OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

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System Requirements –
A PC running Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/Vista
The website where we will be mostly operating from is http://www.oziexplorer.com/
This will be known as the primary website and any reference to the primary website means this link. Any other website we will use will be presented in further lessons.

The version we will be downloading is at the time of this post, the latest version of Ozi, namely Version 3.95.4s. If you are using this tutorial some time in the future, please keep this in mind as things may have changed for you.

For users who are using older versions, by copying this latest version into the same location as your old version, old files will be updated but your data and maps will remain unaffected. If you are a bit nervous, move your old data to another location first, then move it back when the new version is installed.

Other important things – I have never done this before, and each of you will have a varying degree of competency in using this program, if you know of a better way to do things or can divulge some of your individual expertise into the tutorial, please speak up. Likewise, if you have no idea and are getting left behind, you only need to ask. This is being done as an educational thing only, I have no connection with Ozi other than being a user. Any errors that I may make, any copyright breaches etc are purely unintentional as it is not my aim to rip anyone off or take credit for anyone else’s work. Therefore, I will not be sending out or posting computer files for others to use that may contravene copyright etc. Now let’s get into it.

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

1 - DOWNLOADING
LESSON 1.1 – DOWNLOADING OZI
LESSON AIMS
• Access the appropriate hyperlink to download the PC version of Ozi Explorer.
• Install the Ozi program onto your PC
• Navigate through downloaded folders and files
• Open the program

DOWNLOADING & INSTALL

1st of all, we need to download the Ozi program (PC version)

By selecting the primary website, you will be presented with (hopefully) the web page to ozi explorer.
On the top left of the screen in the blue column you will see 3 listing for ozi, namely OziExplorer, OziExplorerCE and OziExplorer3D.

We want the one that says ‘Oziexplorer’. You will then be taken to another page which contains information about the program. Have a read of it. When you are finished, about half way down on that page you will see a download hyperlink. Select it to start your download of the program.

This is also the direct link to the program download
http://www.oziexplorer3.com/eng/down...iexp_setup.exe

It will save an executable file to your desktop OZIEXP_SETUP

Upon double clicking this file, you will be given the ‘Run’ option. This is the option we wish to select.
Then you can choose your language, I prefer to speak English, probably because it’s the only language I know, except for drunken gibberish. You will then be run through the setup/install process, it’s very simple just follow the prompts and install the program where you like. I prefer to run mine from the desktop, but there are no problems in installing it onto your C: drive or similar and it will probably come up as an automated prompt anyway. When you have finally selected the last button which says ‘Finish’, the base program is now installed.

Before we go any further, it’s time to have a peak and what has been downloaded. Locate where you saved your program.
If you didn’t change the name of the folder during the install process, it will be called funnily enough, ‘OziExplorer’. Open this folder, you will see 8 other folders inside, also you will see a bunch of other files mixed up in between.

To make sure none of us gets lost or confused; we should be looking at this –


The 3 main folders that you will mostly work with are ‘Data’, ‘Index Maps’ and ‘Maps’.
This is also an important level for us for when we download some other files. So, we are going to call this level the primary folder. If we need to copy files into the primary folder, then this is where we will copy them to, making sure we don’t drag any files into any of the other 8 folders.
Explore what’s in the folders. 2 of the files in the primary folder will start the program. (OziExp / OziExp Trial )

Feel free to do this and play. You will be presented with a copyright notice, make sure you read it. You will also be given a warning about your version being unregistered. That’s not going to worry us for now.

CONCLUSION

During this lesson you have
• Identified and located the primary web page
• Accessed the appropriate hyperlink and downloaded the installation program
• Installed the program onto your PC
• Identified the primary folder and familiarised yourself with the contents
• Opened up the program and read the copyright notice(s)

QUESTIONS??

This is your chance to ask some questions or ask for help. Please do not ask questions that do not relate to the lesson, as we are trying to take it one step at a time so no-one gets left behind.

NEXT LESSON

The next lesson will be relatively short and is just a continuation of this lesson. We shall be downloading extra files and a little program to help us through the configuration lesson which is anticipated to be challenging for some.

