E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Nov 16th, 2009 5:24 pm

Check the power to the unit
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ The BLACK LINE OF DEATH ~

From your description it sounds as of you have an internal software failure.

But before calling Garmin Tech Support at 1-800-800-1020, try a set of fresh batteries after you have cleaned all four of the battery contact points. It may be that you have a poor power supply or connection problem.

I had a unit display a very similar problem that was ultimately diagnosed as being caused by excessive heat. The unit was left cooking in the sun on the dash of my boat for a two hour period. The heat caused the screen to have a series vertical of black lines. My unit had to be sent in for repairs.

There is a way to reset your unit, but I don’t have the info on your model. For that, you will have to contact the Garmin tech people.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Nov 16th, 2009 4:52 pm

CHECK FOR OTHER INTERFERERENCE
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ DALE MYERS ~
If the unit, or rather the antenna of the unit, has a clear view of the sky AND your system is delivering a constant voltage to the unit the unit should perform as per its specifications.

Should that is, if there are no other items that are nearby that may be causing satellite reception interference. I have seen a Marine VHF radio cause a GPS receiver to loose all of its satellite reception when the radio was transmitting.

If there is no other interference nearby, and your power supply is up to the necessary requirements, and the unit is still loosing its position, then it is time to get in touch with the EAGLE SUPPORT section.

Technicians can be reached at 1-800-324-1356. Select the EAGLE option when calling and ask to speak to a technical representative.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Thu, Nov 12th, 2009 4:58 pm

INFO ON AERIAL MAPPING AND TIDES
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Brad ~

Here is a step by step answer in the order that you asked them.

1. In the past a position plot of 400 yards was considered a marvel. But now modern GPS receivers have the capability to discern a position that in within 3 meters (9.8 feet). No longer will a position that is close suffice for even the casual GPS user. This has caused us to question the accuracy of existing maps and positions.

The “online” aerial views you see are usually NOT an ortho aerial
image that is corrected for perspective. These images are photo
tiles that are placed side by side, end to end to form the images you
see.

Ortho (corrected) images are derived from these raw images and are plotted and displayed to a very specific DATUM. Newer images are usually corrected to conform to WGS 84 datum, but some may be set to almost any other acceptable datum.

I am not sure what datum is used in the various “on line” aerial photo images, but using one datum to produce the images and another setting in your GPS unit, could cause a position shift of over 2 miles in some cases. A shift of about 165 feet at a latitude of about 32° N occurs between two of the most common. This position shift occurs when a datum of NAD 27 is used in place of WGS 84. As I said, using other datum could cause the position shift to be quite a distance.

There are professional mapping programs that can display aerial and topo maps in a variety of different user selected datum.

One of these programs, MY TOPO ~ Terrain Navigator Pro (http://www.mytopo.com/map-software.cfm) is the program that I use in plotting positions for my use as well as for questions posed by my readers. It is an extremely accurate plotting program.

It is one of the most complete mapping programs that is available. It can download waypoints, tracks and routes to and from over 50 different models ~ brands of GPS receivers. In addition it allows you to print the mapping images on a standard computer printer.

To quote My TOPO,” Our top land mapping product is Terrain Navigator Pro which combines USGS topographic maps, aerial photos and our most advanced software tools. Terrain Navigator Pro is fast becoming the standard for mapping professionals and committed outdoor enthusiasts who rely on accurate, detailed topos that can be used in the office and in the field with GPS.


For those who do not need aerial photos and professional software tools, Terrain Navigator is a good choice. With off-road topographic maps for an entire state region, it is easy to use. Just one mouse click turns flat 2D maps into vivid 3D images making contour lines come alive. Compare Terrain Navigator and Terrain Navigator Pro”

To get the accuracy you describe would require you to use one of these computer installed mapping programs.

2. Tides

Tides are based on the gravitation pull on the oceans by the MOON and the SUN. Yes, some of the planets also have an effect on the tides, but the main tidal actions is caused by the moon and the sun.

Tides are determined by measuring the rise and fall of the ocean and large bodies of water at a specific point and establishing a set of references for that location.
The moon’s gravity is known to be the main cause of tidal movement of our waters. Under ideal circumstances, the high tide and moon up time would be the same, however the coastal shorelines of the world and especially the Louisiana coastal marshes have numerous choke points that prohibited the free flow of normal tide movements. These friction points and the ocean floor cause the water to move at a different rate in different areas. Adjusting for this difference will give you a more accurate tide reading for that particular location.

These high and low water levels have been noted and recorded to establish a pattern between the MOON and the next high tide for that area. The tidal history is recorded in these documents and is used to establish a set time differences between when the MOON is directly over head to the when the next high tide occurs at that measured location.

This is called the LUNITIDAL INTERVAL.

The Lunitidal interval is the interval between the moon's transit of a particular meridian (position) and the next high tide at that meridian.

A Lunitidal interval is the difference between moon up and the high tide immediately following moon up. Moon up is when the moon is at the highest point directly over the person's longitude, not when the moon rises.

The MOON UP position actually occurs for a very, very, very, very brief period of time, and without a very specific time piece and other astronomical instruments, the casual observer may not be able to actually determine the exact MOON UP position. So one must rely on the published times provided by well informed sources.

The U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department, Washington, DC has a program that will compute the Sun and MOON ALTITUDE and Azimuths for a given location at almost any time with in the next 20 years. Check out this web site to find the MOON up times for your location on the day you are interested in.
(http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/AltAz.php)

These calculations however are broken down to only minutes of a degree of Latitude and Longitude. The information for a tide station when using a rounded degrees and minutes value would be entered as W 90°02, ~ N29° 12’
For instance the Altitude of the Moon for JULY 1, 2008 indicates the same time for 11:34 hours to 11:39 hours. This Five minute time period is due to the inaccuracy of plotting the very exact time that the moon is MOON UP over that position. Although it certainly can be done, the effort is not really worth the time to compute the exact time by defining the longitude to a more precise value and by using precise instruments.

As said, the lunitidal interval is the length of time from when the moon passes over a meridian of longitude and the next high tide at that specific meridian of longitude.

The Lunitidal Interval is the average, NOTE THE WORD AVERAGE, of the time interval.

The length of the lunitidal interval differs on all shores in the world. However for a particular shore it is, on average, a constant value. This value, unless changed by natural or man made features that caused a difference from the original calculations, will remain constant. By knowing the lunitidal interval, it is possible to predict how long after the moon moves to meridian (MOON UP) until high tide will occur.

Remember that this is the astronomical tide. It can be compromised, delayed and speeded up by weather and local conditions. It is determined by the influence of the sun and moon. They do NOT take into consideration any weather or man made factors.

A strong wind or a sustained light wind from any one direction can delay, neutralize or speed up the tide for a specific area. The Louisiana coastal marshes are like a huge saucer with ridges. A wind can push the water against the normal tide movement. WINDS GREATLY affect the tides in the Louisiana marshes.

The wind, when taken into consideration with the tide range, can totally upset the predicted astronomical movements. A tidal range of over 2 feet usually cause a significant amount of water to be moved, but a tidal range of only 0.2 feet (2.4 inches) moves very little water. A light wind blowing over such water can actually reverse that normal tide times. In addition a prevailing wind for several days can actually totally reverse the tides in some of the inland areas and delay the tide from rising or falling for days.

In addition, the marshes offer thousands of “choke” points that hinder, delay, and restrict the normal water movement in the areas. These choke points can limit the amount of water exiting and entering the areas adjacent to their position, and in some cases make it appear as if the tide is flowing in the opposite direction. In fact the water may be circumventing the choke point as it can’t get through the narrows fast enough.

