External Depth Information in OpenCPN

[RyKa]

Is there a way that I can format Depth and GPS data so that it will automatically appear in OpenCPN? I would like to be able to collect depth information with a portable depth sounder, perhaps under remote control, or from a tender, and then have that data refresh on the OpenCPN Chart. Collecting and logging the data and transferring a file to an OpenCPN directory will be my problem. Having data in a file format that can be refreshed in OpenCPN, say every 30 seconds or so, automatically, is what I am looking for. This data file would persist for future travels and reference.

[transmitterdan]

OpenCPN accepts depth and location information in NMEA-0183 format. Data can come via serial port or via Ethernet UDP packets. Most depth finders of recent vintage output NMEA-0183 via a 4,800 baud serial port. Same for most GPS units. This is by far the most common way to get navigation data into OpenCPN.

[transmitterdan]

OpenCPN has something called the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) plugin. This plugin will save the information you desire into a file. This file is just a text file of the NMEA-0183 sentences which can be replayed by the VDR at a later date. This creates a kind of "simulation mode" where OpenCPN will react to the replayed data as if it were really happening.

[wdkester]

You will need depth, coordinates and time of day (for tidal waters). I'm not aware that portable depth sounders do this. For tidal waters you will also need a program to convert depth to MLLW or whatever the charts use.

However, if you can get this data into a spread sheet you can create Marks with this info.
Form the spreadsheet to a CSV file and then to a GPX file.

There may be programs that will take a NMEA stream from the GPS and Depth sounder and produce GPX files. Google is your friend.

Also checkout. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...gin-79178.html