GPS Unit

[Blue_Runner]

I'm looking at getting a Garmin 172C gps unit. I've noticed they have both internal and external antenna's. What's the difference? Is one better than the other?

Thanks,
Blue

[chumbucket]

Depends on your mounting location. If it will be under a hard roof, I would recommend external. If not, internal will give just as good performance and is easier in regards to mounting. I went with the internal and never had any problems with reception even through the Bimini top.

[Blue_Runner]

Given the absence of a hard top on my V20, I think I'll go with internal. I knew there was a reason for the internal vs. external option. Seems obvious now!

Thanks CB!
Blue

[sailboat]

AGREE ON INTERNAL ANT. AM ;DUSING A 276C ON THE DASH OF V-21 AND HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN GOOD SIGNAL EVEN WITH LOTS OF STAINLESS STEEL IN BIMINI.

[macojoe]

Im have no hard top but have always had good luck with the internal att.
I have a Garmin 162 Map chart plotter and this has a internal as well and is right on every time!!

[Blue_Runner]

What else will I need to buy besides the unit itself?

Does it come with a cord to attach to the PC? How about a data card and the mapsource CD?

This doesn't seem like the type of thing you can buy one day and use the next....or is it?

Thanks,
Blue

[macojoe]

It should come with all cables and the power unit so you can use in the house!!
All you need to buty is the map software and load it in to the unit.
Then you can use asp.
I got mine used and it came with all the maps installed so all I had to do was install and go fishing. I love it and I will never go back to just plain GPS again.

[Blue_Runner]

Thanks Mac for the low down. You've helped quell my fears!

[chumbucket]

All Garmin units come with a world basemap and can be used immediately as is. The Bluechart software that adds more defined cartography is an optional CD that you purchase at any time and downloads from your PC. Garmin gives you an unlock code when you purchase the CD that will allow you to load charts of a given area of useage. The cables supplied also include an AC adapter plugin that also has the PC cable on it. I would recommend the Bluechart CD software as they have much greater resolution and charting info over the Mapsource CD's. Bluecharts are raster scans of actual NOAA Charts that also include navigational aids and water depths, hazards, etc.

[Blue_Runner]

Ok I think I got it...

Bluechart = Good :)
Mapsource = Bad :(

CB, I really appreciate it. I'm going to BPS tonight to look at the CD's and GPS units. I'm leaning toward buying the unit itself on eBay. The 172C is selling on eBay for as little as $548. Boaters World prices it at $699. I can't find a listing for BPS, so maybe they don't have that model?

Anything else I need to know?

[chumbucket]

I'm not saying Mapsource is bad. Just that Bluechart is that much better. They're all Mapsource products.

[Blue_Runner]

Right on CB... I didn't mean it literally. Geez, I hope I didn't make any MapSource fans mad!

So, to recap, the unit comes with the worldwide basemap and an unlock code for the region of my choice. The only thing I'm still a little unclear on is what the additional BlueChart software might provide over the worldwide basemap? Sorry, I'm a little s - l - o - w. You gotta dummy it down for us computer programmer types!

Thanks,
Blue

[chumbucket]

The unit comes with worldwide basemap that has very little detail. It'll show a basic, rough outline of the shoreline and very little other pertinent data. You get the unlock code when you purchase the Bluechart CD. Check Gramin's website for detailed information about chart coverage for your area. The Bluechart software, when added to the GPS, overlays a very detailed chart of the area you are in and receiving a satellite signal from. These overlay charts are exact copies of the NOAA paper charts that everyone uses and should continue to use as a backup. Then as you travel to different areas, your boat appears as a triangular icon that moves over the overlay chart. That chart will scroll continuously to the limits of what you have downloaded into the GPS' memory.
Hope that clears it up for you. Ask away if not and I'll try to explain better. Garmin's are very user friendly though and you'll get it right away. ;)

[chumbucket]

BTW; if you don't find what you want (pricewise) on Ebay, try these guys.
http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/0943.2.15289669376619327285/172ce.html

[macojoe]

Thats a nice unit!! I would have gotten that unit if I didn't get such a great deal on mine!!!!!!

You will wonder how you ever lived with out it!!!

I went out of Chatam this summer many times and you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you!! Chatam is noted for it FOG!!
This thing was right on everytime!! And whats nice about it is that it remembers when you were there last and shows your route with a dotted line. You don't even have to put the waypoints in cause there already showing you the way as soon as you turn it on.

Sure i could have made it out there with the old handheld but there is nothing like being able to see were you are on the chart!!

[Blue_Runner]

My buddy has one on his 20ft Mckeecraft. I got to see it in action, so I know how nice they are. And, you are correct - I don't know how I'm catchin fish without it! I guess I'll just catch alot more once I have it?!

CB - that's exactly the level of detail I was looking for, thank you sir.

Off to peruse BSP!!

[Blue_Runner]

OOOOooo man, wouldn't it be nice to have the auto pilot??? I'm gettin a bad feelin about this.

[CT_V-20]

This is a very helpful thread as I am considering GPS for the spring and was confused about basemaps and more detailed, "uploadable" charts. Now here is another question. I would like one unit that combines a depth sounder and GPS. Does anybody know if a unit like a Garmin GPS Map/168 Sounder, which does both, can show either a full screen of GPS or a full screen of sounder functions rather than just a split screen?

[sailboat]

Will show all one or the other or a split screen. Your choice.

[CT_V-20]

Thanks Fluty. I think that's going to be my (only) Christmas present this year (maybe - depending on how generous Santa is feeling). I can't wait to use it (hopefully).

[Seakindly]

FLUTY aka Sailboat ???

[macojoe]

CT_V_20, They are nice to have and with the space on the V20 it is one less thing!! But I would still op for two seprate units! Because when the unit mess up one part , you are going to end up with nothing.

I have the GPS Map 162
and Sounder 160

both work great!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/9459560d.jpg

[chumbucket]

Just a matter of personal preference. Given the choice and real estate allows, I also say two separate units are better than one. :)

[sailboat]

TO SEAKINDLY:
-Yes I used to be Sailboat. Very good!!
-We live at the end of the world at Cape Lookout and we finally got Road Runner. Thus the change in the E-mail address.

[Seakindly]

Aha! ... I knew it 8) ... but how did that force you to change your member name?

[CT_V-20]

That's a good point MACOJOE that I had not considered. For sure something will go on the fritz before I expect, and technology changes quick too. I'm going to have to give this some thought. Thanks

[Blue_Runner]

I thought about a single GPS/Sounder unit very briefly, but when condsidering safety, I decided to go with separate units. Plus, I wouldn't want to share the screen between both

I'm looking at the Garmin 250 in black and white. I figure color is much more important for navigation (green=land/blue=water) than for fish-finding.

I like the way MJ has his units mounted. I believe I'll do the same! Got alot to do before I get to that though. Some may say I put the ol cart before the horse for buying my GPS unit before getting the boat seaworthy. Well, I would partially agree with that statement. But, buying the GPS now does give me 2 distinct benefits:

1) Had the money now so I bought it now. Wait a month or two and I wouldn't have the money!!
2) Now that I've got the unit it will motivate me to get the boat on the water!!

My .02.

Blue