GPS question

[Riplip]

I'm thinking about a Lowrance H2OC handheld unit. I understand the plus package adds Map-create and computer interface for about $100. When I asked about the delta and lake software, I was told they were on different chips, each for about an additional $100. My questions are:

Any input as to this specific unit?

Is the plus package worth the money?

Can the delta/lake chips be shared with another user? My team partner is wanting a similar unit.

Thanks, Rip

[kopper_bass]

RipLip,
I am not real familiar with the handheld unit, but most all the Lowrance products work the same, even the handheld devices.

If you buy the map create package, then you will get all the maps you want; you just have to install the program on your PC and make them yourself and then finally flash them to your memory card to install on you handheld device. This is what most of us guys have with the mounted units too. I have it and can make a map of any lake in the USA.

The downside to the map-create software is that the detail on it is just general. it has the basic lake outlines, buoys, and such. It also has tons of land info. like highways, towns, shopping locations, marinas, etc. But, it doesnt have the 2 most important things you may want (depth contour and tides).

To get real detail of the California lakes and to have the same detail of the Delta + tide information, then you have to buy extra memory chips that are pre-loaded with these maps from Navionics.
Unfortunately, you have to buy 1 chip for the lakes, and 2nd chip that is an actual ocean chip that includes the Delta for its information.

I have the Navionics chip for the Delta and i highly, highly recommend getting that one. The lake chip i think is important too, but i get buy just fine with the Map Create version i have.

As for sharing, once you have the Map Create software, you can make as many maps as you want and store them on any memory chip. So, you can share those with your buddy as long as he has a chip too. (you can buy these at any Best Buy or Electronics Store). The Navionics chips are copy protected, so they are not as easy to share. Anyone with some computer knowhow though should be able to copy these too.

Hope this helps you.

Kopper_Bass

[gabuelhaj]

I had the same questions so I emailed Lowrance and this is what they replied with:

The unit is capable of reading this data from a map card in it. The choices are NauticPath from Lowrance/Eagle or charts from the Navionics company. Their website is www.navionics.com or 800-8948-5896.

Also, I feel that the hand held screen sizes are too small for the amount of detail that will be displayed when using these chips.

I'm looking at the 332C and the X25C as they have the larger screen sizes.

Good luck!