[C320-list] Raymarine RL70CRC and C-Map NT+ Chip Failure

[Jeffrey Hare]

Brian,

   See if this helps?   You didn't say specifically what chart plotter you
have.

This is from the RayMarine Customer Support Q&A:
------------------------------------------------

Question

I am not able see any C-MAP NT+ chart detail on my Pathfinder series
chartplotter display. The world map disappears at a certain level, and then
all I am left with is a white screen with some cross-hatch lines, and the
words NO CHART DATA. What is the problem?
  	
Answer
  	The Pathfinder series of chartplotters, chart/radar, and chart/sonar
displays have a feature in them called PLOTTER MODE. Plotter Mode is a
feature that allows you to zoom the chartplotter through it's full range of
available chart scales, without having to have a map cartridge inserted.
This is most frequently used on occasions where you might be in an area for
which you do not have a map cartridge. Plotter Mode allows you to zoom in
tight on your plotted waypoints and route line even though there is no map
data available.

Another possible use of Plotter Mode is for precision navigation drills such
as anchoring, finding a precise dive spot/wreck, or performing search and
rescue type maneuvers. With plotter mode enabled, most Pathfinder series
chartplotters can zoom in to a range of 1/64 nautical mile. This gives you a
very "magnified" view of a waypoint to allow you to precisely position your
boat on or near it.

For normal day-to-day navigation Plotter Mode should normally be turned off.
this restricts the chartplotter to only those range scales that actually are
present on the C-MAP NT+ electronic chart cartridge. In highly detailed
areas you may be able to range into 1/32 or 1/64 NM range scale. In less
detailed areas, the maximum zoom may be restricted to 3, 6, or 12 miles
(such as in open-ocean areas.) If you find that the system is not allowing
you a close enough view of your plotted track or waypoint, simply enabling
Plotter Mode will allow you to zoom closer, however, the map detail will be
switched off. This is to prevent a condition called OVERZOOM, where the map
data is over magnified, and stretched to fit a scale it was not intended
for. This condition could cause serious distortion and inaccuracy of the
electronic chart, hence the reason the chart itself disappears when Plotter
Mode is enabled, and an unsupported range is selected.

Plotter Mode is enabled or disabled as follows:

   1. Press the MENU key.
   2. Select the CHART SETUP soft key.
   3. Scroll down to PLOTTER MODE in the chart setup menu.
   4. Select the OFF or ON soft key to enable or disable the setting.
   5. Press the CLEAR key 3 times to exit the menu system, and return to
normal operation.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Amirault Family
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:08 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Raymarine RL70CRC and C-Map NT+ Chip Failure

Greetings:

Now that the list has overcome my incompetence regarding regarding gas stove
usage, I am moving on to the next issue with learning the quirks of Bear's
equipment. She came from Michigan with a chartplotter/radar complete with
C-Map chips for her home area.  I removed these and installed a new C-Map
NT+ chip for her new waters purchased from the local chandlery; although it
required a special order. The GPS works and can find me on the plotter
internal world map.

Following the instructions (read repeatedly) I zoomed in on the map, which
should cause the plotter to check for  pertinent chart data and if finding
same, leave the world map. The plotter fails to do so, allowing me to only
zoom in to 150 nm before the chart loses display.

Can anyone suggest the thing I am not doing which is preventing the plotter
from recognizing that there is a local chart chip in the plotter? Note that
the chip design allows for only one orientation of the chip for insertion.
Failing this I will start with the Raymarine help number and if no relief is
found there continue on to C-Map.

Brian Amirault
Waltzing Bear, too