![]() ![]() It's only under unusual circumstances that I need a computer not a chart-plotter: this is when the Raymarine plotter doesn't work (N of 75 degrees it fails to display - which betrays bad s/w testing) or when the data isn't available for the plotter. I can use a Bluetooth GPS dongle instead, but since I leave the expensive and not at all waterproof PC below on the chart-table the USB cable isn't such a bore.īut I admit I hardly ever use it nowadays. That gives WAAS augmented GPS plus also the AIS reports received so seems ideal. The software is SeaPro and, because it only runs under Windows, I use 'Parallels' (this is useful anyway as there are quite a few useful programs such as zygrib and WXTide which need windows so the emulator has paid for itself).įor GPS, I use the AIS transceiver's USB port. I use, occasionally, a MacBook Air as a chart plotter. A £100 tablet (also running OpenCPN, with the planned route synced to it) can do it better and is easier to waterproof, so that's what's in the cockpit, and as backup a robust old Thinkpad on the chart table for around the same money. It's a massive overkill in computing power for a bit of chart display anyways. Also they make them only with silly high-gloss screens that can only be used in a dark room. ![]() Come passage time, the Macbook gets packed away, as it is too expensive to risk and cannot tolerate the slightest drop of salt spray. I use OpenCPN on the Macbook Pro, but only for planning. These vary per region and are usually the official charts, which are often not as good as Navionics, as aimed at shipping, not leisure (certainly the ones for Spain - although on the upside, all the marine reserves and fish farms are up to date). You can get MacENC/GPSNavX (see ) and then license the Navionics charts for that through a third party provider, but it's somewhat complex and much more expensive than the Navionics app pricing (about £70 for UK charts only last I checked). ![]()
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