Interesting software

Greets: Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have a rather nice unix based solution. http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html Best regards -- /ch

This is very interesting. Can you add a little "color". How much have you used it. What is good about it, bad, what does zyGrib bring to the party. I assume this means a laptop on board. I have an old laptop that can run Linux well but for some reason Windows won't run on it any longer. Strange that a computer that worked just fine when new won't run worth a damn even after formatting the disk and reinstalling the OS. Seems like some auto updates break these old machines. Anyway, works great with Linux at least for simple things as ling as I don't try and stream a TV show. Bottom line: I am interested in learning more. Allen On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 1:25 PM, chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com>wrote: > > > Greets: > > Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is > essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows > and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and > vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think > Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have > a rather nice unix based solution. > > http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html > > Best regards > > -- > /ch > >

So, it's just me then... I tried to run this twice on my linux mint installation and couldn't get it to work. Probably because I'm a linux noob and I didn't install some sort of dependency or another. If you got it to work then that gives me that much more incentive to fiddle with it. BTW, I met the folks from Dyad (bigdumbboat) in Beaufort, NC last fall and they were nice. Like most people I have met in the cruising community. Mike On 3/22/2010 4:25 PM, chris123 wrote: > > > Greets: > > Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is > essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows > and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and > vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think > Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have > a rather nice unix based solution. > > http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html > <http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html> > > Best regards > > -- > /ch > >

Allen, My 1998 laptop with celeron 500mhz processor and 256MB RAM (maxed out!) runs like a champ with linux on it. Windows just kept getting more bloated and the machine ran slower and slower. I saw no need to throw away a perfectly good laptop because the software didn't work. Anyway, I have installed linux mint a couple weeks ago and the only problem I have had with it is recognizing my Logitech webcam and getting the full speed of my mobile wireless card. I can watch movies on it too although it looks better when I use a newer external monitor. Since this laptop was designated as the backup navigation machine aboard /Celtic Naut/, I tried to install OpenCPN but couldn't get it to work but I'm convinced that is my fault. I'll let you know how it goes... Mike On 3/22/2010 4:39 PM, Allen Edwards wrote: > > > This is very interesting. Can you add a little "color". How much > have you used it. What is good about it, bad, what does zyGrib bring > to the party. I assume this means a laptop on board. I have an old > laptop that can run Linux well but for some reason Windows won't run > on it any longer. Strange that a computer that worked just fine when > new won't run worth a damn even after formatting the disk and > reinstalling the OS. Seems like some auto updates break these old > machines. Anyway, works great with Linux at least for simple things > as ling as I don't try and stream a TV show. Bottom line: I am > interested in learning more. > > > Allen > > > On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 1:25 PM, chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com > <mailto:ch… [at] gmail.com>> wrote: > > > > Greets: > > Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is > essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows > and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and > vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think > Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have > a rather nice unix based solution. > > http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html > <http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html> > > Best regards > > -- > /ch > > >

To answer both posts at once. First feel free to contact me off line as beyond this its really off topic. Have about 10 hrs on OpenCPN and so far it seems fully functional once I sorted out on bug on Linux (gpsd) not present on windows. Comparable to Garmin's nroute plotting solution but differs in that it can be run in realtime as a plotter as well. 1. The current Linux support is Debian based, so Debian or Ubuntu flavors are supported. -with both versions gpsd is on by default and you need to kill it before installing it (know bug) from root "killall gpsd" . For other distro's you need to build it from source but did not have to do this. 2. zyGrib is the grib software that I use and its very good as it uses combined NOAA models to give you a max of 7 day forecast. Its simple to install again if your on Debian or Ubuntu. Grib data was more accurate on a three day forecast then WX NOAA reports on VHF on the Chesapeake this winter. 3. OpenCPN can use this grib data as an overlay but I prefer to run the two separately. 4. xtides is running as well and its excellent. its the standard from which all others are build. Things I like about OpenCPN: - runs NOAA rasters and vectors seamlessly - CMAP vectors are are reported as supported and that's the route I'm going - simple clutter free display - very accurate and editable routing that is interoperable via other systems (tested on garmin nroute) via gpx output file. - can communicate with gps directly (upload and download with respect to tracks, routes, waypoints) - AIS is supported - NMEA output and input is supported so you can plug it in to you autopilot. Things I don't like: - icon set is ugly but that's a matter of taste. I don't like anchovies on pizza, some do. - Full screen view with no tool bars is not supported with this release. - vector charts are not cached so they are rebuild every time you call one, resulting in a time delay, manageable but needs to be fixed. Nav station putter that i use is an Asus 1000HA as it has very good battery life and on my boat I count every amp. Like to go light on power as there is less to break and maintain. My personal choice YMMV. 6 hr battery life is a good thing. Newer models boast close to 8. So as a real time station and plotter the putter is pretty handy. -- /ch

