Suggestions: Handheld GPS/Plotter

[sailingdog]

Actually, some programs can use the USB connection to get GPS data, since they are written to deal with the various proprietary protocols. With MacENC, you'd probably need the USB-serial adapter. That's what I use on my MacBook Pro.

[JimsCAL]

Originally Posted by bobmcd

Hi JimsCAL: Do you use the iFinder as a stand alone unit? I am searching for a handheld, but want to be able to connect it to my macBook using MacENC as well. I understand that Lowrance uses the NMEA 0183 protocol (Garmin doesn't) which is perfect. What cable do you use to load maps? Will an ordinary USB cable work? Can you charge batteries from a PC/Mac as well?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Regards
Bob

I use the iFinder as a standalone unit. I have never loaded maps with a cable, but a data cable is available as an option. The iFinder has a SD memory card slot, so that's the easy way to get maps in - just put in a Lowrance or Navionics card with the charts you need. The unit came with a cigarette lighter power cable and that's what I use to power it. The batteries are two standard AAs, so you can either use alkalines or rechargable NiMHs. No charger is built into the unit however.

[sailingdog]

IMHO, if you have to use AA batteries in a handheld... get either NiMH batteries for the rechargeables or use the slightly more expensive Lithium AA batteries. For emergency use, keep a couple of sets of Lithium AA batteries
in a vacuum-sealed pack or ziplock bag. The Lithium AA batteries have about four times the normal life of alkalines and a ten-year shelf life.

[bobmcd]

Anyone have experience with Magellan handheld GPS units? I have been looking at the new(ish) Triton line and the 1500 looks pretty good. Nice screen that is activated by touch. Not so sure about their after-sales service though as I have seen several negative comments on Amazon. Also curious about their marine charts. Any thoughts?

[craigtoo]

Originally Posted by eherlihy

Is that a pack of Starburst in your pocket? Or, are you going sailing??

BBahahahaa!

Well... I went sailing today... with the 76C (Still waiting on my Genoa but sailing under a main is better than not sailing at all...)

The 76 did well. Felt very similar to my 478C. I will need to mount it on some starbursts....heh

There was only one option that I really liked on my 478 that I couldn't figure out on the 76. That's the "Pointer Line" as I call it. It projects your course out infront of you as a black line. It's just a feature I enjoyed on the 478 (which I don't have with me right now) that I couldn't get the 76 to do... I tried to read the manual.. but as usual I got distracted about 30 times and never made it to page 2.

Overall? Thumbs up on the 76.

craig

[craigtoo]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

IMHO, if you have to use AA batteries in a handheld... get either NiMH batteries for the rechargeables or use the slightly more expensive Lithium AA batteries. For emergency use, keep a couple of sets of Lithium AA batteries
in a vacuum-sealed pack or ziplock bag. The Lithium AA batteries have about four times the normal life of alkalines and a ten-year shelf life.

Another data point for the 76. You decide if it's a plus or a minus.

The AA batteries (Regular Duracells) lasted about 18 hours (usage hours)before I saw the battery indicator at about 20%. (Probably only a few hours left....)

We were pretty cheap with the backlight.

Craig

[Doodles]

Anyone have any experience/comments regarding the new Garmin "Oregon" handheld? Seems like it has some advantages over the 76c and the "Colorado", and the price seems right considering the charts it comes with.

Amazon.com: Garmin Oregon 400c 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS Unit with BlueChart g2 Coastal Charts: Electronics

[sailingdog]

I'm not a big fan of touch screen devices for navigation equipment.

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by JimsCAL

I have a Lowrance iFinder H2O that cost about $140. A NauticPath card with charts for all the US coasts, Alaska, Hawaii, Great Lakes, and portions of the Caribbean is another $60 or so. A unit with a color screen is another $100 or so. I think that may be the lowest cost handheld with a complete set of charts.

I have a hard mounted Lowrance GPS with the Nauticpath card and find the charting adequate for my needs. When I bought the unit, I thought I would go with the Navionics charts, but the Nauticpath chip was free with the unit so I tried it before ordering the Navionics chart. Though the extra's of the Navionics are enticing, I can't rationalize the extra expense after using the Nauticpath which does cover the whole US coast and Caribbean.

I do have to say I can't recommend Lowrance due to their flaky marketing. I just checked their website and they have discontinued the unit I have, along with the rest of the series which is not unexpected. What I do find bothersome is they have no replacement product. It seems they have just left that market. What kind of idiotic company does that?

Several years ago Lowrance did the same thing in the aviation market. They came out with a very competitive line of handheld aviation GPS's, sold a bunch (one to me) then completely withdrew from the aviation market abandoning their customers who soon could no longer get chart updates rendering the $500+ unit near worthless on the used market. That experience soured me on Lowrance for years until this recent purchase which will be my last Lowrance product. I have my issues/complaints with Garmin, but they are back on top of my list after seeing that Lowrance is still in the habit of discontinuing products with no new product to take its place. At least we have charts available for the marine unit from a 3rd party.

[drgamble]

I have an Oregon and have been very pleased with it - purchased the 400c, preloaded with all US coastal charts and then purchased the additional "chip" for US inland lakes. Garmin just released updated softward last week that adds a specific button for MOB along with some other features... Additional feature for the marine units is an anchor alarm.

The touchscreen is very intuitive and easy to use and the display is great to use day or night. I used the "bicycle" mount for my edson pedestal guard and it attaches easily in a fixed position. Definitely recommend the lithium batteries. Best price I found was via Amazon - currently at $360 (a rebate is currently in effect).