Frequently asked questions about WinGPS Marine for Android
Below you will find an overview of frequently asked questions about the WinGPS Marine app for Android.
Click on a question to see the answer.
General
When choosing the navigation software, you can choose between WinGPS 6 and WinGPS Marine. WinGPS 6 is intended for use on a Windows device, such as a laptop or board PC. The advantage of this version with respect to the WinGPS Marine is that there is also a route planner including all bridge and lock information with pictures, operating hours and contact information. In addition, from WinGPS 6 Pro, you can connect an AIS, wind meter, depth meter, log, compass and an autopilot.
WinGPS Marine is intended for use on an Android device, such as a tablet or smartphone. This navigation software is slightly less extensive than WinGPS 6, but it is also a less expensive. This app can be used on an Android device, for example a 10" tablet, but they are also available in larger sizes and waterproof.
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Can I connect my board instruments to WinGPS?
Yes, it is possible to connect board instruments to WinGPS 6 Pro and WinGPS Marine Plus.
If you have one device you would like to connect, you can do this via the enclose cabling or via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. If you have multiple devices like AIS, GPS, wind meter, depth meter, log or compass, you can connect them all to a multiplexer. This multiplexer can be connected to the laptop or computer via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. If you want to connect it to the Android tablet, it must be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. All data from your instruments are then displayed in WinGPS.
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Yes, it is possible to connect AIS to WinGPS 6 Pro, Voyager, Inland and WinGPS Marine Plus.
This is possible via a wireless connection, for example directly via Wifi or Bluetooth, or via a multiplexer with Wifi or Bluetooth
Various AIS devices are available. For example, there's a distinction between AIS Class A, which is for commercial vessels and ships longer than 20 meters, and AIS Class B, which is used for pleasure craft and ships smaller than 20 meters. There are also various connection options. Use our AIS selection form to find the type that best suits your needs:
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WinGPS Marine: General
What are the system requirements?
Most modern Android tablets are compatible with WinGPS Marine. To use the charts, you must have an internal GPS or establish a Bluetooth connection with a Bluetooth-enabled GPS.
The charts can be stored on an SD card. If you use WinGPS Marine on a tablet or smartphone without an SD card slot, we recommend a device with at least 16 GB of internal storage. This allows you to use other apps in addition to WinGPS and your chart(s).
See our general system requirements page for the most up-to-date system requirements:
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What is the difference between WinGPS Marine Lite and the DKW Chart apps?
These chart apps offer the same functionality as WinGPS Marine Lite, the free version of WinGPS Marine. The main difference is that you can also load other DKW charts into WinGPS Marine Lite, allowing you to use the app for a larger sailing area.
Another difference is that you can upgrade WinGPS Marine Lite to WinGPS Marine Plus. This gives you more features and capabilities, such as plotting routes, downloading weather and tide data, and connecting onboard equipment.
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How do I upgrade to the paid version of WinGPS Marine?
In our online shop, you can subscribe to the paid version of WinGPS Marine with your Stentec account. Once your order is completed, this version of WinGPS Marine Plus will be linked to your Stentec account.
Now go to your tablet/smartphone, install WinGPS Marine, and log in with this Stentec account (if you haven't already). The app will automatically switch to the paid version.
If you are logged into the app with a different account than the one you used to place the order, delete the app and reinstall it so you'll be asked for your account information again. If you already have charts on your other account, please contact us, and we will merge the two accounts for you.
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What are the abbreviations used in the settings screen and instrument monitor?
- SOG= Speed Over Ground
- COG= Course Over Ground
- CTS= Course To Steer
- DTG= Distance To Go
- TTG= Time To Go
- ETA= Estimated Time of Arrival
- DMS= Display of GPS position LAT/LON in Degrees Minutes Seconds. Default is DM.
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Where can I fill in the measurements of my ship?
Go to 'Menu - Settings - Your ship'. Fill in the details of your ship. This information will be used when planning a route.
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WinGPS Marine: Charts
Is it possible to use the charts from the DKW Chart apps for WinGPS 6 on my PC or laptop?
- When you install the DKW Charts app, you will be asked to enter your Stentec account. This will link the charts to your account. Log in at www.stentec.com and will find your products in the activation overview.
