C Map based PC plotter

mjf

mjf

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 Jun 2003
Messages
3,994
Location
w.london - boat on solent- RIB on Tidal Thames
Visit site
Hi

Anyone tried this SOB (software on board) program?

i have the PC plotter hardware and C map charts so use the pc for planning etc

But this (new??) program can use a GPS feed and locates the best avaibale chart to show your position, shows tidal streams etc and AIS is shown too - all on a PC.

Seems to me like a nice back up to the main system (which I all ready have) with PC based GPS and Maptech charts , but to have routes and tracks and AIS data on live backup seems OK for £180.
 
Sent by e amail on friday i think
Software-On-Board Standard - Navigation Software Only £179.95 Inc VAT


Key Benefits & Features:
Turn your computer and GPS into a Chartplotter using C-Map Charts, and Software-On-Board.

Software-On-Board is a Windows navigation program which, when loaded with C-MAP charts and connected to a GPS, gives real-time on-screen chart positioning and advanced navigation calculations, displayed in easily understood data panels. Automating and simplifying the process of planning, piloting and navigation.

Just add a GPS antenna, and use your existing C-Map charts with a USB Card Reader to read NT, Max and SD C-Maps.

The GPS pinpoints your precise position on the Earth's surface, Software-On-Board then locates the most appropriate chart from your digital chart portfolio according to the scale and displays it all in a seamless, clear and simple graphical manner on the computer screen.

Features

Designed for Touch-Screen use (additional functionality for mouse users)
Real-time tracking of ship's position and velocity directly on the chart
Easy chart panning, zooming and level changing
Tracking of AIS* targets
Tracking of ARPA Radar* targets
Visual analysis of wind* direction and strength and advanced optimum upwind sailing tools
Extensive detail on all chart objects (depths, lights, ports, facilities etc)
Configurable Anti-Grounding function
Location specific tide predictions with daily graphs and easy date picker
One-touch range and bearing lines
Comprehensive route planning and tracking
Autopilot* control when tracking a route
Automatic search route creation (grid or circular)
Comprehensive Man-Over-Board feature
Talking PilotAward winning C-Map vector cartography providing global coverage
Navigate using Routes and Waypoints
3D view
Points of interest
Animated tides
GRIB files support
Tidal range graphs
Layline display from boat and waypoint
Read/write C-Map UserCards
Dead-reckoning mode (including dead reckoning true-wind)
Voyage replay function
Plus, much, much more!
* Appropriate hardware devices required

Chart Compatibility

C-Map MAX/PC Wide and Megawide Chart CD's
C-Map NT+/PC Wide Chart CD's
C-Map MAX C-Cards, MAX SD Cards or NT+ C-Card Chart Cartridges (requires C-Map USB Multi Media Card Reader, see accessories).
Computer Requirements

Any recent model laptop or desktop with at least 128Mb RAM, running Windows™ 2000 or newer operating system. (SOB will run with more limited capabilities on most Win98SE systems).

GPS Compatibility

Almost any GPS manufactured since 1993 should work with SOB. The GPS must be NMEA 0183 compatible. Some older models may require data interface boxes which may no longer be available. Any GPS manufactured in the past 5-8 years is sure to be suitable, and apart from requiring a data cable (a standard accessory), will be pre-configured to work with little or no setup. Modern USB or Bluetooth connected GPS units are suitable for use with SOB.

USB Marine antenna available (see accessories)

Additional Capabilities

Additional standard navigation instruments (NMEA-0183 compatible) are easily integrated:

