>What system requirements are needed to run NavPlanner on my PC? A: A PC-based computer running Windows XP/2000 (Pentium 233 or faster is recommended), 256MB RAM minimum (512MB RAM or greater is recommended), CD ROM Drive (for installing software program), 7MB of free hard disk space required, 16 Color 640x480 Graphics card (256 colors or greater is recommended), USB port required to connect Navionics Multi Card Reader. >What is NavPlanner? A: NavPlanner is a PC-based software program that enables Navionics customers to view their Navionics charts on their computer, and then load, edit, save and transfer routes and waypoints from PC to plotter and back again. >Which Navionics Charts are compatible with NavPlanner? A: Navionics Silver, Gold, Gold+, and Platinum Charts are compatible with Navionics NavPlanner; as well as HotMaps Premium, HotMaps Platinum, HotMaps USA, and HotMaps Gold (2005) Lake Maps. >What is included with Navionics NavPlanner? A: NavPlanner CD (software for install), Navionics 23-in-1 Multi Card Reader, USB cable, NavPlanner Quick Start Guide for importing/exporting routes and waypoints to and from Navionics compatible chartplotters. >What does the 'Important Notice' card inserted in my CD-ROM sleeve mean? A: Most computers with CD-ROM drives will accept "mini" cd's, however some newer computers do not have cd tray's or drawers but rather a slot, which will not accept a mini cd. If you own a newer computer with a cd slot rather than a cd tray, please contact us toll free: 800-848-5896 or by email: sales@navionics.com, and request NavPlanner software on a common-sized CD-ROM disk. >What instructions do I need to get started with NavPlanner? Download a copy of the QuickStart Card >Is it possible to print maps from the computer screen to the printer with NavPlanner? A: There can be screen shots made of the specific areas, but not full maps printed. However, there will be a product on the market in the near future that will allow you to print out maps. Please review the following link for more information. http://www.navionics.com/Headlines_07.asp?ID=262 Please note that this product is not available at this time but scheduled for release in early 2008. >What do I need to transfer routes and waypoints from my PC to my chartplotter? A: After installing NavPlanner software and your Navionics Multi Card Reader, all you will need is a blank SD or CF media card (depending on which fits into your chartplotter) to save and transfer your routes and waypoints to and from your PC and chartplotter. Once saved, insert this memory card into your chartplotter and upload your new routes and waypoints. After upload is complete, insert your Navionics Chart card into your chartplotter; the routes and waypoints you created and uploaded will now appear over the Navionics Chart information. The Quick Start Guide included in your packaging provides step-by-step instructions for installing and using NavPlanner. >I am getting an error message: “A valid card reader can not be found” or "Program has performed an illegal operation". A: First, uninstall NavPlanner and reboot your computer. Disable any other program running (i.e. Norton System Doctor, Virus detection programs, etc.) and then re-install NavPlanner. If the PC has a network drive connected it may not be possible to see the second Drive on the Multi Card Reader. If you are unable to see the Drive and have a network drive connected, try disconnecting from the network drive and then connecting to the Multi Card reader. The Navionics card reader has 3 drives (normally E, F, G). The first (normally E) is for CF cards, the third (normally G) is for SD cards. >Cannot read chart from Multi Card Reader; or NavPlanner does not start, and/or is giving an error 3000, 3001, 3002 or 3004. Possible software conflict: There are some software packages that can cause conflicts with the Multi Card Reader. If this happens, the conflicting software needs to be disabled or uninstalled. A known conflict exists with Adobe Photoshop Elements (apdproxy.exe). This program runs in the background and may need to be either disabled or uninstalled to resolve the problem. Possible hardware conflict: If there are several USB devices connected to your system, this may cause the system to have difficulty in recognizing the Navionics Multi Card Reader. If this occurs, remove all other USB devices, as well as any hubs, then plug the Multi Card Reader directly into the computers USB port, and retry. If there are built-in memory card readers also installed that use internal USB ports, these may also need to be disabled. >I get an error stating the security is invalid. A: If you get an error stating that the security is invalid, make sure you are reading the Chart from the memory card that's inserted into the Multi Card Reader, and not from the hard disk. >I am having difficulty seeing spot depths, they are very faint. A: On Windows XP, depending on some system settings, the spot depths and other text appears very faint on the display and difficult to read. This can be corrected by checking the following Windows setting: Right click on the desktop to get the pop-up menu. Select "Properties" menu option. Click the "Appearance" tab to select. Click the "Effects" button on this page. Ensure the tick box labelled "Use the following method to smooth edge of screen fonts" is ticked. In the pull down menu alongside select "Clear Type" Then click OK. The text on the chart (in particular spot depths) should be much clearer. >Why do I get an “Auto Play”? A: This is caused because Windows keeps trying to read from the card reader via 'autoplay'. Also, when NavPlanner is being used, Windows tries to read the installed cartridges from the file menu without prompting. This could be caused by an application in the system software. Disconnect all other devices (usb hubs, printers, scanners, other usb devices, ethernet wireless hubs, network adapters, bluetooth adapters, etc). Then plug in just the card reader and run NavPlanner. If this solves the problem, add each usb device back to the computer one at a time and check the application. If the device that is causing the problem can be identified, try uninstalling the device and reinstalling but with only the minimum additional software (a lot of scanners and cameras come with lots of additional editing and viewing software that tends to try and automatically read cards plugged into card readers). Alternatively, check for the latest drivers for the device as the problems may have been cured in the later drivers/software. >I received "This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way" error message. A: This problem may be from a Windows update. First, check that your computer is fully updated with all the latest Windows updates. If this does not resolve the issue then please look at the following Microsoft article no 884538:- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884538. >Where is my serial number located to complete the software? A: On the back of the Quick Start Guide enclosed in your packaging. >Are their upgrades available for NavPlanner? A: Yes. Please visit http://www.navionics.com/NavPlanner.asp and click on the 'Software Update' button. Save the .zip file to your computer. Run the install. *Please note: you will need your original serial number to run this update. >Can NavPlanner software be used on a laptop in conjunction with the GPS receiver to function as a chartplotter for purpose of navigation or do I have to buy Fugawi Marine ENC or similar sofware? A: The NavPlanner software cannot be used on a laptop in conjunction with a GPS receiver. It is a planner tool which allows you to plot waypoints and routes at your computer in the comfort of your home. The FUGAWI & Raytech software will also help you plan your waypoints and routes but they can be used as a GPS system.