PC Interface Software for Garmin GPS - The Hull Truth

WoodenChief · 09-07-2004, 11:02 PM

I have a Garmin GPS 72 and Garmin recommends thier "Trip and Waypoint Manager" software for managing simple waypoints and trips. Does anyone know of other software that can do this same thing? Possibly freeware? The unit supports NMEA, Garmin and other protocols. Any pointers would be appreciated.

WC

swamppro · 09-07-2004, 11:20 PM

Only Garmin ware will work with it (sorry) Be careful with burned copies of their software as if it has a virus when you load it to your machine (gps) you will lock it up.

Glen E · 09-08-2004, 07:17 AM

there is one I used off the web called easyGPS - worked ok - would pull the waypoints off your unit and you could then manipulate them. You need the power cord/serial connector from Garmin. Don't remember where I got it

But do yourself a favor - do it right - go to garmin.com and buy a 16 mb chip - the BlueChart CD & the USB chip porgrammer. You'll be able to bring your whole gps setup to your pc - burn the waypoints AND the maps you need to the chip and pop it into your boat gps after you get the routes and waypints like you like them.

At first, I went out and bought the map chip for my area - big mistake - because the above setup saves maps and waypoints. And it's so nice and more accurate to sit at your computer the night before a big trip and plan the route and waypoints.

Glen E · 09-08-2004, 07:25 AM

found it - www.easygps.com

Linda Allen · 09-08-2004, 10:24 AM

Quote:

But do yourself a favor - do it right - go to garmin.com and buy a 16 mb chip - the BlueChart CD & the USB chip porgrammer. You'll be able to bring your whole gps setup to your pc - burn the waypoints AND the maps you need to the chip and pop it into your boat gps after you get the routes and waypints like you like them.

At first, I went out and bought the map chip for my area - big mistake - because the above setup saves maps and waypoints. And it's so nice and more accurate to sit at your computer the night before a big trip and plan the route and waypoints.

I agree. And you can plan several routes and download/upload them to the chart plotter and then just select the one you want to use. The routes are great, especially if you get caught in fog or rain. You still have to watch out for boats, ships, debris, etc. , but you can just follow the route on the plotter to get where you are going. You can reprogram the chip anytime you want to - it's not like "burning" a CD.

Curmudgeon · 10-09-2004, 05:21 PM

I have a Garmin GPS 72 ...

Good advice, folks, except he doesn't have a chart plotter and doesn't use chips. To answer the question, EasyGPS is free and simple and your work can easily be transferred back and forth. Just use the PC interface if one came with the unit, or purchase one otherwise.

Kerry · 10-09-2004, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Only Garmin ware will work with it (sorry) ....

Well Garmin might like to think so but for these types of models that is simply incorrect

As someone as mentioned EasyGPS is freeware and one, ExpertGPS is not freeware but has other additions, GPS Trackmaker is another freeware with added functionality apart from simple waypoint/route/track management, GPS Utilility is another freeware and whats' mroe all these work very well.

Cheers, Kerry.

swamppro · 10-09-2004, 08:36 PM

Just be careful what you use because I just sent a Garmin 168 in to Garmin for someone because of software problems. They told me it was because of corupt software that was downloaded. They said they are having problems with this because people are downloading software to they're units that are infested with viruses that are imbedded in the software.

eelpot · 10-10-2004, 11:40 AM

I used to handle GPS chores for a small research station and the software I settled on is called OziExplorer. You can find it at :

http://www.oziexplorer.com

It's a free download and is usable in that version or you can purchase it and get a few more features. A key thing that you can use it for is to take a scanned in map or chart, georeference it using the OziExplorer tools, then overlay your waypoints and tracks. It also lets you up/download waypoints and tracks to your GPS. I forget how many tracks you can do with a garmin72 (I had one and hated it, I actually preferred my old 48 to it but fortunately had a map76 available). It's pretty easy to edit the files produced by OziExplorer either in the program itself or by using a text editor.

For info on other GPS software try looking at www.joemehaffey.com

Kerry · 10-10-2004, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Just be careful what you use because I just sent a Garmin 168 in to Garmin for someone because of software problems. They told me it was because of corupt software that was downloaded. They said they are having problems with this because people are downloading software to they're units that are infested with viruses that are imbedded in the software.

Barret, Perhaps you could clarify just what "software" this is that is being "downloaded to they're units"? None of the interface/download software available can be downloaded to any unit so is this software your referring interface software or system software?

Much of the interface software available supports a wide range of different units (not just Garmin) and I've never heard of any GPS being "infected" by suspect interface software via NMEA/RS232.

If users are trying to download/upload incorrect/wrong/suspect software direct to their GPS then they deserve what they get but if this is the case then where are these firmware upgrades coming from?

Cheers, Kerry.