Autopilot: with just a mouse click or two on the computer chart, SOB will control the ship's course by sending information to the autopilot, steering your vessel precisely to the route or destination waypoint as planned on the computer screen. With appropriate devices connected, the autopilot can also be used to steer your boat to a preset wind angle.
AIS Transponder/Receiver: now mandatory on all large commercial and passenger ships, the Universal Automatic Identification System uses VHF radio signals to transmit ship's information to all AIS enabled radio receivers in range (typically 20-40 miles). SOB "reads" this data and graphically displays the acquired targets directly on the chart screen. The received information includes: latitude/longitude, course, speed, ship size and type, destination and eta. Navigation aids are also increasingly being fitted with AIS devices to transmit their precise location.
RADAR: interfaces directly with the computer charts, allowing you to plot an unknown RADAR "blip" transmitted as an ARPA target directly onto the SOB computer chart screen. SOB calculates the other vessel's course and speed; and by extrapolation, can estimate its future position and all CPA data (Closest Point of Approach) and whether it poses a collision potential to your course. SOB will also redisplay the RADAR's cursor and VRM/EBL positions for compatible devices.
Wind Indicators: Predominantly for sailors, quickly become an indispensable source of information when linked to the SOB program. The wind indicator and anemometer provides the computer with Apparent Wind strength direction. SOB combines this information with your boat's course and speed to determine the True Wind speed and direction.
ONLY £179.95 Inc VAT

Detailed C-Map Cartography



Perspective View with C-Map NT MAX



Aerial Photographs available with C-Map NT MAX



View AIS targets when interfaced with an AIS Receiver / Transceiver



Choose various screen contrast settings for night vision etc.



Talking Pilot configuration screen



Overlay GRIB files to show details weather information worldwide.





ORDER NOW AT www.mesltd.co.uk

All offers are available now from
www.mesltd.co.uk
Marine Electronic Services Ltd
Unit 10. City Business Park
Easton Road
Bristol BS5 0SP Tel: 01179 114111
Fax: 01179 556289
email: sales@mesltd.co.uk

To be removed from this mailing list please <CLICK HERE>




______________________________________________________________________
 
I should add I have no connection with this outfit and cannot even think how they came to send me this e mail advert. Maybe I purchased something from them at some time.


Now i look more carefully its actually not all stand alone as i thought - the AIS for example need hardware etc . I thought with the exception of the GPS USB thingy it would be the same as my plotter display
 
I got it too. I'd be happy if the people at CMAP would send me an activation code, as since I moved laptop I haven't been able to install teh existing PC app. They don't respond to emails and I can't find a phone number anywhere...
 
Ah I had the same problem when I had to replace a hard drive - now have the program on a couple of laptops and portable hard drive thingy - belt and braces!

I know that the Fareham office closed which helped me and the guy went to a retailer i think. Will look and revert .
 
I've been using it since 2006 - d/l it directly from the creators in Australia.. I'm sure it's nowhere near £180 from them.

www.digiboat.com.au

You need some means of reading your C-Map charts, (dedicated card reader at about £120), as well as the GPS dongle, and an AIS input, (which I dont use).

Great plotter!

Just had a look - Free for 90 days, (try before you buy). Then $60 for the standard version, (about £40 or so???)

Card Reader is £70 from MES

http://www.mesltd.co.uk/ccard-reader-p-7179.html
 
Last edited:
mjf said:
Might try the Aussie try it offer.


As you say its loads cheaper than £180 - also did not appreciate that its been availbe since 2008 by the looks.
Click to expand...

Be suprised if you could buy it at the old price:

All DigiBOAT products are now sold through a new company DigiBOAT International Ltd based in the United Kingdom. Many changes will occur over the next several months to both the DigiBOAT companies; and our flagship product Software-On-Board.

In light of these changes, SOB pricing has been re-structured to more accurately reflect the cost of developing and supporting the software and our user base.

For several years now, SOB has been offered at a ridiculously low cost to aid in building market awareness and wide distribution. This strategy has been highly successful with well over half-a-million downloads of SOB from more than 150 countries. The positive feedback has been overwhelming.
Click to expand...
 
From The Horse's Mouth

Thought everyone might like to hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak!

The 90 Day free trial period has been reduced to a 30 Day trial which needs updating on the website, so apologies for this omission. Due to the nature of the internet it may take some time before references to the old prices are purged completely.

Wiggo “I got it too. I'd be happy if the people at CMAP would send me an activation code, as since I moved laptop I haven't been able to install teh existing PC app. They don't respond to emails and I can't find a phone number anywhere... “

C-Map, when purchased by Jeppesen Boeing, decided to close the UK office but if we can assist in providing relevant email contact details then we would be happy to help.

Stuart
DigiBOAT Int Ltd
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top