Best Linux and portable nav set up

[Reptile Smile]

Hi all,

I'm really trying to find the best navigation software set up to invest in. My main machine is a Ubuntu 11.10 netbook, and if possible I'd generally in favour of open-source software - that's why I at the moment have openCPN. I'd then run a separate external aerial for both GPS and AIS. I'd like to be able to plot away from the boat, and then either use the same machine, or transfer my plans - but would be quite happy running my netbook on board. (In a perfect world, I'd run an extension display in the cockpit, but hell if I can find what I'm looking for there...)

The thing is, I'm not sure about what charts I can get that are reliable, hopefully cheap, and up-to-date. I'm based in Bristol, so it's UK maps I'm interested, but also Western Europe if poss. Accordingly, I don't mind moving platform, but I don't know what to. Polar Navy?

I'm also ok with the idea of moving to iPad if - IF - I can see the benefit, but at the moment, I think the netbook offers me everything I could do on the iPad, right..?

Any thoughts or opinions gratefully received.

 

[Playtime]

Try OpenCPN with the new UKHO charts from VisitMYHarbour.

 

[Reptile Smile]

BSB4 won't work in Linux. I do have a Windows partition on my drive, so I could use that, but to use the VisitMyHarbour mapsin Ubuntu, I'd need to swap Polar Navy, I believe..?

 

[Playtime]

BSB4 won't work in Linux. I do have a Windows partition on my drive, so I could use that, but to use the VisitMyHarbour mapsin Ubuntu, I'd need to swap Polar Navy, I believe..?

You can load the BSB4 charts onto the Windows partition (with their encryption info etc.) and then point OpenCPN (running in Ubuntu) to that folder. I have done this on my desktop PC when playing with Ubuntu and it works fine. I use Windows on the boat laptop, though, so had forgotten that the BSB4 plug-in doesn't work with Linux/Ubuntu.

 

[Elemental]

You can load the BSB4 charts onto the Windows partition (with their encryption info etc.) and then point OpenCPN (running in Ubuntu) to that folder. I have done this on my desktop PC when playing with Ubuntu and it works fine. I use Windows on the boat laptop, though, so had forgotten that the BSB4 plug-in doesn't work with Linux/Ubuntu.

Are you sure? The OpenCPN BSB4 plugin uses a windows DLL interface. Simply storing the files on a Windows partition won't make any difference as the DLL's can't run - unless I've misunderstood the OpenCPN BSB4 plugin completely.... I don't see how this can work - but if you've managed it...

 

[Playtime]

Are you sure? The OpenCPN BSB4 plugin uses a windows DLL interface. Simply storing the files on a Windows partition won't make any difference as the DLL's can't run - unless I've misunderstood the OpenCPN BSB4 plugin completely.... I don't see how this can work - but if you've managed it...

Ahem - you are, of course, correct.

I pointed OpenCPN in Ubuntu at the Windows folder containing the CM93 charts and that worked fine. The confusion is that the Maptech BSB4 charts I have are in the same Windows folder.

I will enquire on the OpenCPN forum when the BSB4 plug-in will work on Linux.

 

[lustyd]

if possible I'd generally in favour of open-source software - .

how come, are you a programmer? If you have never used the source why not go for the best solution for your requirements instead?

 

[Reptile Smile]

how come, are you a programmer? If you have never used the source why not go for the best solution for your requirements instead?

I suppose what amounts to political reasons. I'm very grateful to the open-source community for the work and effort they put in to all things on a GNU licence for what's basically the 'betterment of mankind', and idea of iterative improvement in a Toyota-style of operational innovation.

I think that's something that should be celebrated and championed, and I try to wherever possible.

That said, I think both my other posts suggest I would use alternatives if necessary...

 

[Reptile Smile]

Oh, and yes, I am a programmer, of sorts...

 

[Reptile Smile]

So am I right in saying these are my current options..?

OpenCPN in Windows partition running VisitMyHarbour BSB files
Polar Navy running in Linux (but cannot get UK tide data file - can anyone help me with this?)
SeaClear with VisitMyHarbour files for £29?
Navionics for iPad (though have to buy iPad ;-))

Any others?

Cheers
Ian

 

[Wunja]

If you can get files that work with SeaClear, then it is possible (though a little tortuous at first) to convert them to format that works with OpenCPN.
I don't think there is a Linux version of SeaClear, so you would need to run it under Wine.
I think SeaClear has a better look and feel. OpenCPN works with CM93 vector charts and has better integration with Garmin GPS.