I'M NEW TO THIS SO PLEASE BEAR WITH ME...READING YOUR INVITATION TO DISCUSS..( GEAR ) HERE'S MY CONTRIBUTION...HAS ANYONE TRIED MAPTECH..I BOUGHT A CD AT THE BOATSHOW..TO PLAY WITH..AND AM I IMPRESSED..£85 & SO USER FRIENDLY & POWERFUL..I HAVE A NAVCENTRE 600 ABOARD & FIND IT SLOW & NOT CONTEXT SENSITIVE..I INTEND TO REPLACE WITH PC & MAPTECH..WHICH BRINGS ME TO THE POINT..ANYONE KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO INTERFACE THIS WITH ALL MY OTHER INSTRUMENTS..RAYTHEON & WHEELPILOT..CHEERS

I have used it briefly but am certainly no expect on the subject. I will get onto the manufacture for you and see if they have any advice. Will get back to you ASAP

Not sure about map tech but most pc based systems use an interface device between the boat's bits and the pc so that the pc has something usuable from the NMEA signals...

Be aware thou that a lot of pcs wont last long on your average boat unless they ve been designed for it..

W.

"---Be aware thou that a lot of pcs wont last long on your average boat unless they ve been designed for it..---" No, but used ones are dirt cheap compared to supposed marine ones!!

Yep thats true but BACK UP your info or when it fails its often the hard drive as its not designed to be bang crashed about!

Laptops are probably the better option as theyre more rugged by design.

W.

If you don't have coverd ports on the computer, it is worth putting tape over anything that is exposed as the salt abrassion on a processer is irreprible.

There main office is in the USA and haven't been able to get hold of them by phone. Would suggest either e-mailing them you question direct to support@maptech.com or checking out their technicall support website at http://www.maptech.com/support/index.cfm

Still looking though so will report back with any other news.

This is the british nuber +44 (0)870 740 9035, but they are onlyt open till 2 Monday to Friday so might be worth giving them a call tomorrow.

Thank you all for your various responses..Let me expand some..It is necessary to access Maptechs website in order to register product..They do have a support there with FAQ's etc..From previous questions it would seem the problem is not uncommon, especially when interfacing with Raymarine equipment. This is normally configured as Seatalk bus. I spoke with Raqymarine at the boatshow, who said it could also be driven as NMEA.
Maptech have only test interfaced with ONE of raymarines products and say this SHOULD be typical of all. My enquiry here was to discover any EXACT info, as I think Maptech's is vague..On the subject of PC's aboard..At the boatshow, several makers/suppliers I spoke with, privately admit that the way forward in electronic nav is becoming and will be with PC..Mine is a notebook and if it gets wet at the nav desk I think I may have more serious problems than just PC....Thanks all for an interesting read..

I d be more concerned by the vibration issues but even in a air conditioned 'big' boat we suffer salt damage to metal fittings - just can't avoid it in a marine enviroment.

Laptops don't seem to like your tea spilt on them - not do they bounce well (voice of experience here!!!)

W.