Opencpn

Tippy2024

Member
Joined
17 Dec 2024
Messages
43
Visit site
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..
 

ProDave

Well-known member
Joined
5 Sep 2010
Messages
15,643
Location
Alness / Black Isle Northern Scottish Highlands.
Visit site
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

Member
Joined
17 Dec 2024
Messages
43
Visit site
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

Well-known member
Joined
10 Oct 2016
Messages
2,649
Visit site
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 There was free version but I think it was so out of date it wouldn’t work on most people’s devices.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

Member
Joined
17 Dec 2024
Messages
43
Visit site
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

Well-known member
Joined
15 Sep 2014
Messages
1,405
Visit site
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.
 

Birdseye

Well-known member
Joined
9 Mar 2003
Messages
28,471
Location
s e wales
Visit site
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.


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.
Yes I accept that cheeseparing by using out of date charts on non marine kit isnt a good idea, but we did for centuries navigate with paper charts. Whatever the situation a competent sailor should be able to cope without plotters good or bad
Obsolete chart data on a limited old tablet with a touch screen and poor visibility outside the cabin is not the way to go
 

BCsailor

New member
Joined
27 Mar 2024
Messages
18
Visit site
Stay away from the so-called "free version" of Android OpenCPN (Maison Automatique). Hopelessly out-of-date and ithout ANY support.

The Dave Register paid version (one-time low fee) of Android OpenCPN is kept up to date and there are many folks out there willing to help (including Dave Register). Most functions are same or similar to desktop version of OpenCPN so manuals are mostly useable (with somekey exceptions).

O-charts provides up-to-date charts for OpenCPN at a low annual fee. (If you do not renew, the charts remain useable, just not updateable.) These charts are not useable on the unofficial/free/out-of-date Android OpenCPN by Maison Automatique.
 
Top