Waterproof monitors for laptop chart software

[Paling]

I use Maptech chartwork software on my notebook which I find first class. However I am trying to obtain an extension waterproof monitor for use in the cockpit, or a reasonably priced monitor which I could make weather resistant with a perspex/ plastic cover.As chart software for laptops/ notebooks becomes more popular this must be a problem many are faced with in vessels without an enclosed wheelhouse. Does anyone out there have any ideas?

 

[Amulet]

I toyed with the idea of getting this one from Samsung. Your may have more space and greater ambitions. I tracked it down for about £60, though I can't find it again at that price. My view was that this was the kind of money I was prepared to spend for an experiment.

My only location for it is rather near the main compass. View of the forum was that it'd screw up the compass. None of the tech geeks at my place of employment agreed with the notion that it'd interfere with the compass.

It's on my list of things to play with sometime. I'd be really interested in how you get on.

(Your configuration sounds like mine.)

 

[idpnd]

Doesn't seem to exist anymore - thanks for the pointer though

 

[geoid96]

The Samsung 10" and 8" photo frames can act as a PC monitor via the USB port.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SPF87H-Digital-Photo-Frame/dp/B0026OBDRM

 

[agent leman]

Found it at http://www.orangeaccessories.co.uk/u70_ubisync_mini_monitor.html
-quite a bit more expensive though. What about experimenting with a photo frame?

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Try Morgan Computers http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk

although there's a 15" monitor on Amazon (secondhand) for £20 http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0000D89JW/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Offhand I can't think of anything in an LCD monitor that could seriously upset a compass unless it has speakers in. I've seen quite a few boats and aircraft with monitors very close to compasses. I suspect manufacturers quote a minimum distance of 1 metre by default for just anything that has electric string in it. Even if it affects the compass it should be a pretty constant effect so you'll be able to remove it if it's a half decent compass.

 

[Danny]

Re: Samsung 10" and 8" photo frames...

The Samsung 10" and 8" photo frames can act as a PC monitor via the USB port.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SPF87H-Digital-Photo-Frame/dp/B0026OBDRM

Have you actually tried this? I have a couple of photoframes with usb ports but these have usb A type sockets for reading memory sticks. Does the Samsung have a B type socket so that you can connect it to a PC with a standard usb cable? Does it need driver(s)?

 

[geoid96]

Have you actually tried this? ....

I haven't tried it, however the Samsung website lists acting as a PC monitor as one of the features. It has two USB ports: 1 Host (USB1.1) and 1 Device (USB2.0)- Mini-Monitor.

 

[Danny]

I haven't tried it, however the Samsung website lists acting as a PC monitor as one of the features. It has two USB ports: 1 Host (USB1.1) and 1 Device (USB2.0)- Mini-Monitor.

Thanks for that. Looks very interesting. I see from the manual that, when the 8" one is used as a monitor, the frame can be powered by the usb port on the PC (two ports if one is insufficient). This sounds like it could be a really good solution as a cockpit monitor. I wouldn't think it would upset a compass. Wonder how splash-proof it is.

 

[Amulet]

This is very interesting. If anyone tries the Samsung Photoframe solution I'd be very interested - let us know how it works. I'm absolutely certain it is not designed to be splash proof. My thought was to apply a judicious dose of Sikaflex.

I did wonder about brightness/visibility in daylight. Do they not do something clever to screens that need to be viewed in daylight?