Advice needed on sunlight readable TFTs

markdj

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 Jul 2002
Messages
1,245
Location
Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland
www.stronge.org.uk
Hi

I have a PC based navigation system (laptop running Meridian SeaTrak) and am currently looking into the best way of having a screen mounted on the flybridge of a motor cruiser along with a waterproof mouse.

Does anyone have good links or contacts for a waterproof, sunlight readable
TFT display at a reasonable price along with a waterproof mouse? The brightness of the display needs to be around 1000cd/m2 and the front of the TFT needs to be NEMA 7 ie. power-washable.

Does anyone have an aforementioned display or have a solution for a vga repeater on an exposed flybridge?

Thanks

MDJ
 
Check this address. I plan to buy there for the same
purpose. http://www.expressfinland.com/cef/eng/general.asp
15" TFT is abt 1655 € ex VAT. These are Milspec stuff with
hardened glass, IP65 protection etc.

Then you have the Ocean PC that you find easily with Alta Vista. The price is higher, but probably better daylight properties and better contrast adjustment.

I have considered installing a Furuno Navnet radar/plotter
with repeater on the fly and having a TFT at the inside helm
side by side for bigger chartview. I think large size screens
can be a disadvantage in the dark, they emit a lot of light.

As to the mouse, I know there are waterproof mice, my local
chartsupplier (www.troilmarin.fi) sell them.
rgds
Stefan
 
The only disadvantage of that unit is that it isn't sunlight or daylight readable at 200 cd/m2. I will be testing a normal TFT soon for the inside helm to see if a daylight readable is really required. As you can see, the screen of the laptop is very dim.

laptop_helm.jpg


While the sunlight displays are certainly very bright, you can adjust the brightness for night-time navigation and some even have automatic dimming.

I checked out the link for the mouse but couldn't find the mouse as the website is in Finnish I think. Do you have the manufacturer's name of the mouse?

MDJ
 
The address was of course www.troilmarin.com
I'll visit them this week anyway and will inquire abt the mouse
then. Is on my shopping list also.
I have the same layout on my charttabel, with an Acer 15" TFT
that is clear enough inside in sunny weather (with Winchart).
The Fly is another matter though. Bought Echopilot Gold depth
sounder for this season and can see absolutely nothing on
the fly as soon as there is some sun.
 
Consider This

A very good company in the UK to talk to is Marine Computing

www.marinecomputing.com

There are numerous systems available, however you will pay more for Sunlight Viewable Technology.

You may consider buying abroad however if it fails trying to get it fixed will be difficult.

Regards
MTI
 
Re: waterproof TFTs - BULK discount

Keep the suggestions coming. I am currently waiting on prices for converting
a normal brightness waterproof display to have extra backlighting installed.
I am also getting the price for BULK discount so if the price is reasonable
maybe anyone interested could contact me and we could organise to get bulk
discount from this place in Finland. The website is
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.expressfinland.com>http://www.expressfinland.com</A>

MDJ
 
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