REQUIRMENTS FOR NEXT TIME - Nil

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

LESSON 1.2 – DOWNLOADING OTHER NECCESARY FILES
LESSON AIMS

• Access the appropriate hyperlink to download additional files and programs.
• Install additional files and programs for the Ozi program

DOWNLOADING & INSTALL

Other files and programs exist which will make OziExplorer more versatile and suitable for an individuals needs. To cater for most, we will be downloading most of the files.
Access the primary website http://www.oziexplorer.com/ and go to the hyperlink titled ‘Optional Extras’ which is located in the left side blue column.
These are optional files and programs for use with Ozi. As a general rule, dll files need to be copied into the folder where the OziExplorer program was installed. Please note that this means we are talking about the primary folder.

Have a look through the files, some you may need others you won’t. To make sure that we cover most situations either now or in the future, download the following –

MrSid Image Loading Support File
Maptech Maps and Charts Support Files
Geotiff Support File
ECW Image Loading Support Files
Kompass Maps Support File
Magellan POI Manager Symbols if you are a Magellan user.

MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) should already be included, if not then grab it as well if you are familiar with how to use it.

Don’t worry about PNG Image Loading Support Files as these are now included automatically with new versions of Ozi.

The index maps aren’t much chop so don’t bother.

Upon selecting the hyperlink, a zipped folder will be copied onto your desktop. Some of these may run as an executable program and ask you where Ozi is installed and will do the download auto, others will simply open up into a folder and require you to manually copy the files into the primary folder.

Make sure you read the instructions for each file carefully though in case something has changed.
Next find the hyperlink and select ‘Utilities’ (underneath optional extras)

Upon doing this select ‘GPS PORT CHECKER” and download it.
This little gem is going to make life so much easier during configuration. It can also be copied into the primary folder.

As you would’ve seen by now, there are a number of utilities and files that can make life easier for yourself. Some of the files and utilities are now included as standard on later versions of ozi, so before you download, check to see if you already have the capabilities. When you become more competent with Ozi, I guarantee you’ll end up downloading many extras.

CONCLUSION

During this lesson you have

• Located additional files and programs on the primary web page
• Accessed the appropriate hyperlink and downloaded those files
• Installed the files onto your PC

QUESTIONS??

This is your chance to ask some questions or ask for help. Please do not ask questions that do not relate to the lesson, as we are trying to take it one step at a time so no-one gets left behind.

NEXT LESSON

The next lesson will be configuration.

REQUIRMENTS FOR NEXT TIME – For users with GPS units, you will need to be able to be able to connect your GPS to your computer. Some will require serial ports, others will require USB ports. This will change for most brands of GPS’s.
I am a GARMIN user, for GARMINS that normally use a RS232 serial connection (such as 72 series) you will have a problem in that a lot of computers will only have USB connections. You can purchase a cable and software that will overcome this. Should only be about 10 – 30 dollars on ebay. For Garmin users with USB capabilities, you will most likely require the GARMIN USB driver, this can be downloaded for free from the Garmin website.
For everyone else, sorry but you will be required to find out how to connect your GPS to your computer on your own. If you have difficulties, speak up, I’m sure someone can help you.

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

2 - CONFIGURATION

LESSON 2.1 – CONFIGURING OZI

LESSON AIMS

• Find and use help menu.
• Open and locate the configuration menu
• Connect your GPS to Oz
• Use the GPS Port Check Program
• Configure Ozi
METHOD

Open Ozi Explorer.

The help menu is rather good for configuration, to locate the help menu press “F1” or use the help drop down function. Your help menu should look like this



You should be able to see the hyperlink to configuration, this should answer the questions that I can’t!

We will now be accessing the configuration menu which can be accessed 3 differing ways.
The 1st is by accessing the file drop down menu and selecting the configuration menue anout ľ of the way down.



The second is a key short cut “Alt+C” and third is a button; see below.



Upon opening the menu, you will see a window with 10 tabs. We will start left to right.

Tab 1 – System



Look at file data datum. Try and stay consistent, use WGS84. I know that the newer Australian maps are GDA94, but we are talking only distances of centimetres between the 2. WGS84 is at least a reasonable standard these days wherever you are. This datum is used when storing or saving data files such as waypoints, but I do believe that even though you can select it, it will only be good fo registered users!
Map file path is the folder where your maps are located, click on the open folder icon and you can browse for you map folder.

