Garmin and Bizer

[cowislander]

I was wondering if anyone had tried Bizer's new map for Garmin GPS? I recently bought it and am thrilled with finally being able to see shoreline detail and all the bouy's and rocks. It really works great. I'm a big fan of Garmin's hardware, however their lack of support on providing a Lake Winni chart has been frustrating. Thanks to Bizer, its no longer an issue.

[NHskier]

I'm using the Garmin version of Bizer's chart with a 276c (same unit pictured with screen shots on the Bizer website) and find it great. Of course it doesn't yet include everything on the C-Map version, as many of the preferred routes are not yet noted. But with all the island names, markers, and rocks it covers most of what I need, so I'm very pleased. (The paper chart is also always at hand.)

My primary driver for this choice was the ability to have a dual-purpose unit that can also be used in the car or motorcycle allowing me to save some cash overall. If I was only intending to use it for boating I would have gone the Standard Horizon/C-Map chip route.

NHskier

[cowislander]

Thats why I went with the Garmin several years ago, I use mine for hiking, ocean nav, in the car. Glad to have it be loaded with the Bizer map now. The Bizer site does say they plan to continue to improve the map....adding depth contours, etc...

[Gatto Nero]

Bizer or others that may have a clue,

I know nothing about GPS other than using NeverLost when I travel, so please forgive my ignorance on the subject. I am looking for a transportable GPS primarily for my motorcycle and the car, but it would be nice to use on the lake occasionally as well. The Zumo 450 is sold as a bike GPS system that also works in the car, but says nothing of marine use. Is there any reason why it would not work with your Lake Winni data?

I've been navigating the lake OK for about 14 years without one so I'm thinking I don't need a lot of features. I would primarily use it to add a level of comfort if I occasionally needed to get from say from Wolfeborough or Gilford back to Moultonborough at night. Here is a link to the unit at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Zumo-45...7175775&sr=8-1

Thanks

[upthesaukee]

The unit according to its specs is waterproof to IPX7 standards. It seems that is a good thing.

If you go to garmin.com and go to that unit under motorcyle units, select that unit and then select the Manual in the upper right hand corner of the screen, you can download in adobe reader the manual. Under the "preface" it does have one caveat that says the sensitive electronics can be damaged if exposed to excessive shock and vibration outside normal motorcycle use.

I was also looking at a garmin that I can in my vehicle as well as my boat, and was concerned about that statement. I have a 19 ft bowrider and we can get tossed around a little on occasion, and am concerned about the unit getting damaged from wave pounding, or the vibration of an outboard. I have decided to wait a while and see how others make out.

[offmycloud]

Anyone know which Garmin I should get for use on the lake only and plug the Bizer map in? I went to the website and got confused - it looks like I need the 5x5 series?

[brk-lnt]

Interesting. I have a question for the Garmin users... What is the difference between the various Garmin marine models (other than the price)? I'm trying to differentiate between them by shopping online, and even the comparator on Garmins own site doesn't point out any relevant differences between a 430s and a 535s (for example).

If someone could point out the reason for spending the extra few hundred bucks (or not), I'd be grateful.

[NHskier]

I would recommend starting with the list from Bizer's site of Garmin units that are known to work OK with the map, just to be sure:

"05-Aug-07 - If Bizer's Garmin file does not operate on your Garmin GPS, Bizer will refund you money. So far, no problem has been reported on any Garmin less than five years old. Users have reported success on the folowing Garmin GPS units: 60C, 76S, 76CS, 76CSx, 176, 176C, 178C, 276C, 296, 376C, 378, C530, Etrex Legend, Quest, Street Pilot, V."

For at least some Garmin units the only real difference is whether maps are included/built-in to the unit or not. These show up as series of like-appearance units. There's usually one with a lakes map (no real Winni details) and one for offshore. In other cases it's newer features like XM satellite radio compatiblity for weather info. That's the case for the 276c/376c/378/478 series.

