New C-Maps !!!

ScottyDog · 10 December 2004, 21:29

I just noticed a news thread (on another forum) mentioning the new generation of C-Map called Max. It would seem they have many new functions, for example, showing nav lights in colour and sequence, more tidal info etc.

Does anyone know anything about them ?

Also any rumours of new chartplotters to be launched soon or if Navman will update the Smartcraft type inputs to work with the Suzuki information like their new Commander gauges ?

Brian · 11 December 2004, 08:20

This may be true, but the UK website, here:
http://chartcatalogue.c-map.no/ntplu...quickrefID=IGB
only mentions the Superwide Plus range.
Anyone got any other links or data?

ScottyDog · 11 December 2004, 10:55

I don't think the coverage is any wider but the rumour must have come from someone in the know.

I imagine the LBS will yield the answers.

ScottyDog · 16 December 2004, 11:40

It would seem the new charts will be available in a new range that gives an even wider coverage, ie at least as big as the XL3 Navionics. They also seem to be equipped with much more information and even photos of the approaches to harbours etc !

It would also appear the Navman 6600 Trackfish and Standard Horizon, Seiwa and any other plotters made by C-Map people will be able to use the new features. The lesser C-Map chartplotters, it would seem, will not be able to do this.

I am waiting for confirmation the Navman plotter will have a software update available for these new charts. I shall post the results in due course.

Brian · 16 December 2004, 12:30

ScottyDog,

I am fascinated by this! Please keep us all up to date.
Also, if you can find out whether the Raytheon C80 systems can make good use of these new chips, and.......and...and....whether C-Map will offer an upgrade path from "old" chips to "new".
I am soooo excited that I really must go to the loo now.

ScottyDog · 16 December 2004, 16:15

Errr, I thought the C series takes the Navionics charts ?

I was considering either Lowrance or Raymarine because of this. However the C-Maps as used by Navman, New Horizon, Seiwa etc are, as far as I know, not usable in the later Raymarine units.

It was suggested the Navman 6600 was capable and big enough with a particularly high resolution display and would be able to make use of the new features, this is the option I wish to consider as I wanted a new fishfinder and fuel computer too. This seems an answer to all my needs and in a very cute package so we shall see.

I asked Navionics if they plan anything new to compete with this range of new charts and they told me no.

I shall post the feedback fron Navman and C-Map etc when they come back to me.

Brian · 16 December 2004, 16:36

ScottyDog,

Sorry, I mislead you.
My unit is here:
http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/R...age=70&ppid=73

Well, it's got a "C" in it, hasn't it?
And it definately takes C-Map NT cartidges.
Just one of the reasons for my interest is that 3 pals of mine also have the same unit fitted to their ribs.

ScottyDog · 16 December 2004, 20:00

OK, I am with it now !

I imagine it is only the latest generation of plotters. However I should know very soon which devices will be compatible. I shall let you know if yours is amongst them.

Stay tuned !

ScottyDog · 17 December 2004, 13:34

OK, good news all round.

Seems that the Navman 6600 is going to require a simple software upgrade to run the new cartography. This was confirmed by Plastimo/Navman people. Also the existing range of charts will be renamed ie Superwide will become Wide and the Standard will become Local, something along these lines, the coverage will increase but the new Max NT charts should cover the UK in 2 charts. The prices of the existing type charts, when renamed, will drop drastically to provide good value as they are currently more expensive than the Navionics offerings.

The partnership between Raymarine and Navionics seems to have strengthened so I am unsure if the new C-Map charts can be used on any of their plotters.

Sounds like the new features will be worth the short wait and extra cost of these charts.

Anyone wishing to buy a new chartplotter will be wise to wait until the LBS as there is sure to be some good deals to swing people towards the C-Map camp.

Hope this is of interest if not actually any help.

jackeen · 29 December 2004, 19:58

Do you have ant news on the deal on the navman 6600 will be at the boat show ?? at southampton it was with an extra wide chart.

Also these new features do they only apply to the MAX or the other cards also

Paul

ScottyDog · 31 December 2004, 08:00

The features will only be available on the new MAX charts, the chartplotter used will have to be of a suitable type either having had a firmware upgrade or one of the new range of kit designed to use these charts. It has been suggested there is a minimum resolution at which the new photos or enhanced graphics become usable so only certain current models of plotter will be up to the job. I think Furuno and Simrad both have new models soon.

I am enquiring about the deals with the 6600, it seems likely there will be some kind of bundle. The cost of the existing charts should also be reduced.

The Navimo/Plastimo people will have a card to be inserted into the 6600 as an update, I understand this will be available on a loan basis and will enable the current 6600 to use most if not all the new features.

The Jackeens · 01 January 2005, 20:25

Cheers Scotty. will have a look at LBS.

Paul

JGTech · 02 January 2005, 12:28

Prices for c-map max are on my website http://www.jgtech.com/charts.htm also note the Cmap max will not work on Navman 5500 and 5600. I don't really think this will matter because these screens are too small to display all the advantages of MAX. I have the Standard Horizon range which are made by c-map these will run MAX but will need an update available FOC soon. Again would you really want to run MAX on these small screens with 320 x 240 or less, resolution ? Leave MAX for the 640x480 and 800x600 screens. All the new area coverages for the Small Wide and Mega Wide are much better value to be competitive with Navionics Gold. Regards JG

JGTech · 11 January 2005, 14:56

For limited time buy a Super wide chart for £149 inc vat and delivey. When the MAX come out in mid Feb keep your receipt and send it off to C-map for a full credit on a MAX chart. Regards JG