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How To Format, Convert and Import a Polar Table File

The following information will provide a "How-To-Guide" for the following topics:

  • Format a user or Vessel Specific Polar Table

    • This will guide users to format a Polar Table to be imported into a Garmin chartplotter

  • Convert the existing file extension to a .plr extension

    • The Polar Table file extension must be a .plr extension 

  • Import the Polar Table to a compatible Garmin Chartplotter

  • Possible Error Messages

NOTES:
     • This FAQ is not designed to show a user how to “gather” the Polar Table TWS, TWA and BSP values. Users are responsible for gathering the TWS, TWA and BSP data points that make-up the Polar Table
     • If a user has a software program that can create or convert a Polar Table to a .plr file, the formatting rules still apply
     • SD card cannot be larger than 32GB and must be formatted FAT 32
     • MAC users will use comparable word processing or spreadsheet programs and processes that are adaptable to the steps outlined below
     • For more information on Polar Table Data, see the following FAQ: "Getting Started with Garmin Polar Table Data"


How To:  Format a user or Vessel Specific Polar Table


When creating a Polar Table the following rules and layout apply. There may be other ways, but this is one way the Polar Table can be completed without the use of special software.

Notes: 
• The Polar Table.plr file will be completed using Notepad
• Users can use Microsoft Excel, Word and then transfer it to Notepad to build or create the final version of the Polar table.plr file

  • Enterable Polar Table Data Points

    • Any TWS can be entered

    • Any TWA between 0-180 degrees can be entered

    • Any  BSP can be entered

Notes: 
• Typically the data points do not go beyond .xxx decimal places.  Examples:  TWS=12.550knts, TWA=165.320, BSP=8.755knts
• When creating/formatting the Polar Data Table, it is recommended to save a master copy and then create or save another working copy to update information, copy, or change extensions

  1. User will need the TWS, TWA and BSP information they captured while on the sailboat

  2. Using Microsoft Notepad, Polar Table will be "formatted" by aligning the columns and rows so they intersect at the X and Y axis

  3. Do not use headers

  4. Do not enter a title or name to any of the columns, rows or blocks

  5. TIP: If using Word or Notepad use the “Tab” function to create evenly spaced columns

  6. The data point values are read from left to right across the rows (See example #1 and #2 under the "Example of a Correctly Formatted Polar Table")

  7. The first column will be TWS information

    •   TWS is an anchor column and TWA and BSP will relate to it

    •   TWS will not be repeated in the table

  8. The second column will be TWA information as it relates to the TWS sailed and resulting BSP value

  9. The third column will be BSP information as a result of the TWS in the first column and TWA sailed in the second column

  10. The fourth column will be a different TWA value as it relates to the TWS in the first column

  11. The fifth column will be BSP as it relates to the TWS in the first column and TWA sailed in the fourth column

  12. The sixth column will be a different TWA as it relates to the TWS in the first column

  13. Seventh column will be BSP as it relates to the TWS in the first column and TWA sailed in the fourth column

  14. Repeat building columns using your captured TWA-BSP values as needed.  Do Not Exceed 0*-180*


Notes: 
• TWA will be measured between 0-180 degrees.  The same value will calculated in the chartplotter for both Port and Starboard tacks and gybe or jibe.  Do Not Enter any TWA values greater than 180 degrees
• The TWS column is the anchor for the TWA and BSP, if that information is not aligned or intersecting; the Polar Table will not upload into the chartplotter, even though it is a .plr file


Example of a Correctly Formatted Polar Table

Columns and Functions (TWS-TWA-BSP):  Do Not Title/Name any rows, columns or blocks when formatting the Polar Table.


1st TWS      2nd TWA        3rd  BSP    4th TWA      5th  BSP    6th TWA        7th BSP       8th  TWA       9thBSP      10th TWA     11th BSP    12th TWA    13th BSP    14th TWA    15th BSP    16th TWA   17th BSP    18th TWA     19th BSP

Polar Table TWA Equal


The table would be read as follows: 

Example #1:  With 8kts TWS--sailing at 35* TWA--resulting best BSP is 6.00kts 

Example #2:  With 10kts TWS—sailing at 70* TWA—resulting best BSP is 9.00kts


Note: Once the Polar Table is "Formatted" as defined above, users must convert the file to a .plr file.  See "How To:  Convert the existing file extension to a .plr extension "


