garmin 176 GPS and tide data

[johhno]

Anyone able to help me. I recently downloaded software update 3.7 for my 176C, and as I was doing it, I noticed they say on the download page that they added australian tide data in the update from version 2.8-3.1. However, I still can't find it on my system. Any clues? cheers
Johhno

[team_mongo]

need to get the bluechart with the tide data on it. Mine doesnt have it. I think u can get it as an upgrade.

George

[johhno]

i've sent my bluechart chip off to sydney for updating...will let you know what happens

[team_mongo]

how much was it?
I'm thinking of getting it done as well.

Cheers
George

[johhno]

$79 dollars they said...plus postage maybe...i hope it works. i went to GME Electrophone
Unit 1 89-101 Factory RD
Oxley, QLD 4075
Phone: 07 3278 6444
Fax: 07 3278 6555
E-mail: gldbranch@gme.net.au
Website: http://www.gme.net.au
and i spoke to tony
cheers
john

[team_mongo]

thanks for the info, I'll head there this week

George

[johhno]

okay, chart chip is back and loaded with aus tide data...perfect. was worth persisting with the enquiries as a very reputable boat dealer in brisbane told me it couldn't be done.
cheers
johhno

[Bowser]

How do you guys find the 176? What sort of zoom does it have? Is the number of routes etc that are able to be stored sufficient? How waterproof is it? ??? ???

[johhno]

i'll check some details you asked for when i'm home and post them then. i love the unit, it's easy to read and easy to operate. the zoom is more than enough for work around beacons etc. i originally bought it because i liked the chart that comes with it. when i looked at the chart that navman uses it was too klutzy..angular averages of the coastline instead of a freehand line which i found really off-putting. i don't uses routes very much..i prefer to save the tracks, so i can't answer that one.
cheers
john

[johhno]

forgot about the waterproof question...mine sits on a centre console and has been getting rained on frequently this summer! no dramas

[Bowser]

Sounds good johhno, I'll be shopping around at the tinnie & tackle show.

[team_mongo]

Just got my GPS176 back from garmin. It was 2 months out of warranty, but the guys fixed it for free [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=thumbsup.gif]. It stoppped reading the bluechart after crossing the south passage bar, which was annoying to say the least. Garmin fixed it within 4 working days, which is pretty good customer service in my books.

The bluechart is off to sydney getting tidal data put on it.

Bowser, the 176 is excellent. zooms great down to 50ft i think. Its totally waterproof, and I just hose it down with the boat after a day. Dont use routes, just use the snail trail feature and have about 1000 pts on mine.

Hope this helps

George

[Sportfish_5]

I am looking at buying one of these units as well but I have been told that there is a new version coming out called the "276" avail in colour or b/w. I hope that the price drops very soon as the new ones are expected here around June/July.

Keep your eyes posted for specials soon I spose.

Cheers
Greg