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rbetzing |
PC connected to RayMarine Chartplotter |
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Has anyone hooked up a PC to their Raymarine chartplotter via the High Speed Bus so that they can talk to each other?
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stevesnyder |
PC - Laptop | #1 | ||
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I have a laptop that is connected via a NMEA connection from the Raychart 530 at the navstation to the PC. We are actually using the GPS signal to interface with Nobletec that is running on the laptop (it's a serial connection on the laptop). I can send waypoint data back and forth between them. It works quite well.
Steve Snyder C42 2 cabin C/L #774 |
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CaptNorm42 |
Re: PC - Laptop | #2 | ||
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Many years ago, I connected a serial cable (DB9) to the NMEA out of the autopilot. Very convenient as my AP was mounted behind the back rest just aft of the nav station (2-cabin). One of the nice features about this is you also get AP sentences such as flux-gate compass headings. That was back when I had a Garmin GPS. Could up/download waypoints, tracks... to the laptop. Now, I can get NMEA data to the laptop, but it is not connected directly to my C120, so can't up/download waypoints. I find doing that thru a compact flash works out quite well. Plus it's very portable, can put my waypoints on any C or E series chartplotter.
Only small issue is newer laptops don't have serial ports anymore. Needed to get a USB-serial converter, works quite well. I also have the Maptech software on the laptop (came with a chart kit), so can track my course. Makes a good backup in case the chart plotter ever fails. I connected the GPS directly to Sea Talk on the AP. Btw, I hope everyone knows you can download all current (updated, think weekly, including Local Notice To Mariners info) BSB charts (NOAA Raster Navigational Charts) for free. They have a great interface, you draw a rectangle on their web page, they WinZip all needed files and download them. Excellent resource and the price is right. nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download.htm ~~~~_/)~~~~
Norm Perron, Hull #600/2 cabin fin keel, MarkII, Aphrodisiac, Marina del Rey, CA |
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rbetzing |
Re: PC - Laptop | #3 | ||
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I am planning to get the RayTech RNS 5.0 PC navigation software with interface to hsb2 and NMEA 0183 so that I can talk to my SL70MRC PLUS Pathfinder Radar/Chartplotter at the Nav station in the cockpit. I want to be able to use the PC as a remote Nav station on the chart table which works as a second Radar and Chartplotter display. I should be able to control the Autopilot and read all of the other ST40 instruments and GPS from the PC as well.
Ron Betzing C42 #708 Desperado Ron Betzing
2000 C42/2 cabin #708 "Desperado" San Diego, CA |
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CaptNorm42 |
Re: PC - Laptop | #4 | ||
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With the RayTech RNS 5.0 PC navigation software with interface to hsb2 and NMEA 0183, Product Number: E86022 Online Store Price: $1,599.00 U.S. Dollars, I sure hope they include a decent laptop <grin>.
~~~~_/)~~~~
Norm Perron, Hull #600/2 cabin fin keel, MarkII, Aphrodisiac, Marina del Rey, CA |
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oscar |
Re: PC - Laptop | #5 | ||
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The name of the game is redundancy....
Unless someone pulls the plug on the satellites (in which case you might WANT to be lost in the middle of nowhere) the signal will be there. Most of us have a chartplotter at the helm for primary navigation. Then you need a backup. I run a laptop with small USB GPS receiver, and simple nav software (free for pc, a few $$ for mac) and raster charts. (free). I use it for anchor alarm, (on the "dresser" in the forward cabin)....open one eye and see where you are.... I will also hook up the AIS I just ordered to it. If the chartplotter at the helm fails, I can use it to navigate. If BOTH of the above fail, I have a Garmin handheld and paper charts. I carrry a LOT of AA batteries, most of which are in the ditch bag with handheld VHF and the aforementioned Garmin. None of the above talk to each other. I do not transfer routes or waypoints between them, in fact I do not HAVE routes or waypoints. I ALWAYS navigate to a point created, just then, with the cursor. There is a reason for this. Mind you, I am speaking from the point of view of a professional navigator. I fly airplanes across the Atlantic every week, sometimes twice. Fixed waypoints come from (expensive) databases, updated bi-weekly. The waypoints defining the flexible part of the route are electronically and wirelessly uploaded into the nav computers and then triple verified by two independent sets of eyes.... 99% of all "gross navigational errors" in the trans oceanic (out of radar coverage) environment come from inaccurately loaded waypoints...... So I don't want a database of home made waypoints....there is too much chance of data corruption, man or machine made...You can pick the wrong "green 10".....or the route that goes west of the island instead of east without knowing..... Finally, as opposed to a powerboat, a sailboat almost NEVER gets there twice along the same route..... So, I look at the map, make myself TOTALLY aware of where I am, where I want to go, and what's in between, and then I create ONE waypoint and go to it. My $0.03 |
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rbetzing |
PC Nav Station | #6 | ||
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Oscar,
You have a good point. I almost always use the goto curser for my waypoints and usually don't save them. Maybe the RayTech software setup is overkill. West Marine has the v5.0 for about $1K now that 6.0 is out, but its still a lot of money. What nav software are you running on your PC? Do you have the antenna for the USB port GPS mounted outside? Ron |
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do335 |
Re: PC Nav Station | #7 | ||
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Oscar, which free pc navigation software do you use and where did you get it?
