May 3, 2010 20:05
fish2live Wrote:I've been considering an ACR Nauticast-B transponder. It is a complete package including GPS and VHF antennas for about $700. Couldn't I plug that into a Shipmodul multiplexer and have a backup GPS feed in addition to the position reports? It does seem like a better deal overall, but maybe there is something I haven't considered yet.
I have exactly that setup running on my boat and it does quite nicely. You have to set up the miniplex to prioritize your GPS so it is only sending on one, but that's pretty simple.
As for BT vs USB, I have BT and its works quite well for me. I like being free from the umbilical cord thus able to monitor things while sitting in my bunk watching a movie. That being said, I generally don't use my laptop for active navigation, rather more for planning. If you're using it for your primary nav device then Rich's comments on usb vs bt might be more relevant.
Scot