Garmin USB Data Card Programmer

[Mike Boehler]

Not to open that whole can of worms again, but after reading the many threads on this subject, lets see if I have this right?

For a Garmin 182C, I can either:

1. Buy pre-programmed Blue Chart card or
2. Buy blank chips, USB Data Card Programmer, CD Mapsource.

Tecnically, I don't really need the AC/PC cable, I can simply burn the new chip off my laptop/pc at home, carry the chip to the boat and install.

Is this correct?

Also, what about Non-Garmin CD's? will they burn properly onto the blanks? I see a lot of aftermarket mapping cd's out there. Will these work?

Sorry to bring up an old subject here, but I couldn't figure out some of the archived descriptions.

Thanks,

Mike

[Undaunted]

for USB you would not need a power cable. If you bought the serial plug for the Garmin chip it already comes with a power cord.

I was told that maps unique works well with the Garmin software, but I have not personally tried it.


For the third party software, I would just call the software company and pose the question.

[SWFLNavigation]

Mike. you are correct about the blue charts, I dont know anything about 3rd party software.

[FireFly]

3rd party mapping software will not work on a Garmin. I think I'm 99.99% sure but someone else may know for sure.

I went the mapsource CD route but only because I bought the CD last year when I bought my Garmin 60C. I sold the 60C and bought the 172C and Garmin allows you to use the same CD for up to 2 Garmin devices.

So I then had to buy a blank card- 16mb and the burner.

I burned the blank chip and have a feeling I'll only use the burner 1x per year and that's about it.

If I were you, I'd buy the pre-programmed chips. Everything you'll need will be in there. On the flip side, it is cool to have a laptop/Pc with all of your charts and waypoints on it so you can plan trips...

And if you go the CD route, find someone who lives near you to share the burner with them.

If you have more questions, let me know.

/Joe

[the edge]

I think it will cost more if you buy the CD the programmer and a blank card. But then you can map out a route the day before you go fishing

[Tsunami]

It costs a little more initially to go the Mapsource route but I think it is well worth it. The ability to tinker on the PC, backup your routes and waypoints via your chip plus a Mapsource region costs $99 versus $149 for a preprogrammed card. If you have the Mapsource with the USB programmer you can download updates on your chip and install them with out removing the GPS unit. It just provides soooo much flexibility. If you want another region you hook up to the Garmin internet site, use your credit card, pay $99 (versus $149) and bam, you have access to the additional region immediately without ever getting up out of your chair!

Kirk

[Mike Boehler]

Thanks guys, that's pretty good stuff.

Well appreciated.

Mike

[the edge]

brokenlegdave hast the charts for $123