I went to the link, but the link to the download site is expired. The site no longer exists. What am I not spotting on where to download the program?

Found it here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/files/opencpn/1.3.6/OpenCPN_136_Setup.exe/download On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM, Bruce Stirling <br… [at] stirlinglaw.com>wrote: > I went to the link, but the link to the download site is expired. The site > no longer exists. What am I not spotting on where to download the program? > -- Robert Bruce Stirling, II, Esq. 602.254.6638 602.460.5631 [Cell] 602-507-9445 [Fax] 520-302-5206 [Tucson] br… [at] stirlinglaw.com http://www.stirlinglaw.com/lawyers The information in this e-mail communication is Privileged and Confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the undersigned sender immediately and then delete this e-mail.

Similar story here. My target laptop is from 2000 so it is a bit faster but same story on the memory. I can watch some streaming content but it depends on the site. Some sites are unwatchable, some fine. I am running Mythbuntu which is a "cake walk" to install so I see real promise for the old machine if we can get a basket of boating software running. On another subject, I have been looking for iPhone applications for sailing specifically to do some experiments like how ling does it take to tack, where exactly is the starting line. I found XMotion highly recommended but as a jack of all trades it is not a master of sailing. There seems to be a nice application on the Google phones, Beer Can Racer, but alas not in the iPhone. I would love to get one of the new Nexus 1 phones as it is so much nicer but $$$$. I am wondering if someone knows of some good sailing apps for iPhone. Allen On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 2:22 PM, mike <mi… [at] wahini.org> wrote: > > > Allen, > My 1998 laptop with celeron 500mhz processor and 256MB RAM (maxed out!) > runs like a champ with linux on it. Windows just kept getting more bloated > and the machine ran slower and slower. I saw no need to throw away a > perfectly good laptop because the software didn't work. Anyway, I have > installed linux mint a couple weeks ago and the only problem I have had with > it is recognizing my Logitech webcam and getting the full speed of my mobile > wireless card. I can watch movies on it too although it looks better when I > use a newer external monitor. Since this laptop was designated as the backup > navigation machine aboard *Celtic Naut*, I tried to install OpenCPN but > couldn't get it to work but I'm convinced that is my fault. I'll let you > know how it goes... > Mike > > On 3/22/2010 4:39 PM, Allen Edwards wrote: > > > > This is very interesting. Can you add a little "color". How much have you > used it. What is good about it, bad, what does zyGrib bring to the party. > I assume this means a laptop on board. I have an old laptop that can run > Linux well but for some reason Windows won't run on it any longer. Strange > that a computer that worked just fine when new won't run worth a damn even > after formatting the disk and reinstalling the OS. Seems like some auto > updates break these old machines. Anyway, works great with Linux at least > for simple things as ling as I don't try and stream a TV show. Bottom > line: I am interested in learning more. > > Allen > > > On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 1:25 PM, chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com>wrote: > >> >> >> Greets: >> >> Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is >> essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows >> and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and >> vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think >> Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have >> a rather nice unix based solution. >> >> http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html >> >> Best regards >> >> -- >> /ch >> > > > >

This was posted to cruisersforum where the main thread seems to run. Software is available from sourceforge and you can get it here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/files/ open the 1.3.6 folder and grab the flavour or your choice. regards /ch

I downloaded it, but then it noted I had no charts. The only charts I have are from Garmin that came with my GPS system. Is there a way for this program to import charts from my Garmin CD? I am too busy to spend time playing right now. Thanks. On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 5:16 PM, chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com>wrote: > > > This was posted to cruisersforum where the main thread seems to run. > Software is available from sourceforge and you can get it here: > > > http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/files/ > > open the 1.3.6 folder and grab the flavour or your choice. > > regards > > /ch > > > > -- Robert Bruce Stirling, II, Esq. 602.254.6638 602.460.5631 [Cell] 602-507-9445 [Fax] 520-302-5206 [Tucson] br… [at] stirlinglaw.com http://www.stirlinglaw.com/lawyers The information in this e-mail communication is Privileged and Confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the undersigned sender immediately and then delete this e-mail.

