Slave screen for a PC Chart plotter

[freedom44]

Hi
I have asked about this subject before, but nobody at that time could suggest an affordable solution, but now with the launch of a raft of new hand held devices, perhaps it is possible?

I have a normal laptop at the chart table running on vista and Seapro charting software. It is does what I want but I seem to spend the most fraught minutes of detailed navigation not looking at the screen nor the rocks but rushing backwards and forwards down below to look at the laptop screen.

What I really want is a repeater of the laptop screen which I can carry to the cockpit.. It would preferably be wireless with a battery life of say 2 hours, ideally recharged from the computer if docked after use. Doesn’t need a keyboard as all I want is a copy of what is on the main screen. I can do all the clever bits on the laptop

It needs to be shower proof or be able to be fitted into a waterproof pouch but It doesn’t need to be of a “tough book” specification

Has anyone any ideas??

 

[Madhatter]

Quite a simple operation but as to recommending the hardware to your spec I have no experience.

 

[fireball]

Just about any tablet or smartphone will do - smartphone is probably a little small - I've tried this and whilst it is viewable it is only just!
A tablet - like an iPad or similar is ideal at which point you can either load a Nav app onto the tablet or just use remote viewing software to allow you to view the laptop screen - with the advantage that you can use the 'mouse' by pointing on the screen.
If you're intending on doing this sort of thing frequently then you're best off with a waterproof case.
I'd prefer to mount a waterproof touch screen in a pod and have it hard wired/powered to replicate the laptop screen.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Software like TightVNC will allow you to control and display another PC. I've used it between the UK and Argentina - it is very effective. On an ad-hoc wireless network, it should be excellent.

 

[Bobobolinsky]

I've used a 10" touch screen monitor from ebay, nice and bright, it's hard wired.

 

[jackho]

I think I've read a similar post and the suggestion was to use a "photo viewer" with the appropriate input!!

 

[BurnitBlue]

Software like TightVNC will allow you to control and display another PC. I've used it between the UK and Argentina - it is very effective. On an ad-hoc wireless network, it should be excellent.

I have had a ten year break from long term cruising to bring up my daughter. Enjoyed every minute of it but I am impatient to get back to full time cruising so that I can catch-up with new technology by chatting about it during cockpit sundowners with folk who have practical experience. It is amazing the difference I face between then and now.