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Customer Service
Maptech Products
1. GPSs
Compatible with Chart Navigator Pro and Chart Navigator Light
2. 3.
Differences
Between 'Chart Navigator Pro' and 'Chart Navigator Light'
4.
Configuring Chart Navigator Pro (and Light) to the GPS - Basic
Instructions
1. GPSs
Compatible with Chart Navigator Pro and Chart Navigator Light
Chart Navigator Pro (or Light) is compatible with a wide variety of GPS
units and chart plotters. Virtually all GPS units transmit NMEA
sentences that can be used by Chart Navigator Pro/Light to plot the
vessel's position. For such capabilities, simply connect the NMEA output
from the GPS to a serial port on your computer. (Computers without
serial ports can be made compatible with a USB-to-Serial adapter cable.)
For more advanced options (such as the transfer of Routes and Waypoints
to or from the GPS) additional configurations may be required. Please
note that there are many different types of GPSs, each with their own
formats, interfaces, and nuances. The configurations described here are
known to work. There may be others - but Maptech may be only able to
provide limited support for their use.
Note: For the remainder of this
document, both Chart Navigator Pro and
Chart Navigator Light will be referred to as
"Chart Navigator Pro." In the matters of GPS compatibility, Chart
Navigator Pro and Chart Navigator Light operate identically.
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2.
Depending on the Maptech Navigation application you are using, the next
step varies. However, the basic concept is now to "tell" it where to
find the GPS Signal.
Maptech Chart Navigator Pro (or
Maptech Chart Navigator Light)
1) From the 'Tools' menu, select 'Options'.
2) Open the 'Instruments' tab.
3) Press Auto Detect.
(If the GPS signal can still not be located, use Port Settings to
specify the COM port determined during the above test. Also, ensure that
the Port Interface is set to
NMEA and that the correct
Baud Rate is selected.)
4) Once the signal is detected, OK the settings changes and press "Go To
Boat" on Chart Navigator's button bar to locate the vessel.
Related Technical Document:
Configuring Chart Navigator Pro (and Light) to the GPS - Basic
Instructions.
Maptech Offshore Navigator (or
Offshore Navigator Lite)
1) From the 'Vessel/GPS' menu, choose 'Setup', 'GPS Setup Wizard'.
2) Follow the on-screen instructions.
(If the GPS Wizard can not detect the GPS, select 'Setup', 'GPS' from
the 'Vessel/GPS' menu. Set the 'Manufacturer' to 'NMEA - generic' and
specify the COM port determined during the above test. Next, click Port
Settings and verify the Baud Rate. Then check 'GPS on' and 'Test.')
3) Once the signal is detected, choose 'Position from GPS' from the
'Vessel/GPS' menu, then click 'Follow Vessel' in the lower left-hand
corner of the chart window.
Related Technical Document:
Configuring Offshore Navigator (or Offshore Nav. Lite) to the GPS -
Basic Instructions.
The CAPN
1) Press the large "Click Here To Find GPS" button to the left of the
chart window.
2) Press 'Find GPS'.
3) If The CAPN does not find the GPS in it's search of COM Ports, click
the Port Settings button and adjust the appropriate COM Port and Baud
Rate. Then Click SAVE
(In older versions, If The CAPN can not detect the GPS, exit The CAPN,
and open the GPS.INI file found in the 'C:\Capn Voyager' folder. Edit
this file to include the COM port and Baud Rate determined during the
above test. Save the changes and restart The CAPN)
Note: Also, in older versions of The CAPN, you can not use COM ports
higher than 9. If your GPS is connected to COM 10 or higher, reset the
drivers for that port so that a lower COM port is used.
Related Technical Document:
Configuring The CAPN to the GPS - Basic Instructions.
Related Technical Document:
What COM Ports are valid for use with The CAPN?
Maptech Chart Navigator (free chart
viewer)
Chart Navigator Viewer is for printing and planning with BSB nautical
charts. It can not be used for plotting a position in real-time. GPS
functionality is limited to the transfer of routes, waypoints, and
tracks to and from handheld GPS units. To configure Chart Navigator
Viewer for this purpose, choose 'Setup', 'GPS' from the 'GPS' menu.
Related Technical Document:
Configuring Chart Navigator (Free Viewer) to the GPS - Basic
Instructions.
Maptech Terrain Navigator (or
Terrain Navigator Pro)
1) From the 'GPS' menu, choose 'GPS Setup Wizard'.
