Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 04-12-2015, 10:51   #1
Registered User

Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 16
Sub $200 GPS Speedo

Looking to Pick up a Christmas present for a Junior Sailor. Something like a Velocitek, Big Display, Speed and COG, Data Logging. Waterproof and Durable are necessary.

Anything like this exist or shall I start putting something together in the shop?

Thanks
Uncle Augie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2015, 09:14   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Boat: 1990 Hunter Legend 37.5
Posts: 58
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

Your phone with a $10 sailing app and a $40 waterproof case. Add in a $10 external battery if you don't want it to die down.

Done.

I'm actually seriously considering not replacing any of my onboard equipment once it goes, a Tablet and smartphone's GPS work anywhere in the world without any extra charge and are far more granular than the stupid knot meters that always clog up.
__________________
"One major advantage of living aboard is she can't re arrange the furniture on a whim." -Perchance
TitoSoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2015, 10:06   #3
Registered User

Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 16
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

So I messed around last night with some electronic stuff I had laying around, wrote come code, and have a working model. The display are just LED 7 segment not a transreflective LCD so they have readability issues in full sunlight, but it works, and it was a hell of a lot less than $349.00 that Velocitek wants. 10htz update, with COG over Speed. Sorting out the logging side currently. I guess Monday Ill send an email looking for some quality LCD's.

What Gages are you missing? I Basically built a NMEA 0183 GPS unit to send GPS signals, then a Display unit to take that NMEA stream and parse then display it. Wouldn't be too hard to make a Display that would display any incoming NMEA data. A Universal gage sort of. I am sure I could do it for much less than the $300-$700 that the big guys want for instruments that just display one or two items.
Uncle Augie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13-12-2015, 12:08   #4
Registered User
 
ccannan's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2003
Boat: Alubat, OVNI 47
Posts: 379
Images: 5
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

Uncle Augie, how much further has your project progressed?
__________________
Chip
ccannan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-12-2015, 13:35   #5
Registered User

Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 16
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

99% complete, finishing up packaging a version. Heading on top display speed on bottom, data recording as well. Thinking I could build them for 149ish

Sent from my A1023 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
Uncle Augie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-12-2015, 14:06   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

It is difficult to buy a copy of decent big letters display at anything than a rip off price.

NASA marine makes something like this: Misc: NASA Marine Instruments

but it is not too cheap at all. And NASA is not a top shelf option at all either. Still I think an entry point into this sort of toys.

As others said: A decent smartphone with a good app can be a great choice (just mind those salt water splashes).

b.
barnakiel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-12-2015, 14:10   #7
Registered User

Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 16
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

That is basically what I made, but it would also display nmea 2k and the new signal k format as well

Sent from my A1023 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
Uncle Augie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-12-2015, 15:35   #8
Registered User
 
ccannan's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2003
Boat: Alubat, OVNI 47
Posts: 379
Images: 5
Re: Sub $200 GPS Speedo

Please post a picture if you are willing to share!
__________________
Chip
ccannan is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
gps

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Creatures In My Speedo Paddlewheel Tantramar Marine Electronics 24 05-05-2015 20:21
Which would you trust more in your car GPS or Speedo cabo_sailor Flotsam & Sailing Miscellany 13 15-10-2012 01:36
Signet Marine S/L 250: replace it all, or just get a new speedo? Travis McGee Marine Electronics 3 18-06-2012 18:35

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:49.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.