I have seen a tides running exactly opposite of the predicted tide as the wind had pushed water though out the marshes, causing it to be above the normal high tide. That water was going to flow out to the marsh regardless what the astronomical predictions were for that day. The tide that day fell for over 20 hours as the wind had actually changed directions 180°.

Unlike the MOST of the rest of the world, in the Gulf of Mexico, there is perceived to be only one high and one tide per day. Actually this is really not so, as during the ebb and flood stages, there is for a moment, a “blip” in the decrease or increase in the movement, usually for only five or ten minutes. And our tide ranges are usually under four feet, way under four feet, with the average being about 1.7 feet between the high and low tides. On a recent trip to Alaska, I witnessed a tidal range of over twenty five feet that occurred four times a day.

In addition, high river flows can have the same affect on the tide. Whenever there is a heavy rain upstream or a cresting of a river which “dumps” additional water in an estuary the tide predictions are usually thrown off. These rivers from the Saline to the Pearl and man made diversions can dramatically affect tides these bodies of waters adjacent to these rivers, etc.

You can approximate the lunitidal interval, to determine the astronomical tide, if the moon rise, moon set & high tide timings are known. These timings can be obtained if the coordinates for your region are known.

To do the calculation, you will first have to determine the MOON UP for the area. The MOON UP value is the mid point time between the moon rise and moon set. This will be time that the moon is directly above the position.
Once this value is determined you should note the NEXT HIGH tide that occurs AFTER the MOON UP time for that area. The difference between the MOON UP and the next HIGH TIDE is the LUNITIDAL INTERVAL.

As an example the Naval Observatory value for the MOON UP time for July 1, 2008 was 11:35 to 11:39 hours (AM), the average time being 11:37 hours. Or if you only know the MOON RISE (04:10hrs) and MOON SET( 19:03 hrs) finding the difference and dividing by two and adding the quotient to the Moon Rise time (19:03hrs – 04:10hrs = 14:53.5hrs ÷ 2= 7: 26.5 hrs : ~ 04:10 hrs + 07.26.5 hrs = 11:36.5hrs / rounded to 11:37 hrs (AM), you can calculate the MOON UP time yourself.

The reported HIGH TIDE for the same location was 08:48 hours (8:48AM) on July 1 day but the NEXT high tide following the MOON UP at that location was on JULY 2 at 09:47 hours (9:47AM). The difference, in this case, the LUNITIDAL INTERVAL, is 22 hours, 10 minutes.
(22:10 hours).

By knowing the Lunitidal Interval for the latitude~longitude of your position AND knowing or personally recording the next high tide for that location, you can begin to create your own tide guide for any specific area.

Remember that you will also have to take into consideration the various impediments that the water flowing from the sea will have to negotiate in order to reach your particular location. These measurements MUST be made when there are little of no other factors to consider. As said, a strong or prevailing wind or other such weather condition can, in some cases, completely negate the tides in our coastal marshes.

There is however an easier way for you to determine the tides for a specific location. That is to use THE LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE and The LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN published tides as a starting point for your calculations.

This web site offer an extensive listing of tide reporting stations. The published tide tables and graphs you see are the predicted astronomical tides for the listed tide stations. They are derived from Official NOAA Tide Prediction tables. The different “choke” points have already been figured in the published tide values, so you have a really big advantage in making your own.


By having a know value for a location that is nearby, someone who is familiar with tidal movements, could use it as a basis and come up with a tide for an area close by the that would be close to the actual tide at that specific location. By using this web site for the tides in your general area you the will have a very good base for making your own.


The weather button is located in the rust colored banner on the left side of the home page. The information on this site is derived from OFFICIAL NOAA Tide Prediction tables. It is presented in a GRAPH form a month at a time. Sometime a picture, as is this graph, offers an easy insight on "seeing" the tides for an area.

Most voyagers who repeatedly visit a specific area keep their own records about the predictions as they relate to one of these official stations. They are then able to make corrections to the main reporting stations in order to tailor the info to their specific locations. Such notes should describe the strength and direction of the wind on that day as well as the days preceding the trip AND the tidal RANGE. Eventually you will have collected enough data to make your own predictions for certain areas.

While there is NOT a specific location at California Point, there are several in the area that should give you close information on the tides in that area. I would use these official stations as a starting point and “adjust” the times to give you a prediction for your specific location. By having your own TIDE CORRECTIONS, you will have a valuable tool in determining tides for your area.

For locations EAST of a listed station, subtract times, for those positions WEST of a listed station ADD time. Remember those locations in open water areas will NOT have the choke points that a position would have that is miles inland in the marsh from a station, and as such you should NOT have take into consideration these choke points. Similar distances through the marshes as compared to line of sight in open water will cause the tides to be offset to a greater extent.

Start keeping your records for your own particular location, and soon you will have your own “offsets” to add or subtract to the published tides for the area.


Let me know how you make out.

~Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Wed, Nov 11th, 2009 12:10 pm

LOWRANCE OFFERS A FREE DOWNLOAD FOR HDS DATA TRANFERS

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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Half-Trotte ~


Lowrance offers a stand alone data transfer program that they call GDM( ver. 6) as a free download from their web site at

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/GPS-Data-Manager-GDM/

The program is part of their MapCreate USA Topo mapping program that is available for use in other Lowrance products. The MapCreate Topo maps will not work in the HDS line of units. So, for supplemental mapping you will have to order one of the Optional Navionics® Platinum+ and or the Platinum chartcards with TurboView™ for worldwide coverage – or the Navionics® HotMaps™ Platinum, Lowrance Hot Spots® PRO and LakeMaster® ProMaps (Americas).

The free GDM 6 download will, however, allow you to transfer data, such as waypoints, routes and tracks, to and from your computer and the HDS unit. This transfer is via a standard speed Secure Digital (SD) card which is placed in your HDS unit and using the unit’s MENU features, transferred into the allotted waypoint, track and route internal memory of the unit.
You will need a card programmer (reader~writer) which is connected to your computer, a blank Standard Speed SD card ( a 1 GB size will be more than sufficient) and the Lowrance GDM download.

The GDM offers a very basic map of the area, much as a base map would be shown in a GPS unit. It allow you to place waypoints, design tracks and ROUTES on this map and ultimate install the DATA, the data, not the maps in your HDS receiver. Use caution when placing waypoints or when designing a route using this map as it will NOT be as accurate as the supplemental mapping that is currently available.

Unfortunately, these supplemental mapping programs that are designed for the HDS line of units, are on memory cards which are inserted into the receiver. These programs cannot be installed in your computer and do NOT have a data transfer capability.

By the way this data transfer ability is the basis for the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE OF GPS WAYPOINTS.

THE CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE FILES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON THIS WEB SITE. ( www.louisianasportsman.com)

Check out the OUTDOOR STORE button on the left side of the HOME page. Click on that button, then when the Outdoor Store page appears, click on the “ FISHING EDGE” button.

When ordering the areas you want you MUST indicate what type of GPS system you have as different brands write their data files in different protocols. Simply select which EDGE program(s) you want and click on that box. Follow the directions and the EDGE will be delivered to you via email as an attachment.

I call the Programs, CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE,” because I believe that they will give the fisher an advantage in getting to, finding fishing spots, moving around, and getting back from some of the more favorite fishing areas in the state.

The “CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE” is a very unique ELECTRONIC MEDIA program that can be downloaded directly into various GPS units from their manufacturer’s Mapping program or via several of Maptech’s mapping software programs. This technology saves countless hours of having to manually enter each separate waypoint value into the GPS receiver.

The entire procedure of loading over 200 odd waypoints from a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE file takes less than three minutes from the time you view the email file to the time that they are loaded in the GPS receiver.