The compare feature on Garmin's site provides a side-by-side comparison of units. For example, comparing the 430s & 535s shows the 535s has a bigger screen with higer resolution and is overall larger in size. Looks like all other features are identical.

NHskier

[offmycloud]

Thank you, NHskier!

[Marie]

DO you know if the software will work on a Garmin 496?

[NHskier]

Bizer provides a test file you can download from the website:

http://www.bizer.com/garmin

to see whether it will work on your unit. You need to be able to attach your unit to your computer to do the transfer.


NHskier

[Bizer]

Originally Posted by Marie

DO you know if the software will work on a Garmin 496?

I've had one user that uses the 496. Some of the high-end units have a map selection page. On the 496, it was necessary to temporarily disable the base map so that the Bizer map appeared. See "map selection" in the index of the user's manual.

As previously stated, if it doesn't work or if it just isn't your cup of tea, Bizer will refund your $$$ (So far, nobody has asked for their $$$ back).

[Airwaves]

Is it possible for someone to show me what you are talking about? (maybe a photo?)
I don't have a GPS on the Winni boat, but I would consider one.
Cowislander wrote:

The Bizer site does say they plan to continue to improve the map....adding depth contours, etc...

What does that mean? When I look at the GPS I am not seeing islands and land masses?
Please explain if you (everyone) would. Thanx

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Is it possible for someone to show me what you are talking about? (maybe a photo?)
I don't have a GPS on the Winni boat, but I would consider one.
Cowislander wrote:

What does that mean? When I look at the GPS I am not seeing islands and land masses?
Please explain if you (everyone) would. Thanx

Bizer’s Garmin version:



Bizer's normal version:

[NHskier]

Airwaves,

You can compare a paper Bizer chart with the photos shown on the website page I referenced in an earlier post. You won't see the blue shoals areas or the water depth contours. You will see the islands, rocks, and markers.

The C-Map version of the Bizer chart, which can be used on some Standard Horizon units (and others?) is equivalent to the paper chart.

NHskier

[Airwaves]

So at this point in development the C-Map version in a Standard Horizon unit is more detailed than the Garmin unit's version?

I guess that is what my question boils down to, which unit GPS would produce the best result on Lake Winnipesaukee.

As far as paper charts go I was a fan of the single page chart of the lake I find the half on the front and half on the back that Bizer and Duncan now produce a pain so that's why I'm considering adding a GPS.

[NHskier]

The C-Map version has been available for some time and is complete. The Garmin version is new and still in development. So yes, at this point the C-Map version is the best.

While many shops around the lake probably carry the Standard Horizon unit and C-Map chip, I know that Thurston's has the unit on display on the counter in their showroom.

Hopefully Bizer has seen enough interest in the Garmin version to continue development and add in the remainder of features in the not-too-distant future.

NHskier

[Marie]

The test download worked on the 496, so I sent my $ for the full file. I will let you know my success with the whole thing when I get it.

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by Marie

The test download worked on the 496, so I sent my $ for the full file. I will let you know my success with the whole thing when I get it.

It also worked on my nuvi 350 in that I could see the markers etc but the colors of the markers did not show up. Since it's not made for marine use I couldn't find anywhere to download that particular type of upgrade. Has anybody else had that type of issue with non-marine specific units?

[Marie]

Got the software emailed from Bizer and it downloaded perfectly to the 496. Understand it is a prototyple at this point, but it is much better than the "old" C-Chip I had in a 2001 boat. It identifies buoy's and suggested travel routes but lacks the glitz of more developed software. I dont see any reason Bizer won't get there for 2008.

[NH_boater]

Good to hear it works on the Nuvi and the E-trex since I have both. This would be more valuable for me if it had recommended routes around certain markers since a few areas are a bit tricky as you direction changes from N/S to E/W.

[Gatto Nero]

According to the Bizer web site http://www.bizer.com/garmin/ they have made some improvements. Curious to see if anyone has tried them out (on a sled) since the latest revision.