Data file path looks for where you have things like tracks stored, you want it to link to your data folder. Again selct the open folder icon to browse.

Tab2 – Maps

The picture speaks for itself. If you copy what I have done, you’ll work out what it’s all about. You don’t have to select MGRS as an alternate grid if you don’t want.



Tab3 – Map Images

Don’t worry about this tab too much at this stage. However, image files generally get saved into the map folder, so if you want to link it to that folder go right ahead.

Tab4 and Tab5 – GPS and Communication (Com)

I really cannot explain it any better or concise than the help menu, please forgive me as I’m about to do a blatant cut and paste from the ozi help file, but before I do we’ll take a little visit to GPS port checker, the program we downloaded the last lesson.
I’m hoping that you’ve got your connection and GPS drivers all sorted, it’s time to plug your GPS into a serial or USB port and turn it on.
Once you’ve done that, open the GPS Port Checker program, select the make of your GPS or select other. Then select the find GPS button, this will then tell you what settings to use in Ozi to connect your GPS. Make a note of these settings.



Here is the blatant cut and paste from Ozi help menu...

GPS

GPS Make - Select the make of GPS from the list provided.
GPS Model - Select the model of GPS you have.
GPS Symbol Set - Specifies the symbol set that the selected model of GPS supports.

• Garmin16 - for GPS 12,12XL,12CX, II+, 48, 126, 128 and others
• There are other sets for specific models
• Garmin Symbols - Contains the complete set of Garmin symbols (but does not include Garmin16), choose this if the specific symbol set is not provided. However not all the symbols will be recognized by the GPS.

GPS Parameters - When you select a GPS make and model the GPS parameters are automatically filled in, DO NOT assume that the parameters are correct for all GPS Receivers, check the features of your GPS in the manual and enter the correct values.

Click on these links below to read specific information for each of the different makes
Magellans , Garmins , Lowrance & Eagle , MLR , NMEA Only , Tripmate , Earthmate

GPS Upload/Download Datum - Specifies the Datum OziExplorer will use when it uploads data (waypoints, tracks etc) to the GPS and the Datum it assumes the data is in when it is downloaded to OziExplorer from the GPS. Garmins and Magellans always use the WGS 84 datum when uploading/downloading data. Lowrance/Eagles vary, some use the datum the GPS is set to and others always use WGS 84, you need to experiment to find out which one uses what datum. See Datums help for more information.

GPS NMEA Output Datum - Specifies the Datum the GPS sends its NMEA position data in. Garmins always send it in the datum you have your GPS set to. Most Lowrance/Eagles always send it in WGS 84 others send it in the datum the GPS is set to. For Magellans you need to check this, some models output in WGS84 and others such as the 315/320 output in the Datum the GPS is set to. See Datums help for more information.
Communication

Com Port - Select the Com port on the PC you have used for connecting your GPS.

Parity - Select the Parity your GPS uses in its own comm setup, if not known try none.

Baud Rates - OziExplorer allows you to specify separate Baud rates for Upload/Download and NMEA communication.

Stop Bits - Allows 1 or 2 stop bits to be selected.

Upload/Download Baud rate - Set to match the setting you have in your GPS, for best performance use the highest speed available. The setting you choose for the GPS must match the setting you have selected in OziExplorer.

NMEA Baud rate - You can set the Baud rate for NMEA communication separately from the Upload/Download Baud rate. When you use Moving Map (i.e. reading NMEA from the GPS) the software will automatically use the NMEA baud rate, if not known try 4800.

Garmin USB - This is selected if your Garmin GPS supports USB data transfer.

Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA - Most Garmins have the ability to output their position using the PVT protocol which has all the information required for moving map (real time tracking) operation. When using this method the GPS must be placed in GRMN/GRMN HOST or Garmin mode (depending on model).

Serial Port Driver - There is an increasing use of USB to Serial Port convertors being used on laptop computers. It is difficult to provide code which works with all of these. 2 Serial Port Drivers which use different techniques are provided and each of them can be selected. If communication difficulties are experienced then the other driver can be tried. The Default driver is "Driver 2".

Click on these links below to read specific information for each of the different makes (Note, this hyper link will probably only work whilst in the help menue and not prado point web pages.)

