C-Map NT / NT MAX PC Planner Software

Following the recent launch of the new C-Map MAX cartography, comes a new version of the unique PC Planner software. The original PC PlannerNT proved very popular with sailors and motorboat enthusiasts, and the new MAX PC Planner version provides all the same features, along with substantial improvements to the detail, information and colour representations of the cartography.

 

MAX PC Planner turns a home computer into the perfect navigation tool. Chart cartridges can be displayed and waypoints or routes planned on the PC, avoiding the need to waste precious sailing time when you get down to the boat. All of the C-Map MAX electronic cartridge formats are supported on the new USB Multimedia Reader, making PC Planner the ideal accessory for anyone that has a MAX-compatible dedicated chart plotter on their boat. Once a route or set of waypoints are created on the PC, they can be quickly transferred to a User Card (blank memory card), which can then be taken to the boat, inserted into the MAX plotter and the data uploaded in the blink of an eye.

 

Alternatively, waypoints or tracks that have been collected at sea can be stored on the User Card and then brought back home for archiving or sharing with friends. The substantial benefits of the new MAX technology over the previous NT technology are clearly evident on the new MAX PC Planner. It delivers dynamic representations of the surrounding waters, with striking, colourful detail at quick refresh speeds.

 

Plus, there are live navigation aids that flash as the cursor comes within the range of lights, buoys and channel markers. There's also tidal predictions showing the strength and direction of the tide as it is now, or for any future date/time, multi-coloured land elevation and depth contours, aerial images of port entrances, and a wealth of up to date pilotage and harbour information collected from the marina operators themselves. Included within the purchase of MAX PC Planner, is the Multimedia cartridge reader, USB cable and a CD containing software and user manual. The program is quick and easy to install, with prompts to guide the user, and also a 'help' file in case of any questions.

 

MAX PC Planner will run on Win98/ME/2000/XP/Vista. Special Note By MES For C Weather Users A quick (or slow) 'how to' for pc planner users who want to use the c-weather feature. The pc planner software disc as it comes from c-map is version v11.03 - in order to use the weather feature in has to be v11.05 or higher (currently v11.05 is the latest, and the version i used).

 

It is actually easier not to install the software on the disc you get at all as its the old version that cant use c-weather. Below are details on how to get the correct version. Go to www.pcplanner.c-map.it (there is also a link to this site on the 'help' tab in the pc planner software) You will need to register with site to get your login details in order to be able to 'upgrade' your usb reader (we'll come to that bit later) - but registration may as well be done now. *note* once you have your login password which is emailed to you it cant be changed to something you may remember, so its easier to allow your pc to 'remember this password' click on the 'downloads' section on the left hand side of the page, scroll down and find the pc planner v11.05 link. Click on 'download file' and choose the save location as 'desktop'.

 

The file that is downloaded is an .asp file - in order to open it right click on the file and select 'open'. Then choose 'select from list' and finally select 'internet explorer'. It will ask you to name the file - rename the file v11.05 (or anything other than what its called already) After a few seconds you will now have a zipped folder on your desktop. Open the new file and click on the application icon - you will then go through the setup procedure as per normal. Once the setup has completed you will have a new pc planner icon on your desktop - click on it.

 

Once the software has opened you will encounter a grey box asking for an upgrade code. Copy the long number in the top text box, and go back to www.pcplanner.c-map.it - log in again, and half way down the page on the left hand side of the page you will see a 'upgrade code' section. Simply paste the number you just copied into the box and the website will generate an unlock code for you. Copy the new code and go back to the pc planner software. Paste the new code into the bottom text box and click ok. Nothing appears to happen, but if you now look at any given point on the map on screen, either right click and choose 'weather', or click the cloud symbol in the toolbar and you will be able to download the weather data and view it on screen.