Open source instrument project ?

[Boo2]

Hi,

There are open source chartplotters on the web (OpenCPN) and a (seemingly defunct?) open source auto pilot project (YBW Open Pilot), but does anyone know of an open source instrument project ?

Given the extortionate cost of eg the ST60 Graphic Repeater I'd have thought someone would have knocked up a home-brew version capable of diaplaying generic NMEA data, anyone know of such a thing ?

Boo2

 

[Playtime]

Are you hoping for a stand alone small unit (like an ST60) or software display on a PC/laptop?

If the latter then OpenCPN has a plug-in that gives a reasonable display of instrument data from an NMEA feed. It is configurable for GPS data plus speed, depth, wind (true and apparent) and water temp IIRC, depending what NMEA data is being fed in.

I've got it working with inputs from ST60 and Garmin instruments through a Seatalk/NMEA multiplexer. As a free chart table repeater, it works well.

 

[Boo2]

Are you hoping for a stand alone small unit (like an ST60

Yep, that's what I was looking for. Does seem a bit optimistic I know but recent innovations like Arduino etc gave me some hope it could be done with off the shelf components. Only thing I wouldn't know where to source would be a paper-white 4" square LCD display, anyone know of such a device ?

Boo2

 

[Wunja]

Sounds like an AngusMcDoon YAPP.

 

[bedouin]

It would be pretty easy to do with off the shelf technology if you are looking for a text only display. Also doable with a bit more work for a simple graphics display.

The problem is the mechanics - packaging the whole lot up into a compact package robust enough for the marine environment.

 

[Quester]

NavMonPC

Have a look at NavMonPC for NMEA fed instrument displays, AIS, GPS, wind speed traces and more nice features. Need to multiplex all your NMEA feeds into a laptop.

I run it at the same time as OpenCpn using virtual com ports and switch between them as required using Alt-Tab.

Google NavMonPC to find free downloads.

 

[prv]

Sounds like an AngusMcDoon YAPP.

+1, and I've seen various blog posts etc about things that people have knocked up for themselves. Not aware of a more organised project though.

I'm currently awaiting parts to build Angus's AIS display; I think an NMEA display would be an easy design by comparison.

Pete

 

[Boo2]

It would be pretty easy to do with off the shelf technology if you are looking for a text only display. Also doable with a bit more work for a simple graphics display.

I was thinking more of a graphics mode display like the Raymarine "ST60 Graphic" style of instrument but ideally configurable via a notebook using USB and able to display generic NMEA data through configurable displays (eg graphic "dials", numeric etc).

Text mode displays are very readily available but I don't know where a suitable graphic display could be sourced.

Boo2

 

[bedouin]

I was thinking more of a graphics mode display like the Raymarine "ST60 Graphic" style of instrument but ideally configurable via a notebook using USB and able to display generic NMEA data through configurable displays (eg graphic "dials", numeric etc).

Text mode displays are very readily available but I don't know where a suitable graphic display could be sourced.

Boo2

Graphic LCDs are fairly readily available - ones with a resolution of 128x64 are only a few pounds, the problem is finding one that requires a minimum number of external components to drive it, e.g. one with a simple serial interface could be driven by a PIC, which would seem to be the best approach RS do dozens but you would need to trawl through the specs to find one that was easy to interface to

 

[northwind]

I'd suggest starting with Arduino.. There is already libraries for processing gps data.

7 segment LEDs are easily driven by shift registers, and they can also be used to drive some LED displays.

Take a look at this project for some ideas...

scooterputer.

The biggest problem is finding a suitable display.

I've built a gps repeater and electronic compass using 38mm 7 segment displays.

 

[ianj99]

I have been using Navmonpc and Belfield Chartplotter on a Notebook PC but have switched to PolarNavy's PolarView and Polarcom.

The former is now available with UK Admiralty Vector charts and Polarcom gives customisable instrument displays. The total cost is just £51.99 inc shipping of the chart CD from USA.

http://www.polarnavy.com/

Frankly, the demo is useless as most of the features aren't useable until its activated and this can put you off. (the license is for a max of 5 activations)

Unlike Belfields Chartplotter and other low cost charting software, it does have nmea output to drive an autopilot.

Plug in a Liliput or Mimo 7" or 10" usb monitor and you have your nmea instrument display, albeit not waterproof.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I could knock up a graphical display from NMEA or Seatalk data input for any type of marine data you care for. The hardware and software is all quite easy. The difficult bit, as already stated, is the plastic for it to go into.

I use PIC processors (currently 18F26K22) instead of Arduino as suggested by nothwind. It's a bit more hardcore going the PIC route as the Arduino platform comes pre-built and ready for beginners to get straight into. However, the PIC way is cheaper. At the end of the day the PIC processors and those used on the Arduinos are similar. If seriously more grunt was needed then ARM based STM32 boards can be had for a tenner.

If anyone has any ideas like this for a YAPP I can have a think when I've finished my current project.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Graphic LCDs are fairly readily available - ones with a resolution of 128x64 are only a few pounds, the problem is finding one that requires a minimum number of external components to drive it, e.g. one with a simple serial interface could be driven by a PIC, which would seem to be the best approach RS do dozens but you would need to trawl through the specs to find one that was easy to interface to

Most of them use the same (or electrically compatible) driver chips. More of a difficulty for the home fiddler is finding ones that have a connector that is not surface mount.

 

[northwind]

I use PIC processors (currently 18F26K22) instead of Arduino as suggested by nothwind. It's a bit more hardcore going the PIC route as the Arduino platform comes pre-built and ready for beginners to get straight into. However, the PIC way is cheaper. At the end of the day the PIC processors and those used on the Arduinos are similar. If seriously more grunt was needed then ARM based STM32 boards can be had for a tenner.

I agree PIC is cheaper, Arduino is nice and beginner friendly.. with loads of online support I think the answer is down to who is doing the building, a seasoned pro or a beginner.

You can build an arduino board for a few quid.. or just use the chip a couple of capacitors and a crystal.

These guys offer some nice Arduino style boards / chips for little money:-
http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/xino-basic-for-atmel-atmega-avr-arduino-compatible-kit/

You pays your money and takes the pain accordingly

My next project is a display of the how much keel I have down, as its guesswork right now.

 

[greenalien]

I think a good display to use would be one of these : http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-panel-multi-function-meters/7048131/

or the larger version, http://www.panelpilot.com/downloads/SGD%2035-M.pdf

It's very configurable, see http://panelpilot.com/configurations.htm - the only thing I don't know is how readable the display would be in bright sunlight.

 

[northwind]

I think a good display to use would be one of these : http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-panel-multi-function-meters/7048131/

or the larger version, http://www.panelpilot.com/downloads/SGD%2035-M.pdf

It's very configurable, see http://panelpilot.com/configurations.htm - the only thing I don't know is how readable the display would be in bright sunlight.

Unfortunately it will only take an analogue signal and repeat it, I.e. show 1.75v on the display, you really need an alphanumeric or graphical display.

Most TFT displays won't be easily read in sunlight.

Mounting the display in a clear box such as these is an option..

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equipment/Polycarbonate-Cases-IP65-7200-Series-500574

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I think a good display to use would be one of these : http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-panel-multi-function-meters/7048131/

This is the display I have been using, which costs about £14...

http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=57_58&products_id=55

320x240, 65k colour, touch screen and card reader on board. I have created a graphics library than runs on 18F PICs which includes driver, 2 sizes of fonts and graphics primitives (lines, circles, rotatable polygons, flood fill, bitmaps). I have a touch driver as well, and also a raw read/write driver for the SD card.

I can send sauce code if anyone's interested.