Maptech^® uses a series of "drivers" to ensure compatibility and connectivity with each supported GPS unit. We are pleased to announce that we have completed the work to support the following Garmin GPS units (using the USB interface:)

• Edge 305
• eTrex Legend C
• eTrex Vista C
• GPS 18 (USB)
• GPSmap 60C
• GPSmap 60CSx
• GPSmap 76Cx
• GPSmap 76CSx
• GPSmap 276

All of these units use the USB interface. In many cases, serial interfaces are also available - and these drivers are already included in version 5.08.

Version 5.08 Required

Before installing these drivers, be sure that version 5.08 is installed. You can verify the version of your Maptech^® navigation software by choosing "About" from the "Help" menu.

For Offshore Navigator (included with "Marine Navigator" and "Digtal ChartKit^®") click here for the 5.08 update.

For Offshore Navigator Lite (included on "Chartbook Companion CDs"), click here for the 5.08 update.

For Chart Navigator Viewer (included on early "Digital ChartKits^®", "PowerSquadron Training CDs", and available for free download), click here for the 5.08 software.

These drivers are NOT compatible with earlier editions of these Maptech^® products. Failure to update to version 5.08 before downloading these drivers will corrupt your installation. Also, these drivers are not for use with Maptech's^® "Chart Navigator Pro" or "The CAPN."

Beta Software

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PATCH IS "BETA" SOFTWARE WHICH MEANS THAT IT HAS NOT GONE THROUGH THE USUAL RIGOROUS TESTING PROCEEDURES THAT Maptech^® USES FOR OFFICIAL RELEASES OF ITS SOFTWARE. We are pleased to make these updated GPS drivers available to our customers, while development and testing continues on the next releases of Offshore Navigator and Chart Navigator. Because of the 'beta' status of these drivers, Maptech^® can only offer limited technical support on their use and functionality. Likewise, please let us know if you have any difficulties with these drivers, so that they may be corrected.

Beta Software: Known Incompatibilities

It has been determined that these drivers appear very reliable for transferring waypoints, routes, and tracks between the GPS and Offshore Navigator. However, extreme caution should be employed when using these GPS units as live position antennas. In many circumstances, there is a significant delay between the reported position, and the actual position. In other words, in a fast-moving vessel, the position shown in Offshore Navigator may be several seconds old. Therefore, we DO NOT recommend using these drivers for navigational (live tracking) purposes.

How To Install

Click the link below. In most instances, your web browser will ask if the file should be Opened, or Saved to your computer. Choose Save, then select a location to Save the downloaded file In. If you are unfamiliar with downloading and applying software patches, we recommend choosing your "Desktop"; select Save In, Desktop and press Save. Once the download completes, double-click the downloaded application that appears on your Desktop. This will apply the download to your Maptech^® installation. Once that process is completed, you may run your Maptech^® application and (once working) delete the download from your Desktop.

Please note: Do NOT save this update in the same folder as your existing Maptech^® application. Doing so may corrupt your installation, requiring a complete re-install to correct.

Using the Drivers: Automatic Configuration with the GPS Setup Wizard

Once the drivers have been downloaded and installed, the fastest and easiest way to get Offshore Navigator properly configured for your GPS is to use the GPS Setup Wizard. The Wizard will automatically detect your GPS, find out its make and model, and determine what COM port it is connected to on your computer. The Wizard will then make all necessary settings so Offshore Navigator can communicate with your GPS unit, and vice versa. If any connection problems are detected, the Wizard will likely tell you exactly how to fix them. All you have to do is click the Vessel/GPS menu, then, Setup, GPS Setup Wizard and follow the simple instructions on the screen.

When the Wizard is finished, Offshore Navigator will be ready to communicate with your GPS unit. To connect to the GPS, choose Vessel Position from GPS from the Vessel/GPS menu. To activate the moving chart display, click Follow Vessel - found in the lower left-hand corner of the chart display window.

Release History

07/12/2006 - Initial Release
08/01/2006 - Beta 2 Release
02/21/2007 - 5.08 Release

DOWNLOADS

	File Name	File Size	Version	Release Date	Requirements
	GPSFix.exe	423.00 KB	for 5.08	02/21/2007	Requires an installation of Offshore Navigator, Offshore Navigator Lite,or Chart Navigator Viewer, version 5.08.