Bellfield Chartplotter with USB AIS

[benw]

I have looked back over posts on the forum and it seems this system for a PC/Netbook is positively reviewed. However has anyone got this set up using USB AIS as advertised by Bellfield?
Is this going to be as good as a dual recvr like for eg comar USB-USB?
And finally those PC chrtplotter users do you wire your laptop into the 12v or use a 12v adapter? We have 75ah x2 for house use and seperate engine 85ah.
I have a Macbk Pro and wonder whether the draw will be too much and therefore an e book purchase maybe required. In which case a dedicated AIS combo chartplotter may be on the cards.
Just looking for the cheapest route possible to add overlaid AIS onto a chart in addition to the NASA AIS dedicated display, MLR GPS, Magellan HH chartplotter and IPAD installed already.

 

[jakeroyd]

Any use to you ?

http://www.visitmyharbour.com/ais-receiver-gbp-96.50.asp

 

[benw]

Thanks for this article link. Usefulntonread how effective this simple set up really is. I am trying to avoid a rewire as recommended by a marine electrician as current fuse panel is pretty much used up. So this would provide a solution, not sure how much extra power it would draw from the laptop.
Part of my post was to get the views from PC chart plotter users re running a laptop or net book direct from 12v. Any guidelines would be very helpful.
Option 2 and 3 could involve the wireless iAIS for the iPad or simply buy the ais enabled plotter requiring a wiring input.

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for this article link. Usefulntonread how effective this simple set up really is. I am trying to avoid a rewire as recommended by a marine electrician as current fuse panel is pretty much used up. So this would provide a solution, not sure how much extra power it would draw from the laptop.
Part of my post was to get the views from PC chart plotter users re running a laptop or net book direct from 12v. Any guidelines would be very helpful.
Option 2 and 3 could involve the wireless iAIS for the iPad or simply buy the ais enabled plotter requiring a wiring input.

it would not be necessary to have it plugged in all the time, that will save pwr

 

[forelle541]

I use the "simple set up" and get good use out of it. Once set up on the laptop it all works well.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Sorry it's not answering your questions

I have the Belfield with tides but without AIS on my Samsung Netbook which acts as an emergency plotter..

I run my AIS through a stand-alone plotter which is permanently wired in. I find that the Netbook can be a lot more tempermental than the plotter and for any serious sailing that needs greater reliability, i just don't like being concerned with it.
After using the NASA dedicated AIS on my last boat for a season and then experincing AIS run through a small plotter I immediatly upgraded to an engine through the plotter also.

If there's anything I can help or advise with, pl's carry on asking.
S.