Using a Streetpilot with SeaClear II

SVlagniappe · #1 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009

I found a neat little program that I wanted to share. For sometime, I've been bemoaning the fact that I can't use any of the Automotive GPSs that I own while on the boat. They're great GPS's but don't support NMEA out, so up till now they've been pretty useless other than being able to get my lat/long if the Raymarine at the helm should fail. They're worth having for that, but seemed like they could do much more..

I found a program that will read the Garmin specific data coming down the USB cable and convert it to NMEA. I downloaded the free trial and it's working like a charm. So now I have SeaClearII on the PC at the nav station with my streetpilot 2730 connected as a back up and for planning.

GPS splitter, simulator and logger. Serial port splitter. - Franson GpsGate

No connection with either company. Just thought I'd share... SeaClearII is pretty nice too with the charts downloaded from NOAA.

nightowle · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2009

Thanks for posting this. I've been wanting to do the same with my car Garmin.

121Guy · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2009

Thanks Lagniappe for posting this as well.

Which version of the software are you using? Does the wiring still allow the Street Pilot to be powered? I am contemplating doing the same as a back up and wondered if this set up will work with the Garmin NUVI as well. If not, which Street Pilot are you using? Currently we have the laptop with a different charting program called, Chartview Odyssey, which is older and I want to upgrade to one that can use all the new free electronic charts...connected to a Standard Horizon small screen plotter via a Serial cable with a usb adapter on the end. I'd like to get a new chart program for the laptop as well as the right interfaces to do what you did.

TIA,

121Guy