Presently I have NINETEEN Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge Files. They include Barataria Bay, Lake Borgne, Hopedale to the Miss Sound, Hopedale to Bayou Terre Boeufs, Delacroix to Point a la Hache, Bayou Bienvenue, Port Sulphur, Lake Calcasieu, Lake Pontchartrain, Myrtle Grove-Lake Hermitage, Empire to Buras, Leeville-West, Leeville-East, Lafitte, the Pearl River WMA, VERMILLION BAY, The Rigolets, Big Branch NWR, and Bayou Sauvage NWR.

To download The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE program(s) in your GPS, you MUST have FIVE items.

FIRST, a GPS Receiver; SECOND, that manufacturers Computer installed Mapping Program or its Waypoint Manager software; THIRD, a computer with a connecting cable to the GPS unit or data card; FOURTH, a valid E-Mail Address that accepts attachments, and FIFTH, a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE FILE.

Separate Program Files are designed for GARMIN, DeLORME, HUMMINBIRD, MAGELLAN, RAY MARINE, LOWRANCE GPS receivers and their mapping programs as well as for MYTOPO TERRAIN NAVIGATOR. These Edge files are NOT interchangeable.

ALL of the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS are NOW available at the LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN'S 'OUTDOOR STORE'

The OUTDOOR STORE link button may be found in red banner on the left side of the SPORTSMAN’s HOME PAGE. The Captain Paul's FISHING EDGE button is also located on HOME page in the side banner on the RIGHT side of the page, or you may also go to the OUTDOOR STORE by clicking on that button in the left banner.

From either site, simply follow the instructions for ordering from the Louisiana Sportsman’s Shopping Cart.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Nov 9th, 2009 12:21 pm

DELORME MAP DOWNLOADS AND TRANSFERS
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ LENNY GUARDINA ~

I presume that you have the proper DeLorme TOPO program to accomplish the downloads and that you have a blank Memory card for such transfers.

By the way, the latest DeLorme TOPO USA is version 8.0. If you don’t have that version you may want to upgrade via the DeLorme web site to secure their latest version.

If you have already selected and stored the downloaded maps in your computer it is a relatively easy, but time consuming, procedure to transfer the maps from your computer to the GPS unit.

Remember that there are several different downloads that area available. These include the DeLorme Data Series (DeLormeredrawn topos), USGS Quad topos, NOAA General, Harbor, Harbor Inset and Coastal charts, as well as Color Aerial datasets, DOQQ aerial images, Satellite SAT 10 images. You MUST first download the required map(s) for the area then transfer the map image to the GPS unit. The TOPO USA version 8 allows you to complete the download AND transfer the maps to the GPS unit at the same time, but either way you MUST select the proper type of map and in both the download and the transfer part of the procedure. For instance, if you are trying to download USGS Topos, you must select the topo option in the download as well as when doing the transfer. Both must be the same type of mapping images.

Basically, you download the images, select the HANDHELD EXPORT button, configure which of the downloaded maps you want to transfer by FIND YOUR MAP, then SAVE YOUR MAP, allow the program time to “build” the file then EXCHANGE the map file to your GPS unit.
The final exchange may take up to 30 minutes or so, depending on how large an area you are attempting to install in your unit.

Without knowing exactly what path you took in attempting the download, I will be hard pressed to attempt to offer any suggestions.

Try calling the DeLorme Support at 1-207-633-1468 for assistance or give me a call and I will attempt to give you some pointers in doing the downloads ~ transfers.

~ Captain Paul ~
985-847-0536

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Tue, Oct 27th, 2009 10:02 pm

A 90+ mile trip
.
.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Rick ~

You will have a journey to take, that will require some investigation on your part.

You will have to plot a route from the Barataria Waterway to in the Intra Coastal Waterway, to the Harvey canal, though the locks into the Mississippi River to the Inner Harbor Navigation Channel, though the locks and into the channel to Lake Pontchartrain to the north shore Small boat Passage of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, to Pass Manchac, though the pass, under I-55 to Lake Maurepas to the Amite River.

As a start, I suggest that you get at least current copies of NOAA Marine Charts 11365 ~ Barataria & Bayou Lafourche Waterways, 11367_4 ~ Waveland to Catahoula Bay, 11369 ~ Lakes Pontchartrain & Maurepas.

This route is roughly about a 90 mile trip one way. It requires you to navigate through two locks as well as the Mississippi River, the Inner Harbor Canal and under several bridges all of which have restricted opening times and clearances.

Not only do you have to know your fuel consumption, you have to know your draft, Displacement (for the locks) length, width and HEIGHT of your vessel.

There are some refueling locations along the way, and I suggest that you take advantage of them when you are in those areas. The Harvey Canal as well as Lake Pontchartrain at the west end marina has refueling locations, as does some of the locations in Pass Manchac.

The Captain of the vessel should be keenly aware of all River, bridge and lock restrictions. The vessel should be in excellent shape and seaworthy for such a trip. All safety equipment should be serviceable and in excellent shape. Most of the locks and bridges use Marine channel 13 for requesting permission to enter ~ pass as you approach, but such permission should be investigated beforehand. Remember the Federal and State Navigation Rules and what they require as to radio frequencies as well as other safety and required equipment. NO doubt you will be “inspected” several times in during your trip.

The skipper of the vessel will also need the present and forecasted weather conditions for the duration of the trip. Remember that a vessel that you described is very, very susceptible to the winds. Try to pick a period where there no pronounced winds in the forecast.

I would opt for a hand held GPS unit that could be used on the deck if conditions warrant it. Yes, a fixed mounted unit will also do, but it should be installed by an experienced installer. It is possible that a fixed mounted unit may have to have an external antenna and other options, where as a hand held unit could be simply moved to an upper deck.

Almost any of the leading manufactures offer such units. Try the GARMIN, Lowrance, Magellan web sites for a unit that suits your needs and price range. Be sure to include optional mapping software that will depict the areas you will be traveling through and a 12 volt accessory power cable with your choice.

Narrow down you selection and get back to me. I would be happy to discuss your options.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Tue, Oct 27th, 2009 8:22 pm

DATA TRANSFERS
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Sandra Mullins ~

As you have obliviously determined, the advantage of the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS, is that the EDGE waypoints can be electronically downloaded into a GPS receiver. This saves countless hours of time when compared to manually entering these waypoints into your GPS receiver.

In order to download the Edge files you will need several items.

The very first is having a GPS receiver that can accept downloads. Don’t laugh, many entrance level units are not able to accept any type of download information. They are simply NOT configured to accept such information. This is in my opinion a server handicap, as the user cannot install supplemental mapping programs, update the operating software or transfer data such as waypoints, tracks and routes to and from a computer.

More advanced units can accept such downloads either by connecting the GPS receiver via a specific manufacturer’s cable or via a memory card which is “plugged into” the receiver.

With that out of the way, if you have a GPS receiver that can accept downloads you will need either the above described connecting cable OR a blank memory card and a card reader~writer and the unit’s manufacturer DATA TRANSFER program.

Such a data transfer program is usually part of a supplemental mapping program, IF that mapping program is the type that is installed in your computer. A data transfer program is NOT part of a supplemental mapping program that is purchased as a program on a data card which is plugged into a GPS unit.

For those units which can transfer the data, and you don’t have the manufacturer’s data transfer program, you will have to purchase or in some cases download the program from their web site.

Garmin offers their MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager as a CD disk for sale. Lowrance offers a free download on their web site called GDM. It is available at http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/GPS-Data-Manager-GDM/ .

Humminbird offers a program called HumminbirdPC from their web site when you register your unit. It will allow you to do Humminbird downloads. Raymarine has a similar program from their web site called RAYNAV.

If your unit can accept downloads, you will need one of the data transfer programs that are designed by your manufacturer to accomplish the data transfers.

So, get back with me with the brand and model of your system and if you have the units data transfer program.

