Quote:
Originally Posted by Slowboater
Yes, Not sure what’s going on with those tutorial links…but I went back a read through this thread again and looked over the manual again, i have come to the conclusion that there is no reason to record data on “generic SD” card when recording with Autochart Live using the control head (other than to have the data as back-up just in case “autochart live map gets corrupted, then this data could be imported into autochart pc to generate another map).
After every charting session, I copy the ACDATA folder (simple to drag and drop like any file folder, it's full of .ACU files) to another computer or storage device as a backup. Then, if your ZLC does somehow get corrupted, you've got a complete copy of what you've already done; simply drag it on to a new ZLC and you are back in tall corn. It's more involved if you're trying to keep track of where your sonar logs are stored that you made your Lakemaster type map in the Autochart computer program but can be done.
Yes, I decided to go back last night and re-read this thread and the manual again…correct me if I’m wrong but don’t think you need the seperate sonar recordings (saved to “generic SD card”) when u are are recording with “Autochart Live”. In fact, don’t need any card at all if you are satisfied recording for up to 8 hrs (max storage on control head) using just the control head, then deleting the 8 hours when it’s full and starting over. Don’t even need autochart pc program if that’s all you are interested in…Quote:
Originally Posted by Slowboater
I think you're reading it correctly. But why throw away all that info once you hit 8 hours? That's where the ZLC becomes so important, so you don't lose your 8 hours of info. But yes, if you're happy with 8 hours then no need for the program or the ZLC. But you can't take that 8 hours with you if your current unit dies and you replace it with another that you haven't recorded with yet. You've got to do it all over again. That ZLC can travel to any compatible unit; take your card with you when you fish from your buddy's boat if need be, if his unit has Autochart capability.
If you don't mind sharing your data, you can upload the Auto Chart Live files to Chart Select LiveShare and then download the processed maps by everyone that participates.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slowboater
Also with LiveShare you can SAVE Current Track, upload them and they will be converted to Auto Chart Live files.
Auto Chart Live data is always an overlay on whatever map background you use --Basemap, ContourXD, Lakemaster, or Navionics.
thanks slowboater, I was just making sure I had my-head-on-straight…I think I’m starting to put it together and I’m definitely gonna save these recordings…started organizing files last night so I can keep-up with what I have recorded. Been looking at some 3d rendering, awesome, gonna study-up on SI mosaics too…see if I can figure that out…Quote:
Originally Posted by Slowboater
Interesting!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne P.
Access approved! Great information…very helpful!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kytrails
I have backed-up my recordings and created the suggested file organization structure in the AC tutorial (Autochart files/lake name/date data collected/) and would like to start over with my custom map and import only the files that I have moved to this location. The tutorial by camohunter "autochart: how to delete your map and start over" shows two folders on his Autochart zerolines card (ZLC)..."AC" and "Lakemaster". The reader is instructed to delete the "AC" folder which would leave only the "lakemaster" folder. However, my ZLC currently contains the following folders "AC", "ACDATA", "BT", "LkMaster", "Snapshot", and a file named "Profile". Just wondering if the instructions remain the same...delete everything but "LkMaster" folder, then import files from new location into Autochart program, recreate custom map and save to ZLC. If so, then how do I remove all the current green boxes in order to import only the files that I want to use...(see screenshot below)
Attachment 468886
I think you only want to delete the AC Folder. Rather than delete, I would choose to rename it to something like "AC-1". I have several iterations on my ZeroLines card from multiple passes and restarts. I wasn't comfortable totally deleting but, as long as you rename "AC" to anything else, it will be ignored by the Autochart PC software and your control head.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kytrails
The others folders are there for a reason. For example, the ACDATA folder is your AutoChart Live recordings. Don't delete that unless you want to delete all of your AutoChart Live data.
You absolutely do not want to delete or alter the Lakemaster folder. That will invalidate your card and it would have to be rebuilt by Humminbird which I believe carries a cost.
Here are my thoughts:
1. Remove paths in Chart file Index to all the old files
2. Save all files to backup folder then delete them from current locations
Will this remove those green boxes generated from the old data?
Thanks Steve! Getting late, got to hit the sack and digest what I have learned tonight, stayed up way too late again but I'm determined to figure this program out!Quote:
Originally Posted by SLYDoggie
I went through the same process you are going through about 6 months ago. I've painstakingly created AutoChart Live recordings on about 90% of my 10,000 acre home lake since there wasn't a Lakemaster or Navionics HD map card available. I then used AutoChart PC Pro to create a "permanent" map which basically gives you the same capabilities as a Lakemaster map. I also went through all the old tutorials and read this entire thread (that took some time) but had to lean a lot from the experts who still follow this thread. The AutoChart PC program has a lot of capability but, with capability, comes complexity and a lot of the capability isn't readily apparent or easy to figure out. I finally got it done and it works much better than the original AutoChart Live "paint a section at a time" original files.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kytrails
Good luck with your journey!
Finally got a chance to get back on the water. I have almost mapped the entire lake. I can "map here", then "create map", and then view that section (data thats displayed inside red box outline) in 3D. I'm currently trying to figure out how to display entire lake in 3D. Should I change (increase) the dimensions of the "red box outline"? I think I read somewhere in this thread that it was suggested to someone to increase it to 7000x7000 for their particular situation. However, I think I read somewhere in manual that there is a corresponding decrease in processing speed as a result. Does this make any sense? or am I missing the mark altogether...?
