Electronics on the "cheap"?

[gshaw]

Wow folks great info and comments. All read with interest and a lot taken on board.

I have got me mits on a few old 12v screens to play with and as to the waterproof condensation bit a spray coating sorts that out. I will take photos etc as I get along. The brightness problem I believe can be cracked as I have seen a few docs on how it can be added to a conventional screen (back-lighting that is) and will post when I get a chance to play.

As to whether its worth it or not? I have yet to see a plotter with a 15" screen that I could ever afford. I have a fully waterproof keyboard wireless with trackball built in also most of the software together and YES it is dimable for night work with a semi auto gamma adjustment at night for MAX clarity without night vision problems (BTW Red is NOT the best night light colour to use to preserve night vision).

 

[daveyw]

Great idea. Have you seen a website called thebigsailboatproject. Have a look and in particular http://www.thebigsailboatproject.com/pro52.htm

I also use seaclear, like the use of raster charts that don't hide the detail the way vector charts do. However, I have also used the RYA plotter software for the western isles, not bad for the price.

 

[gshaw]

Great idea. Have you seen a website called thebigsailboatproject. Have a look and in particular http://www.thebigsailboatproject.com/pro52.htm

I also use seaclear, like the use of raster charts that don't hide the detail the way vector charts do. However, I have also used the RYA plotter software for the western isles, not bad for the price.

Great site thanks...lots of ideas 4 sure. NTW has anyone got the Belfield Chart Plotter is contains ALL the charts for the UK and is only £70

http://www.tideplotter.co.uk/chart-plotter/

 

[fishermantwo]

I cannot but think all the work & cost involve in what you are considering makes the project not worth while. Would installing a decent chart plotter really be that more expensive ?

Using a top class new 17" lcd screen that is easily viewed in sunlight and at a large angle, Seaclear, secondhand desktop, Logitec roller ball, usb gps will cost about $350. I have not seen a commercial unit for under $7000 that will match it.

In my home port there are 6 professional fishing boats left. One has a small gps plotter. two have a local computer programme/lcd setup[expensive] and two of us use Seaclear as above. No prizes for guessing which is the best set up.

 

[daveyw]

How have I missed the Belfield plotter? Looks like a great system.

 

[mikejbuk]

Repeat To PDA

I too have tried to find a cheap daylight viewable IP66 waterproof screen, but have been unable to find a solution. I have now opted for Raymarine E120 in cockpit with cheap VGA screen, and remote control at chart table. I did think of repeating PC display wirelessly to cheap PDA using software such as VNC. I have set this up at home and theory works well. I get a good snapshot of what is happening on the PC/Plotter enough for general nav information. You would not need a wireless router as the network card in Plotter PC can be linked using an Ad Hoc network connection.

Just a thought!

Mike

 

[charles_reed]

I guess masochism rules

doesn't it

 

[alexrunic]

cheapest option by a hand held GPS and use paper charts. you need to carry paper charts any way. why bother with all the hassel and expense.

 

[Frontier]

I can see my CP500 in bright sunlight, but cant see the laptop screen outside even when its dull. I would suggest a poltter as others have said.

 

[Heckler]

cheapest option by a hand held GPS and use paper charts. you need to carry paper charts any way. why bother with all the hassel and expense.

Been there done that, ozie explorer, stitching scanned charts, latop etc. Then I bought a Lowrance 5150c with free western europe charts and havent looked back. Its waterproof, bright, you can mount it at the wheel. It was only £260ish! dont forget, the pooter takes a lot more power, how much will it cost to provide that power?
And the latest ive done is get a free HTC Touch 3g phone from orange, it runs windows, i ported the software off my lappie to it and bingo, an admittedly small FREE chart plotter as back up!!
Stu

 

[Fire99]

Then I bought a Lowrance 5150c with free western europe charts and havent looked back. Its waterproof, bright, you can mount it at the wheel. It was only £260ish!
Stu

How did you manage to get a Lowrance 5150c with Western Maps for £260? That seems a cracking deal!

 

[Heckler]

How did you manage to get a Lowrance 5150c with Western Maps for £260? That seems a cracking deal!

Gael Force were doing deals at the beginning of the year.
Stu

 

[Fire99]

Gael Force were doing deals at the beginning of the year.
Stu

Cracking deal mate. But i'm guessing with the exchange rate being what it is it's gonna be hard to match that. The Lawrence is a nice bit of kit too. Often been tempted away from garmin

 

[whipper_snapper]

.....not a problem, nor is the keyboard (I have a nice waterproof one with built in track ball)

Can you tell me where you found the waterproof keyboard with trackball? I have been searching for one for ages.

Waterproof keyboards are easy to find, waterproof mice are possible but harder. The only waterproof keyboards with track balls I was able to find are clinical/industrial ones which cost an arm + leg + several other appendages..


Thanks

 

[gshaw]

Can you tell me where you found the waterproof keyboard with trackball? I have been searching for one for ages.

Thanks

I will post the details later when I confirm them, they are made in USA and imported with UK map to UK for decent money. Can put them in a dishwasher

I may have found a daylight viewable screen source! The ATMs use them for their screens, not the older type but the new systems. As they are bought in bulk the price is very good. I have been talking to a company that services the ATMs locally here and they have given me a sample on to play with. A whopping 900 candle thing's....more than any chart plotter on the market. They are NOT waterproof but are IP65 rated so fitted behind the panel as they do in a ATM...hum should work fine. I will disclose the price I have been offered when I get a chance to test it but I am happy with it.

 

[bitman]

google for ice, that is car pc's they use special screen's.

http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/index.php

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/lcd-display/

good luck as i like your plan

 

[seanfoster]

Night Vision

Good point about the night vision, I've been playing aroiund with the RYA/Admirality chart plotter (included in the dayskiper pack) and it has a day, twilight and night vision mode, does Seaclear have that?

 

[fishermantwo]

Good point about the night vision, I've been playing aroiund with the RYA/Admirality chart plotter (included in the dayskiper pack) and it has a day, twilight and night vision mode, does Seaclear have that?

Seaclear has 4 levels though I generally just use full dim or normal.

 

[planteater]

How did you manage to get a Lowrance 5150c with Western Maps for £260? That seems a cracking deal!

i just bought one for £299. It's a bargain at that price. If you can find one for £260 it's a n brainer.

Very pleased with it. The display is one of the best I've seen.

 

[desozapeaterr]

Hi Gshow.
Your post is really good and the all contain of it related to the subject, Ozzie explorer, stitching scanned charts, laptop etc. Then I bought a Lowrance 5150c with free western Europe charts and haven't looked back.