On board PC's

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Ocean Hound

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On board PC\'s

I have Maxsea software and C-Map charts on a laptop which after 2 years of wrestling with the instability of USB ports, com ports, serial cable connections et al, have finally got the whole system to work. However in view of my past experience
I'm wondering if a marinised PC/screen/mouse/keyboard might not be a more stable option. Anyone had experience, (preferably of a trouble free nature !) of the ideal setup?
 
Re: On board PC\'s

Everybodies needs are subtly different. space, damp, power supplies and requirements, thus very unlikely that any one solution is best for all.

Personally I like a laptop
 
Re: On board PC\'s

Yes.

Cappuccino PC mounted on a portable CD player antivibration mount, powered by a DC/DC converter, a 15" LCD monitor panel mounted at chart table and Acer compact Ir combined keyboard/mouse. Input to MaxSea via serial to USB converter as installed Icom PCR 1000 receiver needs the proper COM port. However, COM port switchable to output NMEA routes and waypoints from MaxSea as USB converter will only work with input NMEA data to MaxSea. Monitor powered direct from ship's 12V supply. Has been operating reliably for the best part of 5 years.

See here for PC: http://www.cappuccinopc.com/default.asp

Personnaly I have found Mapmedia and Maptech raster charts much better than C-Map with MaxSea. Just have a look for drying heights entering Perros Guirec or Binic for an example to see what I mean.
 
Re: On board PC\'s

"Personnaly I have found Mapmedia and Maptech raster charts much better than C-Map with MaxSea. Just have a look for drying heights entering Perros Guirec or Binic for an example to see what I mean."



Doesnt really matter about the charts, Maxsea can dsplay them all, C-map, Maptech BSB and BSB4 (encypted) after version 10.2, Mapmedia etc etc.
The good thing about Vector charts is that at least the print is the right way up when in course up mode.
Because C-map CM92/2 or/3 were intended for the commercial market, drying heights..ie in those places where commercial shipping would not frequent, was left out. However this is more than adequately made up for by the extra info available on the vector chart.

Steve.
 
Re: On board PC\'s

Please explain why knowing where the nearest public telephone is to the harbour makes up for not having the information as to whether one can get in to the harbour in the first place? IMHO the extra data available on C-Map is useless if basic data for safe navigation is missing. Liesure market products should be suitable for liesure market use, saying they are produced from products intended for the commercial market is no excuse.
 
Re: On board PC\'s

Hi Edward - I would not say that I have the ideal setup but we like it.
Like you I got feed up with laptop etc plus what I did not realise at the time was the huge amount of power they take look on the power supply and check out the amps it pulls I was quite shocked! I built a PC using components from these Guys : http://www.mini-itx.com using a very small case which I have mounted on the bulkhead - I think! (any way starboard wall by companion way) and have put a small 12V LCD screen on a mounting bracket which covers the PC.

I run Maptech software and Offshore navigator lite but I am looking at replacing this in the future for something like SeaPro which will overlay AIS information. Feel free to PM if you need any help in building a mini PC.
 
Re: On board PC\'s

I should hang on for a week or two Ritchie.
The new program about to be released from Maptech called Chart Navigator Pro..which is itself a re-work of Coastal Explorer , designed for Europe, will have AIS,MARPA, weather overlays, tides and currents..and many other features.
It will display your current maptech charts as well as S57 vector charts usually found in the shipping world.
Ive been testing this and it is excellent.
I spoke to Mike at Maptech the other day and it's release is now imminent.

Steve
 
Re: On board PC\'s

Steve

ooh, cheers for that, this is great news! I do like the Maptech software so if it comes spec'd up as you say I will be very happy indeed.

These forums are great for this kind of thing.

many thanks again.
 
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