PC monitor

[Guest]

I use a laptop with Tsunamis 99 navigation software, which I obviously keep in cabin when cruising, which
is fine when using the inner helm. Does anyone know where I could purchase small waterproof LCD monitor?
(not too small), that I could mount on the dashboard of the upper helm (Broom type upper aft helm) which
I could then cable link to the PC.

cneighbour

 

[stefan_r]

I have the same setup, with Tsunamis99 as well. I recently purchase an LCD for just over £300 and there are several you can get in this price range. None are waterproof but I have built a small 'house' for it (effectivly a box with one end removed) to cover it from sea splashes.

Don't think waterproof is going to realistic unless you are gonna spend £££££'s - only one or two people make them for our specialist market.

Try www.dabs.com and list LCD's by price - this will give you a good idea of what is around...

You will pobably need a fairly lengthy monitor cable (not cheap if you need it reeeally long!!) and 240v power.

One thing you must make sure for t99 to run the LCD must do 800x600 resolution - a lot of second hand LCD's are 640x480 resolution and T99 will not run under this resolution.

mailto: stefan@athito.com

 

[steve_cronin]

Try Microvitec....

We have four of their 12in TFT LCD's in the office. They look very "sealable" but a weatherproof box is advisable. They also run on 12 volts DC and have (like all LCD's) a detachable data cable and can be panel mounted.

The company positively encourages users to make contact to discuss specialised needs. You never know they might start marketing a marinised version if demand is sufficient.

http://www.microvitec.co.uk/home.html

Steve Cronin

 

[Guest]

Re: PC mon Thanks Stef & Steve

Thanks for that advice Stef & Steve I will check out the web sites mentioned How do you find the
Tsunamis 99 Stef, I think its brilliant CGN

cneighbour

 

[colvic]

Following on from Steve, VIRTUALLY all TFT screens are 12v D.C., are very cool in operation and consume a maximum of 2amps. Philips TFT LCD screens run at 14.6v, (got one by mistake) but has been on the boat for almost three years with 100% reliability.

At present PC World are doing some for £259 on their website, but maybe larger than you want, and if you take out their COVERPLAN insurance at approx£50 it is covered even if you drop it in the water!!

Better still, nip down to your local store



Phil

 

[Guest]

Re: PC monitor Phil

Hi Phil thanks for that I shall try their web site. By the way what software do you use ? CGN

cneighbour

 

[JohnK]

If you want to use a 240v monitor but don't have 240v you could always use an inverter (12v - 240v transformer).

John

 

[Guest]

Hi John K yes I do use an inverter already to power the PC, its a permanent 1500w installation which
would have no problem powering a further monitor CGN

cneighbour

 

[colvic]

Re: PC monitor Phil

I've installed a midi tower PC under the chart table and it has worked very well for quite some time. At sea I use an inverter so we can use the chart plotting via a Garmin 128GPS and Sea Trak software using Admiralty Charts. We also have weatherfax/navtex via a demodulator and an NASA HF Radio,using Weatherfax software from PC Maritime, but the traditional navtex receiver works better. Reeds Electronic Pilot was a good investment but this is no longer available as it is being integrated with the maptech charts and plotters, which if I were to do it all again would really tempt me as the price is so low in comparison to the rest.

In addition to the "nautical" side, we also have a DVD player, YV Tuner card for local TV and the video player, CD Rewriter for saving all the photo's from the digital camera. Over 2000 photo's since we left the UK and still not filled up one CD yet.

We use a printer to print off the electronic charts and have a scanner for copying documents for smaller storage.

The internet and e-mail is through Nokia Data Suite and a Nokia 6110 and a 5110 phone, one as a spare, using a local Spanish ISP via a special number for mobile phones costing 10Pts. a minute. Excellent for some very good weather forecasts. I go back to Spain on Sunday and I'll send you some addresses to try out.