August 11, 2008 10:57
Glenn, hope you've solved your NMEA input to MaxSea/Parallels.
I succeeded fairly easily -- and to my great surprise, using the Edgeport/8 serial-USB converter for 8 serial ports. So if it helps, it does work with Parallels 2x and 3x...
However, Parallels USB support is not reliable for me. After unpredictable interval [hours or minutes] the NMEA datastream stops. Have to disconnect/reconnect the USB port to regain data -- not very safe for navigation.
However VMware Fusion has proved to be 100% reliable for serial-> USB. Exact same configuration as for Parallels.
I have the full-blown MaxSea with routing, etc. But for routine navigation we prefer MacENC for ease of use and better ENC support. The MaxSea advantage for routine navigation is support for the French Hydro charts in MapMedia format.
Bottom line: Mac users are blessed with access to MacENC. We've spent some $3000 over 10 years buying MaxSea upgrades -- required to get essential bug fixes. Ummm... is MacENC a better value at $150?
I succeeded fairly easily -- and to my great surprise, using the Edgeport/8 serial-USB converter for 8 serial ports. So if it helps, it does work with Parallels 2x and 3x...
However, Parallels USB support is not reliable for me. After unpredictable interval [hours or minutes] the NMEA datastream stops. Have to disconnect/reconnect the USB port to regain data -- not very safe for navigation.
However VMware Fusion has proved to be 100% reliable for serial-> USB. Exact same configuration as for Parallels.
I have the full-blown MaxSea with routing, etc. But for routine navigation we prefer MacENC for ease of use and better ENC support. The MaxSea advantage for routine navigation is support for the French Hydro charts in MapMedia format.
Bottom line: Mac users are blessed with access to MacENC. We've spent some $3000 over 10 years buying MaxSea upgrades -- required to get essential bug fixes. Ummm... is MacENC a better value at $150?