With that information I can better describe what you will need to do the data downloads.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Sun, Oct 25th, 2009 11:08 am

GMD for transferring data to~from a Lowrance GPS unit
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ DENNIS ~

First for the easy part. The Lowrance HDS-5 comes loaded with an Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Lake Insight™ or Nautic Insight.™ You have the option of purchasing several other high def mapping programs for the unit. These optional mapping programs really allow you to use the HDS up to its full potential.

The optional HDS-5 programs includel Navionics® chartcards – Platinum+, Platinum, Platinum HotMaps. The are installed in one of the high-speed SD card slots.

These optional software map programs are supplied for your unit in a Secure Digital (SD) formatted memory card for the area(s) of your choice.

This optional card is NOT installed in your computer. The mapping software is ready to “plug into” your GPS unit and will offer the advantages of more detailed charts and maps that are on the card. To transfer data, such as Waypoints, Tracks, and Routes, you will need to install such a program in your computer, and have a spare SD card and a card reader~writer. I’ll explain how to get that program in a moment.

The Optional Navionics® Platinum+ and Platinum chart cards with TurboView,™ as well as Navionics® HotMaps™ Platinum, Lowrance Hot Spots® PRO and LakeMaster® ProMaps (Americas) are available from several sources. Before laying down your Ben Franklins ($$$) for such a mapping program, I would do a little research to determine which type of mapping you will need and the area of its coverage. Most are offered in areas that cover the Gulf of Mexico in various sections. I believe that the Navionics Platinum+ has a region that covers the Gulf of Mexico shoreline from Mobile Bay to Lake Calcasieu. This particular region does NOT cover inland lakes in the respective sea side states. For that coverage you will need one of the other available mapping programs.

After checking out the programs on the internet, I suggest that you visit a stocking dealer and physically view the program installed in a HDS unit, or at least look at it on a computer. Pick out an area that you are familiar with and compare it with your base map in the HDS. Be sure that you get the proper card for your unit and for the area of coverage that you need.

Only you can determine if it is worth the money you will have to spend to get the improved mapping.

As for the data transfer program, Lowrance offers a FREE download from their web site at http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/GPS-Data-Manager-GDM/

According to Lowrance,

“GPS Data Manager V.6 (GDM6) allows you to upload and download GPS data from your unit to your computer. You can easily access and manipulate Waypoints, Routes, Trails and Icons. A great tool for planning a route, the GPS Data Manager V.6 allows you to build a collection of route information that you can download to your unit.
GDM6 is the perfect tool for persons who only desire to use their unit as a plotter or those who only use preprogrammed electronic charts with their unit. GDM6 was created for these users who do not require the full mapping features of the MapCreate™ 6 software. Note: Saving GPS data to a preprogrammed electronic chart could possibly cause the electronic chart to fail - please check with the manufacturer of the electronic chart before saving GPS data from GDM6 to the memory card, or use a separate memory card for storing GPS data from GDM6.”

This allows users of a “Plug in “ data card the ability to transfer GPS data between the GPS unit and a computer usually via a SD memory card. If you do nothing else, access the free download and load it in your computer. It will give you the ability to edit, transfer and archive your waypoints to a computer file or even a CD disk. It offers a safe guard for recreating your waypoint data should the unit fail.

It is worth your time and effort !

Once having the program, you can order and transfer the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE files into the GDM program and from there write the data to a blank SD card which is placed in your HDS GPS unit and downloaded as part of its waypoint memory.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Wed, Oct 21st, 2009 12:52 pm

HUMMINBIRDPC~A FREE TRANSFERING DOWNLOAD OFFERED BY HUMMINBIRD
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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Big B ~

Humminbird offers a FREE data manager for Humminbird owners via their web site at http://www.humminbird.com/support/ProductRegistration.aspx
AFTER you register your unit.

The download lets you install the Humminbird program on your computer that will allow you to Update Unit software with MMC or SD card or via a direct connection and to Manage Tracks, Waypoints and Routes and to get your unit’s profile.

Once you have the software installed the download in your computer, simply order the EDGE file of your choice, save it to a folder, open the HumminbirdPC program and load it into the program. Then by using a card reader~ writer which would be also installed to your computer, you would write the file to a blank Secure Digital card by using the HumminbirdPC program.

Once the data file is written to the data card, the card is removed and placed in your Humminbird 788c unit and using the MENU feature of the unit save the waypoints to the internal waypoint memory of the unit.

Even if you don’t purchase the EDGE file(s) you should make an effort to get the HumminbirdPC download program installed in your computer. The PC program will allow you to transfer data, such as Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints to and from your GPS unit and your computer. This allows you to archive all of your waypoints in a computer file or on a CD disk. In addition it allows you to get updates to the operating software of your unit from Humminbird.

It is worth the effort!

When ordering the EDGE files be sure to indicate that it is for a HUMMINBIRD GPS SYSTEM.

The EDGE files are written in different protocols as required by the different manufacturers of GPS units. A Garmin file or maps will NOT work in a Humminbird or a Lowrance, etc. GPS system, and a Humminbird file will not work in the other systems.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Tue, Oct 20th, 2009 10:59 am

CAPTAIN PAUL'S FISHING EDGE FOR THE DULAC ~DULARGE AREA
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Brad Macha ~

I am working on an EDGE file for the Cocodrie ~ Dularge area but it will not be ready until some time in the late winter or spring of next year.

I do, however, have an EDGE for the LEEVILLE WEST area, which covers from Bayou Lafourche westward along the Barrier Islands to the Houma Navigation Channel and Wine Island Pass at the Gulf and the eastern part of Lake Pelto, northward to Terrebonne Bay to Lakes Barre and Felicity to Catfish Lake near Bayou Lafourche and westward of Bayou Lafourche by Little Lake, Rosa Bay, Landry Bay to East Timbalier Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE OF GPS WAYPOINTS for LEEVILLE WEST, covers SOME areas near the east side of your locations.

This EDGE file should allow you to begin exploring the eastern part of your designated area.

When the Dularge ~ Cocodrie area is available as a FISHING EDGE file, I will announce it on this web site.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 19th, 2009 2:06 pm

GARMIN GPSMAP 2010 MAPS FOR COASTAL LOUISIANA
.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Dicky Nealy ~

There are two new Garmin Marine mapping programs that are post Katrina but they won’t work in a Garmin GPSMAP 2010.

The newest Garmin Marine mapping program is their Blue Chart g2 and Blue Chart g2 Vision (includes aerial ortho maps), but these will not work in their older units.

The Garmin GPSMAP 2010 is considered a “Discontinued” model on the Garmin Web Site. As such it cannot accommodate their newer mapping programs, but don’t become disheartened. You can download your own maps into the unit if you can find a GARMIN DATA CARD and a GARMIN CARD PROGRAMMER and purchase Garmin’s latest topo mapping software.

The Garmin Card Programmer is called a Garmin USB 2.0 data card programmer, and is listed as Garmin Part 010-10776-00. It programs data cards at the USB high speed connection using a computer.
The Garmin data card in a 128 MB size is listed as Garmin Part Number: 010-10226-03, with a suggested retail price of about $ 90.
If you are serious about using this improved mapping software, I would not wait an extended period of time in getting these parts as they were designed for a unit which in now discontinued.

Newer Garmin units now use a form of a Secure Digital (SD) or Micro SD card for their new units.

The GPSMAP 2010 can accept Garmin’s MapSource US TOPO 100k mapping software. This software is based on USGS Topographical maps.
The MapSource US TOPO 100k software will work in your unit and it has a data transfer program as part of the overall mapping program.

The MapSource US TOPO 100k has been updated since 2005 and does cover some of the post Katrina. I can’t guarantee that a specific area you may be interested has updates to suit your needs, but it is Garmin’s latest topographical mapping program. It must, however, be loaded into a Garmin data card that will fit in your unit.

