Help a moron: questions on Garmin GPS plotter 420S and questions on sounder type

[XV2PS]

Good day,

I consider to purchase the Gramin GPSmap 420(s) plotter/sounder.


1. Map/memory cards, blue charts, g2b bluecharts,...

1.1 I am confused about what is necessary to operate. At first there is a kind of basic earth map. Is there any use of that? Can we add waypoints, routes,... on that basic map?

1.2 What about these micro SD memory cards. Are they included? Do I need to add one to store my waypoints, routes,....?

1.3 Is this the same slot that takes the bluecharts?

1.4 I do not care about 2g applications. Are the 2g and that classic bluechart the same?.

1.4.1 Can I skip this 2g and simply purchase the Asia bleu chart (160 US) here:

http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/b...sp?sku=MAE004R

1.4.2 Shall I purchase the Garmin Data card or SD card to fit in it?

1.5 Can these blue charts only be loaded via these memory cards?


2. Re Sounder: what is the difference between dual beam and dual frequencies? I understand my current dual frequency also has 2 beam angles.

Thanks for your support.

Pierre

[SeaSwirler23]

OK, your first group of questions about the charting can be answered in one quick pass. You have to add a G2-Vision card (all are sold on traditional full size SD cards only) for the cartography. You can't use original BlueChart or BlueChart G2, it has to be one of the Vision cards. Here is the link for the Asian Vision card coverage areas:

http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/g...RegionPK=24732

The unit can make and store something like 1,500 waypoints in the 420's built in memory, plus 20 routes and your tracks. You can use a blank SD card to back up what you have, but it isn't necessary unless you want to back your data up or need more capacity.

On the sounder, if you want to break it down a bit more simply, view the dual frequency as the saltwater model, and the dual beam as a freshwater (i.e. lake) model. Although the dual beam will work in coastal saltwater depths, I'd just get to the dual frequency unless all your work is going to be in less than 200ft. You also have more physical transducer choices in the dual frequency configuration, so you have more mounting options to play with depending on the hand the boat deals you. Is this for the 23ft in the picture or the project boat?

[XV2PS]

Thank you Seaswirler,
Re the vision card (apparently it leads to the same link as mine).

It refers to two versions:

1. BlueChart on Garmin Data Card

2. BlueChart on Micro SD Card

Which one should I choose? I am afraid the local dealer does not know more or imports me the wrong one.

I understood for the memory card and the transducer, very helpful.

All this is for my fishing wreck, not the teak one that I now start to try to sell.

Thanks a lot

pierre

[XV2PS]

Ouch I just found the 2g vision chat for my area here:
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/g...RegionPK=24732
321 USD.... too much for me.... Is somehow the basic map already installed of any use? I just need to find my way through the rivers.
Are are there any other garmin gps plotter with the classic blue chart at reasonable (for me) price?


Thanks

Pierre

[SeaSwirler23]

The only thing the base map on a 420s would be useful for would to let you know you are off the coast of, in your case, Vietnam. No navigable detail, no naviads, etc. You really need the card to do anything.

[XV2PS]

OK, I will first take that one with ducer but w/o g2 vision. Better than the nav aids are the points and routes I mark. If not happy I still can take that 2g vision.

Thanks again

Pierre