Using grib plugin in OpenCPN

[cpedw]

I installed openplotter on my Raspberry Pi. It installed a xygrib package which works quite nicely. There's also a plugin for OpenCPN which can read a grib file (but finding the directory that xygrib uses was a challenge - it's a hidden directory by default).

The plugin has a "Request file" button but I can't make it work. It seems to try to create an email to send to the grib server but email isn't set up on my Pi so it can't do it. Presumably the xygrip package is using ftp or some other magic to get the files.

Looking at the opencpn manual, I am daunted and confused. Especially when I read
"
This is an Advanced subject, that is not necessary for running the grib plugin.
Do not try these setups unless you are familiar with your operating system, comfortable with handling the command line interface and editing configuration files.
Do not expect these instructions to work without some customization. "

Any advice how to get grib working seamlessly from inside opencpn?

Derek

 

[GHA]

A simple work around if you don't want to set up an email prog is to copy the text in the box under 'mail', then you could use a web email account and paste that into the body of a message and send to Query@saildocs.com
No subject required. Should get a reply in a few moments. That's on windows anyway, don't have a Pi booted up to check. Likely the same.

 

[cpedw]

Thanks for that suggestion. I take it the plugin can't access the grib file without email then?

I think it would be even simpler to use the xygrib program. It saves the file without any intervention and then it can be viewed either in opencpn or the xygrib program.

Derek

 

[RobbieW]

...I think it would be even simpler to use the xygrib program. It saves the file without any intervention and then it can be viewed either in opencpn or the xygrib program....

Thats what I do, and did with xygribs predecessor zygrib. The xygrib interface gives a lot more options but it then downloads by ftp, or something similar. I guess if I were reliant on a satellite or HF connection the mail interface would have a benefit

 

[LadyInBed]

On my Android I use Sailgrib, you can set / create a folder for the gribs to download to. On the Ocpn icon there is a settings icon where you can also set the grib location folder, pointing it to the same folder works.
If your grib viewer won't allow you to specify the download folder I would change it!

 

[cpedw]

If your grib viewer won't allow you to specify the download folder I would change it!

Yes xygrib does allow the folder to be changed. My challenge was that the default was a hidden folder. Once I had remembered (it took a while ...) that hidden folders exist, I was able to find and change it.

Derek