T&T: Updating basemap charts on Garmin 492/498 GPS/Chartplotters

[Bob McLeran]

I've been looking around for a new and improved GPS/Chartplotter for 
some time to replace my older, reliable Garmin 162. Most appealing in 
terms of cost and usability for my situation are the Garmin 492/498 
units, both of which contain Garmin basemaps (charts of the US 
coastline). Both of these Garmin units use the proprietary Garmin 
BlueCharts. Both units have built in basemaps (note: Garmin still uses 
the term "map" not "chart" even when dealing with marine applications), 
built in or external antennas, nice color displays, fairly large display 
areas, connect to a computer, provide NMEA output, etc.

I'm totally adverse to buying any product that uses proprietary 
software, including charting software, and the Garmin BlueCharts is one 
of those products that, as far as I am concerned, are a waste of money 
and only serve to line the pockets of the manufacturer. For example, to 
cover the state of Maine you'd need to buy two BlueChart cards at a 
discounted price of $175.00 each! Figure out how much it would cost to 
get the proper charts for the entire east coast or the great loop, 
compared to buying a brand new laptop, some navigation software, and 
downloading free BSB charts or even buying regional chart books that 
come with BSB charts!

Anyway, I thought the 492 unit (without the sounder) would work, and I 
could use it for waypoint/route information display even if I chose not 
to buy the proprietary BlueCharts. An added bonus would be if the 
basemaps could be updated from time time time, either via Garmin's web 
site or perhaps by purchasing a CD with updated information. The manager 
and a sales person in one of the local West Marine stores assured me 
that Garmin would have something available to update the base maps. Not 
being one to believe anything a sales person says without checking 
further, I asked Garmin tech support via a question-form on their web site.

Here's their response, followed by my question to them.

Garmin's response to my question:
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	RE: Tech support request for GPSMAP 492
Date: 	Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:55:24 -0600
From: 	TechSupp <techsupp@garmin.com>
To: 	Bob McLeran <rmcleran@ix.netcom.com>
References: 	


Thank You for contacting Garmin Product Support! I will be glad to help 
you with this.

The basemap charting that is on these units, have not yet been updated,
and are just basemaps. At this time, there is no plans to update this
charting. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. 

My question to Garmin follows:

Product:            GPSMAP 492
Serial Number:      
Software Version:   

Problem:
Need answer before purchasing. How are "built in" charts (not maps)
updated? Is the only alternative to purchase the Blue Chart cards with
the unlock keys? Are the "built in" charts proprietary with Garmin? Can
standard BBS charts be loaded on a blank bluechart card?
Thanks.

Request emailed to marine@garmin.com



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