The program is loaded into your computer via a DVD disk. Once installed you select the area(s) you want to install in your GPS unit and transfer them to the Garmin memory Card, which is then placed in your GPSMAP 2010 GPS unit.

If you cannot find the necessary Garmin Data card and the USB Card Programmer, you will be forced to use the older Blue Chart mapping software. These are preprogrammed Garmin cartridges containing the
BlueChart™ marine cartography. The Blue Chart cartography is sold by regions. Region US013-Mobile-Lake Charles, which was reissued on July of 2008 is still available.

I prefer topographical maps over the Blue Chart, which is based on NOAA Marine charts for the coastal Louisiana marshes. I believe that they offer better details of the myriad of bayous, lagoons, bays and canals that make up these areas than mapping software that is based on the marine type charts.

In addition, by having the entire US available as TOPO maps in your computer, you can load other areas of the US should the need arise.

I suggest that you contact the Garmin support section at 1-800-800-1020 to be certain that you get the correct part number for the items I mentioned and then visit a stocking Garmin dealer to view the mapping programs that are available. This will allow you to determine if the maps are actually what you want or need. Be sure to tell them that you have a Garmin GPSMAP 2010.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 19th, 2009 2:01 pm

Transferring Waypoints using Lowrance MapCreate
.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Bruce Riker ~

You should not have to load a map on the Memory Card in order transfer DATA such as waypoints, routes, and tracks to and from the computer installed program and a data card.

Once the MapCreate USA TOPO Version 7 is up and running you use the FILE button in the tool bar then the IMPORT ~ Waypoint List (the EDGE file). All of the Edge waypoints will then appear in the map where they are located, in your case the Empire area. Once there use the FILE button and EXPORT the Waypoint List to the SD data card in your card reader writer.

Then remove the SD card and install it in the GPS unit. By using the menu feature in the GPS unit, you then transfer the waypoints into the allotted internal waypoint memory in the GPS unit.

Contact me if you are still having problems.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Sat, Oct 17th, 2009 11:51 am

YOU NEED A SECURE DIGITAL CARD READER~WRITER
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Dick Brown ~

By reader, I presume that you mean a card reader-writer that will allow you to connect your computer with a Secure Digital (SD) memory card which will be placed in your Lowrance GPS unit.

If that is the case, I suggest that you purchase one from a computer, office, electronic or discount supply store. A USB connected Memory Card reader-writer can usually be purchased for under $20. Any brand or model of such a card reader ~ programmer will do as long as it can be attached to a computer via a USB cable and that it can accommodate a SD memory card. Such a card reader-writer will allow you to transfer DATA to and from your computer and your GPS unit via the SD or MMC memory card. I suggest that you obtain such a card reader and a blank standard speed SD card for doing such transfers. Do not attempt to use a “High Capacity” Secure Digital (SD~HC) cards as some GPS unit cannot read these types of SD formatted cards.

An after marked card reader - writer WILL NOT ALLOW you to install maps from the Lowrance MapCreate Series 7 software in the GPS unit as, the LEI (Lowrance) card programmer is needed to encode the map images. The Lowrance programmer flashes a specific code to the data that allows Lowrance units to interpret the map data as images on the various Lowrance GPS screens. Only a Lowrance card programmer can be used to install maps on your Lowrance GPS card that could be “read” by the Lowrance GPS unit. The Lowrance (LEI) programmer will of course will load both the DATA (tracks, waypoints and routes) as well as the Map images from the MapCreate software.

The electronic transfer is the essence of the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE files. Yes, the order does include a general map overlay and descriptions of the area in a pdf format as well as a spread sheet version of the data, but the heart of the program is the GPS unit specific file that is written in the protocol of your specific GPS unit.

These file protocols differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and in some cased are different between certain models of their own GPS units.
As of this time Lowrance uses a file suffix with a designation of .USR.

If you don’t or can’t find a card reader, then the obvious answer would be to manually enter all of the Captain Paul’s Fishing EDGE waypoints for the Leeville West and Leeville East areas. Keep in mind that would entail entering over 500 waypoint positions for these areas.

If I may be of any specific help on getting the EDGE downloads loaded in your unit, don’t hesitate to contact me.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Sat, Oct 17th, 2009 11:55 am

OAK RIVER PONDS
.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ J.O. Williams ~

There are numerous ponds adjacent to the Oak River (River aux Chenes) during its 25 mile length from the 40 Arpent canal near Belair, LA on the west to its mouth at Oak River Bay in the east.

There is hardly a mile of the river where there are not crossing canals, rivers, lagoons and bays that meet or adjacent to the course of the river.

Almost off of these areas are productive at one time or another. It would be very hard to list all of these locations on this site in the allotted space that I am provided, but if you could be a little more specific in your request, I would be happy to give you some of the locations in the area you are most interested in.

As a after thought I produce and sell only through the LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN web site’s OUTDOOR STORE, a product that I call CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE OF GPS WAYPOINTS. The DELACROIX –PT a la HACHE EDGE file has over 250 GPS waypoints in the area between Delacroix Isle and Pt a la Hache. The EDGE file includes many waypoints on and around the Oak River area.

The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS are available exclusively on this web site.

I call the Programs, CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE,” because I believe that they will give the fisher an advantage in getting to, finding fishing spots, moving around, and getting back from some of the more favorite fishing areas in the state.

The “CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE” is a very unique ELECTRONIC MEDIA program that can be downloaded directly into various GPS units from their manufacturer’s Mapping program or via several of Maptech’s mapping software programs. This technology saves countless hours of having to manually enter each separate waypoint value into the GPS receiver.

The entire procedure of loading over 200 odd waypoints from a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE file takes less than three minutes from the time you view the email file to the time that they are loaded in the GPS receiver.

Presently I have NINETEEN Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge Files. They include Barataria Bay, Lake Borgne, Hopedale to the Miss Sound, Hopedale to Bayou Terre Boeufs, Delacroix to Point a la Hache, Bayou Bienvenue, Port Sulphur, Lake Calcasieu, Lake Pontchartrain, Myrtle Grove-Lake Hermitage, Empire to Buras, Leeville-West, Leeville-East, Lafitte, the Pearl River WMA, DELACROIX ~ PT a la HACHE, The Rigolets, Vermillion bay, Big Branch NWR, and Bayou Sauvage NWR.

To download The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE program(s) in your GPS, you MUST have FIVE items.

FIRST, a GPS Receiver; SECOND, that manufacturers Mapping Program or its Waypoint Manager software; THIRD, a computer with a connecting cable to the GPS unit or data card; FOURTH, a valid E-Mail Address that accepts attachments, and FIFTH, a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE FILE.

Separate Program Files are designed for GARMIN, MAGELLAN, LOWRANCE, DE Lorme GPS receivers and their mapping programs as well as for MAPTECH TERRAIN NAVIGATOR. These Edge files are NOT interchangeable.

ALL of the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS are NOW available at the LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN'S 'OUTDOOR STORE'

The OUTDOOR STORE link button may be found in red banner on the left side of the SPORTSMAN’s HOME PAGE. The Captain Paul's FISHING EDGE button is also located on HOME page in the side banner on the RIGHT side of the page, or you may also go direct to the Captain Paul Fishing EDGE site by entering

http://www.askcaptainpaul.com/fishingedge in the address bar of your browser.

From either site, simply follow the instructions for ordering from the Louisiana Sportsman’s Shopping Cart.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Sat, Oct 17th, 2009 11:54 am

OAK RIVER IN DELACROIX AREA
.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ J.O. Williams ~

There are numerous ponds adjacent to the Oak River (River aux Chenes) during its 25 mile length from the 40 Arpent canal near Belair, LA on the west to its mouth at Oak River Bay in the east.

