[PUP] Nobeltec dongles

[Philip Eslinger]

I called Jeppesen about the new programs which are VNS and Admiral PRO  
MAX versions 10.  They now use a completely new charting system from C  
map and, by contractual agreement with C map, DO require the use of a  
dongal for domestic charts now. In the past, Nobeltec only used  
dongals for international charts.  If you buy either one of these new  
versions, you also have to upgrade your existing charts to the new  
charts.  For the max wide chart covering the entire West Coast  
(Southern Ca. to SE Alaska), the upgrade costs $150.   To upgrade all  
of my charts would run over $1000.   Each dongal is tied to a set of  
charts.  If you want to purchase a backup dongal, you also have to  
purchase ANOTHER set of backup charts (at $150 each).

I asked the Jeppesen rep what happens if the dongal gets damaged and  
he said you would truly be out of luck.  He went on to defend the  
company by saying that the dongals were "incredibly rugged".   He also  
made the suggestion to use a short USB extension cord so that the  
dongal would be seated in a more flexible environment.

At this rate, Jeppesen may be pricing themselves out of the market, at  
least domestically.

Phil Eslinger
Flat Earth N50
Ko Olina, Hi