adding chartplotting capability to a Garmin GPS128

[Oceania]

I have a perfectly good Garmin 128 working well with my autopilot. We use a Samsung phone and Navionics to give us the mapping. I would like to hook up my old Compaq laptop to the 128 as a chartplotter. How would I do it? Should I do it? Thanks guys.

 

[Panhandler]

Why do you need to hook up the laptop to the GPS? Why not get a $30 USB GPS and just plug it into the laptop? You then have two GPS's and no hassle... Run OpenCPN, Navionics, or something else on the laptop

 

[Oceania]

Panhandler, is it that easy? Great idea but won't I have to also install software that can translate the GPS signals and put them on the maps? I am a novice! What would be the total purchases involved to get this running? Thanks.

 

[dimer2]

Oceania, yes it's that easy. Buy a $30 puck GPS antenna and plug it into your USB Port. Download the free OpenCPN software and you have full charting capability.

 

[psneeld]

That's what I have done for the last 4 trips to/from Fl. Laptop, OpenCPN, GPS puck and 300 watt navstation inverter to keep the laptop running.

I will say having a real chartplotter backup is nice as every once and awhile, OpenCPN will crash....it's a problem with my laptop and shutting off the COMM port I believe....so unless a IT wiz...backup is recommended but it can be almost any cheapo plotting system...

 

[Panhandler]

Panhandler, is it that easy? Great idea but won't I have to also install software that can translate the GPS signals and put them on the maps? I am a novice! What would be the total purchases involved to get this running? Thanks.

Yes, as Dimer2 said. Just buy a USB GPS puck with good reviews off amazon. Install the drivers and plug it in. Download and install OpenCPN. OpenCPN has good documentation so just study it a little and you should have no problems. Depending on the speed of your laptop, loading charts may be slow.

 

[dimer2]

And for another $200 you can add an AIS receiver. Just plug it into another USB port. You gotta love OpenCPN!

 

[Panhandler]

Check out OpenPlotter for a complete system, including AIS, that you can do yourself as well. Very cheap.

 

[Oceania]

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll check this out and let you know what I set up this spring.