There is hardly a mile of the river where there are not crossing canals, rivers, lagoons and bays that meet or adjacent to the course of the river.

Almost off of these areas are productive at one time or another. It would be very hard to list all of these locations on this site in the allotted space that I am provided, but if you could be a little more specific in your request, I would be happy to give you some of the locations in the area you are most interested in.

As a after thought I produce and sell only through the LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN web site’s OUTDOOR STORE, a product that I call CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE OF GPS WAYPOINTS. The DELACROIX –PT a la HACHE EDGE file has over 250 GPS waypoints in the area between Delacroix Isle and Pt a la Hache. The EDGE file includes many waypoints on and around the Oak River area.

The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS are available exclusively on this web site.

I call the Programs, CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE,” because I believe that they will give the fisher an advantage in getting to, finding fishing spots, moving around, and getting back from some of the more favorite fishing areas in the state.

The “CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE” is a very unique ELECTRONIC MEDIA program that can be downloaded directly into various GPS units from their manufacturer’s Mapping program or via several of Maptech’s mapping software programs. This technology saves countless hours of having to manually enter each separate waypoint value into the GPS receiver.

The entire procedure of loading over 200 odd waypoints from a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE file takes less than three minutes from the time you view the email file to the time that they are loaded in the GPS receiver.

Presently I have NINETEEN Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge Files. They include Barataria Bay, Lake Borgne, Hopedale to the Miss Sound, Hopedale to Bayou Terre Boeufs, Delacroix to Point a la Hache, Bayou Bienvenue, Port Sulphur, Lake Calcasieu, Lake Pontchartrain, Myrtle Grove-Lake Hermitage, Empire to Buras, Leeville-West, Leeville-East, Lafitte, the Pearl River WMA, DELACROIX ~ PT a la HACHE, The Rigolets, Vermillion bay, Big Branch NWR, and Bayou Sauvage NWR.

To download The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE program(s) in your GPS, you MUST have FIVE items.

FIRST, a GPS Receiver; SECOND, that manufacturers Mapping Program or its Waypoint Manager software; THIRD, a computer with a connecting cable to the GPS unit or data card; FOURTH, a valid E-Mail Address that accepts attachments, and FIFTH, a CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE FILE.

Separate Program Files are designed for GARMIN, MAGELLAN, LOWRANCE, DE Lorme GPS receivers and their mapping programs as well as for MAPTECH TERRAIN NAVIGATOR. These Edge files are NOT interchangeable.

ALL of the CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS are NOW available at the LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN'S 'OUTDOOR STORE'

The OUTDOOR STORE link button may be found in red banner on the left side of the SPORTSMAN’s HOME PAGE. The Captain Paul's FISHING EDGE button is also located on HOME page in the side banner on the RIGHT side of the page, or you may also go direct to the Captain Paul Fishing EDGE site by entering

http://www.askcaptainpaul.com/fishingedge in the address bar of your browser.

From either site, simply follow the instructions for ordering from the Louisiana Sportsman’s Shopping Cart.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Tue, Oct 13th, 2009 11:33 am

GARMIN MAPPING PROGRAMS OFFER GREATER FEATURES DETAIL
.


~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Mike ~

The Base Map that comes installed in both units is just what the name implies, a basic map of the entire U.S. Coast line. This base map depicts MAJOR bodies of water and Major roads and Medium to large cities and communities.

The Base map does not include many of the small bayous, lagoons, creeks, canals and small lakes that make up the Louisiana coastal marshes. For more detail you will have to purchase one of the Garmin Accessory mapping programs.

The units you describe can accommodate the Blue Chart g2 and the BLUE CHART g2 VISION mapping software. The g2 VISION is the latest version of their Blue Chart (Coastal mapping) software and it offers aerial maps of these areas. The g2 VISION is more expensive than the standard g2 program.

Both these mapping programs are sold by REGIONS. The Gulf of Mexico is divided into several regions that should cover the area(s) that you need for either of the two mapping programs.

I suggest that you visit a stocking GARMIN dealer and view the two Garmin units that you are interested in, and examine the Blue Chart g2 and g2 Vision software for the units.

Armed with that information, you can make a personal decision as to what unit and mapping program you will need.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Tue, Oct 13th, 2009 10:56 am

Submerged obstructions can be FOUND and SHOULD be reported
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Dennis ~

You can get the info but it may take a little research on your part.

To answer your question; YES and NO!

First the “Yes” part of my answer. Yes, if there is a REPORTED obstruction that is within the boundaries of one of the established NOAA marine charts that cover the area. The reporting MUST have been made to the US Coast Guard or the Louisiana Department of Wild Life and Fisheries.

You will note that I said those obstructions that are within the area of coverage of official NOAA Marine Charts.

The NO part of my answer is if the obstruction or wreck is not reported and NOT within the coverage of an official NOAA chart.

These REPORTED obstructions are listed in the The USCG Local Notice to Mariners, which is updated weekly and is available for download in Portable Document File (PDF) Format. They are usually listed as VERIFIED, UNVERIFIED and SUSPECTED. Those obstructions that are verified and are supplied with a Latitude~ longitude fix and a description of the area where the obstruction is located.

You can subscribe to this weekly update on their web site. I have found it very helpful in keeping up to date on marine happenings in the areas.

The Gulf of Mexico region can be found at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/d8gm/default.htm from the USCG Navigation Center web site.

These obstructions are then incorporated on the next issue of the chart for that area and entered into a searchable data base that is available on the internet.

And the listings are placed in the NOAA Office of Coast Survey WRECKS AND OBSTRUCTIONS (AWOIS) data base. This information is available as a PFD document or as a database (Microsoft Access) program. It can be found on the NOAA web site at
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/awois.html

The Louisiana ~ Mississippi ~ Alabama region is listed as Region 9 and is available for your perusal.

The objects are arranged by the NOAA chart in which they appear.

By knowing that the Barataria Bay and Little Lake appear in the official NOAA Marine charts for Barataria Bay ( NOAA Chart 11358 ~ Barataria Bay and Approaches) and the Barataria Waterway (Chart 11365 ~ Barataria & Bayou Lafourche Waterways), you can check those entries listed under those chart numbers.

I suggest that you first get a copy of the Official NOAA Charts for the areas you are interested in, then check out the AWOIS site. Mark the obstructions on the respective chart(s) and begin your own data of these sites. Naturally a latitude~ longitude fix of these sites will enable you to plot them with your GPS unit.

If you were to find an unreported wreck or obstruction, it would be most beneficial to report the site to the USCG. Obtain as good as possible GPS fix on the location as well a complete description of the site. Reference the location by so many yards or feet from a marker or point or junction of the bayou etc. Use terms that would allow a search crew to find the location with and without a GPS Lat ~ Long fix.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Thu, Oct 8th, 2009 8:55 pm

GPS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Kevin ~

Lowrance is a very reputable GPS manufacturer. And even though the LMS 522 is considered a discontinued model, I am sure that is will serve you well when you find the cause of the problem.

A modern GPS unit mounted on a console of a Bay type boat should offer a very decent position for the unit to receive the necessary satellite GPS signals. The LMS 522 series have an internal antenna built into the top of the case of the GPS unit. I don’t believe that you will have to mount the unit on the rail above the console. But, you should insure that there is nothing metallic occasionally placed over the unit. This would also apply to a strong magnetic field next to the GPS unit.

You may have to contact the Lowrance Support section at 1-800-324-1356, but first here are a few suggestions that you should consider.

Either way the Support Technicians will ask you to perform these checks to narrow down the possible causes.

Many Lowrance GPS units, especially in the LMS 500 Series of units have an internal protection that will turn the unit off if the supply voltage is below or above the required specifications.

