Free or low cost GPS navigation software?

[tomperanteau]

Originally Posted by thomasward00:772036

I'm looking for the best freeware or low cost marine GPS navigation software, hopefully something that will show a depth chart, I will be purchasing a USB GPS Receiver.

Thanks in advance

OpenCPN and a USB GPS for around $30 is the way to go. Great for planning and real time.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by tomperanteau

OpenCPN and a USB GPS for around $30 is the way to go. Great for planning and real time.

+1

It still does not replace real charts and navigation skills.

[PaulinVictoria]

Garmin 72H linked to OpenCPN, that gives you a chartplotter, and a reliable GPS should the laptop fail for some reason so at least you still know where you are. Not free by any means, but not that expensive in the grand scale of things.

[RobGallagher]

Originally Posted by PaulinVictoria

Garmin 72H linked to OpenCPN, that gives you a chartplotter, and a reliable GPS should the laptop fail for some reason so at least you still know where you are. Not free by any means, but not that expensive in the grand scale of things.

I like the idea of using a "real" GPS connected to a laptop. My first choice is a smaller chart plotter with an internal antenna (but that's JMHO)

My Iphone is great, but, every once in a while it tells me I'm in a location that I am not. Seems to correct itself in a matter of seconds, but, still... My Garmin has never done that.

Also it does not appear that I can tell how strong the GPS signals are that my phone is receiving. "Real" GPS receivers will show that information.

*Of coarse paper charts and keeping up on ones navigation skills are priceless.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by RobGallagher

Also it does not appear that I can tell how strong the GPS signals are that my phone is receiving. "Real" GPS receivers will show that information.

There is likely an app for that. Android has one.

[Chris12345]

Well either the chart was plain wrong, or the Merkins messed with the GPS signal. Happens both.

I don't think there is much of a difference between the different GPS maps and plotters in terms of precision, as they all seem go back to more or less the same chart sources, and the same Chinese chips.

Hence the the recommendation for a depth finder in addition to whatever mapping gadget you choose. Reality check. Good idea.

Originally Posted by DRFerron

Look through the posts in this previous thread which addressed the same question.

Along with my paper charts, I use Polar Navy on a netbook and have not had a problem. I use the RNC charts which mirror the paper charts.

I think OpenCPN is comparable to Polar Navy as far as ease of use is concerned and they can run concurrently (for whatever reason you'd want to).

[QuickMick]

on activecaptain.com you can overlay noaa charts at the push of a button. good free droid app is 'gps essentials' for waypoints and such.

[Dog Ship]

Unlike the US, here in Canada you are not allowed to rely solely on electronic navigation devices. You are required to carry current charts of less than 2 years old.

Peter&Denise

[CarbonSink62]

I'm using SeaClear and my netbook for my GPS. It was a bear to get SeaClear running the first time, but it comes right up now.

I have an 18' boat and a budget to match; a $30 antenna and freeware was all I could afford. I also keep the paper charts current & handy.

My netbook lasts for 10 hours and I keep it all the way up forward (my V berth is stereo & storage). It is not weather proof in any way; if it gets wet, it's toast.

My biggest problem (so far) is that I need to interface with either a mouse or a track pad; neither of these is convenient when the netbook is all the way forward. Still working on that one.

[tdw]

On our recent run up the NSW coast and during the race on Lake Macquarie we used OpenCpn largely because it runs quite happily on Linux. It proved itself easy to operate and I'd happily use it as an alternative to MaxSea which does not like Linux. SeaClear is also non Linux but I've never used it.

I know its a great debate but I still keep a paper chart at the nav station and mark our positions as we go along. The reality is however that in the conditions we experienced during that race GPS was a far more reliable system than manual fixes would have been. The good old fashioned Mark 1.0 Eyeball is all very well and good but when visibility is down to a boat length its nice to have a satellite.