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TBillings · 17-01-2016, 12:20

Right now, I have a wireless multiplexer that transmits to my laptop running OpenCPN. However, I'm looking at getting a dedicated tablet instead of using my laptop (you can imagine my laptop is quite unwieldy in the cockpit). The question is, should I get an iPad and one of their apps, or just get a Windows Surface running Windows 10 and install OpenCPN?

Obviously, I'm more familiar with OpenCPN, but I also know the iPad apps are real slick and shiny. The thing I really like about OpenCPN is the plugin support (and the free-ness).

The primary use for now is racing with a little weekend cruising, but in the not so distant future, I'll probably switch to an integrated system with a Raspberry Pi down below.

Ostinato · 17-01-2016, 23:05

Essentially I have both and as you would expect each has its advantages. Recently I added Duos to my Surface Pro 3 and I now run Navionics Android on it.

My Surface has to use a dongle or bluetooth to get the GPS signal and the battery time is not as good as an iPad or Android tablet. Outdoor viewing is similar but the iPad may be slightly better. Weight with the Pro 4 might be better than the Pro 3 but the iPad/Android wins in my case. They are also thinner and cheaper for the most part. Water resistant cases are probably more available too but I have not had to worry about that much since I use them to supplement a chart plotter.

I don't know of a similar simulator for IOS but Android and IOS Navionics programs are virtually identical. You can also run OpenCPN on an Android but I have not done that yet.

Kenomac · 17-01-2016, 23:10

Navionics is a primitive toy when compared to an Ipad or PC with Nobeltec Time Zero installed... which BTW, is also a free app.

travellerw · 17-01-2016, 23:35

A while back I would have said an MS surface hands down.... but.. my Surface has not held up very well on my boat. Mind you, some of my trips have been rough and pretty wet, but I expected more on it. Corrosion seems to have set in on the charge port and keyboard connection.

I will also caviet this by saying it is a Surface Pro 1, but got almost zero use until I bought my boat. I had it for 2 years up here in Canada and it might have gotten 1 hour/month of use before I had my boat.

At this point I have moved to a business class Dell laptop.

Richfind · 18-01-2016, 07:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Navionics is a primitive toy when compared to an Ipad or PC with Nobeltec Time Zero installed... which BTW, is also a free app.

Nobeltec is free? Where?

nic26 · 18-01-2016, 07:40

For your later fun have a look at Lattepanda.com Pi size but win 10 already installed and a lot of IOs.

Kenomac · 18-01-2016, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richfind

Nobeltec is free? Where?

iTunes store. Download the iPad app for free.

iliohale · 18-01-2016, 08:28

You guys know about Signal K? Check it out:

http://ikommunicate.com/wp-content/u...hite-paper.pdf

I think that this will change the discussion regarding devices.

Gary

DreaminFred · 18-01-2016, 08:44

If you're in this space, you should consider a good android tablet. The Samsung Tab 4 has a great GPS, the ipad location services are a mixed and un-disclosed technology. I like Navionics on the Tab4, though I will probably upgrade to a larger screen than my current 7".

Nadezhda · 18-01-2016, 09:01

OpenCPN works fine on the Android. I can evn run it on my phone but the screen is a bit too small

Kenomac · 18-01-2016, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreaminFred

If you're in this space, you should consider a good android tablet. The Samsung Tab 4 has a great GPS, the ipad location services are a mixed and un-disclosed technology. I like Navionics on the Tab4, though I will probably upgrade to a larger screen than my current 7".

We have two cellular IPads, two Samsung s4 phones and two iPhones an IPhone 6 and a 5s. I don't see any difference between them on how the GPS functions. Great on all devices.

TBillings · 18-01-2016, 09:20

I just looked into the Nexus 9 (Android) for OpenCPN. The only issue I see is that there really isn't a whole lot of plugin support like there is for the desktop version. If I went that route, I'd probably just get iNavX or something since the only benefit I think OpenCPN has over them is the option for plugins. I almost wonder if I just got an old Android tablet and installed linux on it, and how that would work.

As for the other devices, I'm not too concerned about GPS compatibility... that is already routed through my NMEA Multiplexer, so really all I need is just a straight up chart plotter that can accept WiFi sentences.

Does anyone have any experience doing the Linux on an Android Tablet running OpenCPN? I might go over to that forum and ask.

Kenomac · 18-01-2016, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewDurst

I just looked into the Nexus 9 (Android) for OpenCPN. The only issue I see is that there really isn't a whole lot of plugin support like there is for the desktop version. If I went that route, I'd probably just get iNavX or something since the only benefit I think OpenCPN has over them is the option for plugins. I almost wonder if I just got an old Android tablet and installed linux on it, and how that would work.

As for the other devices, I'm not too concerned about GPS compatibility... that is already routed through my NMEA Multiplexer, so really all I need is just a straight up chart plotter that can accept WiFi sentences.

Does anyone have any experience doing the Linux on an Android Tablet running OpenCPN? I might go over to that forum and ask.

Spend a few bucks and purchase INavx for an ipad. We've also been using it very successfully for over six years. Why waste all this time and energy just trying to get something that's free in order to save $50?