Older GPS issue

[SailingWebGuy]

Ok, I have an older Magellan GPS that could be pretty sweet if loaded up with charts. The only problem is that I'm having a really difficult time getting charts for it...which very well may be because I've never bought charts for one before..

Is there any way to load NOAA charts into an older Magellan?

[LinekinBayCD]

Have you checked Magellian's Web site? I'd start there.

[sailingdog]

It would help if you said which make/model of Magellan GPS you had. Many were not capable of loading charts.

[SailingWebGuy]

It's a Magellan FX324 Map Color. As far as I can tell it will take BlueNav XL charts.

[sailingdog]

The charts would likely not be the NOAA charts, but proprietary ones. Do you have the MapSend BlueNav software loaded on your computer? If not, you will probably need to do so to download charts for the FX324.

However, the software is probably also discontinued, not surprising, given the product is going on NINE YEARS OLD now. If the unit has an SD slot, then you might be able to purchase the charts via SD card, since someone may have them still sitting in stock. Be aware that the charts would be fairly old and not reflect changes in the depth or ATON data that more current charts would have.

[SailingWebGuy]

Thanks for the info Sailingdog!

I called Magellan. The had a hell of a time even finding any info on this unit. It appears that, like you said, the only way to get new charts is to buy the cards themselves...and even then they are outdated charts

[NateKing]

Have you seen the new Allstate Mayhem commercial. I may be a little biased because I work for Allstate, but it is pretty funny.

[brak]

the charts are definitely not S57 charts (such as those by NOAA) - none of the proprietary GPS charts are.

BlueNav has been long discontinued and Magellan, at least marine division, was sold and resold a few times and now is pretty much defunct for all intents and purposes (it was bought by a few companies I shall not name with intention of taking cash out and destroying the company). So - you are not likely to get any new charts and finding old ones is quite difficult (though they do appear on eBay from time to time)

Too bad, Magellan GPS devices were (imho) superior to anything that came out of Garmin at the time and even later.

[PaulinVictoria]

Have you got any used marine shops/consignment type stores near you? I know the Boaters Exchange in Sidney, BC, has a little plastic tub with all sorts of old chart cartridges in it, you might strike it lucky.