FAQs - PC-Planner FAQ
Q1.Which cartridge formats does PC Planner read?
closePC Planner is compatible with both NT+ and Max formats, starting from version 10. If you own a PC Planner previous to that version, you can always upgrade to MAX technology through our site
http://pcplanner.c-map.it
Q2.Is PC Planner compatible with Furuno (FP-Card) cartridges?
closeYes, PC Planner offers two different readers for the two different Furuno card formats. It is advisable to specify the card format while ordering
Q3.What does the PC Planner kit include?
close The PC Planner Kit is a complete package that includes the software, cables and the cartridge reader. All you need is a chart cartridge and a User card that allows you to transfer saved user data from the PC to your plotter and viceversa.
Q4.Can I use my FP-Cards with PC Planner?
close Yes, PC Planner can be ordered with a special FP-Card USB reader.
Q5.Which are the compatible media with PC Planner?
closeThe compatible media with cartographic data are: C-Cards, SD-Cards and FP-Cards. The compatible media with the user data are: User C-Cards, User FP-Cards and SD Cards
Q6.What types of User cartridges can PC Planner read?
closeThe new USB Multimedia Reader reads the following user card formats: User C-Cards, User FP-Cards and SD Cards (already containing chart data)
Q7.What are the advantages of the subscription to the PC Planner site?
closeFor customers who register to our PC Planner web site, we offer the latest version of the program and drivers along with PDF files for the installation of drivers and upgrades of the software. You can also find the users' manual in English and Italian and many other useful files that might help you solve any technical problems. Visit
http://pcplanner.c-map.it
Q8.Does the PC Planner website registration have an expiry date?
close The registration to our site never expires. Only in case you upgrade the PC Planner software, you will have to regenerate the REGISTRATION CODE. Please visit our site
http://pcplanner.c-map.it if you need to generate a new REGISTRATION CODE.
Q9.When do I need a new registration code?
close You need a new registration code each time you update your PC Planner software or change your USB Reader
Q10.I can' t visualize waypoints saved with my PC Planner. How can I solve this problem?
closeC-Map by Jeppesen chart cartridges are read-only technology and you cannot save any extra information on them. In order to save waypoint and routes you must purchase a User Card.
Q11.How do I obtain a new registration code?
closeIn order to generate a new Registration Code, visit our site
http://pc-planner.c-map.it and then click on REGISTRATION CODE REQUEST, provided you have already registered to our site. If not, please register by clicking on SUBSCRIBE NOW. Remember that you have to generate a new registartion code, any time you update your Pc-Planner.
Q12.How can I upgrade my PC Planner?
closeIn order to be able to upgrade your PC Planner, visit our site
http://pcplanner.c-map.it If you still haven' t registered to our site, select SUBSCRIBE NOW. Otherwise, go directly to our SUPPORT AREA and then click on "Software, Drivers and Docs". Install the new software version and once completed click on the PC-Planner icon on Desktop to run it. Please uninstall the older version before installing the new. You now have your PC Planner upgraded, aboslutely free of charge.
Q13.When I insert the installation CD into my computer, nothing happens. What should I do now?
close In some cases Windows does not detect the auto run file and you will have to choose either “Browse” or “Explore”. Open the Setup folder and run the setup.exe
Q14.During the installation on Windows XP, a prompt appears warning me that the software has not passed Microsoft Windows Logo Testing and asks me to “Stop Installation” or “Continue Anyway”. Which should I choose?
closeYou should choose “Continue Anyway”. The Windows Logo Testing message is a default disclaimer Windows will display when installing drivers without a digital signature. It is perfectly fine to install on your PC and will cause no harm to your PC. This warning no longer exists with the new Multimedia Reader Drivers.
Q15.I have finished installing the software and the USB Reader. When I launch the software, a dialogue box appears, asking for a Registration Code. Where do I find this?
close The Registration Code is included with your PC Planner package on a letter from Jeppesen Marine. Any time you update your software you will require a new Registration Code. Please refer to the Troubleshooting section of this document for steps on how to do this.
Q16.Why do I get a pop-up box up telling me the 'Registration Code not Valid” when I enter the Registration code I have?
close This can happen if you update the software. Each version of PC-Planner requires its own Registration Code and older codes are no longer usable on the newer versions of PC-Planner.
Q17.When I run the software it comes up in Demo Mode. What is Demo Mode and why does it happen?
close
Demo Mode is the default installation for PC Planner. It is an evaluation version of the software that allows you to try out the many features of PC Planner without a reader being connected. If you are getting Demo Mode with a USB Reader plugged in, that usually means the drivers are not synchronised with the computer and you will need to review the driver troubleshooting document found on the PC Planner website.