2) Follow the on-screen instructions.
(If the GPS Wizard can not detect the GPS, select 'Setup' from the 'GPS'
menu. Set the 'Manufacturer' to 'NMEA - generic' and specify the COM
port determined during the above test. Also, ensure that the correct
baud rate of the GPS is selected in Port Settings. Then press 'Close')
3) Once the signal is detected, choose 'GPS Tracking', 'Start Tracking'
from the 'GPS' menu.
Related Technical Document:
Configuring Terrain Navigator (or Pro) to the GPS - Basic Instructions.
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3. Differences
Between 'Chart Navigator Pro' and 'Chart Navigator Light'
Maptech's German partner, NV-Verlag (www.nv-verlag.de)
has elected to distribute 'Chart Navigator Light' with the CDs included
with its Region 9, 10, and 11 ChartKit books. This software can be used
to view the 'Companion CD' of digital charts that accompany the books.
Maptech offers Chart Navigator Pro as its
flagship product for PC-based digital navigation. The following features
are present in Chart Navigator Pro, but are
not found in Chart Navigator Light:
- Recorded tracks (vessel tracking.)
- Transfer of waypoints and routes to/from popular handheld GPS units.
- Integration of NMEA instruments, including: AIS Receivers, Autopilots,
and transducers (other than GPS.)
- Ability to download and display current weather predictions.
- Ability to display S57 "vector" charts.
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4.
Configuring Chart Navigator Pro (and Light) to the GPS - Basic
Instructions
Connecting a GPS to a PC navigation software product can sometimes be a
laborious process. Fortunately, we've included Automatic Port
Configuration with Chart Navigator Pro (and Chart Navigator Light) to
streamline this process. However, if difficulties persist, or if a more
complex configuration is required, an advanced setup procedure and
troubleshooting steps are also available.
The fastest and easiest way to get Chart Navigator Pro properly
configured for your GPS is to use the Automatic Port Configuration. This
feature will automatically detect your GPS, determine what COM port it
is connected to on your computer and then make all necessary settings so
Chart Navigator Pro can communicate with your GPS unit, and vice versa.
Connect the GPS to your computer (using a
USB-to-Serial Adapter if necessary.) Then, to
perform an Automatic Port Configuration, choose
Options from the Tools menu,
click the Instruments tab, and press
Auto Detect.
When the Auto Detection is finished, Chart Navigator Pro will be ready
to communicate with your GPS unit. To connect to the GPS, press
Go To Boat on Chart Navigator Pro's
button bar to locate the vessel.
Choose Options from the
Tools menu, click the
Instruments tab, and press
Port Settings to open the
Instruments Ports window. Highlight the
Communication (COM) port the GPS is
connected to, set the Interface to
NMEA (unless using a Garmin GPS in
GARMIN Interface mode) and set the Baud Rate
to 4800 (unless the GPS is operating at
a different Baud rate.)
Related Technical Document:
I don't know what COM Port my GPS is connected to. What should I do?
Press Close and
OK to complete the configuration and Chart Navigator Pro will be
ready to communicate with your GPS unit. To connect to the GPS, press
Go To Boat on Chart Navigator Pro's
button bar to locate the vessel.
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Canadian Hydrographic Service
Products
1.
What is the
difference between the Digital Ocean product and the CHS Digital Charts
product?
2.
I purchased
digital charts through NDI or one of its dealers; will I continue to get
support?
3.
Is there any
way that I can print the charts out on my own printer for backup?
4.
What is BSB?
5.
What is
S-57?
6.
What are the
main differences between raster and vector charts?
7.
NDI offered
a 50% reduction on renewals of Digital Ocean in subsequent years. Is CHS
providing the same offer?
8.
What is the
time period of a CHS license?
9.
I have a CD
that is several years old. How can I update my CD?
10. How many
computers/devices can I use my digital charts on?
11.
When I
register my products and provide information over the internet or
telephone is my information shared with any other company or given to a
call service of some sort?
12.
Can I buy
Digital Ocean products after March 30, 2007?
13.
Are product
catalogues available?
14.
Can I Install CHS Digital
Charts on the Vista Operating System?
15.
What Changes Have Been Made
to CHS Digital Charts for 2008?
16.What are the Differences
Between CHS and Value Added Reseller (VAR) Products?
17.
What are the Charts and
Nautical Publications Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act?
1. What is the
difference between the Digital Ocean product and the CHS Digital Charts
product?
