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Author Topic:   GPS plotters which media type is best?

mustang7nh posted 05-09-2003 09:40 AM ET (US)
I'm just learning about the chart plotters and noticed that C-Map/NT has a nice accessory to work on your pc and then transfer to your gps. Does Garmin do this?
What's the difference between GPS and WAAS/GPS and DGPS/GPS?
JBCornwell posted 05-09-2003 10:10 AM ET (US)
Yes, Mustang.
Garmin offers Mapsource, which allows the same, or nearly the same options.
I haven't used C-map/NT, but I am very happy with Mapsource.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
where2 posted 05-09-2003 11:51 AM ET (US)
WAAS = "Wide Area Augmentation System", it's an atmospheric correction strategy performing similar to DGPS, but instead of using a land based radio, it uses a geostationary satellite(s). It requires a WAAS capable receiver, but nothing more.
DGPS = "Differential Global Positioning System" is another atmospheric correction strategy utilizing localized receivers which compute a correction vector which is transmitted via a land based radio at roughly 300khz. To utilize DGPS, you need a DGPS "Beacon Receiver" (another black box).
http://www.trimble.com/gps/dgps.html does a wonderful job of describing DGPS and WAAS, and the usefulness in a real world.
5 years ago, I would have said fly solo, or go DGPS if you have to know where you are in the length of your boat. Today, I'd say go with WAAS, and add DGPS if you need to go into the upper latitudes IF you have DGPS beacons, and have trouble seeing WAAS satellites over the equator.
jimh posted 05-09-2003 12:35 PM ET (US)
mustang7nh
You may get some responses to your broad questions about the Global Positioning Satellite sytem and the various commercial brands of receivers marketed to recreational boaters, in general this forum is not the best place to seek detailed information from authorative sources on this topic.
There are many websites whose entire focus is GPS and recreational marine receivers for GPS. I think you will be able to find information there on the differences between GPS, GPS with WAAS, and DGPS.
I am sure many readers will have comments about particular brands and how well they work, but for information on the underlying theory of GPS I recommend other resources.
Chrisbo posted 05-09-2003 06:58 PM ET (US)
I bought a garmin 176C last december when I bought a sailboat. I bought my local chip and the capability is unreal. I sailed around Florida but the GARMIN died on me in a terrible storm, at night in 12 foot seas off of Cape Sable Florida. Anyway, I have sent it back several times to be repaired and I have lost faith in it. The tech mentioned " this family" of GPS as though the problems were common ones. I would stay away from this one. I just bought a whaler this week which is why I happen to be checking the site out.
Chris
doobee posted 05-10-2003 08:17 PM ET (US)
Both Garmin and C-Map have excellent charting systems. Pick the GPS you like and go with their chart system. Avoid Navionics Charts. (Lowrance, and previous Garmin charts)
WAAS works fine in most areas. Don't waste your money on DGPS.
Another good reference for GPS is at howstuffworks.com
I have some experience in this area. If you have questions on specific models, drop me a line.

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Author	Topic: GPS plotters which media type is best?
mustang7nh	posted 05-09-2003 09:40 AM ET (US) I'm just learning about the chart plotters and noticed that C-Map/NT has a nice accessory to work on your pc and then transfer to your gps. Does Garmin do this? What's the difference between GPS and WAAS/GPS and DGPS/GPS?
JBCornwell	posted 05-09-2003 10:10 AM ET (US) Yes, Mustang. Garmin offers Mapsource, which allows the same, or nearly the same options. I haven't used C-map/NT, but I am very happy with Mapsource. Red sky at night. . . JB
where2	posted 05-09-2003 11:51 AM ET (US) WAAS = "Wide Area Augmentation System", it's an atmospheric correction strategy performing similar to DGPS, but instead of using a land based radio, it uses a geostationary satellite(s). It requires a WAAS capable receiver, but nothing more. DGPS = "Differential Global Positioning System" is another atmospheric correction strategy utilizing localized receivers which compute a correction vector which is transmitted via a land based radio at roughly 300khz. To utilize DGPS, you need a DGPS "Beacon Receiver" (another black box). http://www.trimble.com/gps/dgps.html does a wonderful job of describing DGPS and WAAS, and the usefulness in a real world. 5 years ago, I would have said fly solo, or go DGPS if you have to know where you are in the length of your boat. Today, I'd say go with WAAS, and add DGPS if you need to go into the upper latitudes IF you have DGPS beacons, and have trouble seeing WAAS satellites over the equator.
jimh	posted 05-09-2003 12:35 PM ET (US) mustang7nh You may get some responses to your broad questions about the Global Positioning Satellite sytem and the various commercial brands of receivers marketed to recreational boaters, in general this forum is not the best place to seek detailed information from authorative sources on this topic. There are many websites whose entire focus is GPS and recreational marine receivers for GPS. I think you will be able to find information there on the differences between GPS, GPS with WAAS, and DGPS. I am sure many readers will have comments about particular brands and how well they work, but for information on the underlying theory of GPS I recommend other resources.
Chrisbo	posted 05-09-2003 06:58 PM ET (US) I bought a garmin 176C last december when I bought a sailboat. I bought my local chip and the capability is unreal. I sailed around Florida but the GARMIN died on me in a terrible storm, at night in 12 foot seas off of Cape Sable Florida. Anyway, I have sent it back several times to be repaired and I have lost faith in it. The tech mentioned " this family" of GPS as though the problems were common ones. I would stay away from this one. I just bought a whaler this week which is why I happen to be checking the site out. Chris
doobee	posted 05-10-2003 08:17 PM ET (US) Both Garmin and C-Map have excellent charting systems. Pick the GPS you like and go with their chart system. Avoid Navionics Charts. (Lowrance, and previous Garmin charts) WAAS works fine in most areas. Don't waste your money on DGPS. Another good reference for GPS is at howstuffworks.com I have some experience in this area. If you have questions on specific models, drop me a line.