Later cards, at least here in the US, are protected. From what I was told, if you attempt to copy the data off, the card may become unreadable, and it is not considered a warranty type failure. I don't really know, as I haven't tried.
Just like to point out that it's very easy to copy anything from CF, SD, XD, memorry stick etc.
Not that I'm saying you should.
I think you are partly right - and I would be very surprised if it was possible to damage the orginal card by copying data off the card (the card is dumb so has no idea if the data is being read to be used in a chartplotter/pc chart software or is being stored somewhere) but I do believe that navionics have some anti-copy protection on there, so that if you copy it off one card and put it on another the "duplicate" card will not work (either there is some hidden file that you don't know to copy or the data is "marked" in some way with the serial number of the card it is on). Certainly the nauticpath charts have that functionality. You could try asking navionics what the cost would be to convert - I know at various times they have offered deals where you could trade in your old format chart for a new one. Presumably to reduce the temptation for people to crack the security codes.
Computer files are easy to manipulate to get around any anti copyright software but again it's illegal and when navionics visit your boat to check up, they could fine you.
Shame your not wanting to get the files from an SD card on to a CF card as you can buy adapters that let you plug the SD card into a CF shaped card, so no copyright infringement.
My understanding is that not only are they copy protected, but that it is destructive protection. Navionics claim that their cards will be rendered unreadable if used in a standard card reader. They sell a "dongle" card reader for a wee ransom that does the job instead. They charge big bucks to replace cards damaged in this way. Moving between formats is not encouraged by their pricing structure - basically it's the cost of a major upgrade.
My guess is you might be best looking for a cheap card on fleabay and sell yours the same way.
Fair enough, unless anyone has an old navionics gold or similar for the South West at least on a SD card?..I dont worry if its a couple years out of date, I dont think the water has risen that much or the land changed shape?!
