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Humminbird Greg or anyone else who knows, I have a question. Do you have to have a data card to save waypoints without losing them once the unit is turned off? Also, if you transfer information from a handheld unit to the computer and then load it to a data card, will you be able to plug the card into the 997 and be able to read it? Thanks in advance for any help.
I don't think you can save waypoints to a sd card. If we could, we wouldn't have to buy new GPS so often. The manufs could do this if they wanted. It gets into their sales. haQuote:
Originally Posted by crappiechappy
Waypoints are stored internally in re-writable memory. You want loose waypoints because they are written to memory ram. You will need the serial cable to manage waypoints with the computer. You can manage them manually, but it is cumbersome.
This is my take on it. I could be wrong.
The data card is only for capturing images, the way points are stored on the unit. On your second question you might have to import the way points from the card once the unit is turned on. I know when I did a software update it did it on its own.
Waypoints and all other GPS data is stored in the unit's internal memory and is not erased when the unit is powered off. It can be exported to an SD card but the unit does not do this automatically (the menu to do this is called "Export All Nav Data" which is under the "Nav" menus in the Main Tabbed Menu System).
Once the GPS data has been exported to the SD card, the file can than be saved directly to your PC by use of an SD reader/writer (available at most electronics retailers). However, this will be in our current *.hwr file format and not usable by anything else besides a Humminbird unit or our HumminbirdPC program. If you were to transfer this GPS data file to the HumminbirdPC program (using the "From MMC/SD" function), you could than either export it as a *.txt or *.gpx file or save it as a *.gpx file which are usable by other programs.
GPS data from other manufacturers (Garmin and Lowrance) as well as those that use the *.gpx format can be imported into the HumminbirdPC program and than either transferred to an SD memory card (using the "To MMC/SD" function) or saved as a *.gpx file for later use.
At any time that the GPS data is in the HumminbirdPC program, the waypoints may be modified, added to or deleted and Routes may be set up and/or modified.
Once you use the HumminbirdPC program to transfer the GPS data to the SD memory card (not "saved" by using the "Save" function: you have to use the "To MMC/SD" function for this), you can insert the SD memory card into your unit and it will automatically add the new GPS data to what is already in the unit when it is powered on.
I have performed this operation. It is a "conditional" save. You gotta use a dedicated program (HumPC) to do this. Why can't we get something generic for waypoint management?
I know why. I bet it has something to do with a serial out pin, but no serial in pin on the unit? am I not right here?
Hey Cane Pole - What tongue are you and Greg speaking in? I read both your posts twice and didn't understand a word you boys said. I guess I am just "technically handicapped."
Hey crappieken,
Don't let Cane Pole kid you. He knows what Greg is talking about. Every word of it. LOL. After all, Tom use to be a Rocket Scientist. Or was it a Mad Scientist? LOL
I'm a rocket scientist also. When I step on the left side of the boat it rocks to the left and when I step on the right side of the boat is rocks to the right. When Shiloh Red and Weezer step in the boat it sinks!!! HAHAHAHA!
I'm guessing that the reason that all the manufacturers have their own formats is all due to patent laws or the possibility of being taken to court over it. Besides, if we all used the same format than everyone would be able to easily change brands! LOL! I'm betting that it will take an aftermarket company/individual to develop a format or program that would allow all of the major manufacturers units to be able to easily interchange GPS data. The *.GPX format may be it. There are many GPS management programs that use it and all can be converted to and from it but I don't think that any actually use this format within their units. To do so I'm betting that there would be quite a bit of software re-writing which would cost a company much needed money and personel resources.
Ken, if you need further explanation of anything I've posted just contact me via e-mail and we will work it all out. gwalters at johnsonoutdoors.com
I've designed a couple of (model) rockets which mostly flew in the right direction (up) but no one actually got hurt. I was a member of the "Mad Scientist Club" while in the 5th grade (looking at some of the strange/dangerous/plain nutty things I have done; I should still be a card carrying member!). I have also (nearly) sunk boats on three different occasions. So it looks like I'm in the right place! :D
Oops, missed something here:
Our units do have separate serial in and a serial out pins Cane Pole. Not sure what you are referring to here.
On the boat wiring harness, I only saw a serial out cable wire. Looks like serin split and went to other devices. Didn't look like I could hook up my laptop and manage the unit via serial on the boat. I will double check. I could be wrong. I can get Nema 0183 from it (I think). If I am wrong, I apologize to you and everyone reading. I will look at it tomorrow. My install stuff is at lake.
I,m with you Ken --their just talking like that so we can,t understand them--:confused: --I,m still tryin to get the key in the right slot to start the boat --:oQuote:
Originally Posted by crappieken
I'm with you guys on this one, CP lost me in his last post...
CP, what exactly are you trying to connect up and what are you attempting to do?
By "manage on the boat" are you trying to manage waypoints?
Ok. Let me make it more better. I can't manage my waypoints from my laptop as the is no provisions for serial connection for my laptop if you have gps antenna, etc hooked up (On the fly) .
Too many waypoints clutter the screen. Several people have stated this problem. My waypoints are set up per map section. I manage waypoints depending on where I am on the lake (load and delete). Something like 8000 of them I keep up with.
You're right CP: no way to do it on the fly. You could make your own custom cable that could switch from the GPS receiver to your PC and back but you are still stuck with using HummPC as the interface.
The waypoint cluttered screen issue was brought up a long time ago. I don't know why they don't at least give a small waypoint size plus a no name option.
I've got it! Take those 8,000 waypoints and devide them between multiple units... stay with me on this one as it can be done without costing you another cent! I've seen where several have offered to help you with your waypoints before. All you would have to do is split those waypoints up between say 80 volunteers and that would certainly cut down on the screen clutter! Why I'm sure they would even report back to you to let you know if the fish were biting! LOL! Just kidding CP. I understand what you want but I'm not sure that I can convince anyone to go that direction. Allowing bi-directional communication while in a normal operation mode could also allow other new features. I have even asked for the possibility of a PC link through the InterLink accessory but so far no-dice. I'm not giving up on this possibility and neither should you.