Garmin Software

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rawidman

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For anyone using Garmin plotters with the built in maps, Garnin has just released a new software package similar to MapSource that allows you to download the maps from your plotter, import them to your PC, and create routes, waypoints, etc. You can also import existing routes and waypoints from your plotter and modify them, then upload them to the plotter.

quote:

Before heading out on the open water, plan your voyage with HomePort - marine trip-planning softwareВ№ that lets you plan and organize routes from the convenience of your computer.

Use your existing BlueChartВ® preprogrammed card, or transfer the preloaded mapsВІ directly from your chartplotter to an SDв„ў card. Then simply plug the card into your computer's card reader to start planning your voyage.

Navigating waters with no visible landmarks or shallow shorelines can be a daunting task for even the most experienced navigator. With your existing BlueChart data together with HomePort on your computer, you'll have the ability to view map details such as underwater hazards and hidden obstacles and plan a route to avoid them.

HomePort also offers features such as depth profiles, distance and bearing measurements, and tidal predictions.

Manage Your Data
In addition to managing waypoints, routes and tracks, you can store information from past voyages right on your computer. HomePort will also help you create point-to-point routes, determine fuel usage and estimate your travel time for each leg of your route - saving you time and money.

View Marine Charts
It's easy to browse and view chart detail on your computer screen and mark waypoints and other points of interest. When finished, send the data to an SD card or proprietary Garmin datacard to load into your compatible Garmin chartplotter or sounder.

HomePort is compatible with BlueChart, BlueChart g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision navigation charts. It is currently only compatible with WindowsВ® operating systems.

HomePort software does not include map data, and is only available in English.
Click to expand...


At $29.00, you can't go wrong. I have been using it since it was released.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=64242
 
Looks like this would be a good way to pre-plan a fishing trip. You could have all of the fishing holes you want to visit that day set up in a route package.

I did not know that Garmin Chartplotters accepted SC cards. Is this universal or only certain ones?

George
 
quote:
Originally posted by gcolton

Looks like this would be a good way to pre-plan a fishing trip. You could have all of the fishing holes you want to visit that day set up in a route package.

I did not know that Garmin Chartplotters accepted SC cards. Is this universal or only certain ones?

George

Click to expand...


It's "SD cards". The newer models introduced in the past three or four years do. 4XXX, 5XXX, and some of the smaller models.

This is pretty much for the ones with the built in charts. You copy the charts to the SD card, then put it in your PC. You can create waypoints, routes, etc., and then put the SD card back into the plotter and upload them to the unit.

It's much easier to do this on a PC than on the plotter.
 
I dont understand this comment.
quote:
HomePort software does not include map data
Click to expand...

my 5212 contains all the US charts so I dont have a copy on disk. Does this small chip contain all the charts to display on my pC?
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

I dont understand this comment.
quote:
HomePort software does not include map data
Click to expand...

my 5212 contains all the US charts so I dont have a copy on disk. Does this small chip contain all the charts to display on my pC?

Click to expand...


You install HomePort on your PC, either from a purchased SD card or by downloading it from Garmin's website. If you purchased the software on a card, after installing the software, put the card away in case you need to reinstall it at a later date. Buy another card or two to use with the plotter and software. 2GB cards are fine and they are under $10.00 each at Walmart.

You copy your maps from the 5212 to an SD card, then put the card into an SD card slot in your PC. Homeport displays the maps from the card and lets you create and save routes, waypoints, etc. to that card (or another card). Take either card back to the 5212 and upload the routes and waypoints to the 5212.

The major difference between HomePort and MapSource (Garmin's older program) is that MapSource used maps that were purchased and loaded onto the PC, HomePort uses the maps that came with the 42XX, 52XX, etc.

There is a HomePort support forum at:
https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=214
that's monitored by the developers.

Please understand, I have no financial interest in Garmin or it's programs, I just want to spread the word about a pretty neat program for boaters.

This was actually done in MapSource, but it gives an idea of what can be done on a PC and then uploaded to the plotter:

367517134.jpg
 
so you have to have the chip in the pc to do and save the work on the chip not the pc??? I am amazed that they can get all the charts on such a small chip or can you only work on one chart at a time?
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

so you have to have the chip in the pc to do and save the work on the chip not the pc??? I am amazed that they can get all the charts on such a small chip or can you only work on one chart at a time?

Click to expand...
Bruce
All of Garmins NA charts fit on one CD -they make some pretty big SD chips equal to dozens of CD's
 
Real important Garmin released version 5.40 for the 5000 & 4000 series chart plotters it fixes the self alarming AIS problems and aslo upgrades numerous N2K Garmin devices at the same time. All you need is an SD card writer. Download to your harddrive then load to the chip (it's an executable) then insert in the plotter. After about 20 minutes everything was updated on my Garmin network and NMEA2000 network. To stop the self alarming you go to in my case the Navico NL300 Class B transponder and go to Mome, then conifuration, then communications, then NMEA2000 devices scroll to the AIS transponder hit review then there is a tab it will be blank then enter your MMSI. Then just go back to Home and you are done. Once you do that you stop self alarming. There are also many other features to this upgrade.
The upgrades are free if you can write to SD cards.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

so you have to have the chip in the pc to do and save the work on the chip not the pc??? I am amazed that they can get all the charts on such a small chip or can you only work on one chart at a time?

Click to expand...

Yes you have to have the SD card in the PC to view ths charts and create routes and waypoints. The charts and your work will fit on a $10.00 2GB SD card.
 
My older model Garmim 176C came with a data card adapter that allows me to plug the sandard (I think that is what the 176c uses) Garmin data card into my computer. When planning a trip with the 176 I would program it on the computer and then download it to the data card and then put the card back into the GPS.

Could you do this with the Chartplotters that are not new enough to use the SD card?

George
 
quote:
Originally posted by gcolton

My older model Garmim 176C came with a data card adapter that allows me to plug the sandard (I think that is what the 176c uses) Garmin data card into my computer. When planning a trip with the 176 I would program it on the computer and then download it to the data card and then put the card back into the GPS.

Could you do this with the Chartplotters that are not new enough to use the SD card?

George

Click to expand...


I don't think so, because you have to have the map on the card, but you could ask the question on the forum I posted a link to above. The forum is moderated by one of the programmers.
 
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