Garmin software

Audrey II

Audrey II

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A while back there was a thread about Garmin plotting software that let you use your existing map cards I think it goes for about $50. I'm having trouble finding info on it. If anyone knows the part number or where to find it I would like to order it. I tried to find it on boatfix but I couldn't find it. If I have to I guess I will have to wait for the boat show.
 
Never mind I found it by using the search feature.
If anyone is interested it's called Homeport and it's $29.95 on boatfix I should have in a couple of days and I can't wait to try it out.

I have been using the old Mapsource program for many years but I'm looking forward to using the detailed g2 charts and coverage areas.

As long as I started this thread maybe someone knows can you add use a usb GPS with this software as a live interface?
 
It's actually a Garmin "kit" Dave a piece of cake to learn and use.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

It's actually a Garmin "kit" Dave a piece of cake to learn and use.
Bill

Click to expand...

What is the kit? Is this the software or a USB GPS that you are referring to.

The software I would assume will be very similar to the mapsource that I've been using for years. I lost the install disk and I got a new laptop so I figured I would buy the Homeport and utilize the g2 card. I only have one zone on the Mapsource program and I'm planning a trip that goes beyond the zone I guessing that buying a second zone would be as much if not more then Homeport at $29.
I like to plan every trip at home long before I head to the boat and take off. Using mapsource has been great it allowed me to print out all way points and compass heads for both directions with the push of a button. This is great in the event of electronic failure under way.
 
Software, Micro SD to SD converter and a cable came with my kit. I have to look when I get back to the office on Tuesday when I get back to the office Dave to see what the cable is for.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

Software, Micro SD to SD converter and a cable came with my kit. I have to look when I get back to the office on Tuesday when I get back to the office Dave to see what the cable is for.
Bill

Click to expand...
Got me curious. My last Garmin was a 192c and I was able to plug in my laptop using a serial cable that I adapted and ran into my cabin. It was very nice to create routes at home then go to the boat plug in my cable and transfer everything to my GPS I also had the older style card reader and chip so I could transfer via data card. That reminds me, Hogan still owes me a bottle of Gin. In addition to being able to plug into the GPS I was able to view active GPS in motion data on my laptop while in the cabin under way that was very cool. The new GPS doesn't have a data interface and the only way to transfer data is by using the SD card. I now have lost two nice features that really surprised me I didn't believe they would leave that feature out. I called to confirm and they assured me there was no way to do this, I still find this hard to believe. I liked the in motion data I would consider buying a USB receiver just to have that back I have also considered running a video output to the TV in the salon but it's just a thought at the moment.
 
I purchased the Homeport software over the internet directly from Garmin.Same price, emmediate delivery. The only way to transfer data as far as I know is through the SD card. I down load all of my tracks to a SD card from my GPS and then to my computor. The one pain is that you have to insert your G2 card into your computor to see the detail.I find the software clumbersome but gives me something to do related to boating in the winter months.
 
I saw the option to download the software as well But I like to have a hard copy in case I replace my laptop again I can reinstall easily. I not sure what is cumbersome about the software I would love to hear a little more input in that respect. Can you load the g2 card into the computer once and not have to have it with you each time you use the program?
 
HomePort wont let you do real time plotting with GPS- you need the older nRoute

You can find people that have it via a free download on the webb. If you can't find it I can send it to you via skype or ftp- it's about 105MB
 
quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II

Can you load the g2 card into the computer once and not have to have it with you each time you use the program?

Click to expand...


No, HomePort only looks for map data on a card.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II

I have also considered running a video output to the TV in the salon but it's just a thought at the moment.

Click to expand...


I did this as a gimmick when I installed the TV. Since I was running cables through the boat anyway, I ran an RCA video in from the satellite receiver and a VGA from the Garmin to the TV.

garminontv.jpg


It's been much more useful than I expected it to be. I bought a Garmin RF handheld remote, so now I can set autopilot and go below and stretch out and drive the boat by remote control until I see a big radar echo on the screen. (kidding kidding kidding!)

The practical uses include being able to show guests our route or G2 Vision data on a 32" display in the comfort of the salon. I also frequntly track rain storms by radar, so being able to control it from below is great.

I haven't used the TV display on the Garmin as much because obviously, it can't produce sound. I just addressed that by tying the satellite feed into the boat's audio system, so watching the morning news with a cup of coffee at the helm in bright daylight is now a reality.

