Viewing Lakemaster Chip on Computer?

[Fish Head]

I have a few Lakemaster chips that I use on my Lowrance and I want to be able to view them on my computer too. Do I just need to buy a card reader from somewhere like Best Buy? Or do I actually need something from Lakemaster? Does the answer change if I wanted to be able to print a map too instead of just viewing it?

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I believe you need the Lakemaster PC software and you can't read the maps on your chip. However, you can download your way points into the program so they show on the PC maps.

You can also mark way points on the PC maps and upload them to your GPS.

[Fish Head]

I was at Gander last night and the guy who worked there told me that all I need is a card reader. I wasn't sure he was right, so that's why I posted here.

[PerchJerker]

I have never tried this so I don't know if it really works or not ...... but I have heard that you download the Lowrance emulator so you have a Lowrance locator on your screen, and can view your map card on the emulator by using a card reader. It wouldn't be a full-screen view of the lake map, it would just show in the display screen of the unit you downloaded in the emulator. And no printing capabilities either.

If you really want to view lakemaps and do some printing, then I think the software is the way to go. I have the software and use it at times, it can be very helpful having it on the big screen.

[PierBridge]

More than likely you'll need an actual LEI card reader to view the chip. I have heard of only one person being able to view the chip with a non LEI Card reader. I tried at least a half dozen SD card readers with-out success before getting an LEI card reader. Also the 26-HD Lowrance emulator worked best for me. I don't view the chip all that often any longer but it was kind of fun to see the chip on a PC screen.

Software is the way to go!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Speaking of Lakemaster PC software, I sent them an email asking when they are going to update their Contour Pro Minnesota software. The version they are selling is from 2008. Here is their response:

We do plan on updating the product. We do not have a scheduled

release date at this time. We are in the testing the latest beta version

and adding the new lake data into the product.

[Fish Head]

Just an update- I emailed Lakemaster and LEI asking what I need to do to be able to view my new updated lowrance chip on the computer. They both told me there is no way to do that at this time. The only way I can view the it, is on my Lowrance unit.

Bummer!

[FishinAddiction]

I spent the money and ordered Lakemaster's PC softwate and a card reader. It is definately worth it. I can sit in bed or in the car on my pc and scout out all the lakes I want. I have windows Vista but call 1-800-540-5747 and they'll hook you up.

[Jeremy airjer W]

You can also link a GPS to your laptop and know you have your current position on the contour maps.

[PierBridge]

Like stated above Lakemaster's PC software is the way to go if possible, it gives you many options and advantages.........but if you want to just view the chip data on your PC an LEI card reader and a Lowrance Emulator will work for sure..