Magellans , Garmins , Lowrance & Eagle ,MLR ,Brunton/Silva ,NMEA Only , Tripmate , Earthmate

Auto Pilot
I’m guessing none of us has this option.

The rest of the tabs we’ll leave along right now, as most of the functions won’t be available for unregistered users.
I need a break.

CONCLUSION

During this lesson you have

• Found and used the help menu.
• Opened and located the configuration menu
• Connected your GPS to Ozi
• Used the GPS Port Check Program to locate settings.
• Performed a basic Configuration of Ozi.

QUESTIONS??

This is your chance to ask some questions or ask for help. Please do not ask questions that do not relate to the lesson, as we are trying to take it one step at a time so no-one gets left behind.

NEXT LESSON

The next lesson will be a continuation of configuration.

REQUIRMENTS FOR NEXT TIME – Nil

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

LESSON 3 – MAPS

LESSON AIMS

• Find and import electronic maps.
• Scan maps
• Import and configure maps

METHOD

Most electronic maps can be easily used with Ozi. The ones that spring to mind are the 250k series found on the Geoscience website. These cost nothing but there is a licence you must agree to before downloading. When downloading one of these maps, remember you need to make sure it comes in the appropriate file extension. ECW is a good file extension to use and is supported by Ozi providing you have the proper dll file downloaded. If not, go back to lesson 1.2 and you will get the details on how to do this. Once you have downloaded the map, there is little else to do other than place it into your maps folder, then open it through Ozi. It will already be georeferenced.

Another handy little program is NoniMapView. As far as I can tell it is all properly licenced, however users use at your own risk. Basically, it accesses google, yahoo, street map and virtual earth to provide topo maps, street maps and satellite maps. All of these are pre-georeferenced and in the Ozi format. Again all that’s required is to place the maps into the appropriate folder.

There are also others that require purchasing such as hema, refidex etc. Some of these may require additional files to run properly in Ozi, make sure your refer back to the ozi website to download these additional files which are usually free of charge.

Ok, have a go at downloading a geoscience map. Access the website http://www.ga.gov.au/

Or direct link is http://www.ga.gov.au/mapconnect/index.jsp

Remember to make sure it is in ECW format.

NoniMapView will take you some time to get used to, the secret is not to try and make too large a map in one hit. Split your maps and do only smallish areas at a time. The download slide set at 15 gives you the best detail. I prefer to use google maps in the Noni as they give the best detail.

http://aeguerre.free.fr/Public/Windows/NoniMapView/EN/

This is the link to noni, you require java in order to operate this. Also just a hint, when you are downloading satellite data, if you start to see message stating something along the lines of ‘proxy re-setting’, you have exceeded your download amount and your sat data will come out in blank squares. You will need to select smaller areas, not download as much in one hit and sit back and wait ˝ hr or so until the proxy has reset properly.

By now you have at least worked out how to download a map from geoscience, but what do you do if you have paper based charts or maps and want to import them?

Easy, we scan them and calibrate.

For this example, I have a scanned photograph. It is saved in JPG format. I know what the coordinates of some of the features are on the map.
Knowing what the coordinates are supposed to be on a map is essential to calibrating for use within ozi. Fortunately, most topo and marine charts have this info already printed on.

Here is the picture I am going to turn into a map.



Next, we open up Ozi, go to the file drop down menu and select the upload and calibrate image selection.



When you do this, look for your jpg file and then select it, you will then be presented with your image on the screen with a menu selection to the right, much like this –



This is now time to calibrate the image.

The tab that says setup, allows you to pick the file name, datum and projection as well as some other choices. Keep it to WGS 84, UNLESS, the map was produced under a differing datum and the points you will be using for calibration are the same as that datum. I will explain further in a moment.

The next tabs are the point tabs, these allow you to input the known locations into the map, thus calibrating it. You can input up to 9 points. Remember, the more points you calibrate the more accurate your map will be, the minimum by the way is 2 points.