Thanks, Steve 642-2f TESA
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dickbutler |
Re: PC Nav Station | #8 | ||
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Hi Oscar,
Ditto on the waypoint situation. I've tried it both ways and now I just plot my route from point to point with the cursor when I depart. Of course, that's after getting a visual from the large scale charts. I also have a Garmin handheld as a backup and I chart my progress every two hours on the paperchart. This year I'm also going to use the flat screen TV which also doubles as a computer screen and hook it up to the on deck E80. Dick Escapade #837 |
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oscar |
Re: PC Nav Station | #9 | ||
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I run a MAC with NavX....$50 or so. I can't point you to the free chart viewing software for PC, I have heard it exists.
Dick, yes, I also get the "big picture" off paper first. It's just not the same on a 5" screen. Especially if you're talking hundreds of miles. I don't plot progress, I do keep a log of time, position, course and speed on the hour, every hour. If the satellites go I can start a DR with a know position of no less than an hour old.... |
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buddym5586 |
E80 to PC | #10 | ||
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I recently purchased the Raymarine E80 system and interfaced the RNS 6.0 software on my laptop. The connection is from the HSB2 to the ethernet port on the laptop. The only extra's were some cat 5 cable (much cheaper than Raymarine) and a crossover connector (about $25) The software is fantastic, and includes a complete suite of charts, although I bought the Navionics Platinum charts. The software enhances the overall performance of the E80 and adds trip planning, and remote functions to the chartplotter. I also added the Sirius weather and the brand new AIS from Raymarine. Everything works super fast on the high speed bus and the weather is amazing. Try it, you'll like it.
Buddy s/v Morning After |
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rbetzing |
PC Nav Station | #11 | ||
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I decided to nix the raymarine interface solution and go with the cheaper stand alone PC Nav Station solution. I ended up spending about $40 for a Radio Shack Serial to USB adapter cable and driver software to connect an etrex handheld GPS we already had. I also found a freeware Nav software program that uses free NOAA charts. The program is SeaClearII and does everything I need for free instead of spending the $1000+ for the Raymarine 5.0 sw and HSB interface box.
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nickwigen |
Re: PC Nav Station | #12 | ||
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Another good low-cost option for the GPS is to buy one of the USB GPS systems. I have a $40.00 Delorme Earthlink that works fine once I downloaded a "serial port emulator" (free) from the Delorme site. To make it weatherproof I potted it into a 3" PVC pipe cap with epoxy. I had previously removed the dorade vents and covered the openings with a stainless steel disk so I flush-mounted it there but you could also build up a rail mount with some other PVC fittings. This was close to the computer so there was no problem with the 12 ft limit on the USB connection. It can be extended with an active cable that costs more than the GPS. Works great.
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rlp43 |
Re: PC Nav Station | #13 | ||
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Ron B:
I'm interested in the SeaClear program. Would you please contact me off-net at: bradmach@tampabay.rr.com I'd like to talk to you about it. Thanks, Bob P |
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oscar |
Re: PC Nav Station | #14 | ||
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As far as my GPS receiver for the MAC goes, it goes directly into the USB port, it is small and has a small suction cup on the cable.....I stick it to the window over the nav-station......works.
Here it is for $67.95: www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-US-Global-Sat-BU-353-USB-port-GPS-Receiver.asp |
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rlp43 |
Re: PC Nav Station | #15 | ||
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Hey Oscar,
Tht looks pretty much like the one I got from Garmin. Mine is a Garmin GPS 18 USB, and I think I paid something like that for it. It's been awhile. It works great with Garmin's MapSource and nRoute software, but I haven't got it to work yet with the SeaClear program that Ron talked about. But like all computer stuff, it requires that you screw around with it for several days until it decides to start working. Bob P |
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ragtime |
PC Navstation | #16 | ||
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Bob,
I use Seaclear with a USB GPS that I bought on the internet for $49. It work just fine. One thing you have to do with Seaclear is to use the correct com port. If you haven't tried this, I suggest that you go to Seaclear TOOLS, PROPERTIES, COMM and set the the comm port to COM4. Mine works at 4800 baud, but my GPS said to use 9600 baud. You might try to change the baud rate if you still can't connect to the GPS. Gerry C42 "Ragtime" |
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rlp43 |
Re: PC Navstation | #17 | ||
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Thanks Gerry,
I tried your suggestion with Comm 1, 2, 3, and 4. No luck. The downloaded PDF manual for SeaClear says to download the "G7to Win.exe" file and set the configuration, save, close, and then SeaClear will recognize the GPS. I did that. Within te G7 program I could set the port to USB. Within G7, I can get a position, date/time, etc. So I know the Garmin GPS 18 USB is working and the PC can see it. BUT, SeaClear doesn't. At least not yet. I'll probably stumble over the right answer in the next week or so. Regards, Bob P |
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rlp43 |
Re: PC Navstation | #18 | ||
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Gerry,
Does your USB GPS plug into the computer's USB port? If so, there's no setting for USB in SeaClear. Bob P |
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ragtime |
PC Navstation | #19 | ||
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Bob,
Yes, my GPS is connected directly to a USB port. My GPS came with a driver and a little setup program that senses which COM port the GPS is using. In my case it is COM4. It didn't need to use any other programs to get SEACLEAR to connect to the GPS. I just went to COMM and set it to COM4. I don't know if it is relevant but on my system the COMM settings are TxR1 is on COM4, 4800 bps Rx2 is "No Port" Rx3 is "No Port" Also, you should be able to go to TOOLS, SYSTEM, NMEA Input Monitor, and see the NMEA messages streaming from the GPS. I'm not sure what else to do. The SEACLEAR manual is very minimal. Gerry |
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rlp43 |
Re: PC Navstation | #20 | ||
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Gerry,
I've been searching the Internet for answers. It seems that I need a driver that creates a "virtual" serial prot from the USB port. This sounds like what you have. I'll have to see if I can find one. Thanks, Bob |
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