GPS Help/INFO?

LandLocked66c · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

I picked up an old Garmin GPSIII on c-list for $35 bucks.

What kind of stuff is still out there for this old thing? Is there any free software/charts out there for these? Not that it would be useful on this. I guess ultimately i'll be using this with a laptop and opencpn and others. Just seeing what else I can do with this...

Thanks in advance guys!

ughmo2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

Nice score!

Have you tried going to the Garmin website and looking up any updates for that particular model.

LandLocked66c · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ughmo2000

Nice score!

Have you tried going to the Garmin website and looking up any updates for that particular model.

Yah, I downloaded the user manual. It's running the latest firmware. I've got a usb adapter for it along with a cigarette lighter charger. It should be perfect for the boat and a good backup when I spring for a nicer one.

CalebD · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010

Welcome | GPSgeek - Quality Active External GPS Antennas for Garmin, Magellan, Navman, and Trimble GPS Recievers
See if they have your model and what accessories they have for it.

Gladrags1 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010

Garmin has discontinued their Blue Charts so you will not be able to update your charts on a unit that does not handle their G2 charts. I believe that the latest vesion of Blue Charts are 2008. Maybe some are available on e-bay? However, your idea of connecting your gps to a laptop running a charting program is a good one and it will be well suited for that.

Tod

LandLocked66c · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalebD

Welcome | GPSgeek - Quality Active External GPS Antennas for Garmin, Magellan, Navman, and Trimble GPS Recievers
See if they have your model and what accessories they have for it.

Great site, thanks!

capttb · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010

$35? Guess I can quit worrying about someone stealing it and selling it on CL

Haven't updated the software in a decade, the mapping capabilities are limited and I don't use them. If the batteries go dead you lose all your waypoints and it has to "find itself" again and maybe even have to re-do the settings to nautical units and time zone. It eats AA batteries like PEZ so I power it from the boat's 12 volt system. Stuff like power/data plugs and mounts are still readily available.