It’s not hard, this how it is done. Go to tab point number 1. Move your mouse cursor over your image, it will turn into a cross hairs, then left click the mouse button and it then leave a red bulls eye on the image. You will then see on the right hand menu, x and y coordinates automatically fill in for you. All you now need to do is add the lat and long coordinates of the spot you just marked. Remember, we are SOUTH and EAST, if you get this wrong, then your map will end up on the other side of the globe! (Getting back to the datum for a moment, if you have for example scanned on an old naval chart that was for arguments sake compiled under AUS66, then when you cross reference you lat and long coordinated directly from the chart, then they will be also AUS66 and you need to make your input datum AUS66 also, otherwise you could be out for 100's of metres)

Do the same for the 2nd point tab. It should look similar to this



When you hit save, you can now save it as an electronic map, congratulations, you have now uploaded and calibrated your very own map.
Experimentation and practice is the key here, search the internet for maps or find some of your old paper based ones and scan them on.

CONCLUSION

During this lesson you have

• Found and imported electronic maps.
• Scanned maps into jpg format
• Imported and calibrated scanned maps into Ozi

QUESTIONS??

This is your chance to ask some questions or ask for help. Please do not ask questions that do not relate to the lesson, as we are trying to take it one step at a time so no-one gets left behind.

NEXT LESSON

Waypoint, routes and tracks.

REQUIRMENTS FOR NEXT TIME – Nil

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Good People,

I'm going to be off-line for about 3 weeks. See you when I return

JamesC :wink:

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

[quote="JamesC"]2 - CONFIGURATION

LESSON 2.1 – CONFIGURING OZI

LESSON AIMS

• Find and use help menu.
• Open and locate the configuration menu
• Connect your GPS to Oz
• Use the GPS Port Check Program
• Configure Ozi
METHOD


Gday all
James i assume this is where you want any questions? Sorry if not, feel free to move it i needs be. Firstly, thanks so much for taking the time to do this!
This isnt so much an Ozi issue, more so me and my GPS i think. I hav a Mio Moov 300, when using the port checker nothing comes up. Ive tried all usb ports with no success. Am i doing something wrong with Ozi or is it a GPS issue? Any hints appreciated!
Thanks

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Slug,

Are you trying to run Ozi on a PC using your Moov as an GPS data source?... if so I don't think the Mio Moov has the ability to output NMEA data via it's USB connection

The Mio Moov300 can be unlocked and OziCE run straight on the unit.

Mick

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Slug,

Are you trying to run Ozi on a PC using your Moov as an GPS data source?... if so I don't think the Mio Moov has the ability to output NMEA data via it's USB connection

The Mio Moov300 can be unlocked and OziCE run straight on the unit.

Mick

Thanks Mick, yeah i have MioPocket running. Guess i need to skip ahead of the tute and get CE.
Thanks again
Slug

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Hi folks, I'm back

I'll start again next week.

cheers

james

PS - Slug, wince is a good choice for your mio, but depending on what you want to do with your maps, you may still want the pc version of ozi to use in conjunction with it, as, for example, you cannot calibate and generate maps with the wince version. As your mio cannot talk to the pc version, you will be forced to do the drag and drop method.

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Hi folks, I'm back

I'll start again next week.

cheers

james

PS - Slug, wince is a good choice for your mio, but depending on what you want to do with your maps, you may still want the pc version of ozi to use in conjunction with it, as, for example, you cannot calibate and generate maps with the wince version. As your mio cannot talk to the pc version, you will be forced to do the drag and drop method.

Thanks James,
am i right in saying with CE ill be able to use it as a "moving map"? This will be a good start but yes ill probably need the full version to be able to convert maps etc, thanks again, look forward to the next installment.

[idlegossip Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idlegossip]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Hi everyone,

I have converted the tutorial up to now to pdf for printing and as a reference guide. If anyone wants a copy pm me your email details and I will forward a copy to you.

I will also convert any additonal installs that James does in the future and forward those to people that want a copy.

Cheers

Theo

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

am i right in saying with CE ill be able to use it as a "moving map"? .

Yes, CE does the moving map just fine and will (should) flick to the next map in the folder as you cross map boundaries.

[ags Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close ags]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Hi, finally back in OZ for good. Nice Tutorial, are there going to be any more?

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: OZI EXPLORER PC TUTORIAL (Version 3.95.4s)

Hi, finally back in OZ for good. Nice Tutorial, are there going to be any more?

Hey mate, yeah Iintend to, I've just had a lot on my plate and as such, been a bit side tracked