Navigation Computers

[pchandler]

I intend using a sextant on long ocean legs ( I need the practice) and instead of buying all the tables which need updating every year, am considering buying a navigation computer. There don't seem to be many available but I found the StarPilot-86 which is retailing at $279. Does anyone know if this is a good buy or have any advice to give ? Thanks

 

[Deleted member 478]

Have a look at http://www.pangolin.co.nz/astro.php

 

[TigaWave]

and for the days when your astro puter dies, try Cooks sextant table, by Vega Instruments, St Albans
They cover 12 years for £13.99 as the tables repeat every four years.
Only for sun but a useful back up.

 

[Talbot]

Plenty of programs available for the laptop. But I am a philistine, and I also reckon the risk of laptop dying is much higher than GPS being switched off, so I will be using printed tables. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Ships_Cat]

If the truth be known, in most cases there is also much more chance of the navigator dying than there is of GPS being switched off - so need a backup navigator too, and preferably with an octant in case someone drops the sextant /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

For Flattery, another option is to use a PDA with Pocket Stars program on it http://www.nomadelectronics.com - if nothing else it helps pass the evenings looking at stars.

John

 

[Gunfleet]

Well, it made me laugh

<<in most cases there is also much more chance of the navigator dying than there is of GPS being switched off - so need a backup navigator too, and preferably with an octant in case someone drops the sextant >>
and if you're in UK coastal waters you have a compass and a depth sounder. I carry a back up gps, a paper chart and a lead line in case the sounder conks out... much the most likely problem.