The DigitalOcean
product consists of CHS charts as well as a number of value-added items,
such as Chart 1, tide information, United States charts and navigation
software.
CHS Digital
Charts consist of digital charts produced by
CHS as well as a complimentary copy of Chart 1, Symbols,
Abbreviations and Terms. To see a complete suggested retail price
list, visit charts.gc.ca
Please note that dealers
will no longer be permitted to sell Digital Ocean 2007 products
effective January 2008. CHS Digital Charts will be available
in January 2008, containing the most up to date charts.
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2. I purchased
digital charts through NDI or one of its dealers; will I continue to get
support?
As of March 31, 2007, CHS
will provide updates and chart-related support for the term of your
original license agreement with NDI. Most licences are valid for one
year. Please refer to the End User Licence Agreement (EULA) that was
included in your product.
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3. Is there any
way that I can print the charts out on my own printer for backup?
Your software may allow
you to print chart images on your printer. However, please be aware that
charts printed this way may be incomplete, and that only official paper
charts issued by the Canadian Hydrographic Service meet the chart
carriage requirements of the Charts and Nautical Publications
Regulations, 1995, under the Canada Shipping Act.
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4. What is BSB?
BSB is a raster chart
format that stores compressed raster image data in a run-length encoded
binary form along with ASCII text describing the projection, datum and
other information necessary for navigation and other applications. A
raster chart in the BSB format consists of multiple files with the
extensions *.bsb, *.cap, and *.kap
BSB Electronic Charts LLC
was the company that developed the format originally. BSB are the
initials of the founders. BSB Electronic Charts was purchased by
Maptech in 1997.
CHS raster charts utilize
BSB version 4.0, which is encrypted. You must register your product to
decrypt and being using it. You may do this on-line at www.charts.gc.ca
or by phoning 1-866-833-6676 (1-866-8DFOMPO) 24/7
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5. What is
S-57?
S-57 describes the
standard to be used for the exchange of digital hydrographic data
between national hydrographic offices, and for the distribution of
digital data and products to manufacturers, mariners, and other data
users. In Canada, the national hydrographic office is the Canadian
Hydrographic Service.
The most significant
digital product being delivered in the S-57 format is the Electronic
Navigational Chart (ENC). S-57 was adopted as an official IHO standard
by the XIVth International Hydrographic Conference, Monaco, 4-15 May
1992, and is also specified in the IMO Performance Standards for
Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) (IMO Resolution
A.817 (19) as amended).
The previous edition
(3.0) of S-57s, was published in November 1996, and was frozen, (i.e.
remain unaltered), for a period of four years in order to facilitate ENC
production and to provide stability for ECDIS manufacturers.
S-57 Edition 3.1 was
released in November 2000 following a familiarization period of one
year.
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6. What are the
main differences between raster and vector charts?
Raster charts are
geo-referenced digital images of paper charts in BSB format. CHS raster
charts are an official product of the Canadian Hydrographic Service and
the Government of Canada. The BSB product may contain a “No GPS”
indicator over compartments that cannot be georeferenced. In addition,
although paper charts may be on the NAD27 horizontal datum, the BSB
equivalent has been referenced to NAD83. Raster charts are digitized by
"scanning" the paper chart, using technology common in desktop
publishing. Each tiny segment of each line on a chart is converted to a
"raster" picture element or "pixel". These pixels are similar to a
television picture. Beyond geo-referencing, there is no intelligence
inherent in the image. For example, you may interpret a string of
pixels to be the number "2" but the computer cannot do this.
Vector charts are "smart
charts" that carry geo-spatial intelligence within the data and have a
database of information associated with them. For instance, on a vector
chart you can click on different features, such as a light or buoy, and
retrieve additional information on them. Vector charts also allow users
more control over the display of the chart, such as the ability to turn
different layers of information on and off.
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7. NDI offered
a 50% reduction on renewals of Digital Ocean in subsequent years. Is CHS
providing the same offer?
The content of the
CHS Digital Charts product are not comparable to DigitalOcean.
CHS Digital Charts focus on chart content only, and CHS has
established Suggested Retail Prices accordingly. Consequently a price
reduction is not being offered on CHS Digital Charts renewals.
Effective March 31, 2007 CHS reduced all prices by 50%. Please see
www.charts.gc.ca for our suggested retail prices.
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8. What is the
time period of a CHS license?
