Sybarite
Well-known member
Looking at the posts I've copied below there seems to be a market for somebody to make a package centred on a lap-top ie plotter, navigation computer then entertainment centre.
Andrewa (mobo forum)
Just for info the way I got TV was to get a laptop with built in DVD player which I frigged to multi region, i.e RPC 0, then I got hold of a USB TV tuner box and hey presto combo DVD/TV with low power consumption 15in screen which can run via battery, 12v or 240v. I am rather lucky being an IT nanager as I get 'old' laptops through my dept all the time. Just ensure its running W2K or XP and you should have no problems.
Mezzanine
Second hand Laptop and chart softwear package gives Big Screen and can be used for other applications Navtex, Weather Fax, etc and if you get board you can play games or connect to the internet and while away hours.
Pandroid ( re power consumption)
I compared two laptops to the Raymarine Colour plotter and they came out about the same. The current varies as to whether the laptop is charging, so its a good idea to start them off fully charged. I used a Targa air 12v adaptor rather than a mains inverter. I set the screen to time out within a minute of use (but the laptop continues to plot)
dave
a lap top, fitted in a dedicated position so it can't get damaged, and a software package such as Euronavs "SeaPro" If you email them they will send you a demo disc to try. The dedicated plotter of any make will be out of date in months and superceded by yet something better, i.e. more bells and whistles. The beauty of a lap top and software is the fact to update to a newer version isn't going to cost an arm and a leg, and you don't end up being stuck with last years model that nobody wants. It's easy to get new charts as and when you need them, just an email or a phone call and using a credit card they will give you a pass code to unlock the chart you want from the cd programme disc. I've got a Raytheon radar/plotter I don't use the plotter at all, its easier and better using the laptop.
John
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Andrewa (mobo forum)
Just for info the way I got TV was to get a laptop with built in DVD player which I frigged to multi region, i.e RPC 0, then I got hold of a USB TV tuner box and hey presto combo DVD/TV with low power consumption 15in screen which can run via battery, 12v or 240v. I am rather lucky being an IT nanager as I get 'old' laptops through my dept all the time. Just ensure its running W2K or XP and you should have no problems.
Mezzanine
Second hand Laptop and chart softwear package gives Big Screen and can be used for other applications Navtex, Weather Fax, etc and if you get board you can play games or connect to the internet and while away hours.
Pandroid ( re power consumption)
I compared two laptops to the Raymarine Colour plotter and they came out about the same. The current varies as to whether the laptop is charging, so its a good idea to start them off fully charged. I used a Targa air 12v adaptor rather than a mains inverter. I set the screen to time out within a minute of use (but the laptop continues to plot)
dave
a lap top, fitted in a dedicated position so it can't get damaged, and a software package such as Euronavs "SeaPro" If you email them they will send you a demo disc to try. The dedicated plotter of any make will be out of date in months and superceded by yet something better, i.e. more bells and whistles. The beauty of a lap top and software is the fact to update to a newer version isn't going to cost an arm and a leg, and you don't end up being stuck with last years model that nobody wants. It's easy to get new charts as and when you need them, just an email or a phone call and using a credit card they will give you a pass code to unlock the chart you want from the cd programme disc. I've got a Raytheon radar/plotter I don't use the plotter at all, its easier and better using the laptop.
John
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