Digital Charts

Wayne.B wrote:
 > On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones RemoveThis @americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
 > wrote:
  >>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
  >>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
  >>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
  >>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
  >>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
  >>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
  >>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
  >>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
  >>utilities.
 > ===========================================
 >
 > If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
 > quit your day job.


Wayne -

Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
discount!

So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."

I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
the usual computer functions.

Any advice?



--
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me -
you can't get fooled again." -George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., Sept.
17, 2002<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:46:21 -0400, Harry Krause
<piedtypecase.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote:

 >Wayne.B wrote:
  >> On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones.TakeThisOut@americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
  >> wrote:
   >>>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
   >>>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
   >>>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
   >>>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
   >>>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
   >>>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
   >>>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
   >>>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
   >>>utilities.
  >> ===========================================
  >>
  >> If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
  >> quit your day job.
 >
 >
 >Wayne -
 >
 >Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
 >small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
 >think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
 >are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
 >small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
 >discount!
 >
 >So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
 >chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
 >keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
 >thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
 >or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
 >a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."
 >
 >I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
 >other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
 >installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
 >you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
 >the usual computer functions.
 >
 >Any advice?

Actually, I can address this.

The problem with computer based operations on a boat, even one like
your Parker, is shock mounting the computer. It's almost impossible
to do correctly on a small boat with a store bought computer. I've
seen some gimbal type shock mounts, but on anything less than 40 feet,
they are useless.

I tried to use one on my Contender and gave up. I couldn't get the
computer to stay up long enough to do any good unless the water was
like glass and even then, the vibrations from the outboards would
cause it to go berzerk evey once in a while. Even remote mounting the
computer in a box with pads everywhere didn't help.

There's a bunch of marie laptops out there, but from the reviews I've
read (and that is by no means complete), this type of application for
laptops is not the greatest in the marine environment.

I went with the dedicated chartplotter - it does what it's supposed to
do.

Take care.

Tom

"The beatings will stop when morale improves."
E. Teach, 1717<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones.RemoveThis@americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
wrote:

 >Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
 >full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
 >possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
 >calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
 >that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
 >Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
 >website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
 >navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
 >utilities.

You need to work on the site a little.

Take care.

Tom

"The beatings will stop when morale improves."
E. Teach, 1717<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

"Harry Krause" <piedtypecase RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2pjabpFkpjt4U1@uni-berlin.de...
 > Wayne.B wrote:
  > > On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones RemoveThis @americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
  > > wrote:
   > >>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
   > >>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
   > >>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
   > >>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
   > >>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
   > >>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
   > >>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
   > >>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
   > >>utilities.
  > > ===========================================
  > >
  > > If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
  > > quit your day job.
 >
 >
 > Wayne -
 >
 > Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
 > small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
 > think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
 > are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
 > small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
 > discount!
 >
 > So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
 > chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
 > keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
 > thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
 > or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
 > a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."
 >
 > I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
 > other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
 > installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
 > you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
 > the usual computer functions.
 >
 > Any advice?

I haven't used charts in years, since the Lake Ontario chart basically says
"deep", "deeper" or "holy shit it's really deep". Doesn't anyone use paper
charts any more?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 16:05:13 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
<ancientangler DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote:

 >
 >"Harry Krause" <piedtypecase DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
 >news:2pjabpFkpjt4U1@uni-berlin.de...
  >> Wayne.B wrote:
   >> > On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones DeleteThis @americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
   >> > wrote:
   >> >>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
   >> >>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
   >> >>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
   >> >>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
   >> >>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
   >> >>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
   >> >>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
   >> >>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
   >> >>utilities.
   >> > ===========================================
   >> >
   >> > If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
   >> > quit your day job.
  >>
  >>
  >> Wayne -
  >>
  >> Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
  >> small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
  >> think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
  >> are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
  >> small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
  >> discount!
  >>
  >> So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
  >> chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
  >> keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
  >> thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
  >> or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
  >> a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."
  >>
  >> I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
  >> other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
  >> installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
  >> you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
  >> the usual computer functions.
  >>
  >> Any advice?
 >
 >I haven't used charts in years, since the Lake Ontario chart basically says
 >"deep", "deeper" or "holy shit it's really deep". Doesn't anyone use paper
 >charts any more?

