~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ Richard Thorne ~

Use caution when ordering any map program as once purchased, they are not refundable or exchangeable. In short, the program is yours.

I say that to alert you to do your homework before purchasing nearly a $200 purchase.

Most of the Navionics programs come area produced in several formats. The same regions are usually marketed in a Secure Digital (SD), which is the format that is used by your Humminbird unit, as well as Compact Flash (CF) and Micro SD formats.

To get the most out of your Humminbird 898c, I suggest that you get the
Navionics Platinum series of mapping. They offer a new region of HOT Maps called Navionics Platinum South. It has INLAND LAKES in New Mexico, Texas, OK, NE, KS, MO, AR, LOUISIANA, MS, AL, GA and Florida. It is available from the Humminbird site as well as other dealers on the web.

The other Navionics Platinum is marketed as Coastal Regions. Coastal Region 651 in the Platinum Plus program, I believe consists of Coastal NOAA Marine Charts that covers the from Cape San Blas, Fl to Baton Rouge, LA. But I was unable to ascertain if the “PLUS” version will operate in the Humminbird 898 as the “Plus” version is sold in the MICRO SD format. You should be able to get a converter that converts the Micro SD to a standard SD format at any electronics store, but be sure to check the compatibility.

I strongly suggest that also you access the Humminbird web site at

www.humminbird.com/leading_innovation/fishing-systems.aspx

and register your unit and then download the FREE Humminbird PC program. This download will allow you to transfer data such as waypoints, tracks, and routes to and from your Humminbird GPS unit and your computer. It is a worth while endeavor even if you don’t buy a supplemental mapping program.

~ Captain Paul ~

.
~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ HCKID719 ~

This is a tough question to answer. It is almost like you picking out a dress for your wife or mother. Yes the dress will cover the necessary parts, but how does it fit, where will it be used and how long do you intend to keep the outfit. You can see what I mean!

There are several units that should suit your needs WHEN LOADED with the proper accessory mapping software and an accessory or two. What ever unit you decide on, be sure to get the 12 volt remote power cable and a marine mount that can be installed on your console or dash of your auto. This arrangement will give you a hands free, unlimited operation time, when connected to the cigarette adapter on you boat or auto. It will save you money in the long run on batteries.

I would be hard pressed to recommend a specific unit. There are a lot of considerations that would affect your choice. Foremost would be the cost of the unit or rather the dollar amount you want to or can spend.

Most users who get a very basic unit usually upgrade to a color mapping unit within a few months of seeing what a GPS unit can really do. I suggest that you save the upgrade costs and get one that has more features and an internal mapping program.

So, in order to at least give you a starting point, let me express some of my findings about different GPS types and styles.

First, as I said, I have found that most GPS owners eventually upgrade to a mapping GPS unit sooner or later. So spare the cost of additional units and get a color screen mapping unit at the start.

The mapping features really bring the GPS into a realm that allows the user to take full advantage of all of the functions of a GPS unit and to have maps of the area. Remember though that a Mapping unit requires the same manufacturers mapping software. This is usually sold as an option accessory and usually runs +/- $100.

Most manufacturers have a web site that comprehensively covers their line of receivers as well as the mapping software that is available.

I suggest that you begin by looking at each of these sites for an understanding of what is being offered in today’s market. There are others, but I would START with the largest companies that sell hand held GPS receivers to the consumer market.

Lowrance, Magellan, DeLorme and Garmin have a very impressive line of hand held units. These units are available for your perusal on the same web site. Check them out at Garmin @ www.garmin.com/ , Lowrance @ www.lowrance.com/ ; www.Delorme.com and Magellan @ www.magellangps.com/.

Yes, It know there are others and you may want to consider them also, but start with these brands to get an idea of what is available from the top three brands.

These units when loaded with the OPTIONAL mapping software, offer a very versatile package that will more than accommodate your needs.

In narrowing down your selection you will have to decide whether or not you want (or need) color screens. I strongly recommend the color version.

In addition you will have to determine the features that you want in the unit.

I can, however, offer you some pointers that may help YOU decide which one will be best for you.

A gray scale screen (not color) will be less expensive than a color one.

A smaller screen will be less expensive than a larger one.

A screen that has screen touch-controlled functions will be a great deal more expensive than a button or menu controlled unit.

Those units with a “Touch Screen” command area usually more expensive than button model.

A non mapping unit will be less expensive that a mapping unit.

Some units can utilize auto type road maps. This mapping software when used in specific units can provide an ON THE ROAD routing. This type of road and street routing can guide you to various street addresses and locations throughout the U.S. Those units that have the ability to do an ON ROAD routing generally cost more than other units that only have a “AS THE CROW FLIES” type of routing.

Some units cannot accept any other mapping than what is already loaded into the receiver. These units have a preloaded “base” map that the manufacturer believes will suit your needs. It cannot be supplemented with any other mapping. These types are less expensive than those that CAN accept additional mapping.

Some units require that a data memory card loaded with the maps you designed with your software, or that you purchased pre loaded data cards with maps. These memory cards are inserted into the receiver in order to view those maps on the unit’s screen.

Some of the units can use an over the counter Secure Digital (SD) or Media Memory Cart (MMC) or Micro SD cards and some can ONLY use their own proprietary memory card that requires their own card reader/writer.

Some units have an internal compass and altimeter~barometer and even a camera. Those with such extra sensors are more expensive than those without such additional features.

Some of the units CANNOT accept electronic connections. They are less expensive than those that can accept such downloads.

Some units have an internal compass and altimeter~barometer and even a camera. Those with such extra sensors are more expensive than those without such additional features.

When considering your choices, be sure to take in to account the SUPPORT that the manufacturer offers for his units. A Support Section that offers a person to speak to about a problem is a very big “plus” when it comes to getting help on a specific problem. Speaking to a in English to a PERSON and not a machine is really a big plus in the type of support that the various companies offer.

Access the various web sites and view all of the choices you may have, then visit a stocking dealer and “feel” the unit in your hand. Sometimes the buttons on the unit are not quite right for a person with small or large hands or someone who is left handed. Check out the unit, the size of the screens and the general appearance and how it operates.

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

~ Captain Paul ~