Chart Plotter?
 

Anyone have any recommendations on a good chartplotter for the Lake? Thanks! GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jon:

If you search for chartplotters on the site, you will get a couple of threads dealing with the topic. There are basically two models that work real well. Give it a try and let us know if you have further questions. The chart plotter will make a big difference and I strongly recommend it. Godd luck.

Chart Plotter
 

I got a Standard Horizon 150 from e bay 2 years ago and am very happy with it. The size of the screen is on the small side but is fine for my needs. I am also happy with the day time visibility ie sun glare. Certainly makes getting home at night more enjoyable

Standard Horizon 180
 

I purchased a Standard Horizon CP180 with an internal antenna and I love it. The unit is not to small and not to large go to www.thegpsstore.com on line and check it out. You can't beat the price either.

Okay -- I've had this debate numerous times with a friend.

What is the difference (as you folks know it) between a "GPS" and a "GPS Chartplotter" ?

Let's see what additional functions you folks come up with that I missed.

Gps / Chartplotter Question
 

Phantom,

a GPS just gives your position in different formats of latitude / longitude / elevation. It's up to you to transfer that info onto a map and figure out where you are / where you are going.

A chartplotter actually takes that information and overlays it onto a digital map which subsequently shows your position graphically on the map real time.

Hope this clears it up.

Saugus Boater

p.s. - i've got a Furuno gp 1650 wf. Chartplotter with built in fishfinder. Love it. Don't go out without it (and a nice bizer chart to back it up !).

Hey WKENDER, I am considering the cp180 as well, does the internal antenna have any limitations and can you connect an external as an option.

Also, can you or anyone else tell me what the difference is between NT+ version of C-Map's cartridge and the MAX version of C-Map's? Has the NT version been replaced by the max?
Thanks

Nauset I have not had any issues with the CP180 with the internal antenna, and you can not connect an external to this model. They make a CP180i that has an external antenna for the same amount of money. If you go to Bizers Maps they have a link that you can check to see what units there cartridges with the pre-loaded maps fit.

As far as Winnipesuakee is concerned, I have noticed no difference between the NT+ chip I used to own and the MAX chip I have now. The MAX chip I have is very handy on the ocean (it contains every chart from the Bay of Fundy to Barnegat Bay NJ) and also came with the NY State canal system, Lake George, Hudson River, Squam Lake, and quite a few other places.

MAX features like real time currents and such can be very handy in Portsmouth Harbor and at the mouth of the Merrimack River where conditions can get ugly during certain tide/wind/wave combinations.

Thanks for the info. I checked the SH website and it looks like the cp180 will accept the NT and Max version. It sounds like the Max is the way to go. Do you have a lighter connection for power or did you wire it in somewhere?

I wired mine back to spare accessory on my fuse panel block. These units need to be wireddirect they do not come ready for a lighter connection. Good luck I know you will not be dissapointed.:coolsm:

I think I read in another thread where a guy wired his to a lighter plug he purchased at Radio Shack to allow for quick removal and transfer to a different boat.

My SH CP155C is hard wired.

cig lighter plug
 

I have a Navman 5500i (which I like very much, and the current model is 5505i I think you can still get them).

I did the wiring through a cigarette plug until I had time to hardwire it. It does work.

Bizer's chart of Winnipesaukee is identical on the NT+ and MAX chips. The NT+ version only has Bizer’s charts of Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam. The MAX version has other bodies of water as well. The NT+ version is less expensive, but is being phased out. Five years from now, you may not be able to purchase Bizer's Winnipesaukee in NT+ format.

Without space satellites, chartplotters would not be possible. Today is the 50th anniversary of the first man-made satellite, Sputnik. Those of us over 60, remember how much it changed our lives overnight.

Standard Horizon vs. Garmin
 

Stuart,

I know on your web site, you have both cmap chips and chips for Garmin GPS. In your opinion, which is better? And which Garmin models have you tested with?

Thanks.

Your questions should be answered here. If not, email me directly at Stewart@bizer.com and I shall clarify
http://www.bizer.com/jrfaq.htm Bizer's FAQ page
http://www.bizer.com/garmin Bizer's Garmin page. Look for Garmin model numbers in bold type.
http://www.bizer.com/jrgps.htm Bizer's GPS page. See the 2nd paragraph about Garmin.

I should have looked there first
 

Stuart,

I reviewed your web site after I posted, I should have known you would have things well covered. I'll go with the c-map chip & the Standard Horizon CP-180.

Thanks.