Panasonic toughbook chartplotting

[All_at_Sea]

Anyone using this system? I might buy one with the AIS addition, but do they really work well for you?

 

[charles_reed]

Anyone using this system? I might buy one with the AIS addition, but do they really work well for you?

Don't use a Toughbook - far too expensive, but for the last 6 years I've used OpenCPN on either Linux or Win (2000,XP,7) on either an MSI 13.3" or a Lenovo ThinkPad E235. Now up to v 3.2.2 and works perfectly with either a BU235 or a Bluenext USB dongle.
Far better value for money than any plotter and the Meggeson CMap ed2 charts are quite considerably better than Navionics (and can be downloaded free) only trouble is that unzipped they're 2.6Gb.

Meggeson are offering an iOS and Android App, allowing use of their (Ed 3) charts (for a not inconsiderable fee) on a GPS-equipped tablet - about 10% of the price you're envisaging and probably more operator-error-proof.

It's difficult to pass any final judgement as you've not outlined the software and charts you intend to use - far more important than the laptopPC about which your question is posited.

 

[RobbieW]

Give us a link please, its difficult to comment without more detail as charles_reed said.

I do use Toughbooks, bought 2nd hand on ebay - currently a CF74, with the same software mentioned above. They are robust with a bright screen, and still have a real serial port (at least the ones I'm using do). They also have a shock resistant hard drive caddy, having lost 2 other laptops to vibration on boats thats a big plus. Current one in its second season, its predecessor (now the backup) did 5 seasons (including some deliveries). Not paid more than UKP350 for one yet.

 

[davids0865]

the Meggeson CMap ed2 charts are quite considerably better than Navionics (and can be downloaded free) .

All at Sea, sorry for the hijack, but, Charles could you point me towards the download site and if poss to the BU454 usb GPS receiver from a previous thread.

Thanks

 

[Bikerwookie]

I use a cf19 tough book with many charting and hydrographic programs on it. It has been faultless for the last 5 years working for hours on end even with snow on the keyboard.

They are expensive though. Pretty much a £400 laptop in a £2000 case. Just put a solid state hd in one and that brought its speed back up.

If you have the funds and the job is critical I wouldn't trust anything else but it does come at a high price.

 

[charles_reed]

ll at Sea, sorry for the hijack, but, Charles could you point me towards the download site and if poss to the BU454 usb GPS receiver from a previous thread.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GlobalSat-BU-353-WaterProof-Receiver-SiRF/sim/B000PKX2KA/2

https://rs766l32.rapidshare.com/#!download|766l34|135227697|C-Map_CM93_3.part1.rar|100431|

 

[GrahamM376]

They also have a shock resistant hard drive caddy, having lost 2 other laptops to vibration on boats thats a big plus.

Have you thought of upgrading to solid state drive? I've just put one in an ASUS Eee, big speed increase and hopefully more robust.

 

[RobbieW]

Have you thought of upgrading to solid state drive? I've just put one in an ASUS Eee, big speed increase and hopefully more robust.

Thought about when I set the machine up - at that point a 250Gb SSD was nearly as much as I paid for the laptop, looks like theyre down to more sensible prices now!

 

[Nostrodamus]

Give us a link please, its difficult to comment without more detail as charles_reed said.

I do use Toughbooks, bought 2nd hand on ebay - currently a CF74, with the same software mentioned above. They are robust with a bright screen, and still have a real serial port (at least the ones I'm using do). They also have a shock resistant hard drive caddy, having lost 2 other laptops to vibration on boats thats a big plus. Current one in its second season, its predecessor (now the backup) did 5 seasons (including some deliveries). Not paid more than UKP350 for one yet.

I have exactly the same as a back up because of the life of the battery which is exceptional (You could put two batteries in) Mine also has built in GPS which works well, waterproof, keys light up at night if you want and a non reflective touch screen.

 

[stephen_h]

Try this link - not sure if is the same as the OP's - http://www.londonchartplotters.com/

 

[All_at_Sea]

Mine is the cf-18 with AIS as l want to be independent of the boat systems. I'll report back after my first trip in May.

 

[concentrik]

We've been using one for a couple of years now, with OpenCPN and the CM93 charts, GPS input from a USB thingy off eBay (we have 2 spare ones though) and AIS from Advansea.

Never missed a beat.

It is ONLY used for nav though, never for internet or anything else.

 

[All_at_Sea]

Mine has arrived and l have tested it in Haslar marina and all looks good. I'm used to Navionics but you quickly get used to this system of scanned charts, the Bluetooth gps worked well and the AIS quckly found targets, so far l am pleased with the kit. I'm going out to Preveza in May and will report back after 1500 sea miles.