[Overlake97]

I've been trying to load the bizer test file (3islands) onto my Nuvi 200w, but no matter how I try it it does not seem to work. Everything appears to be going smoothly onscreen, but then when I disconnect, go to settings > map, then click "map info" on the bottom of the screen, only my onboard road map is listed as a selectable option. Any suggestions?

[Sunset Bob]

Overlake97 try this. If you have a NuVi or StreetPilot, please read garmnuvi.doc. http://www.bizer.com/garmin/garmnuvi.doc
Let me know how it works I just got one of these for a 35 year anniversary gift from work.

[Overlake97]

I had already read the garmnuvi.doc, and followed the procedure, but that seems to describe what to do with the official purchased file, not the "test" 3islands file. I did everything the garmnuvi.doc suggested, except for changing the name (which seemed to relate to the full operational file). There is also a 'read me' file which downloads along with the zipped 3islands test file. That describes a slightly different procedure, which also did not work. The person answering the phone at BIZER said he'd never heard of it not working on any particular Garmin unit, so I'm still hopeful. Maybe I'll call him again.

[Bizer]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

I did everything the garmnuvi.doc suggested, except for changing the name ...

The file must be renamed. The only way Bizer has been able to use a NuVi is if the map file is named GMAPSUPP.IMG.

[coley]

I will be making my 18th annual trip to Wolfeboro on August 1st and rent a boat for the week. I have both a Nuvi 350 and a 360 and wanted to use one for the boat. I have read the thread traffic about loading the Winni map onto the units. One question-I bought the Garmins "as-is" off the shelf. Do I need to purchase anything else in order to be able to do the download or do I just plug the USB cable in the computer and start the process? My thanks in advance for the help and advice-cant wait to get to the lake-it is my one week of heaven all year.................

[longisland60]

I have yet to see this in stores, but this model may be just the unit that I am looking for. It is billed as a crossover device, supporting on and off road navigation, and waterproof, too.

I have been looking at buying a Garmin along with the Bizer map, but I have held off since I haven't found a model that I believe will provide the "breadcrumbs" feature that I am looking for, other than a marine model. At first glance, the Nuvi 500 may appear to have this type of feature. Here's the link to the Garmin site that gives some more details:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?...4&locale=en_US

Is anyone familiar with any other similar device that offers the same features?

longisland60

[rick35]

I really wanted to go with the Bizer chart on a Nuvi but it didn't sound like the lake map would definitiely work. I went with the Lowrance XOG which was the only car gps that would also take a lake map. My unit came with a Navionics lake card and it works great on Winni. Its hard to read in daylight but I think most lcd screens are. At night its a little bright even at its dimmest setting. For $250 with lake card it was worth the money. Had the Garmin 500 been available at the time I may have gone that route. Looks very interesting and I wonder if it will have the same Bizer compatibility issues the other Nuvis have. I also like that it has an 8 hour (replaceable) battery life where my XOG only runs for up to 2 hours.

Rick

[bigpatsfan]

rick35 where did you purchase the Lowrance XOG with the Winni card... i like the $250 price

[Phantom]

longisland60 --- GREAT find (garmin 500) --

I too will be curious to watch and see if someone tries it with the Bizer chip and posts their experiance!!

[rick35]

I bought my XOG at TigerGPS and it looks like they have decent prices on other brands and models as well. I never heard of them before then but I was very happy with their service. Shipping was fast and returns were painless. I returned my first XOG because the price changed the price the day it arrived. I could have bought the XOG with Navionics Lakes card for the same price or I could get it without for $220. I was planning on buying the 2008 Navionics Premium card which would have added $150 to the total so I figured I'd try the Lakes card. If I didn't like it I could always use it toward the $50 Navionics rebate on the Premium card. I tried my sons Premium card and it had charting errors. A couple of the markers at the south end of Bear Island were missing. On the other hand I have found that the Lakes chart has all the markers right. I posted a screen shot from the XOG in an earlier thread.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5819

I think I would have been happier with a Nuvi and the Bizer chart but given the uncertainty about compatibility I decided on the XOG. Since the Nuvi 500takes the lake charts from Garmin as does the 276c I'm willing to bet we'll see success with the Bizer chart. Hopefully someone will validate it and share with the rest of us.