Attachment 469166
Unfortunately, there is no way to show the entire lake in 3D... Just one section at a time. I went on this same journey on my 10,000 acre lake. Now about 90% complete and I have a permanent map via AutoChart PC Pro.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kytrails
Holy cra% I made it. Just read through entire thread trying to answer what i hope is a simple question. I am using AC Pro. I can create waypoints and I believe that I have exported them correctly to my zlc however when installed in my unit, 899 si the waypoints do not appear. I can create waypoints on the unit itself and they remain saved but I can't find the waypoints created on AC Pro. Any help? PS Great thread with some very informative people Thank you all.
PS. Also getting the Google drive access denied message. Have requested access.
Waypoints have to be in a MATRIX folder to load them to the 899.Quote:
Originally Posted by DublD61
Does AC Pro put the waypoints in a MATRIX folder so the 899 will recognize them?
They are in a MATRIX.hwr file on card.
I just created a new folder on the card named MATRIX. Drag and dropped MATRIX.HWR file into it. No dice. Replaced HWR file with new export. Again nothing on 899.
Quik update. I deleted the folder that I created from the SD card. Inserted the card into my 899 and exported my unit's waypoints onto it. This created the correct file on the card and allowed me to export from Autochart. Apparently, I hadn't created the folder correctly. Hopefully this can help someone down the road if there's someone else as tech disabled as myself out there. PS, thanks Wayne for checking in.
Is there any update on this? I would like to go through the tutorials but am still denied access.Quote:
Originally Posted by DublD61
Updates coming....stay tuned.Quote:
Originally Posted by DublD61
Al from Canada made me a moderator for this forum, and I think I've got the links updated so that you no longer need to request permissions to access. Google drive changed the links to them a while back, and I had to edit the links to make them work again. If someone can test the new links and confirm if they are working, please let me know.
I am also going to work on probably creating a new AutoChart resource thread, and archive this one. This one is now 60 pages, that could be reduced to probably a few pages of useful information and links. We'll probably start a new thread, and link to this one as the old version in case anyone ever wants to look at it again later on.
A new thread with updated resources in the initial post sounds like a great plan. I did take the time to go through this whole thread a couple of years ago and it took a lot of time... more time than most would be willing to spend. It was hard to find the "nuggets" amongst all the general discussions and debate.Quote:
Originally Posted by CamoHunter
With that said, this resource is definitely needed to be able to make the best use of the software.
SLYDoggie, would you do me a favor and test the new links on post 1 and let me know if they work now without requesting access?
Post 1 Here
I tried several with no Google access needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by CamoHunter
I clicked on every link and they all worked perfectly... fast too. Thanks for being a moderator of this thread!Quote:
Originally Posted by CamoHunter
Perfect! That's what I was hoping! Thanks guys. I've got all 60 pages saved into a word document now, and am going through the process of sizing it down into just those useful 'nuggets' of information. Hopefully next week can add that as a link to a saved .pdf document, and start a new thread for more recent AutoChart/AutoChart Live/AutoChart Liveshare topics.
Thanks Mike! And welcome to the Mod Team! :thumb up2:Quote:
Originally Posted by CamoHunter
Thank you for updating this. A lot of useful information. I'm just getting into this mapping and am really impressed with what it can do.
It can do far more than most people realize or take the time to learn. The problem is that you really have to dig and do research on many of the features because it isn't user friendly at all. I spent 42 years in IT and am very technical but there were several things I would have never figured out if it weren't for members in this group as well as the tutorials in the first post.Quote:
Originally Posted by DublD61
I'm an Autochart Pro user but use it only occastionally. Every time I go in there I have to relearn how it works, which leads me back to this forum. Having a consolidated resource will be wonderful. Thank you CamoHunter!
You bet! I'm about 2/3 the way through editing this down. Trying to drill it down to just simple worded FAQ's, and cut out extra wording and discussion, to make it more usable. There was also a bunch of discussion on topics that changed over time, that are no longer relevant as Humminbird put out software updates over time to fix issues in AutoChart PC over time. I'll get there soon.
I totally agree with you. I also only use it occasionally when I have AutoChart Live mapped some additional areas on my 10,000 acre home Lake and want to update my AutoChart PC Pro map with the new areas. It always takes more time than it should because I'm having to reacquaint myself with the un-user-friendly interface.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fins
The good news is that I'm probably about 90% of the way there so I don't have that many more update runs to go. The picture is the AutoChart Live mapping I've uploaded to the Humminbird LiveShare site. I wish I could get those contour colors on the finished map rather than the dull shades of blue contour shading.
Just wanted to point out that we're gonna need you to get that creek channel down in the lower right... slacker.Quote:
Originally Posted by SLYDoggie
:roll:
Wow what a gift to other users of that lake!
On that Creek channel, I only have one word... Marina :confused2:
I was totally kidding... except for the part about the amazing gift to Liveshare users.
A **NEW** AutoChart reference thread has been started, and can be found HERE.
Camo, thanks for all the work you've done on this. Truly a great resource.