- If you want to install the charts on your navigation laptop, this can be done with the DKW Manager. You can download this for free via this link. After installing DKW Manager: click 'install / update', then choose 'install via internet' and follow the steps.
- For optimal use, we recommend that you always use one Stentec account. This will give you all the updates that you are entitled to and you can manage your own license codes.
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I already have DKW Charts installed on my PC. Can I also use these on my tablet or smartphone?
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Is it possible to use WinGPS Marine without DKW charts?
Yes, this is possible if you have a working internet connection. If you have no charts installed on your tablet, or no charts available on your Stentec account you can use the default ESRI chart. The ESRI charts cover the whole world. Beware that these charts will use your mobile internet connection (Wifi or your mobile data plan) and are not meant for navigation. These charts can, for example, be used to test the app.
It is also possible to download free DKW Charts: New Zealand and the Frisian Lakes are official up to date nautical charts and can be downloaded for free.
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Can the DKW 1800 app replace my paper charts from the Dutch Hydrographic office?
Yes, this is the purpose of the DKW 1800 app. With our weekly BaZ update service we guarantee the most up-to-date charts during the edition year. If folio's are renewed by the Hydrographic office you will automatically receive an update.
The 1800 series of the Hydrographic office are since 2013 not continued as a paper charts. The still available charts are not safe to use for navigation because they are outdated if you did not update the BaZ by hand weekly.
Compared to the paper sets, the charts in your app will automatically show your location if your GPS is enabled. The log of your position will automatically be tracked. You can set this up to 5 days.
You can create your own waypoint, give it a name, and sail to this waypoint using a course to steer (CTS) and see the distance to go (DTG).
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What do the blue triangles mean on the Wadden sea?
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What are those red lines on my chart and how do I remove them?
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Why can't I see any buoys on my chart?
Some charts are grid charts, in which the buoys are processed, and some charts are hybrid charts, in which buoys are like a waypoint layer across the grid chart.
The DKW 1800 series is an example of a grid chart. If you do not see any buoys on this, you can look at the menu in 'chart manager'. Turn on the 1800 series charts and go the right-hand screen, here you will see all individual charts. Turn off the overview charts, for example the 1801.01 and the 1803.01. As a result, these overview charts do not cover the detailed charts and you will see all available details, including buoys.
The Inland charts are hybrid charts. The buoys are like a waypoint layer on the grid chart. If you do not see any buoys, check the waypoints at the top left 'eye'. You can also look at the menu at 'waypoint manager' to see if the necessary waypoints are (also swipe to the left and right to see more options). If you do not see any waypoints here, the chart may not be fully downloaded. When you restart the app, you will be asked to download the remaining part.
It is also possible that another chart, on a larger scale, is blocking your detailed chart. Therefore, look at the chart manager to see which charts are checked. Make sure you only check the charts that you currently use.
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Charts that are old or that you won't be using the next period can be better removed to empty your storage. To do this, go to the 'chart manager' menu and go to the far left screen. The charts with a check mark behind it are installed. Click the chart that you want to delete, then click 'Delete' (top right).
Note: You will first be asked if you want to delete the chart. Choose 'Yes'. Then you will be asked if you want to keep the chart files. If you really want to delete the chart, we recommend selecting 'No' so that all files are actually deleted from your device.
Charts who are not correctly installed have a exclamation point behind the name in 'Chart manager'. Close and start the app to download the rest of the chart, or remove the chart as mentioned above.
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The charts will follow you when you have a fix, meaning reception with your GPS, and the Tracking button in the menu is pressed. This will center your ship on the screen, preventing you from dragging the chart. Clicking the Tracking button again will turn off tracking mode and allow you to drag the chart again. If you have the paid version of WinGPS Marine, you can set the tracking mode. You can do this using the eye icon (top left).
Not getting a fix? Check if your device has GPS reception. GPS signals don't penetrate metal. Sometimes it helps to stand near a window or go outside.
Android devices almost always have an internal GPS receiver. Check that it's turned on. If your device doesn't have (good) internal GPS, you can also connect an external GPS receiver via Bluetooth.
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Can I see the operating times for the bridges and locks?
