charting software

knowot

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Hi all,
I've just got a gps that can link to a computer and was wondering what charting software to go for, preferebly somthing older as the computer is only an old pentium 90.

Regards Adam /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 

steverow

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Unfortunately there's not much software about that purports to run on a pentium90.
Probably the minimum spec would be about 233 or 266.
That's not to say that it wont run, it's just that the manufacturers dont reccommend it.
Memory is probably more important than CPU speed.
What will suffer markedly is the screen re-draw rate.
I would suggest you try and borrow a few copies of software first to see what will and wont run, before committing your cash.
As a start you could try Seaclear which is free, although you will need to scan your own paper charts in.
You would probably be better off going for a raster based system such as maptech
with that CPU speed, as I doubt that a vector based plotter would run correctly.
another issue that you might face on a computer of that age is graphics compatibility.

Try first, if not update your laptop, they are so cheap now.
There's some terrific plotting packages out there which you will be denying yourself on and old machine.

Steve.
 

Talbot

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The normal decision for charting software, is what charts do I want to use - decide that, then look at what software uses those charts. I suspect that the existing laptop is going to be inadequate in more than one way. One that old will also have a very limited harddrive. The speed of it means that you will be forced down the raster chart route, and they are memory hungry. do try seaclear, as you might be able to get away with it and a few local charts to at least get a feel for this system.

Be aware that a laptop of this age may have a limited life when being used for long periods even on a dc/dc converter, and be prepared to revert to the paper versions. The one good thing about it is that it will use considerably less power than the new laptops.
 

lockwood

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Just downloaded seaclear and it looks very impressive - I particularly like the log book function.

I am just wondering, how do I scan a chart - my scanner is pretty old and only A4 size - my charts are full size. Could I go to a commercial printers and ask them to scan the charts for me, or is that breaking copyright laws?

BTW - I am looking to scan charts from the Bristol Channel, West, to S.Ireland.
 

steverow

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Use your A4 scanner and a program called Panavue to stitch the charts together.
Panavue is downloadable in trial version free.
I'll send you a PM regarding charts for BrCh later tonight.

Steve.
 
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