Well worth a $22 investment in cables.
 
The VGA output of the Garmin MFD's is not configurable. Any configuration must be done at the TV. Before you buy and run a long VGA cable, you should test it with your TV using the VGA cable from your home PC. We have encountered several TV's that will not display the Garmin VGA. The work around is to buy a converter that converts VGA to NTSC. It is easier to pull coax cable (with or without an end attached) than a VGA cable with an end attached. Mount a VGA converter close enough to the Garmin unit to plug the video out directly to the converter and then run coax to the TV.
 
quote:
Originally posted by SLW

quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II

Can you load the g2 card into the computer once and not have to have it with you each time you use the program?

Click to expand...


No, HomePort only looks for map data on a card.

Click to expand...


You can download the maps from your plotter to an SD card (it takes a while) and keep it in your computer or insert it when you want to use HomePort. You can also copy your G2 Vision card to use in your computer. Copies won't work in the plotter but they work fine in Homeport.

If you don't have an SD slot in your computer but have a USB port, or if you don't want to tie up your only SD card slot, you can buy an SD to USB adapter to use the SD card in a USB slot. HomePort will not read maps stored on the internal hard drive of the PC.

With Homeport, you can create routes and waypoints on the PC,copy them to an SD card, and upload them to your plotter.

There is a HomePort support forum at:
https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=214
 
quote:
Originally posted by deerows

The VGA output of the Garmin MFD's is not configurable. Any configuration must be done at the TV.
Click to expand...


Actually, that's not true! I had almost resigned to the idea of using a converter because my TV said "Unusable Signal" while a computer monitor displayed just fine. Then I called Garmin tech support. There's a hidden menu option that gave me the option to choose the correct settings for my 16:9 TV.

I'm with you on pulling the VGA cable through the boat though - that was a pain.
 
I don't plan on pulling a VGA to the TV would be a major PIA. I have used cat5 to VGA converters and they work fine but they require power/110.

If I can copy the g2 card to a spare SD and leave it in my computer I'm OK with that. I liked having the Enroute that was kind of cool all though I only used it a couple of times it was nice to have. So maybe I should consider pulling something to the TV I pulling a component cable to the TV that was a PIA. That cable has 5 mini coax cables in it that I had to terminate once it was run. I used it because I had some left over for a job so it didn't cost me anything but the ends.

I should have the homeport Tues or Wednesday knowing Boatfix I'm surprised it wasn't here today even though I ordered it on Sunday.
 
hmmm, the 15-pin, screw-in VGA connector was a tight fit in some of the wire chases, but in my case, installing and running power to converters would've been even more trouble...

but anyway, if you end up getting a signal to your TV, consider picking up one of these to make it worthwhile:

cf-lg.jpg
 
quote:
Originally posted by SLW
....There's a hidden menu option that gave me the option to choose the correct settings for my 16:9 TV....
Click to expand...
Well the "hidden option" is also hidden from some of the tech support folks as well. The response to my call was "no" Garmin tech support is generally very good. Oh well.
 
quote:
Originally posted by SLW

...installing and running power to converters would've been even more trouble...
Click to expand...
Most converters are low voltage and come with a power supply that steps down the voltage. Get a converter that takes 12v, cut the brick off the cable, and wire it directly to a fuse panel.
 
quote:
Originally posted by deerows

The response to my call was "no" Garmin tech support is generally very good. Oh well.

Click to expand...


I've had hot and cold experiences with them too. I've had calls that nearly made me swear off Garmin altogether, yet other times they've saved the day. Generally, I've noticed the support getting better, which is a nice trend to see.

It's also possible that not all units capable of VGA output are capable of adjusting the signal. I'm just glad that the 5212 is. The hidden menu on that series btw, is accessed by holding your finger in the lower-left corner of the screen.
 
I stand corrected I just called my supplier and asked about the VGA converters and they are passive and require one cat5 oddly I have used them in the recent passed and forgot. If anyone is interested the part number is VGA135 if you google the part number you will find it without a problem and the price is about $80 but I have seen for less as low as $68.

So now comes the question what is the part number of the remote and does it work on the 4208 units and how much are we talking? I'll try looking it up.
Found it
http://www.boatfix.com/shop4/store/listItems.asp?strSearch=garmin+wireless+remote
Sounds like a plan $120 and all set up.

Can you use the remote to create routes? while sitting on the couch drinking a T & T what more can you ask for.
 
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