance and Technical Support

I have recently purchased a Lowrance, Global Map 100. I have found that it is not compatable with Maptech. Is there an up datted download for this project? Please advise. Thank you for your time and for your consideration of this issue.

Hello Patrick,

At this time, the Lowrance Global Map 100 is not worked
into the program for upload/download capabilities.

I have added you into our database where we keep track of
requested units. One of the underlying issues is that
in order to transfer to and from a GPS, Maptech has
to speak in that units proprietary language, and the GPS
manufacturers do not have a common language that all
their units speak.
Once this unit is worked in, it will
be available on our website as a downloadable
update.

Thanks,

Mike

Hello Patrick,

Just remembered this feedback we got from another user:

I am using the Lowrance Globalmap100 with the Terrain

Navigator. You will have to use the setup for the
Globalnav12 unit to accomplish this.

So it looks like if you set it up this way, it will work.

Thanks,

Mike

I too have one of these units and have set offshore navigator to lowrance globalnav12. The real time plotting works fine but the upload/download of routes/waypoints does not. Any suggetions? If not how long before Maptech offer a driver. Soon I hope!