Anyone have any experience with this new unit? I looking for reviews.
What are thoughts about this issue with the Garmin 640? I'm refitting a new to us boat, and looking at starting over with the instruments, but budget is also an issue so cannot replace everything. But I would prefer not to spend this much on a GPS receiver that is only 0183 if the future is 2000 should I get a new VHF radio, for example.Is NMEA 0183 enough these days, now that NMEA 2000 is out?
Looks like the 640 has preloaded Canada and US coverage in BlueChart g2:" "comes ready to go with preloaded BlueChart® g2 data and City Navigator NT road maps for North America ... optional BlueChart g2 Vision cards" https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=14898.The 640 has build in charts for the US and can only use "BlueChart g2 VISION" cards and NOT BlueChart or BlueChart G2 charts as previously stated also.
Most of these questions would be answered in the product's manual, which is easily available to anyone on Garmin's website. I would suggest you download the manual you provided a link to previously and read it before asking basic questions it can answer.1. I understand IPX7, but I wonder about all the electrical plug-in connections on the 640's bracket (power, 0183), and the ability of the bracket to withstand weather. I can't physically see a 640.
2. Another issue: planning on a PC. If the BlueChart G2 charts come preloaded on the 640, how does one view the charts on a PC, to use the PC to plan ahead and upload waypoints to the 640? Or does Garmin allow a user to copy BlueChart G2 charts from the 640 onto a card or via USB into the PC, so a user can plan on the PC using MapSource? Or, does a user have to purchase a BlueChart G2 CD and get unlock codes for use on the PC?
Yes, I do not use basemaps for my planning.Yes, but for planning purposes, do you need the actual e-charts.
You may be right about having to buy a second set of charts for the laptop, but I find it hard to believe that Garmin does not have a better solution. In the past, we loaded our charts from DVD to laptop, and then laptop to chartplotter, and their owner verification system allowed the registered user to have the charts in both places: laptop for planning (since nRoute is not the slickest software for moving map under way and other moving map programs cannot use BlueCharts) and the registered Garmin chartplotter for navigating under way. Now... ?If you do, then you may need to buy a BlueChart DVD...
All good questions that I am still trying to figure out. Re your #2: I just learned about what seems to be new Garmin software called HomePort: "Use your existing BlueChart® preprogrammed card, or transfer the preloaded maps² directly from your chartplotter to an SD™ card. Then simply plug the card into your computer's card reader to start planning your voyage." https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=64242 But, the devil is always in the details, and I can't sort out in my mind exactly how this works if one buys a preloaded receiver like the 640.ok- I need some clarifications:
1) On the 640, are all the US Charts unlocked or is it by sub-region?
2) Can you load the charts onto a laptop and plan out routes and then download the routes back into the unit?
3) How does one update the charts? By sub-region or do you update the entire chart base?