When you purchase a
CHS Digital Charts CD, the End User Licence Agreement (EULA) is
valid for one year from the date of purchase and entitles you to receive
free updates and free new editions for one year from the date of
purchase.Your product must be registered to receive updates.
Registration is also required to allow you to decrypt and use your
product.
Registration can take
place on-line or by phoning 1-866-833-6676 (1-866-8DFOMPO).
After your one-year
licence expires, if you wish to continue to receive chart updates as
well as New Charts and New Editions, you must purchase a new licence.
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9. I have a CD
that is several years old. How can I update my CD?
You will have to purchase
a new CD from an authorized CHS dealer. Please see www.charts.gc.ca for
a list of digital chart dealers and suggested retail prices.
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10. How many
computers/devices can I use my digital charts on?
When you purchase a
CHS Digital Charts product, you will have a licence for the
installation, registration, decryption and use of the charts by you on
your own primary device/computer, plus installation of one backup on
another device owned by you. In the case of S-57 ENCs you may use up to
five (5) copies of an ENC on one ship
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11. When I
register my products and provide information over the internet or
telephone is my information shared with any other company or given to a
call service of some sort?
CHS does not sell
or rent personal information to third parties. Please review our Privacy
Policy at
www.charts.gc.ca/pub/en/help/notices.asp
for more information.
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12. Can I buy
Digital Ocean products after March 30, 2007?
Existing dealers of
DigitalOcean may continue to sell these products until their
inventory has been depleted. CHS will provide purchasers with the
necessary service and support for the duration of their license.
Digital Ocean 2007 products should not be sold by dealers effective
January 2008
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13. Are product
catalogues available?
Yes, you have two options
for exploring the CHS Digital Charts product lines. First is
the interactive functionality offered by the GeoPortal. Second
is a collection of images from the back of the CHS Digital Charts
package, which shows the geographic coverage of the CD along with the
list of charts contained on the CD.
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14. Can I Install CHS Digital
Charts on the Vista Operating System?
Yes, CHS Digital Charts
may be installed on a computer running the Vista operation system.
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15. What Changes Have Been Made
to CHS Digital Charts for 2008?
- fully up to date
with the latest official new charts, new editions and updates
- compatible with
Vista
- have an installer on
the disks
- are more clearly
marked as not including a viewer (see charts.gc.ca for a list of
viewers)
- more clearly
indicate that the product must be registered before it can be used
- there has been an
improvement in chart quality where bugs were reported
- expanded coverage on
some disks
- an Arctic raster CD
will be available shortly
- no price increase
for 2008
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16.What are the Differences
Between CHS and Value Added Reseller (VAR) Products?
- VAR products are
created under licence from CHS but are not "authorized" by CHS for
use in navigation, so do not meet the chart carriage requirements
and paper charts must also be carried unless the user has an ECDIS
- VAR products are
considered as aids to navigation and official charts must be carried
and used
- Official products
issued by CHS are updated regularly whereas VAR products are not
required to be updated with the latest CHS data
17. What are the Charts and
Nautical Publications Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act?
- chart carriage
requirements are listed in the Charts and Nautical Publications
Regulation of the Canada Shipping Act (CSA);
- most vessels of any
kind in Canada have an obligation to carry and use official charts
and publications.
- CHS paper charts
meet the requirements of the chart carriage regulations
CHS Digital
Charts meet the chart carriage requirements,
provided they are used with ECDIS. No other digital charts meet the
chart carriage requirements. When using raster charts, the CSA requires
paper charts to be carried and used as backup.
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Zenstar GPS
1. I lost the
Zenstar Driver CD. Where can I get the driver & programs?
2. I have
everything installed correctly. The indicator light is on, but the
light is not flashing and I do not appear to have a signal.
3. How does my
GPS work?
4. What
programs does the Zenstar GPS interface with?
5. Why does my
Zenstar III GPS receiver need a long time to get WAAS satellite signal
(DGPS fix)?
1. I lost
the Zenstar Driver CD. Where can I get the driver & programs?
Please
click
http://www.Zenstargps.com/download.htm
to download them.
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2. I
have everything installed correctly. The indicator light is on, but the
light is not flashing and I do not appear to have a signal.
The GPS
requires a clear view of the sky. If you are indoors, or have the GPS
located under a roof, overhang or dense foliage it is more difficult for
the GPS to “see” the satellites. This impairs your signal. Move the
GPS to an open spot. Fixing your position may take several minutes.
Especially when using the Zenstar for the first time. After an extended
of period of dormancy a longer time may be necessary to acquire a fix.
