Need advice on buying handheld Gps please

[bradh]

+1 for OpenCPN

I use OpenCPN (it is available for Android, laptops, but I am not sure about iPhones). You do NOT need cell tower coverage, only GPS.

Charts are free to download from NOAA : http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download_agreement.htm

Since it does not need cell coverage, I actually keep a spare old phone on board (no sim card needed) as a back-up.


I am currently getting my real geek on: I am installing OpenCPN on a raseberry pi with a small monitor (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J52TWD4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and keyboard. It can then communicate to with my NEMA instruments. I can also use it then to check email, interwebs, etc. when at the dock.

 

[Frank Langer]

Wow, that sounds creative! I think I'm going to have to learn lots more about this stuff.
Thanks, Frank

 

[ignacio]

Can you comment on the power draw when you have this running? Also, how do you have it communicating with NMEA instruments?

I use OpenCPN (it is available for Android, laptops, but I am not sure about iPhones). You do NOT need cell tower coverage, only GPS.

Charts are free to download from NOAA : http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download_agreement.htm

Since it does not need cell coverage, I actually keep a spare old phone on board (no sim card needed) as a back-up.


I am currently getting my real geek on: I am installing OpenCPN on a raseberry pi with a small monitor (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J52TWD4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and keyboard. It can then communicate to with my NEMA instruments. I can also use it then to check email, interwebs, etc. when at the dock.

 

[missalot]

+1 for OpenCPN and Raspberry PI

I have had OpenCPN running on a Raspberry Pi for a few years now. Have a 19" led TV that accepts external 12v for power. I have a tiller boat and can easily see the screen from the cockpit. Very low current draw and besides chartplotting displays my AIS, wind, depth, and speed instruments.

 

[bradh]

Some or too many details......

ignacio - congrats on your voyage.

First let me say that OpenCPN can run on a tablet or phone as a chart plotter.... with no need of the info below.

The info below is only relevant if you are trying to integrate it into your other instruments:

To talk N2K with your boat, you will need one of these (it's probably the most expensive piece of hardware and what I am working on now): https://www.navstore.com/actisense-...WEZilu7wFcfpNI06vd-0JoOt7LUlsqZFQQaAuZh8P8HAQ

missalot - is this what you used?

The rasberry pi B+ uses about 500mA at 5V. I use a standard car lighter to usb adaptor to power it off my batteries. I don't know the efficeny of the lighter adaptor. If you ignore it, the rassberry pi would need about 210mA on 12V bus.
One idea I had is then to keep a couple of these on board: https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Portable-10000mAh-External-Devices-Orange/dp/B00XVO5S2W

I have to figure out how to handle the monitor power conditioning as it is 12V (it should be straight forward but needs to protected from the sloppy conditions on the main bus).

FYI - for gps (works great with the rasberry pi), I am using: http://www.thegpsstore.com/USGlobal...ItbBWG3on4xCoXFvhdrQRl6SB5exzQYv_oaAlM78P8HAQ

Brad

 

[missalot]

+1 for OpenCPN and Raspberry PI setup

Bradh,

To further hijack this thread.

My R-pi setup:

My instruments are NMEA 1830, I get my GPS/AIS data from my VHF, also NMEA 1830. These are fed to the R-pi with cheap, RS232/422 to usb converters. The TV is the cheapest I could find with a 12v power supply in the cord, power supply is abandoned and TV powered directly from 12v. I use a mini wireless keyboard/trackball. The R-pi gets it's power from a 12v to 5v regulator that has usb connectors for output (I use a spare output for charging my phone)

Excluding the cost of my instruments and the VHF, total cost for all above is less $250, the TV and ceiling mount being about half of that.

Current draw, I put a DMM in series with the 12v feeding this and saw between 1.0A and 1.25A depending on actual activity. The R-pi while it says it requires 500ma (0.5A) does not draw near that much unless your are really taxing the system.

OpenCPN has lots of what are called "plugins" (apps) - even one for creating Polars from raw data.

 

[bolbmw]

I just saw this, so I'll add my two cents.

Was really happy with my iPad in a lifeproof case running Navionics until it failed during a rainy day, and every other rainy day (touch screen doesn't work when wet even under a waterpoof case). It also fails when it's too hot in the bright sun. Decent below decks backup.

I am *VERY* happy with my B&G Zeus2 with Navionics charts. Works in all conditions, intuitive interface. 7" fits great on the 30+'s helm. Would buy again.

 

[Cory B]

iPhone

And another 2 cents echoing the above...

I also like my iPhone as a back up chart plotter and for below decks. It has more detailed and updated charts than our aging but still useful Raymarine chartplotter. I use the Navionics app for navigation which is actively supported and continually updated.

I would not like to be solely dependent on it though. It has shut down due to overheating in the S Puget Sound (entrance to Swantown), and the display can be hard to read in bright sunlight with sun glasses. Plus the touchscreen does not work well when wet or wearing gloves.