How to Run Two Instances of OpenCPN ?

[Skua]

Seeing as you can't use 2 windows on 1 GPS, is it possible to run 2 instances with 2 GPS's????

[sdowney717]

probably

If you switch to ubuntu, then using gpsd, you can share the same gps data with multiple programs all at the same time.
I know because I did this as a test.

[captfolly]

you can run 2 instances of opencpn with 1 gps (in windows xp, anyway) with a little virtual port emulator called VSPE. I just tried it and it seems to work fine!! it also lets me share the gps with RMS Express for position reports with the ham SSB while opencpn is running...I have been using it for a couple of months now with no problems...

fair winds,

George

[HappySeagull]

"Xport" is another Windows emulator that is easy to use for 1 gps outputted to several instances or applications,but maybe not so "capable" as vspe.

[yachtvalhalla]

Originally Posted by Skua

Seeing as you can't use 2 windows on 1 GPS, is it possible to run 2 instances with 2 GPS's????

Absolutely. Use different com ports for the GPSs. However .....

You can use NavMonPC to split one GPS signal into the three virtual com ports for any three programs.

In my case I use NavMonPC to split the GPS/AIS signal to three virtual com ports. And in a month or so it should be upgraded to six virtual ports. VERY versatile program with AIS display included.

And to push the envelope a bit I run two copies of NavMonPC now (you can save configuration.ini files) to get 5 virtual com ports from my GPS/AIS data. Will be less complicated when NavMonPC is upgraded.



Terry

[yachtvalhalla]

NavMonPc has been upgraded to permit six COM outputs. Version 1.10 released 16 Sep 11. Four Fathom Marine Technology

My lashup has been simplified and is explained here.

Thanks Paul!

Terry

[seandepagnier]

what do you guys think of extending the chartcanvas class to allow multiple canvas in a single opencpn instance? This would allow multiple windows, or split screens, and the chart memory resources would be shared so it wouldn't use twice as much ram.

I thought about working on this but I didnt consider it important, it probably isnt too difficult though.