Q18.When I try to save my information to a User C-card, I keep getting this message: “No user card present.” Why?
close
For USBCC Reader Users => Make sure the correct slot is selected. The User C-card can go in either the right or left-slot of the USBCC Reader. Newer versions of PC-Planner will auto-detect and assign the appropriate side of the File Manager window to the slot of the USBCC Reader (If the User C-card is in the left slot, the left side of File Manager will be the User C-card, and vice- versa). In older versions of PC-Planner, the slot needs to be assigned by the drop down box at the top of the File Manager window. For USB Multimedia Reader Users => Make sure you have selected the “C-card slot” from the new File Manager interface. It's contents will be displayed in a box next to the drive listing.
Q19.I transferred information to my User C-Card, but now I can't see it on my chart plotter. Why is this?
close
The User C-card is a medium used to transfer information from one place to another. The chart plotter does not read the User C-Card like your chart C-Card. In order to view your saved information, you'll need to upload it from the user C-Card into the memory of your chart plotter. Please refer to your chart plotter's manual for instructions on doing this.
Q20.How do I format a User C-Card?
close
In the File Manager screen, if you right-click with the mouse in the open window (when you have the User C-Card selected), you can select “Format User card.” This will erase ALL data on the user C-Card.
Q21.How do I transfer data to the user card?
close
You will need to select the user card on one side of the File Manager's window and the PC Planner Memory on the opposite side. Select the file you would like to transfer and click on the red arrow that points to the side the user card is shown on. This will send the files you have selected to the user card
Q22.Do I have to have a MAX card to get MAX features on my PC Planner?
close
Functions found on MAX chart such as Perspective View and Flexi-zoom will work without you necessarily using a MAX chart. Dynamic currents ad NavAids, for example, will only be displayed with the use of a MAX chart as the data from the chart needs to be supplied from here.
Q23.What does the Anti-Grounding Alarm do?
close
The Anti-Grounding Alarm is a safety feature that will scan through all chart layers to check a proposed route you are creating. Using the settings found in VIEW -> SETTINGS, you can customize the Anti-Grounding Alarm to search for anything from rocks to insufficient depth or obstructions. PC Planner will warn you if the Anti-Grounding Alarm identifies any hazards and asks if you would like to continue saving the route
Q24.In the File Manager there is a Floppy Disk option. When I try to save to a floppy disk I get an error message. Why?
close
The Floppy Disk option in File Manager is provided ONLY for owners of the SITEX Trawlplot and Fishplot 12 chart plotters. These chart plotters do not use User C-cards, but use specially formatted floppy disks available directly from SITEX.
Q25.Can I do anything with the user data outside of PC-Planner?
close
Yes. You can save the data to your hard drive in XML format. PC-Planner has a ConvertXML.EXE program that will convert your XML format into a CSV (comma-separated value) file (found in PC-Planner under TOOLS -> ConvertXML). The CSV file can be opened in a spreadsheet or word processing program, allowing you to edit and manipulate the data on a global scale, rather than individually in PC-Planner. XML files can then also be transferred via e- mail or other storage devices to friends and family.
Q26.Can I print with PC Planner?
close
You can print in colour directly through the newest versions of PC Planner.
Q27.Are there any 'hot-keys' in PC Planner?
close
You can use the letters D/I for Zoom-in, or U/O for Zoom-out. Using the arrow-keys will pan the map one screen in the associated direction (this is a good one to remember, especially in Route Edit mode). In addition to this, the Page-Up/Page-Down keys will adjust the colour depth of the PC-Planner to brighter or darker, respectively.
Q28.What is the PC Planner for?
close
PC Planner is a route planner, that cannot be used for navigational purposes. Its functioncs are: PC display of C-Map by Jeppesen cartography on cartirdges, Plan routes using waypoints and marks Modify/Invertion of routes, marks, tracks, movement of data from PC Planner to user card and viceversa, port info, downloading of weather forecast overlays
Q29.What does PC Planner come with?
close
The PcPlanner kit comes with: USB Reader, USB cable, autorun CD and user manual
Q30.How can I register on the PC Planner site?
close
To register the site you have to enter the PcPlanner site
www.pcplanner.c-map.it then click on Register on the home page, fill the form and send it
After few minutes you'll receive an email with your User Name and Password with which you can enter the site to download updates and support documents
Q31.What is the registration on the PC Planner site for?
close
The registration on the PcPlanner site www.pcplanner.c-map.it allows access to the reserved area to download, for free, the updates and to get the regisrtation code
Q32.How much does the registration on the PC Planner site cost?
close
Registration is free of charge !
Q33.Can I use PC Planner to sail (as a plotter)?
close
No, you cannot. The PC Planner is NOT a navigation software and it cannot be connected with a GPS antenna. Whilst you may view the charts you have on your cartridge, you cannot view your position on them. Please refer to our list of compatible navigational software in the NT/PC section.
Q34.Can I connect my PC Planner with the navigation system (Plotter/Software)?
close
Yes, you can. You can connect it with an NMEA 0183 serial cable. The serial cable is an alternative to user cards and it works to transmit user data like routes, marks, tracks with compatible devices.
