surgebay
2009-02-16 20:24:41
if one purchases the Nobeltec 9.3 VNS navigational software ($450), does one also need to purchase the chart software package (region 30 in this case), which is another two hundred plus, or could one simply download the charts for free from, say, your coding partner who never calls you when he's on the fish?
steffco
2009-02-16 20:49:02
E-Charts are free to download fron NOAA and Maptech. If you know someone that has them on a CD or thumb drive that will work as well.
Good Luck
Rick
HapCabbage
2009-02-17 16:30:39
I've got Nobeltec version 9.1. If I remember right, the purchase included the charts from one region (yeah, 30 in my case) as part of the deal.
Salty
2009-02-17 17:11:01
If you can figure it all out without technical assistance you are an amazing computer guru. In order to effectively use my Nobeltec over the years I have needed help from the computer sellers, Nobeltec support, Sitka Electronics Lab, and several young fishermen who are way more computer adept than I am.
I recommend seeking help, as you have done here. But, I usually needed people on the boat. Over the years I have had Nobeltec representatives on the boat at least twice and other support people dozens of times. My experience with Maxsea was so bad that after getting training, a free computer, and a boat ride with the factory representative I was so overwhelmed that I never did use the program.
After all that I do use the program extensively and the various versions have made a huge difference in my troll production over the years. A couple of tips:
Label all your tracks and store them so they only display when you want them up;
Think Course up as opposed to North up;
Think Vector and Rastar; they have different strengths and it is good to be familiar with both.
Good luck
shakers
2009-02-18 18:16:02
capn software is simple to use.
it uses very stable language with exportable backup logs so you can save your drags individually.
charts are free through noaa.
Salty
2009-02-19 00:06:08
I have seen that Captn Jack program and if you aren't interested in ever upgrading to the Nobeltec 3D program and being somewhat familiar with that program then it would be a fine way to start.
Salty
2009-02-19 00:08:04
But then my parents fished from 46-54 without a fathometer, radar, computer, or much local knowledge. That was much easier than learning how to use all these darn electronics. A lead line and a good compass are all that you really need.
Katlian
2009-02-27 21:53:06
On charts and nobeltec. Version 10 precludes use of any other chart sources. Earlier versions allow other vendor's 2d charts. Version 10 has no substantial upgrades, except for the chart exclusion. This happened shortly after they bought C-map.
When you intially purchase nobeltec, they give you a chart region for free. If your chart region is old, it may not include the 3d charts. The bathy recorder only uses nobeltec 3d charts as a source. It would be ill advised to attempt to do bathy recorder without the current 3d stock chart.
Nobeltec unlock codes for charts are synchronized with the installation code of your software. They ship you a DVD with the charts for the whole world. Then they send you a code to unlock the region of your choice. The same region code will work for all installations with the same serial number. Your region code will not work on any other serial number. Once you install nobeltec 8 or newer on your system, it codes the serial number into your system. You cannot completely uninstall your software. It remembers your serial number. If you need to do a "hard uninstall", they reluctantly provide a code from the factory.
A lot of very motivated, crafty individuals have tried to figure out how to "borrow" 3d charts. To my knowledge they have it pretty locked up. Getting paid for your efforts never seemed so difficult. Good job on the security measures.
I hope this illuminates some things.
slr
DiamondLil
2009-02-28 00:33:28
For a variety of reasons, I switched from Nobeltec to Coastal Explorer. Among other things, it's less expensive initially, and you can use ENC and RNC charts. These charts can be downloaded from NOAA without charge. My next move will probably be to MaxSea or Olex for the charting capability. No more Nobeltec.
Joe