Opencpn

[Tippy2024]

Although I am quite determined to throw good money away on an old boat - I rather despise the idea of costly annual subscriptions for Navigation tech and apps. I was told a while ago that Opencpn was the way to go for someone like me. I have a "rugged" android tablet ( yes! I have the gear - but absolutely no idea ) and I am ready to start getting things wrong on it.

I really would appreciate a steer on where to start? I kept getting a £7 change notice at the Play Store? I don't mind (too much) paying for decent Chartery..? as I believe the charts are an added option? But can i get Open cpn free..?

There is no doubt a thread on this somewhere? But I did look in here, but could not find an ...Opencpn for Dummies....thread - if there is one? I would be immensely grateful for the link.

Acknowledging your patience and kind help..

 

[Baddox]

There used to be a free Android version of OpenCPN on Play Store but it's not showing up there now.

 

[ProDave]

The free version is here, it is not the current version but it works, I have it on 2 devices and my pc at home.

OpenCPN APK for Android - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download

I bought the O charts for not a lot of money which are in all but name the Admiralty charts. Once bought they get updates for a year, but after that they just carry on working with no further payment. you only have to pay more if you want them upgraded.

 

[Tippy2024]

The free version is here, it is not the current version but it works, I have it on 2 devices and my pc at home.

OpenCPN APK for Android - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download

I bought the O charts for not a lot of money which are in all but name the Admiralty charts. Once bought they get updates for a year, but after that they just carry on working with no further payment. you only have to pay more if you want them upgraded.

Immensely grateful to you for your help. I have my start! Thank you kindly. Kim

 

[ylop]

You want the paid version. There was free version but I think it was so out of date it wouldn’t work on most people’s devices. It’s not unreasonable to pay the developers a few pounds for their efforts.

BUT I would question if OpenCPN is actually what you want. IMHO it’s slow, a bit clunky (the mobile app is just a port of a desktop app not a real design for mobile) and in terms of user experience just not as good as modern paid alternatives. You’ll still need to pay for charts (and then to update them occasionally) or jump through ridiculous hoops to scan your own. In reality Navionics / Orca and probably some others actually have a better offering which whilst it might cost slightly more (but very little in total boating terms) offer a modern app experience.

 

[Tippy2024]

You want the paid version. There was free version but I think it was so out of date it wouldn’t work on most people’s devices. It’s not unreasonable to pay the developers a few pounds for their efforts.

BUT I would question if OpenCPN is actually what you want. IMHO it’s slow, a bit clunky (the mobile app is just a port of a desktop app not a real design for mobile) and in terms of user experience just not as good as modern paid alternatives. You’ll still need to pay for charts (and then to update them occasionally) or jump through ridiculous hoops to scan your own. In reality Navionics / Orca and probably some others actually have a better offering which whilst it might cost slightly more (but very little in total boating terms) offer a modern app experience.

Aaaah....Thank you... wise words..
I think i need ..as they say....to do my research!

 

[Laser310]

I use Expedition - which runs on a PC - for race navigation. It's great, but overkill for most people.

but recently, for some cruising, I bought the Weather 4D app, the full version, and the SHOM charts for France.

I haven't figured it out completely, but so far I think it's pretty good.

I think it only runs on iOS devices.

But, really, navigation is important enough that it's worth looking for an app or program that works well for your needs, and then getting the device you need, rather than being tied to something that doesn't work very well, but runs on the device you have.

There is nothing worse than being in a situation where things are happening fast, and having sub-optimal presentation of nav data. Sub optimal can mean anything from poor charts, to a device that's not bright enough, is too small to read clearly, is not mounted well, etc.

Anyway, I liked the 4D app enough that I went and bought the new 11 inch 1000 nit iPad pro. I had been running it on an iPad mini, which just wasn't cutting it.