I suggest that you first check all of your power connections to the unit, along with the supply battery, especially if that battery also serves a trolling motor and/or other accessories.

I have seen corroded connections that restricted the necessary supply voltage as well as having a GPS unit turn off when an auxiliary battery became depleted during a trip. This auxiliary battery was “recharged” when the engine was again running, but at a standstill, was not strong enough to power all of the accessories that was connected to it.

I have also seen voltage spikes, a brief above normal voltage caused by the engine charging system, cause electronic equipment to malfunction. So check the entire wiring and charging system of the boat.

If all of your connections are proper and the battery(s) and alternator-generator are in good shape, then you will have to look into other possible causes.

Next, check out the current operating software in your unit.

The latest operating software is version 2.5.0. If your unit does NOT have that software, you may wish to consider installing the latest Lowracne operating software into the unit.

Information can be found on the Lowrance web site at

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/Full-Size-SonarGPS-Chartplotter-Combos/LMS-522C-iGPS/Downloads/LMS-522C-iGPS-Software-Update/

Be sure that you are downloading the correct operating software for your specific unit as the above is only designed for the LMS 522C series of units. An incorrect download will cause the unit not to operate properly, or not operate at all.

If these suggestions do not improve the situation, check for a VHF radio or VHF radio antenna that may be close to the GPS unit. Remember that the GPS is a radio receiver and that is could be overloaded by a transmitter that is close by. If there is such a radio close by, then try not using the radio on your next trip or see if using the radio causes the GPS to loose satellite reception.

If your investigations prove unsuccessful, then you will have to contact the Lowrance Support section for assistance.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Thu, Oct 8th, 2009 8:07 pm

Rollover Bayou and OFFSHORE locations


~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Cory Hebert ~

Sorry Cory, I do not have any specific waypoints for the Rollover Bayou ~ Rockerfeller Area.

As for the offshore area, I suggest that you get a current issue of NOAA chart 1116 ~ Leased Block Miss. River to Galveston. Armed with this chart you can then access some of the other reference sites that you may need for your trip. It will take a little effort but it will be quite rewarding.

First go to the NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions web site. It can be found at
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/AWOISreg9.html

The Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama coasts are listed in section 9 of the program.

Once there, download both the Acrobat PDF file and the Access data base file into a folder in your MY DOCUMENTS section. I called mine AWOIS.

Then, using the Access data base program, search for wrecks and obstructions in each of the charts and mark their location on each of the charts. You will then have a pretty good idea where these hidden objects are located.

To find current platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, use your Leased Blocks chart and search the Leased Areas that you are interested in seeing.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Section.
Yes there is but not in one comprehensive location.

In order to get all of the information you need, you will have to access several different sources of information. In order to intelligently find your locations you will need an understanding of how these locations area cataloged and described.

The U. S. Department of the Interior, Mineral Management Services (MMS), is the agency authorized to lease offshore areas for exploration, production and to document the location of all production platforms and pipelines in all U.S Federal areas.

These Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) areas consists of the submerged lands, subsoil, and seabed, lying between the seaward extent of the States' jurisdiction and the seaward extent of Federal jurisdiction. The continental shelf is the gently sloping undersea plain between a continent and the deep ocean. The United States OCS has been divided into four leasing regions. They are the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, the Atlantic OCS Region, the Pacific OCS Region, and the Alaska OCS Region. Our discussion will be limited to the Gulf of Mexico.

The MMS divides the coast lines into areas that are called LEASED BLOCK AREAS. These areas are usually named for a feature along the coast or an underwater geological feature. Mississippi Canyon (MC) and West Delta (WD) are two typical areas. Each of these LEASE AREAS are then divided into numbered “BLOCKS.” The government then conducts lease sales for the exploration and production of minerals in these lease blocks.

These blocks are normally defined as squares about 2.5 x 2.5 nautical miles, but may take in account certain under water features. They are usually rectangular in shape, but some of them are shaped as irregular trapezoids. A particular Block would be stated listing the AREA such as WEST DELTA AREA and Block 92. It would be written as WD – 92, and would describe the area by indicating such on the certain NOAA Marine Charts as I will indicate father in this answer.

Check out these positions on your NOAA Marine Charts 1116-a~ Leased Blocks- MS river to Galveston. The chart covers the offshore areas out to about 120 miles south of SOUTHWEST PASS of the Mississippi River, which is about 200 miles south of Mobile Bay, AL and Vermillion Bay, LA.

The chart will give you the Leased Areas and blocks which is used to begin your searching and plotting to the individual platform structures. After familiarizing yourself with the general lay out and nomenclature of the leasing system you will then have to go the MMS web site for specific locations. It is extremely helpful to at least have a location in mind when you are starting your search. These charts give you that insight.

The get the full use of the chart and the information you need, you should access the U.S. Department of the Interior, Mineral Management Services (MMS) web site @

http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/fastfacts/fastfacts.html

Under the FAST FACTS ~ API List searching program, you can search by Leased Area, by Leased Block number or by well name. The program will then produce all the data that meet your search criteria. Use the “Platform Structures Online Query” to conduct your search.

After defining the area/block you are interested in the program will display all of the platforms in that area or block. The position figures are usually stated in Decimal Degrees and were determined by using NAD 27 Datum. Once you have these positions you can then enter them manually into your GPS unit. Remember, that the position format in your program or GPS unit, MUST agree with the MMS format or you MUST convert the decimal degrees into the format that you use in your unit.

By noting the Leased Areas, you can select a specific area and even certain of the individual Blocks in the area for existing leases and or platforms. This program is an invaluable tool for use by the offshore fisherman.

I do NOT have an EDGE file that covers the OFFSHORE Coastal Waters, but another way of getting the information is to purchase a DVD that has all of the data already detailed for you.

A product called FISHMAPPER (Coastal Software Corp, www.coastalsoftwarecorp.com/ telephone 251-653-6898) is available.

This program is splits the Gulf of Mexico along the U.S. coast into five regions. It lists many of the offshore platforms, at least 3500, and a ton of wrecks and obstructions, over 700 Artificial Reefs and most all of the “Fish Havens “ in the area of coverage. The program can save you time, Fuel and Money by planning your trip ahead of the actual voyage. It is an exceptional tool for the offshore fisherman.

All of these described resources will require you to manually enter the waypoints in your unit. They do NOT contain the download features of the CAPTAIN PAUL’s FISHING EDGE files. But, as you are not going to have to enter hundreds of entries it should be a great problem.

Having a data handling program for a GPS to computer connection would allow a faster way of entering your waypoints than the method of using just the key pad of the GPS unit.

As I said, it will take a little work on your part to get all of the data that you need.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Thu, Oct 8th, 2009 7:47 pm

EDGE FILES FOR THE MAGELLAN MERIDIAN
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Phil Lafleur ~

The CAPTAIN PAUL’S FISHING EDGE of GPS WAYPOINTS, are designed to operate with any of the Magellan GPS Data transfer programs.

The EDGE files are provided in an Acrobat pdf file that is a general map overlay of the area where the specific Edge waypoints are located along with a complete latitude~ longitude description of the waypoints and in some cases how to fish the areas, an Excel Spread sheet format that can be sorted or arranged as the user may require, along with the electronic transfer file written in a SPECIFIC manufacturers protocol.

The Acrobat and Excel files should be printed and carried as a backup on the trip, whereas the manufacturer specific file is designed to be downloaded in to the GPS unit VIA the Manufacturer’s transfer program.

To download the EDGE files you will need either a MapSend mapping program or the Magellan MapSend Manager installed in your computer.