ROTFLMAO!!!!

Do those charts also have a "Here there be monsters" warning? :>)

Actually, I had this discussion with my brother this morning. I've
always used paper charts with electronic backup when available. I
really like the new graphical GPS units, in particular my latest toy,
a Raymarine RC400 which is REALLY cool. He prefers electronic.

But I will always use visual/radar fixes and paper checking against
the GPS everytime.

Later,

Tom<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:

 > On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:46:21 -0400, Harry Krause
 > <piedtypecase.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
 >
  >>Wayne.B wrote:
   >>> On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones.RemoveThis@americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
   >>> wrote:
   >>>>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
   >>>>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
   >>>>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
   >>>>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
   >>>>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
   >>>>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
   >>>>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
   >>>>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
   >>>>utilities.
   >>> ===========================================
   >>>
   >>> If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
   >>> quit your day job.
  >>
  >>
  >>Wayne -
  >>
  >>Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
  >>small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
  >>think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
  >>are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
  >>small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
  >>discount!
  >>
  >>So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
  >>chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
  >>keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
  >>thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
  >>or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
  >>a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."
  >>
  >>I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
  >>other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
  >>installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
  >>you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
  >>the usual computer functions.
  >>
  >>Any advice?
 >
 > Actually, I can address this.
 >
 > The problem with computer based operations on a boat, even one like
 > your Parker, is shock mounting the computer. It's almost impossible
 > to do correctly on a small boat with a store bought computer. I've
 > seen some gimbal type shock mounts, but on anything less than 40 feet,
 > they are useless.
 >
 > I tried to use one on my Contender and gave up. I couldn't get the
 > computer to stay up long enough to do any good unless the water was
 > like glass and even then, the vibrations from the outboards would
 > cause it to go berzerk evey once in a while. Even remote mounting the
 > computer in a box with pads everywhere didn't help.
 >
 > There's a bunch of marie laptops out there, but from the reviews I've
 > read (and that is by no means complete), this type of application for
 > laptops is not the greatest in the marine environment.
 >
 > I went with the dedicated chartplotter - it does what it's supposed to
 > do.
 >
 > Take care.
 >
 > Tom
 >
 > "The beatings will stop when morale improves."
 > E. Teach, 1717


There are some very small PCs out there now, such as the small footprint
units made by Shuttle. Perhaps it would be easy to vibrate-isolate.

I've used my laptop on Yo Ho a couple of times, and it wasn't much fun,
though it did become easier when I substituted a good trackball for the
mouse.

--
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me -
you can't get fooled again." -George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., Sept.
17, 2002<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

Doug Kanter wrote:

 > "Harry Krause" <piedtypecase.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
 > news:2pjabpFkpjt4U1@uni-berlin.de...
  >> Wayne.B wrote:
   >> > On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, rexajones.TakeThisOut@americanchart.com (Rex Jones)
   >> > wrote:
   >> >>Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
   >> >>full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
   >> >>possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
   >> >>calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
   >> >>that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
   >> >>Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
   >> >>website at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://americanchart.com" target="_blank">http://americanchart.com</a> Also included are other free
   >> >>navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
   >> >>utilities.
   >> > ===========================================
   >> >
   >> > If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
   >> > quit your day job.
  >>
  >>
  >> Wayne -
  >>
  >> Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
  >> small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
  >> think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
  >> are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
  >> small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
  >> discount!
  >>
  >> So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
  >> chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
  >> keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
  >> thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
  >> or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
  >> a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."
  >>
  >> I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
  >> other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
  >> installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
  >> you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
  >> the usual computer functions.
  >>
  >> Any advice?
 >
 > I haven't used charts in years, since the Lake Ontario chart basically says
 > "deep", "deeper" or "holy shit it's really deep". Doesn't anyone use paper
 > charts any more?
 >
 >

We have the opposite problem here...water, less water, and
sheeet....we're on the bottom again. Usually unmarked and unpredictable.
Unless you want to bury your face in a paper chart when fishing near
the edges, you want a chartplotter that displays depths as you're moving
along...