To see the operating times of bridges and locks, you must turn on the route network. This is done in the menu under 'Settings - Route network'. Once you double click on a bridge or lock you will see all available information.
Please note that you will only see the route network of the areas where you have a DKW chart installed.
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WinGPS Marine: Navigeren
How to place a waypoint and how to navigate to this waypoint?
Create a waypoint by pressing the chart for a few seconds. A point with a white disc is created. This disc can be shifted to position the waypoint very precisely.
In WinGPS Marine Lite, the first waypoint you create will be the Go-To-Waypoint and will be linked to your current position. The app will show the course to steer (CTS) and distance (DTG) in the instrument info screen in the upper right corner. This also shows your current course and speed and the estimated time of arrival (ETA).
You can give each waypoint their own name and sub name. This can be done by double-clicking or editing in the waypoint menu. You can delete a waypoint by pressing it for a few seconds and dragging it to the trash (bottom left).
If you press 'stop waypoint editing' you can start navigating to the waypoint. Click on a waypoint for a few seconds and choose 'Navigate to..'.
With the paid version, WinGPS Marine Plus, you can also plot routes—that is, multiple points connected to each other.
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How do I change the units from nautical (nmiles or knots) to inland (meters or km/h)?
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With WinGPS Marine Plus, the paid version, you can also create routes. This includes your vessel's dimensions, along with the characteristics of the waterways, bridges, and locks. This allows you to quickly and easily see where you can and cannot pass.
Create a route by pressing your finger on the chart for a few seconds. A menu will appear; select 'Create route'. The first route point will now be placed on the chart. Move it to the correct location. Now click again on a different spot on the chart; a second route point will be placed there.
While placing a route point on the route network, you can hold down the point and move it across the route network. You'll see the color of the route point change. If the route point is red while you're moving it, it's not positioned correctly on the route network. Move the point a little; when it's gray, you can release the point, and it will be placed on the route network.
Click the route line between two waypoints to add a waypoint. You can move each waypoint by clicking and dragging it. To delete a waypoint, drag it to the trash can in the bottom left corner.
If you cannot pass a certain point due to a bridge or lock, a red dotted circle will appear. If a section of the route turns pink (instead of red), you cannot, or are not allowed to, navigate there. By adding and moving waypoints, you can reroute the route to a point you can pass.
When you're finished editing the route, click "Stop editing route." Your route will now also appear in the "Route management" menu.
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Why is this route line pink instead of red?
A pink route line means that your ship can not sail on the waterway. A red route line means your ship can sail there. Place a route point on the route and move it to a waterway where you can / are allowed to sail.
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How to navigate to one point on the chart?
You can navigate to a waypoint by clicking on this point with your finger (for a few seconds), after which you can choose either 'start' or 'navigate to..'. A line is now being drawn from your GPS position to the point. Also, in the upper right corner of the instrument info screen, you will see the course to steer (CTS) and distance (DTG).
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I don't see any waypoints or names of the cities and waters.
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I don't see the route network.
Using the route network, you can easily calculate the shortest route. WinGPS Marine Plus takes into account the entered dimensions of your vessel and the characteristics of bridges, locks, and waterways. If a route is not possible, this is indicated with a pink route line or red dotted circles.
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Can I turn the route network off?
Go to 'Menu - Settings - Route Network'. If you do not use the route network at all, for example, when you are at sea, you can turn it off here. At the bottom, parts of the route network can be turned on or off. Only the charts you have installed will give you the option to turn on / off the route network. The fewer network parts are turned on, the faster the app will be.
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Can I make my routes invisible?
Go to 'Menu - Route Manager'. Here you will find all the routes you have created. It is advisable to only mark the routes you are currently using. The rest of the routes can be erected (made invisible) by un checking the box or removed by selecting the route and click on 'delete' in the upper right corner.
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How to export the routes, tracks or waypoints from my laptop to my tablet, or the other way around?
From laptop to tablet:
export the files from WinGPS 6, via 'file - export'. Choose .gpx and select the files you want to transfer. At the last step, choose the location where you want to save the file. Then copy the file from that location to your tablet, or email it to your tablet. Then open the file on your tablet, after which you will get the question: What app do you want use to open this file? Choose WinGPS Marine and the files will appear in the app.