The MapSend mapping programs contain topo maps of the US and are available for purchase for your Meridian Marine GPS unit. The MapSend Manager is available as a free download from the Magellan web site at
http://www.magellangps.com/products/map.asp?tab=0&PRODID=1224/

Once you have either of these programs installed in your computer, you can import the EDGE waypoints into the program, then download into the GPS unit via a connecting cable or via the memory card.

You will need the EDGE file, a computer, a Magellan data transfer program installed and the proper computer cables for the Meridian in order to download the files into your unit.

Even if you don’t purchase the EDGE file, you should consider getting the cable and the data transfer ~ mapping program as it will allow you to transfer waypoints, routes and tracks to and from your GPS unit and your computer. This will give you a way to backup all of the existing waypoints, tracks and routes in your GPS to an archived file in your computer. Of course it will also allow you to transfer the computer file back into your GPS unit.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Thu, Oct 8th, 2009 7:19 pm

AROUND THE MRGO DAM

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ John Bull ~

I have a route around the new rock dam that is just south of the of what was the MRGO near Bayou la Loutre for both a north and south side course around the dam.

Unfortunately, these routes were made in my boat prior to hurricane Katrina. I am hesitant to publish the route(s) as they were laid in a 24 foot aluminum with the draft of about one foot and they were logged in prior to the hurricane Katrina debris that is reported to be in the area.

I can, however describe the routes for you. If you decide to run them I suggest that you do with extreme caution at a near idle speed, as I said there are reported debris and obstructions in these waters.

The southern route is basically taking the back levee canal from Bayou La Loutre through Pisana Lagoon, the Mulatto Bayou area, to the 90° turn near Silver Dollar Bayou and ultimately into the remnants of MRGO just south of Lake Athanasio.

The northern route was to continue in Bayou La Loutre to Bakers Canal to and through Long Lagoon and Halfmoon Lake, into Lake Eloi and either around the short rocks or by using the Lake Athanasio cut to reach the MRGO.

Both routes offer many, many opportunities for fishing at and in the many lagoons, bayou junctions and cuts throughout the routing areas.

Get a decent map of the area before venturing in the area and decide for your self on which route you wish to use. The southern route, the first one mentioned, I believe, has the deeper water if your are operating a vessel that has a deeper draft requirement.

Let me know if you need any additional information on these routes.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 5th, 2009 5:18 pm

THE 1/3 FUEL PRINCIPLE


~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Kyle ~

The 1/3 ~ 1/3 ~ 1/3 fuel principle refers to planning your trip configured by having one third (1/3) of your fuel for the out bound part of your voyage, one third (1/3) for the return leg and one third (1/3) as an emergency spare.

You should NEVER, NEVER burn your last 1/3 of your fuel, unless it is truly an emergency.

An hour meter on your power plant and the trip odometer feature of your GPS unit is most useful in determining your fuel per hour, and miles per gallons, or in some cases gallons per mile, of the vessel you are using.

Knowing your fuel consumption in both gallons per hour and in miles per gallon is a necessary starting point when determining your 1/3 rule, as well as of course knowing your fuel tank’s capacity. Remember that your best fuel use may be at a cruising speed that is below maximum RPM or max speed, and that running with a following sea or a calm sea will certainly use less fuel than fighting a wind, rough or oncoming sea where you can’t operate at the optional speed~rpm configuration.

That is where you will be very grateful of having adhered to the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule.

Another offshore suggestion is NOT to rely on cellular phones as they will be out of reach of any cell tower. You will need a true VHF radio and a Satellite Telephone to be “connected” to the world. Either or both are a MUST when navigating the offshore coastal regions.

Remember that safety is a MUST when venturing into these regions.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 5th, 2009 5:15 pm

yoUR REQUEST
cHECK YOUR MAIN POSTING FOR THE INFO THAT YOU REQUESTED

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 5th, 2009 5:17 pm

OFFSHORE FISHING
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Kyle ~

I am not an offshore fisherman and I would be hesitant to offer information that may not be entirely correct for this type of fishing. For that kind of fishing, I suggest that you post your question in the OFFSHORE FISHING category on this posting site for more information. I am sure that some of your Offshore Anglers will be able to offer you some helpful information.

I can, however, offer some insight on some of the other parts of your question.

One chart that offers an invaluable in site to offshore fishing is NOAA Marine Chart 1116 ~ LEASED BLOCKS FOR MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO GALVESTON. This chart indicates not only water depths in fathoms, but also lists the LEASED BLOCKS and the LEASED AREAS that are defined by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Mineral Management Services of the offshore Oil and Gas leased areas. The chart also depicts bottom contour ledges, oil and gas platforms and some Aids To Navigation markers that are in the area and some of the offshore features such as The Sackett Bank (The Mid Night Lump) and the Flower Garden Banks.

Of course you will need more detailed charts as the 1116 chart is in 1:458596 scale and does NOT show the near shore navigation features that a normal coastal chart of 1:80000 scale would show. The 1116 chart does gives you a view of the Offshore Leased Blocks, which are used quite frequently to describe a general offshore area.

These offshore blocks are commonly referred to by their leased area, such as WEST DELTA (WD) then the block area, such as 148, for the Mid Night Lump area. (WD 148).

~ ~ ~ ~

The 1/3 ~ 1/3 ~ 1/3 fuel principle refers to planning your trip configured by having one third (1/3) of your fuel for the out bound part of your voyage, one third (1/3) for the return leg and one third (1/3) as an emergency spare.

You should NEVER, NEVER burn your last 1/3 of your fuel, unless it is truly an emergency.

An hour meter on your power plant and the trip odometer feature of your GPS unit is most useful in determining your fuel per hour, and miles per gallons, or in some cases gallons per mile, of the vessel you are using.

Knowing your fuel consumption in both gallons per hour and in miles per gallon is a necessary starting point when determining your 1/3 rule, as well as of course knowing your fuel tank’s capacity. Remember that your best fuel use may be at a cruising speed that is below maximum RPM or max speed, and that running with a following sea or a calm sea will certainly use less fuel than fighting a wind, rough or oncoming sea where you can’t operate at the optional speed~rpm configuration.

That is where you will be very grateful of having adhered to the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule.

Another offshore suggestion is NOT to rely on cellular phones as they will be out of reach of any cell tower. You will need a true VHF radio and a Satellite Telephone to be “connected” to the world. Either or both are a MUST when navigating the offshore coastal regions.

Remember that safety is a MUST when venturing into these regions.

~ Captain Paul ~

 E-mail  Response by Captain Paul
Mon, Oct 5th, 2009 4:22 pm

THERE ARE NATURAL OYSTER BEDS IN LAKE BORGNE
.

~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Ricky ~

Ricky, I checked and double checked for a Louisiana Department of Wild Life and Fisheries ARTIFICIAL REEF that is located in LAKE BORGNE, but could not find such a site. Wild Life and Fisheries does NOT have an artificial reef program listed on their web site for the Lake Borgne area.

For a listing of all of the LDWF inshore Artificial Reef sites, you can check them out yourself at
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/fishing/LDWF_Artificial_Reefs.pdf

There are however oyster leases in Lake Borgne that be found in the Wild Life Oyster Lease data base which can be found on their web site @

http://oysterlease.wlf.la.gov/oysterlease1/framesetup.asp

These areas are leased to companies and individuals who develop the leased area to yield crops of oysters. These oyster fishers seed and develop the sites as “natural” oyster reefs for the production of oysters.

You will know that there are several locations that are along the shoreline between Proctor Point and Bayou Bienvenue, and in the eastern part of Lake Borgne between the Shell Beach area and Padre Bayou.

I don’t have any specific coordinates for all of these different locations, so I suggest that you get the latest copy of NOAA Marine Chart 11371 ~ Lake Borgne and Approaches and compare the web listed locations to positions on this chart.

This will enable you to get a good idea where the leases are located and even how to get there.

~ Captain Paul ~