2010C new to me-help

[raymonds]

Just bought a 2010C. Seller said it was working when it came off the boat, and if not would return my money. He was vague about what map was on it. Now I think I know why. I have hooked it up and everything seems to work but the map is just a general map of the area. No detail of the waterways. I understand the unit has a built in base map, but does that have details about the water ways, like channel lines and markers? Do I need a specific card to get that kind of information?

Searched the forum back to 2005 but didn't find this type of information. Thanks

[Glen E]

the base map is just a map of land masses - no real data for the water - you need to buy a chart for your area..they are on ebay all the time - at about 150 or so...

[bshoe]

I also just aquired a Garmin 2010c. You do need a maping chip to show more detail in certain areas that you desire. What you need to do is check the door to the left side of the unit and see if there are any chips in it. It holds Up to 2 chips. If there are chips in it check to see what areas they cover. Possible they just might not cover your area. If there are not any chips in it then you are in the same boat i was in a few weeks ago.

Here is what I did. I called Garmin and I told them What unit I had and I then told them where I was going to be running the boat. You need to tell them that you want a data card that will cover your area. They have to be regular size Not large. (Original Blue Chart. they should know from the model number) You may need more than one depending on where you go.

Here are a few things you want to look out for. Tell the rep at Garmin that you want preloaded data cards. They tried to tell me I was going to have to buy a CD and load cards myself. This is not the fact because once I talked to someone else they were able to send me an e-mail with links to the cards I could purchase. Secondly the data cards for this unit will only be avalible till Dec 2009. Make sure you get any cards you might need while you own the unit.

The most helpful guy I talked to was Zack G
I hope this helps If you need more info PM me.

[raymonds]

Thanks, the manual in describing use shows the pages as you page thru after turning it on and the map in that discussion shows in detail. That is what was throwing me off. Appreciate the information.

[TTaxi]

You might call BOE and have them find the chip that fits your 2010c & location.

http://www.boemarine.com/products/ca...27f34e0&Page=9

[ElyseM]

i would NOT recommend buying the pre-loaded charts. if you buy the cd, you get mapsource for your computer and you wind up with a backup. the card readers and chips appear to be widely available and very cheap now. you might have a chip in your unit.

[raymonds]

I have the BlueChart, Americas on CD, but am not the best with the computer. CD is about 3 years old. I figured by the time I get a blank card and pay Garmin for their one time download I probably have as much money invested as a $128.00 card. What do you think?

[ElyseM]

if your version is registered, you would buy an update. the last time i did that it was $75 (you can check current costs). other guys on the board indicated the reader and cards are really cheap. if you already have a card, you only need the reader.

[1talltails1]

when you turn on the unit check to see what version software you have installed. You can get the update from Garmin, I personally have a reader and use Mapsource, and can download it from the internet and install it on my machines. I always use a chip in mine and constantly backup my data on my other chip and download it on my computer at home. This way if my machine fails I don't loose my waypoints

[raymonds]

I have a card from a previous Gramin unit- for an area offshore Long Island South. Number on it is MGUS237SS. Is that chip compatible with the 2010C?. Can I write over it and download new information to it? Or do I have to buy a blank card? Thanks

[ElyseM]

if it's the little rectangular chip with the pull-out handle you should be good to go. pop it in the 2010 and you should see the detail come up.