~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ George Price ~

Almost all GPS makes and models have a way to “Capture” or “Mark” a waypoint while the unit is at that location. Most have a way to electronically download a waypoint into the unit from an approved Data Transfer Program and all have a way to manually enter the waypoint in some sort of a position format into the GPS memory.

Some units have a screen under the MENU feature that indicates NEW WAYPOINT while others have a an EDIT WAYPOINT feature. The Edit waypoint feature requires that you first have a waypoint in the unit, so to use it you simply capture the existing position, name it to a name of your choice, insert any notes or comments and enter the position.

Having “numbers” from some of your friends is a first step, but you will need to know the POSITION FORMAT and most important the DATUM that they used to save or capture the position. Then you can either via a download or manually enter the waypoint into your unit.

In doing a download, the file protocol MUST agree. Data from a Lowracne unit is different than a Garmin unit, and the same applies for DELORME, HUMMINBIRD and RAYMARINE etc. The data file must be written in the format required for that unit.

It is harder to explain than to actually do. Once you entered one you will get the procedure down and be able to load them all in to your unit.

You will see a new world in finding places and be a lot more secure from being lost when you are using the GPS.

Keep in Touch!

Captain Paul