how to add waypoints to lowrance 520

[jhef]

i got a 520 in my console, i have no idea how to add gps numbers to it?i have a hbird and its alwas been easier to use, so i just use the lowrance for a graph, but now i want to add some waypoints to the 520 just so i can compare he 2. i know how to mark a spot, but im wanting to put gps numbers in manually...

[ready2fish]

i have not done this yet either so i used you topic for key words and goggled it and found some free software for doing this

[Crappie Reaper]

I haven't taken the time to mess with the GPS features on my 520 yet. I have an old I finder as well as an H20 and I keep them at the front of the boat. The 520 is on the back. I took the time to input waypoints into the old Ifinder by scrolling to the coordinates for brush piles placed into Oologah by groups of fishermen sponsored by the COE once a year. The menu for the 520 is the same as the Ifinder and the H20, so when I do mess with it, it should be somewhat familliar.

http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/recrea...rush_Piles.htm

I choose the area I want, then open two screens, one for the brushpile coords, one for the converter. I convert the coordinates to the format I use, then scroll to that location on the Ifinder. I make sure I am "zoomed in" as much as possible to pinpoint the spot. I then push enter/enter and it marks the waypoint.

GPS Coordinate Converter, Maps and Info

It's a takes time to do it this way, but IS a way you can do it. You will need to copy your coordinates down on paper, then use your scrolling arrows on the 520 to zero in on the coordinates. If the 520 has advanced mode, you'll have to use it to be able to scroll. I do not know of any way to input them onto a SD card and just plug them into the 520 other than doing a simple copy and paste to the card. For that to work, the info you are putting onto the card must be in the same format the 520 accepts. I don't think Garmin or Humminbird uses the same format. So, I would think one would be forced to manually do the transfer.

I realize this doesn't really give you the answer you were looking for, but, it does give you a way to accomplish your task. I wish you luck!

[jhef]

thanks, i finaly had to go to the last option i read the manual..lol

[Arkie John]

I reckon I need to read the manual as well. I use a hand-held GarminMAP76Csx for my main gps, but I need to put my FAVES on the 520. Last week I was way down-lake when I realized my Garmin was in the truck

I made do, but, like you, I just need to read the book

Youtube has some good instructional vids also. I really learned some things about it. It taught me to be able to change the color of the screen and I really like the ground color better than the default. It lets you see so much.

Also, I now use my vertical cursor to mark waypoints after I have passed them. I didn't know I could do that. As long as the target is still on the screen, you can mark the spot by arrowing over to it and pressing WPT one time.

aj

[PG24]

I have a 520c and I have figured out how to enter waypoints a few ways. I Will offer what I can and hope my explanation will benefit someone. Background info I also have Hotmaps chip which I also like when marking spots and going back to them later.
1st if you want to mark a particular spot you are fishing as a waypoint and have it saved for later. It is really simple with GPS screen pulled up you can just push waypoint and you will see the little marker appear If you have hotmaps or a simular product you should also see where you are on the body of water in question. You can then rename this waypoint or leave it as a number. Navigation back to this point is easy as you can do it from your current location on the water and let the GPS guide you back it will also tell you how far you are from a waypoint from any location.
2nd You can also manually create or enter waypoints if you have the coordinates given to you by someone and they will show up on your map pretty much the same way they would if you were on the spot and hit the waypoint button. Basically you enter the decimal values ie (35.11N 740.45W) That will make more sense once you try to create a waypoint and tab over to the values you want to enter. I believe the order is to label/name a point. Enter values, store the waypoint and then you have the option to look at it on map. If anyones needs futher clarification I can give you this in more detail with what you will see and enter screen by screen and button by button instructions. I don't consider myself an expert by any means as I am still learning but I am happy to share what I know and hope it helps someone.

Tightlines,
PG24

[Arkie John]

PG24

That's a great help. Thanks so much. That 520 is a good piece of equipment.

aj

[PG24]

AJ,

You are correct. For the money I think it is the best color combo unit out there. They no longer produce the 520 not that the new HD units are out so you can pick them up fairly reasonable now. I won't say I'm a better fisherman but I do think I'm better prepared to do well and know more about the water I fish because of better electronics.

PG24

[Arkie John]

PG24,

If I ever find another 520 for a good price, I'm not above buying it for my console. I really like my unit on the ground color! It is just more pleasing and it distinguishes the details much better, in my opinion.

One day I might even buy the navionics card for it. Again, thanks for your input.

aj