Q35.Which formats of cartridge can be read by the PC Planner?
close
The PC PLANNER can read:
C-CARDs and USER C-CARDS
FP CARDs and USER FP-CARDS (with the specific Reader)
SD-CARDs
Q36.Can I use the C-Map NT/PC charts with PC Planner?
close
No, you cannot. PC Planner is not compatible with C-Map NT/PC cartography
Q37.Which are the operating systems compatible with PC Planner?
close
The following operating systems are comaptible:
Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Q38.What can I do if the serial number of my PC Planner is already used?
Q39.What is the USB reader?
close
The USB Reader is a device to read your C-Map by Jeppesen cartridges on PC
Q40.What are the user cards?
close
User cards are memory cards on which you can write, save and transfer:
User points (Mark/Events/Waypoints)
Tracks
Weather data
to be moved from plotter to PC and viceversa
Q41.How can I use a user card?
close
Insert the user card in the dedicated slot, select from the menu the user card (file manager) and select the desired option: save (from SW to user) loading (from user to SW) or deleting
Q42.I cannot see the content of my SD card that I use with my Navnet 2. What do I have to do?
close
You must have your PC Planner set in Navnet 2 mode in the plotter emulation settings by clicking View and then Settings
Q43.Is it necessary to use different USB drivers for the USB1 and USB2 readers?
close
Yes, it is. During the installation you can install both whereas on the website you can find both the USB1 and USB2 drivers
Q44.Is the Multimedia Reader a USB1 or USB2 reader?
close
The Multimedia Reader is available for USB1 and for USB2
Q45.The user data has lost the associated icon when transferred to PC Planner.
close
That's why PC Planner uses the standard "generic" icons. When it recognized user points loaded with different icons, it associate the "common" icon (circle) to the user point. Check the plotter emulation settings in View>Settings to see if your plotter’s specific icons are supported
Q46.The registration code is not recognized by the PC Planner. The drivers are correctly installed and the inserted code is the right one
close
This is may be a hardware problem. USB reader and cable may have to be changed. Contact us for support through this issue
Q47.Can customers who use navigation software with Multimedia reader use the same MultimediaReader with PC Planner?
close
Yes, they can. They should only install the PC Planner software. The drivers are the same.
Q48.Are Navman and Simrad compatible with PC Planner?
close
Navman plotters compatible with C-Map charts can be used with PC Planner whilst only Simrad plotters using Max technology can be used with PC Planner due to a difference in file formatting
Q49.Is PC Planner compatible with parallel port readers?
close
Yes, from Windows 98 onwards the operating system can utilise the parallel port
Q50.Is the MacIntosh operating system compatible with PC Planner?
close
No, PC Planner’s minimum requirements state that a Microsoft operating system should be used. Virtual machine options can emulate Microsoft Windows and may allow PC Planner to operate, but we make no guarantees as to its performance when not meeting the minimum system requirements.
Q51.I can't manage to transfer data directly from media to media using PC Planner (file manager)
close
It's not possible to transfer data from media to media (eg. from user card to floppy, from SD to user card, from 128kb user card to 2 MB user card). It is necessary to transfer data from the media to PC Planner memory and from PC Planner memory to the media
Q52.Is PC Planner able to receive signals from a GPS antenna?
close
No, it is not able to perfrom this function and the user is not advised to try and use the program for navigation
Q53.What is the difference between a route, a mark and a track?
close
A route is made of a set of user points (waypoints) bound with a ' route leg' and fixed at the same pointer coordinates. A mark is a single user point fixed at the same pointer coordinates which can be bound with the route or not. A track is a set of point bound together and fixed at the same pointer coordinates.
Q54.Is the C-Weather available with a world coverage?
close
C-Weather gives good coverage across Europe, North America and a large number of other destinations. For specific enquiries, please contact us
Q55.I have a PC with windows XP. When I try to print in PDF format, the program shows an error message and it cannot print. Why?
close
PDF printing is not a PC Planner option. Usually it is a third party software which allow to print in a pdf file. However, if you are interested in exporting some PC Planner images, the "File-Save Screen As.." option exist, this option saves the image on a PNG file on the desktop. the image can be included in a document to be turned in PDF
Q56.When I insert my data cartridge in the USB reader I can see the chart on the screen but if I open the file manager and click on C-Card it seems as the chart is not plugged in
close
File Manger can read only user cards therefore if you select in the file manager the slot in which a data cartridge is inserted, that chart cannot be read.
Q57.I bought a FP-Card Reader but there is no suitable driver in the setup and I cannot use the Reader.
What can I do?
close
You can download the FP-Card USB driver installation clicking on the PC Planner website on http://pcplanner.c-map.it Connect the Reader only when asks from the installation program. While connecting a wizard " found a new hardware" pops out. End the installation choosing the option Automatic Installation
FAQs will be updated. Users are strongly encouraged to provide feedback.
