Garmin 700 Series

GPSMAP 700 Series from Garmin

1/21/2010 -  Our representative just visited us here at M.S.E. and showed us the new Garmin GPSMAP 740.  We found a few things out that we would like to share.

The unit is capable of RADAR overlay at this time due to newer software updates.

This unit will work with older transducers non-broadband and newer Garmin ones with an autosense feature which can be turned off and set manually.

They will not work with Raymarine DSM/30/250/300 style transducers.

Also the GHP10 (Garmin autopilot) will track to waypoints planned using the auto-guidance method.  Only Garmin autopilots will do this.  Other’s will simply have to use the route to or goto method.

All in all it’s a nice unit and worthy of replacement for that 1650WF or 1850WF that is no longer being produced.

1/20/2010-After reading through the manual and Garmin’s website we have outlined some of the features that the Garmin GPSMAP700 Series offers:

Both the GPSMAP 720 and 740 models come with a built-in digital elevation model (DEM) worldwide basemap, which can easily be upgraded with optional BlueChart^® g2 or g2 Vision^® cards for expanded coverage of specific regions.   In addition to its digital basemap, the 740 model also comes preloaded with detailed offshore maps for all U.S. coastal areas, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus the Bahamas. And by simply plugging in an optional BlueChart g2 Vision card (sold separately), you can upgrade to such premium features as high-resolution satellite imagery, Auto Guidance, aerial reference photos, and true 3D visual map perspective — with both MarinerEye and FishEye views.

If the model number contains an “s”, the unit contains a built in sounder capable of powering a 1kw transducer at dual frequency of 50/200 khz.

Selectable auto power on capability from the menu.

Internal built-in GPS.

Four ports on the back

1.)     Nmea 2000 port (For engines, N2k GPS, Weather, etc.)

2.)     Radar port (Ethernet for radar only no other devices.)

3.)     Power/Data port (Nmea 0183/ sonar)

4.)     External GPS connector (BNC)

Can be used with an external AIS device

The information reported for each vessel includes the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), the location, the GPS speed, the GPS heading,

the time that has elapsed since the last position of the vessel was reported, the nearest approach, and the time to the nearest approach.

Uses an auto guidance feature when used in conjunction with a Blue chart vision card will plan your route for you.

Radar Display Modes: The Radar screen has four standard operating modes. Each mode is available for use only with compatible radar.

Cruising mode—shows a full-screen image of the gathered radar information.

Harbor mode—intended for use in inland waters, this mode works best with short-range radar signals (2 nm or less).

Offshore mode—intended for use in open waters, this mode works best with long-range radar signals.

Sentry mode—allows you to put the radar into timed-transmit mode, in which you can configure a radar transmit and standby cycle to conserve power.

You can also enable a guard zone in Sentry mode, which identifies a safe zone around your boat.

Radar mode compatibility:

GMR 20, 21, 40, 41:  Cruising mode, Sentry Mode

GMR 18, 18 HD, 24, 24 HD:  Cruising mode, Sentry Mode

GMR 404, 406: Cruising mode, Sentry Mode

GMR 604 xHD, 606 xHD, 1204 xHD, 1206 xHD:  Harbor mode, Offshore mode, Sentry mode

Capture screenshots from your plotter and view them on your pc.

Software Update As of 3/8/2011

Version 3.00

Changes made from version 2.50 to 3.00:

• Radar:
• Added Radar Overlay display functionality, which draws returns from a connected Garmin GMR radar over either a Navigation Chart or Fishing Chart presentation. This feature is available as Charts > Radar Overlay or Radar > Radar Overlay. Garmin recommends using a magnetic heading sensor for the best Radar Overlay experience.
• Added the option to overlay radar returns on 3D charts.
• Added ability to measure distances on radar displays in the same way this can be done on 2D charts.
• Corrected an issue where changing the system units would result in inaccurate radar range ring measurements. Range ring measurement accuracy would be restored following a power cycle.
• Charts:
• Added support for TOPO maps.
• Added a control for selecting between two map vehicles and multiple sizes on 2D charts. On the Navigation Chart, select Menu > Navigation Chart Setup > Chart Appearance > Symbols > Vehicle Icon.
• Added option to use GPS Heading information when drawing the Heading Line on 2D charts. This is useful for sailboats and other vessels that have a heading sensor but don’t always move in the direction their bow is pointing. Note that GPS Heading is unreliable at vessel speeds near 0 knots (speed over ground).
• Moved 3D range ring labels to the side so they don’t obstruct the view ahead of the vessel.
• Added support for updating the internal basemap.
• Changed text color from black to green for active AIS targets on 2D charts.
• Improved presentation of AIS vessels and AIS vessel labels on 3D charts.
• Improved visibility of AIS trails on 3D charts.
• Improved display performance of the World Map.
• Improved presentation of depth soundings on 3D charts. As depth soundings approach the horizon, they will be de-emphasized to reduce clutter on the display.
• Corrected text display for charts that use Cyrillic fonts.
• Corrected display of elevations for obstructions that are above water.
• Corrected various drawing issues around the anti-meridian.
• Sonar:
• Added a depth log to the Sonar functions.
• Added Pic Advance control to Sonar Setup menu, which allows the scrolling sonar picture to advance faster by drawing multiple columns on the screen for each sounding returned.
• NMEA2000 & instrumentation:
• Created an NMEA 2000 Setup control in the Configuration->Communications menu and moved the Device List into the new setup menu.
• Added Label Devices under NMEA 2000 Setup which will allow labeling of NMEA 2000 engines and tanks with pre-defined names.
• Added analog display options for tank levels, rudder angle, trim tabs, bow tabs, and engine trim.
• Added option to display individual engine fuel flow rate and fuel economy numbers on the Numbers dashboard gauges page and in overlay numbers.
• Changed the Engine Dashboard page automatic gauge configuration to only show the trim gauge if engine trim is available.
• Added support for Yanmar information received via NMEA2000.
• Improved autopilot and chartplotter synergy when more than one plotter is connected via NMEA2000.
• Improved support for displaying destination waypoint information on GMI-10 instruments.
• Improved support for displaying information regarding autoguidance routes on GMI-10 instruments.
• User Data:
• Simplified the user interface for creating new waypoints via Chart Menu > Waypoints & Tracks > New Waypoint and Information > User Data > Waypoints > Options > New Waypoint.
• Added a prompt to delete unused route waypoints after deleting a route.
• Corrected an issue where trying to move a waypoint while the waypoint review page shows a map doesn’t show the Move Waypoint menu.
• Corrected an issue where waypoints created by pointing on a weather chart were being created at the center of marine warning areas, rather than at the location pointed to.
• Other:
• Incorporated higher-resolution system fonts for improved presentation and readability.
• Improved weather drawing performance.