From tablet to laptop:
go to the menu and to the manager of the file you want to export to the laptop. Select the file by clicking on it (if you want to select multiple files at once, press on the file for a few seconds after which you can click and select multiple files).
Then click on your tablet's menu button and select Export GPX. Choose for a medium that you want to export the file with, such as email. Open the email on your laptop and download the file. Then, in WinGPS 6 on the laptop, select 'file - import' and choose .gpx. Follow the steps and your files are imported in WinGPS 6. If it's a route, go to Route Management and check the appropriate route. If it's a track, go to Track Management, etc.
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How to show GRIB files (weather forecast) on my chart?
First, make sure you have an internet connection. Take the area for which you want weather forecasts on your screen and go to the menu and then to 'Meteo & Tide'. Here, at NOAA, click on (for example) 'wind' and choose 'YES'. The GRIB files are now going to be downloaded.
If you do not see any wind arrows on the chart, you can turn the 'meteo' on at the 'eye' (top left). With the timeline (right) you can look ahead and see the weather forecast.
If you look at 'Meteo' again, in the menu, you'll see that the NOAA Wind is shaded blue. Press it with your fingers for a few seconds and you will get additional settings that you can customize. Click OK to close this screen. Click 'Wind' again to turn it off, after which the box will turn dark blue like the other boxes.
Note that the difference sources for GRIB files include other periods. The data for which the GRIB file is valid is listed at the source after you download the file.
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WinGPS Marine: Instruments
The GPS cursor is red. What does this mean?
You get a red cursor and red position if your GPS does not have a fix. The number of discovered satellites is less than 3. You can find the number of satellites in the instrument display. When it says 1/4 there are only 4 satellites seen by the GPS and only 1 used. This is not enough for a fix.
Inside a steel, aluminium or carbon ship you won't have enough reception. For a good fix your GPS in your tablet or smartphone has to see at least half the sky.
To improve reception, you can take your device outside or place it near a window. If this isn't ideal, you can use an external Bluetooth GPS receiver.
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Can I replace the GPS cursor to have a better overview of the chart?
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Can I copy my charts from my device to the SD card, to save space on my device?
Yes, if your device has an SD card slot, this is indeed possible. Click here for more information.
If your tablet doesn't have an SD card slot, we recommend deleting old charts and unused apps. Photos can also accumulate over time, taking up storage space.
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How to connect board instruments to WinGPS Marine?
With WinGPS Marine Plus, you can connect your onboard instruments, including AIS, GPS, log, compass, depth sounder, wind gauge, and repeater.
You connect the devices to your tablet or smartphone using a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A device can be connected directly to the tablet/smartphone, or together via a Wi-Fi multiplexer.
Once the connection between the onboard equipment and the tablet/smartphone is established, go to 'Instruments' in WinGPS Marine Plus under 'Settings'.
Click 'Connections' and create a new connection that recognizes the current connection. Information such as IP and port are often listed on the device itself or in the device's manual. Once everything is configured correctly, click 'Safe' and you will see the NMEA data coming in.
Then go to the button under 'Connections - Instruments'. Click on the device you have connected and select the connection you just created by clicking on the gray box. Of course, you also check the "Enable" box. Now the device is paired and you can see the data in the app, on the map, or in the instrument monitor.
Tip: Click the gray block on your main screen (with the COG and SOG) to quickly access your instrument monitor.
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I don't have enough space on my device for the app and charts. Do you have any tips?
The newest Android devices have (in general) enough memory and on this devices the apps and charts will work fine. However, some older devices don't have enough memory for each app, and therefor also our app will slow down and sometimes not work properly.
A tip is to go to the chart manager and turn off the charts you don't use (for example the overview charts). You can do the same for waypoint groups. This will give your device more free memory.
If this does not help enough, you can go to 'Settings' and to 'Advanced', and increase 'tile cache'. Beware that your system will have less memory for other apps you are using. By moving the Tile cache too much to the left, not all the charts will be shown in your chart screen. You can experiment with this tool to find out what setting is best for your tablet.
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Please send your comments, questions, user experience and possible error reports. This can contribute to the improvement of our navigation apps. Send an e-mail to: helpdesk@stentec.com
We like to get in touch with you and give you personal advice or a free quotation.
