Dead Reckoning Plugin for OCPN

[sinbad7]

Viking Sailor..

You are right. We are so caught up in our world of technology we forget the ´noble art of dead reconing´ until one day our instruments fail in mid-ocean with no backups.

A DR plugin is a very good idea,both as a backup as well as double check.
In addition to the inputs you mentioned,there should also be the input of log reading for the calculation of speed as well as a comment area,like a logbook.
Perhaps one of the existing logbook plugins could be modified to such a purpose?

Tore

Thought it might be interesting to start a thread on the possibility of creating a ´dead reckoning´plugin as a safety backup for OCPN,should the GPS /AIS systems fail for periods or alltogether.

I have contacted a guy who has created a very useful program for the calculation of great circle course/distance etc. which I have been using for many years,to see if he is interested helping us creating such a facility. Javascript Great Circle Calculator

OpenCPN is quite sophisticated yet easy to use. It is presently entirely based and dependent on inputs from GPS and AIS.

We would like to create a simple plugin module for the manual calculation of dead reckoning as a backup,should the GPS or AIS input fail or become periodically interrupted.

It would be an electronic equivalent of using a paper chart,setting course,speed and adjustment for drift caused by wind/current. When GPS info is available,the track will be automatically updated,otherwise tracking will continue at specified intervals based on existing speed/course/ wind/current correction. At any time,manual course alterations etc. can be made. The position icons would differ in shape/colour to that of the normal GPS operation in order towarn the mariner he is in ´dead reckoning´modus.

This is just a very brief outline of how I see it working and I am open to your suggestions.

Tore

[sinbad7]

The dead reckoning plugin could also include a ´Simulation mode´ as featured in Fugawi Marine ENC.

I remember using it all winter in Norway years ago,planning a long cruise from Norway along the Danish coast to Germany,through the Kiel Canal,Into the Elbe river and past Cuxhaven to the Friesian Island of Borkum. I ran the simulator so many times that winter it was like coming home when I finally did the actual trip.

Tore

[DotDun]

What about a plug-in that created a text file and recorded the current time/sog/cog/position lat/long at admin controlled intervals (every 15 mins.)?

It wouldn't be hard to plot the last few entries on a paper chart if so desired.

[sinbad7]

Perhaps the OCPN ´Route properties´could be extended to include a simulation modus ?
Most of the requirement are already there.

Tore

[globalkeith]

Originally Posted by DotDun

What about a plug-in that created a text file and recorded the current time/sog/cog/position lat/long at admin controlled intervals (every 15 mins.)?

It wouldn't be hard to plot the last few entries on a paper chart if so desired.

Isn't this what the LogBook does already?

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by globalkeith

Isn't this what the LogBook does already?

Yep, I missed those plugins.

Looks like they perform DR.

[sinbad7]

I´ve just downloaded the logbook_win32_pi15_v01_pi.dll and installed in the plugin directory but it does not show up when running ocpn?

Tore

[globalkeith]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

I´ve just downloaded the logbook_win32_pi15_v01_pi.dll and installed in the plugin directory but it does not show up when running ocpn?

Tore

Hi Tore, havent tried it myself and i'm not on windows either but usually the first step in your situation is to check the log file - this should show if there was a problem loading a plugin...

[hwecken]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

I´ve just downloaded the logbook_win32_pi15_v01_pi.dll and installed in the plugin directory but it does not show up when running ocpn?

Tore

Hi Tore
do not install in the plugin directory, please install (running LogbookKonni-0_921Setup.exe) in your program files diretory opencpn, then it will be automaticaly installed in the plugin directory
Hartmut

[sinbad7]

OK,managed to install and use.. Looks fine as long as the GPS works...

I am looking for a way to have the program continue course and speed if the GPS fails.

In fact it then changes to Manual mode with possibility to input new course,speed,wind/current correction and starting time. This way it can also be used in Simulation mode as illustrated by Fugawi attached.

Tore

[Dutcho]

Hi Tore,

I talked to Dave and he referred me to this thread for the DR topic. I wonder is somebody here busy with actually designing or building a plugin for a DR option combined with manual fixes updates? Or is this at the stage of only a few people talking about it? If there is nothing concrete yet I could draw something up to start the designing proces. Wether that is a plugin or just a proof of concept.

Regards, Martijn

[sinbad7]

Hi Martinj..

I was rather hoping that the German authors of the LogBook Konni would be interested to adapt a version of their LogBook to accommodate such DR features as we have discussed. Unfortunately,they are not interested and wishes to concentrate on a reporting feature of OpenCPN actions.

If you are able and have the interest to start the ball rolling with some examples,I think it would be a good way to start. I am also willing to contribute with MY ideas and also with testing.

Basically I think the utility should start with copying the last location and movement details from the OpenCpn ´OwnShip´whenever the GPS signal fails and project it on the chart as the start of a track in a different colour. Present course and speed would be maintained until manually altered. New waypoints should be created at user set intervals.

Could also incorporate an interactive SIMULATION option for planning purposes. Course/speed corrections should also be allowed. Whenever the GPS signals return,normal OpenCPN operations would continue.

Should also include the possibility to enter the values of bearings taken of identifiable objects on sea and land with a resulting position display.

You can read about the OpenCPN plugin features/requirements on their website.

Good luck! and look forward to see developments.

Any of our ´puter buffins´here are very welcome to contribute and help.

Tore

[globalkeith]

Hi Martinj and Tore,

I'm pretty much swamped with the OSM plugin at the moment, but during my development research I was able to establish a bare minimum plugin code.

This commit, https://github.com/ktec/osm_pi/tree/...485bac5c8e23f9
points to the OSM plugin code when it was in that state, which would be a great start for you. Just need to rename all the "osm" references to the name of your new plugin and you'll be on your way in no time.

Happy coding, I look forward to seeing your plugin in action!!!

Keith

[sinbad7]

Martinj...Keith...

Thanks Keith for your kind offer.

Martinj.. Have a look at Keith´s coding,perhaps you will be able to start from there?

Tore

[Dutcho]

Tore and Keith,

Thanks. I will look into it. Writing now a little paper with my ideas. Will post it later and wonder what the ideas and thoughts are.

Marty