Example of an Incorrectly Formatted Polar Table

Incorrectly Formatted Polar Table shown on NotePad 



Notes: 
• The example above shows the TWS top row is not aligned to the TWA and BSP columns below, resulting in the TWS, TWA and BSP data points are not at intersecting points on the X (rows) and Y (columns) axis. The incorrect formatting of this table will not upload into the chartplotter
• Even though the Polar Table is incorrectly formatted, a user can still attach the .plr file extension.  The .plr file will be displayed on the chartplotter Polar Table File, but it will not upload into the chartplotter because the overall format of the Polar Table is incorrect


How To:  Converting the Polar Table file extension to a .plr file extension


Note: When formatting the Polar table, it is recommended to save a 1 master copy and then create or save a working copy to update, copy, or change extensions

  1. Users can use Microsoft Excel, Word or Notepad to format the Polar table (rows and columns).  See "How To:  Format a User or Vessel Specific Polar Table "

  2. If using Excel, Word or Notepad save the table using that program so you can return to it later 

  3. If using Excel or Word, copy the spreadsheet or document and paste it in Notepad

  4. While in Notepad, save the file as a .txt file in a folder that can be easily accessed

  5. Close Notepad and the program the file was built or created in (Excel or Word)

  6. Open the folder the file was saved in

  7. Highlight the file and right click the file

  8. From the dropdown menu, select Properties

  9. Change the file extension to a .plr file

  10. Select Ok

How To: Import Garmin Polar Table Data to a Chartplotter

There are 2 methods to import a Polar Table into a Garmin chartplotter:  Automatic and Manual.  See below for procedures on how to use both methods.

Automatic Method

  • Use a micro/SD card previously used in the chartplotter; this ensures that the Garmin folder is listed correctly

    1. Insert micro/SD card into personal computer and open Garmin folder

    2. Create a file under the Garmin folder and title it polars (images below show PC screens but steps are the same on a MAC)

    3. Drag and drop or save the polar.plr file into the polars folder

  • After completing Steps 1-3: Insert the micro/SD card into the chartplotter

    • If the file is valid and in the card's correct location, the chartplotter will automatically import and enable the polar table

    • The SD card can be removed from the chartplotter after the file has been uploaded

Garmin Folder for polar


Manual Method

Multiple Polar Table.plr  files loaded into the folder will allow the user to select which polar file to utilize manually.  The steps to load the files on the micro/SD card are the same as the automatic, but when inserting an micro/SD card with multiple polar files, the chartplotter will require the user to select a specific Polar Table file to utilize.


Manual Method to Import a PT 


How to Manually Select the Polar Table files on the GPSMAP Chartplotter

1.  Insert the micro/SD card into the chartplotter (dismiss the "Manage Card" pop-up message)

  • To see the Polar Table.plr files that can be imported, Follow this Pathway: Options > Settings > My Vessel > Polar Table > Select  Import from card >Follow Prompts

Polar table file on GPSMAP

2.  Choose the SD card that contains the polar files (card slot one or card slot two)

3.  Select the polar file for use

4.  Once the Polar table has been uploaded into the chartplotter the SD card can be removed

Note: Previously imported polar tables prompt a popup message when selecting a new file. When the "Pop-up Message" appears, Select "Overwrite"


Polar Table Imported to GPSMAP 

Successful import of the polar file will update the Polar Table page, showing what is currently loaded.


Possible Error Messages

Possible errors or messages that may prevent the Polar Table from uploading:

  • Possible Error:  On the GPSMAP chartplotter "Polar Table File" list, the users Polar Table shows the attached .plr file extension, but it will not import the file into the chartplotter

    • Solution:  The Polar Table may not be "Formatted" correctly or the .plr file extension is not correct

To possibly correct the issues, see the following informational dropdowns that are also in this FAQ:  "How To Build, Convert and Import a Polar Table File"

  • "How To:  Format a User/Vessel Specific Polar Table "

  • "How To:  Converting the Polar Table file extension to a .plr file extension"


Note: For more information and answers to some of the questions concerning Polar Table Data, see the following FAQ: "Getting Started with Garmin Polar Table Data"


1.  The file extension must be a .plr, or if the file is in the wrong location, this message will display

Example of a Error Message for no polar files found 


2.  If the file formatted incorrectly or contains unsupported data this error message will display

Will Not Import Polar Table error message on GPSMAP


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