The best charting program I've found for Linux is Barco Software's SeaFarer. It's not free, although the demo works fine. There were a few glitches in reading BSB4, but seems to be working fine now. And I think it reads BSB3 (ie the freely-downloadable ones for US waters) as well. There's a few others that are kinda "beta" that kinda work... (haven't tried xyGrib yet) druid "Coatue" Crown 28 Allen Edwards wrote: > > > This is very interesting. Can you add a little "color". How much > have you used it. What is good about it, bad, what does zyGrib bring > to the party. I assume this means a laptop on board. I have an old > laptop that can run Linux well but for some reason Windows won't run > on it any longer. Strange that a computer that worked just fine when > new won't run worth a damn even after formatting the disk and > reinstalling the OS. Seems like some auto updates break these old > machines. Anyway, works great with Linux at least for simple things > as ling as I don't try and stream a TV show. Bottom line: I am > interested in learning more. > > > Allen >

Have not tested garmin charts on windows where mine are unlocked so cannot comment on that at this time. Once I get it sorted will write a quick review of what I found. No rush, give it some time. NOAA raster & vector charts: http://www.charts.noaa.gov/?Disclaimer=noaa!nos%40ocs%23mcd&Submit=Proceed+to+Chart+Downloader /ch

Chris, I can't thank you enough for bringing this to my (our) attention. I am running it under XP and it works great. I downloaded all the charts from Main to Cape May. I am a big fan of paper charts (though I do have 3 chart plotters of various levels of sophistication) but you can't beat the price for this. Open source SW and free govt. charts. America, what a country! I have never brought my LT on board but I will probably be interfacing my GPS with my LT this summer. Thanks again. I will really put this to good use. Regards Wayne From: chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Mon, March 22, 2010 4:25:18 PM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Interesting software Greets: Came across an interesting piece of software called OpenCPN which is essentially an open source ECS. Tested it both on linux and windows and plots charts and routes inclusive of editing NOAA rasters and vectors rather well. If anyone is interested Im not sure but I think Mac is supported as well. When yuou combine this with zyGrib you have a rather nice unix based solution. http://www.bigdumbo at.com/cpnindex. html Best regards -- /ch

Wrt to zyGrib two screen shots are attached...more capabilities then presented of course. -- /ch

sure wish I knew what all that meant and how to use it to determine when to leave Pensacola for Ft Myers Reggie To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com From: ch… [at] gmail.com Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:53:03 -0400 Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Interesting software [2 Attachments] [Attachment(s) from chris123 included below] Wrt to zyGrib two screen shots are attached...more capabilities then presented of course. -- /ch

In its simplest form the arrows point the wind direction, and barbs represent wind speed. Using such a tool and given your departure and arrival location you can get a visual representation of the wind speed and direction for your designated course (as well as much more information) and generate a three day forecast. A general overview is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GRIB Enjoy /ch

Don't thank the messenger....thank the developers who make this stuff available at no cost and with access to source code..but your appreciation is of course accepted. Drop them a note if you like it, they really appreciate that. Glad it makes you happy and that you find it useful. That's thanks enough given all the help I've received from folks on this list. Best regards /ch

How about Mac? --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, chris123 <chris.herrnberger@...> wrote: > > Don't thank the messenger....thank the developers who make this stuff > available at no cost and with access to source code..but your appreciation > is of course accepted. Drop them a note if you like it, they really > appreciate that. > > Glad it makes you happy and that you find it useful. That's thanks enough > given all the help I've received from folks on this list. > > > Best regards > > /ch >

http://www.bigdumboat.com/cpnabout.html supported if you know how to build applications on Mac. /ch