Rick

[Sunrise67]

I recently used the W2 version of the Bizer GPS map this summer and was pleased. I purchased the Nuvi 205W which is primarily a car unit. I traveled the entire lake to assess the accuracy of the depth readings and buoy positions and found the GPS map to be very accurate. Like Bizer had mentioned the car units have a few glitches. I found the buoys are colored but not necessarily correctly compared to the paper chart. Secondly the recommended route line through the bouys is pink which does not provide enough contrast with the blue water. You have to rely on the route line since the color of the buoys is not necessarily correct on the screen.

Despite the glitches I found the unit very helpful while navigating the Lake. We have vacationed on the Lake for many years but have always found navigating in unfamiliar areas, tricky.

[Seeker]

Have been using the new Bizer data card on my Garmin 172c and find it excellent. Most everything I've seen on it so far seems accurate and feel it is well worth the $$. Of course you still need the paper chart and a good depth finder.
This is the first year I've put my boat in Winnie and I didn't get into my slip til mid August. Hope for a nice Fall.

[Phantom]

I am about to commit to a Nuvi one way or the other ........ question I have is has anyone loaded the Bizer chip on a Nuvii 500 or 550 model an provide some feedback ?? Refer back to posts #45 - 46

My dilemna is going with a cheaper Nuvi widescreen or going "multipurpose" (car & boat) with the 500 series

HELP !!

[Pier626]

Hi Phantom,

I have been waiting for a cross over GPS unit that is waterproof AND touchscreen. I just picked up the Garmin Nuvi 550. I have copied the Bizer 3islands image file onto the Garmin device and while I can see the labeled islands, I can't see any other artifacts such as the buoys.

I'll post my progress as it occurs, but if you figure it out before me please enlighten me.

-PIer626

[Pier626]

I had purchased a Garmin Nuvi 550 with the intention of adding the Bizer map. After testing my device using the 3islands test file from Bizer I'd reported that I could not see the buoys.

I called Garmin and spoke at length to one of their support reps. The 550 model is NOT listed as compatible with their Inland Lakes and Inland Lakes Vision map products. The reason I was given is that the 550 device lacks the topographic detail basemap, therefore it will not show the boating detail map objects.

The Nuvi 500 model, which comes preinstalled with the US Topo map will fully support the marine/boating details and is shown as being compatible with the Garmin Inland Lakes (and Inland Lakes Vision) maps.

I'll be returning my 550, picking up the 500 model, and looking again at the Bizer test file.

-Pier626

[upthesaukee]

Did you zoom in, and I mean a lot. It seems that when I tested it on my Streetpilot 550c, I had to really zoom in past where I could see the islands. Try that before you trade in.

My streetpilot does not have the capability to add the Inland lakes...Only the street maps.

Good luck

[Pier626]

Good idea, but still nothing when the Nuvi 550 is set to boating mode.

Interestingly enough, in Car mode I see the navaids, but they showup as ghost-like circles with an x overlayed. Well, maybe it was a + sign and my head was skewed. So apparently the topographic basemap also has the map legend items as they should appear, but the topo is not on the 550.

West Marine accepted my return with no hassle, and I have ordered the Nuvi 500...so now I must wait.

I'll keep you posted.

-Pier626

[Pier626]

I manually loaded the Bizer 3islands image file into my new Garmin Nuvi 500 and I am able to see the spar buoys including colors. Whoo hoo!!!

Now I just need the full Bizer garmin formatted mapfile and I'll be good to go!!

-PIer626

[Piston]

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all the good info on here, both on this thread and all the others on this site. Does anyone know if the bizer charts would (or will) work on the new Garmin Oregon? I was thinking of getting one for my motorcycle and car, if i could use it on the boat it would make my buying decision a lot easier.

[Quinner26]

Does anyone have an old SD card they would like to sell with legacy Bizer or Garmin lake Winni maps loaded on it?