Fast cheap AIS using $20 rtl-sdr DVB-T SDR Dongles !

[rgleason]

I've tried to compile a new version of rtlsdr_pi from Pavels's fork, rooiedirk's fork, and Sean's repository. None of them seem to work for windows.
I have downloaded a recent version of rtlsdr_winutilities.zip from sourceforge opencpn/opencpnplugins and unzipped and installed the "bin" subdirectory under the "buildwin" directory. Then have git fetch -all and git pull origin master and tried to build it.

It builds fine and eventually I installed it into Opencpn 4.2. After installing rtlsdr_pi I try to open Options > Plugins and the OpenCPN screen goes blank and O stops.
Eventually I have to shut Opencpn down with a black screen.
When I look in the opencpn.log file I always find:

Quote:
1:51:34 PM: PlugInManager: Loading PlugIn: C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 4.2.0\plugins\rtlsdr_pi.dll
1:51:34 PM: Error: Execution of command 'C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 4.2.0\plugins\rtlsdr_pi\bin\rtl_ais -h' failed (error 2: the system cannot find the file specified.)
Quote:
1:51:34 PM: PlugInManager: Loading PlugIn: C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 4.2.0\plugins\rtlsdr_pi.dll
1:51:34 PM: Error: Execution of command 'C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 4.2.0\plugins\rtlsdr_pi\bin\rtl_ais -h' failed (error 2: the system cannot find the file specified.)
and sure enough, there is no rtl_ais command in the bin directory.
There i aisdecoder.exe and rtl_fm.exe but no rtl_ais.exe.

[verkerkbr]

Why is it so difficult ? I'am using OpenPlotter on a Raspberry Pi and it is very simple to get it working.

And I'am also running a second RTLSDR plug for watching TV and listen to the Radio on my notebook.

It works in Windows with a program on CD that came with the plug.

But you can also do this very simple in Linux with VLC. This gives an even better quality image. And you can simply use the small antenna. But you have to do a scan first.

apt-get install dvb-apps

scan /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t/nl-All > ~/Desktop/kanalen.conf

Now you open kanalen.conf > use other program > vlc en go to playlist.

I don't know if DVB-T is available in your area.

Running a Raspberry Pi 2 as a server, multiplexer and an Wifi Access point running stand alone. With this setup you get NMEA/Ais on every computer system. Even on a Smartphone.