This is because the internal battery requires charging before the GPS
can obtain a good signal.
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3. How does my GPS work?
The Zenstar is a Global
Positioning System receiver. Above us constantly, positioning
satellites circle the earth sending signal information. GPS receivers
process the signals and calculate their exact location by measuring the
time difference from the satellites to determine accurate distances from
the satellites. These points are triangulated to arrive at the location.
A GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky because it operates by
line of sight with the satellites. A minimum of three satellites must be
locked on to determine position and provide tracking ability. Your
Zenstar communicates with your computer software with NMEA 0183
Interface Standard. This defines electrical signal requirements, data
transmission protocol and time, and specific sentence formats. The
software translates the GPS information to display your location on a
geo-referenced chart.
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4. What programs does the Zenstar
GPS interface with?
The Zenstar GPS is
designed to work with your computer and is compatible with all
navigation software that requires a GPS with NMEA output. The following
list is a sample of some of the programs that interface with the Zenstar
GPS.
Marine Navigation
Software
- Maptech
- Cap'n
- Deckman
- Fugawi.
- Nobeltec
- Rose Point
- Ozi Explorer
- GPSNavX
- MacGPS Pro
- MaxSea
- Memory Map Navigator
- Ockamsoft
- P-Sea Windplot II
- TIKI Navigator
Street Navigation Software
- Microsoft Streets &
Trips
- Destinator
- Co-Pilot Travroute
- Delorme Street Atlas
Terrain Navigation Software
- Maptech Terrain
Navigator
- Ozi Explorer
- Memory Map Navigator
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5. Why
does my Zenstar III GPS receiver need a long time to get WAAS satellite
signal (DGPS fix)?
WAAS PRN 122 and 134
satellites
(in NMEA that is 35 and 47) were removed from service and replaced by
PRNs 135 and 138
satellites
(NMEA 48 and 51) back in July, 2007. Zenstar III GPS receiver has a
search list in the code that determines which satellites it looks for,
and if it can't find one,
then
goes through the rest of the list in order. The receiver previously had
122 and 134 at the top of
its
list. 135 and 138 were near the bottom
of the list. So it
takes time searching for 122 and then 134. Once it has exhausted the
search with no results, the old versions firmware starts going through
the entire list. It takes quite a while to find 135 or 138.
In order
to get
a quick WAAS signal (DGPS fix) of the new satellites, Zenstar III GPS
receivers need to update the old version
of
GSW firmware to GSW 3.2.5. The new version
of
firmware
will help
the
Zenstar
III GPS receiver get a much quicker “DGPS fix”. Please
note
that the “DGPS fix” also depends on your location. If the WAAS signal is
too weak in your location, you may not get “DGPS fix” or need a longer
time to get GPS fix.
Today,
the
WAAS
signal is not
as important as before. There are more and more satellites in the sky
and GPS has
a
much stronger ability to receive signals. Zenstar III GPS
has
20 channels to receive satellite signals.
It will pick up the strongest ones to get a fix. Therefore, it will get
a
position
fix with very
good
accuracy
whether
you use WAAS
satellites
or not.
If you
want to update your Zenstar III GPS receiver’s firmware to GSW 3.2.5,
please contact us at
support@zenstargps.com.
We will help you update it.
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Hydration
Technologies Inc.
Products
HTI products employ a
proprietary membrane filter that is hydrophilic (attracts water), allows
water to pass through, yet blocks very small contaminants due to the
tight construction of the membrane.
Water is driven across the
membrane, not by hydraulic pressure, but by osmotic pressure created by
a standard sport drink powder on the clean side of the membrane.
Because HTI systems use
osmotic pressure instead of hydraulic pressure, our products do not have
the clogging or fouling problems inherent to other filtration systems.
Even highly turbid water, such as those found in the foulest ditch, will
not clog HTI products (tested to 800 ntu).
Whereas conventional hand
pump systems only filter to the 0.1 Micron level, HTI is two hundred
times more accurate filtering at the .0005 Micron level (5 Angstroms).
Because our membrane is so tight, our products offer fluid purity on par
with even complicated and expensive Reverse Osmosis systems.
-
No power
or energy input required - silent operation
-
No foul
tasting chemicals or contact time requirements
-
No
complicated mechanical parts to break or maintain
-
Very
safe – highest purity levels available in point-of-use filtration.
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If you do
not find the answer to your question, contact us or your product
manufacturer from the list below. |
