GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

[agallant80]

Does anyone know if the Garman 421 comes with software where I can set a plot on my laptop and sync it to the unit? If not any reccomendations on a plotter that does have this feature?

 

[ssobol]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

Does anyone know if the Garman 421 comes with software where I can set a plot on my laptop and sync it to the unit? If not any recommendations on a plotter that does have this feature?

I also have a Garmin 421. The only software I could find that allowed me to look at the stored tracks and to create routes was Garmin Home Port. However, with the 421 there are no built in maps. You need to have a map chip of the area you cruise in to see the navaids, depths, obstructions, etc. The base map that comes with Home Port does not contain these either.

You cannot directly sync to the unit either. You have to remove the SD card from the unit, put it in your computer, do whatever you want on the card, and then place it back in your Garmin unit.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

What are you trying to do?

Plotting a course on the plotter is quick and easy. You would spend more time messing around with the PC interface than it would take to program directly. If worst came to worst, you could always get a Vision chip for the unit. That software includes the auto-route feature.

 

[agallant80]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

So the 421 comes with no maps at all?

 

[agallant80]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

I guess I should get the 441 and get used to plotting on the plotter.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

Garmin GPSMap 4XX Video Manual - Placing a Route using the Map - YouTube

 

[ssobol]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

So the 421 comes with no maps at all?

The 421 has no maps built in. You'll need a map chip. The 441 has coastal US charts. However, I don't know if that maps is as good as the charts found on external chips. Some things I have read on the web seem to indicate that the built in charts are not that great.

The 441 is $50 more than the 421. The price difference less than the cost of the coastal US map chip.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPSMap 421 software plotting softwatre

Some things I have read on the web seem to indicate that the built in charts are not that great.

Garmin's built in Blue Chart coastal maps are as good, if not better than the Navionics gold charts. The Bluechart G2 exceed that of the Navionics platinum charts