When I attempted to copy the AC file from one Zero Lines card to another, placing the second card in the card slot caused the finder to shut down. Removing the copied card resolved the issue. The properly created Lakemaster card did not do this. So, a corrupted Lakemaster file could cause an issue very similar to this.
My dealer told me that I could copy Autochart generated maps from one card to another, based on his conversations with the Humminbird rep. He was misinformed.
Cheers!
Anything “Autochart” requires Zero Lines card. Sonar recordings, nav data, software updates, etc. can use any SD/microSD card (card size appropriate for the head unit – my g1 10″ uses full size SD, my g3 9″ uses microSD).
Autochart live recordings are imported to the Autochart PC program via the zero lines card. The only way to bring mapping data back to the head unit is via the Lakemaster maps created in the PC program, on the Zero Lines card. I had a few buddies that attempted to combine raw AutoChart live data files made by several different finders to share data. It did not work. I suspect the issue might have been multiple files with the same name.
You can put your AutoChart PC maps on multiple Zero Lines cards, but you need to recreate the map each time. Depending on the size of the area mapped, this might take a while. It takes me about 1-1/2 hours to create the Lakemaster maps for the water I fish.
I used Autochart live raw data for the maps on my unit for 3 years, this summer will be the first time I have used Autochart PC generated maps, I am excited for the extra detail and highlight options this will provide.
Here is a tip for the guys using Autochart live raw data for their maps – if you turn off contour lines, the map will refresh much faster. My unit was able to refresh the maps fast enough to keep up at 30 mph with contours turned off.
Cheers!
ACss.jpg
Yes, I recorded maps to my card. The image in my previous post is a screenshot of my finder with the created map displayed. Learning AutoChart PC was a very frustrating experience, but it is fairly simple once you understand the concepts and the workflow. I spent a long time at a point where I could create a map on the computer, but could not update the card. Switching the Lakemaster map setting from “local” to “require Lakemaster card” was the cure for that particular little glitch…
There are a few quirks in the program that I know, I expect there are several that I don’t…
I ran my Helix 10 with just AutoChart live mapping for 4 years. I found that if I turned off the contour lines in the AutoChart options, my Gen 1 unit was able to draw maps fast enough to keep up with my boat position at 25 mph. Editing bad data on the head unit is a painful process, tho. Anyway, this winter I decided to create the AutoChart Lakemaster maps using the PC program, primarily because I would like to put those maps on more than one unit. Learning AutoChart PC is a painful process, mostly because of poor documentation. Those who know how to use it take too many steps for granted, and there is a lot of poor, bad and even incorrect info about it on YouTube.
The end result for me is a really nice set of maps, and a fair bit of knowledge about how to add to them going forward. AutoChart Live maps are pretty good. AutoChart PC maps are much nicer.
Take the time, learn the program enough to create your maps. You’ll be glad you did.
The attached pic is part of my map, a screen shot from my Helix unit.
Cheers!
Chip
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Was just curious if you got AutoChart PC working to your satisfaction? I went through many hours of trial and error, and several chats with HB customer support (which were of extremely limited help, btw), and finally have it figured out. There are a few pitfalls to watch for, and a few quick tips that might help. I only offer, because the beginner stuff is still fairly fresh in my mind and I might be able to assist….
Cheers!
Chip
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