GPS Software

Anyone who uses the Garmin software will know that the package is somewhat limited, as well as being somewhat expensive.

The Garmin software for example does not fully support the symbols which are now available on Garmin models GPS12XL, GPSII, GPSIII, GPSIII Pilot etc.

Over the past months I have looked at several GPS software packages and it has to be said that whilst most will support the standard Garmin models, and are generally better than Garmin’s own software, only one is capable of utilising the features available on the aviation models such as the Garmin 89, 92, 92, and GPSIII Pilot.

Heinrich Pfeifer in Germany has developed Gartrip. It is fully compatible with the aviation models and provides the following features:

• Transfers data from/to receiver using GRMN protocol
• Keeps waypoints clearly arranged
• Waypoints with symbol, for new Garmin models (works without symbols as well)
• Waypoint description up to 40 characters long
• Up to 4100 waypoints
• New waypoint may be averaged from a selection of waypoints
• Units to be selected: metric, statute, nautical
• Daylight saving time for all time zones can be defined
• Converts co-ordinates from/to
• Latitude/longitude
• UTM
• French Grid (Lambert II)
• German Grid
• Irish Grid
• Swiss Grid
• Swedish Grid
• User defined Grids
• Grid co-ordinates in: metres (standard) or kilometres
• British Grid
• File import of PCX5 files
• Import/Export in Garlink format
• Imports & exports in Gardown format
• Searches for a text string in names and descriptions of waypoints
• Shows and accepts great circle distances between waypoints
• Map on full screen ( selectable)
• Indicates distance and time along track
• Advanced route planning with speed and time
• Routes with avionics database (for avionics GPS only!)

Heinrich Pfeifer has recently updated Gartrip with separate versions for Win3.1 (version 116) and Win95 (version 200).

New in version 200 is the ability to use user scanned maps files in bmp, gif or jpg formats.

Gartrip can be downloaded from the web site below and the registration fee is a mere $30.00. Without registering, waypoints can be downloaded and uploaded to the GPS and it is possible to save a limited amount data on the PC. Following registration, an unlock code is supplied, from which time the full save option works.

Gartrip can be downloaded from:

http:www.gartrip.de

John Lord

Last updated - 4th October 99'

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