--
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me -
you can't get fooled again." -George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., Sept.
17, 2002<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

"Doug Kanter" <ancientangler.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:Zk1Zc.4397>
 > I haven't used charts in years, since the Lake Ontario chart basically
says
 > "deep", "deeper" or "holy shit it's really deep". Doesn't anyone use paper
 > charts any more?
 >
We do! Last I heard they were the only legal kind for the Canadian East
Coast .<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:46:21 -0400, Harry Krause
<piedtypecase DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote:

 >I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
 >other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
 >installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
 >you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
 >the usual computer functions.
 >
 >Any advice?
=====================================

I use Maptech Offshore Navigator with the Maptech BSB chart CDs. My
hardware varys but most often I use a small Compaq Pentium III laptop
with an external 15 inch flat panel monitor. The P3 laptops are
available used/reconditioned these days at very reasonable prices so I
don't worry too much about them getting wet. As long as you're using
an external monitor, screen size and quality on the laptop is not
important. I once took an old IBM P2 wrapped in saran wrap to Bermuda
on a sailboat. It survived just fine even with lots of spray finding
its way below decks. I use a large plastic envelope to protect the
flat panel display in stinky conditions. These are sold at W-M as
protection for chart books.

I've also used one of the small form factor PCs with good success,
coupled up with a small rubber keyboard that is waterproof (CompUSA).
In theory it would have run straight from 12V ships power but have
always ran it from a small 50 watt inverter instead (better voltage
stability).<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 15:11:38 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
<tomf123removethis DeleteThis @earthlink.net> wrote:

 >The problem with computer based operations on a boat, even one like
 >your Parker, is shock mounting the computer.

======================================

Maybe I've been lucky but I've never found this to be a problem. It
is true that Mrs B likes a soft ride however.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

Wayne.B wrote:
 > On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:46:21 -0400, Harry Krause
 > <piedtypecase RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
 >
  >>I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
  >>other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
  >>installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
  >>you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
  >>the usual computer functions.
  >>
  >>Any advice?
 > =====================================
 >
 >
 > I've also used one of the small form factor PCs with good success,
 > coupled up with a small rubber keyboard that is waterproof (CompUSA).
 > In theory it would have run straight from 12V ships power but have
 > always ran it from a small 50 watt inverter instead (better voltage
 > stability).


There's an electrical cabinet inside the cabin of our Parker, and right
below it there is plenty of room on the bulkhead to mount and protect a
small form factor PC and an inverter. From there, it's easy access to
the main cabin control panel and some sort of keyboard. I've got a
Furuno fishfinder/bottom plotter mounted on the cabin overhead, but I
could easily move that to the dash where the Standard Horizon 170 now
resides, and attach a 15" LCD to the overhead. I like your idea of the
super baggie to protect the monitor...

Most of the nav program input can be handled with a trackball/pointer
device.

Perhaps a winter project.




--
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me -
you can't get fooled again." -George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., Sept.
17, 2002<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

Wayne.B wrote:

 > On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 15:11:38 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
 > <tomf123removethis RemoveThis @earthlink.net> wrote:
 >
  >>The problem with computer based operations on a boat, even one like
  >>your Parker, is shock mounting the computer.
 >
 > ======================================
 >
 > Maybe I've been lucky but I've never found this to be a problem. It
 > is true that Mrs B likes a soft ride however.
 >


It seems to me with one of the small "Shuttle" PCs, so long as you
arranged for cooling access, you could mount the box itself inside a
carved block of shock-absorbing foam, and then attach the works to a
gimbal bracket. But I haven't spent any real time conjuring this...yet.




--
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me -
you can't get fooled again." -George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., Sept.
17, 2002<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts 

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 14:01:06 -0400, Harry Krause
<piedtypecase.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote:

 >It seems to me with one of the small "Shuttle" PCs, so long as you
 >arranged for cooling access, you could mount the box itself inside a
 >carved block of shock-absorbing foam, and then attach the works to a
 >gimbal bracket. But I haven't spent any real time conjuring this...yet.

=====================================

Foam (large sponge?) might be a good idea but the gimbal would be
overkill in my opinion. These things don't really care if they are
perfectly level or not. My laptops would have stopped working long
ago if that was the case.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Digital Charts