Laptop/Monitor for Ocpn

[jmh2002]

The Argonaut displays that were posted in a different thread look interesting if budget is less of an issue: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2979128

Originally Posted by www.argonautcomputer.com

The M7 touch screen conveniently controls a variety of devices on your boat. Whether it’s powerful PC software, camera, android apps or MFD (with optional Smartconnect kit), it effectively bridges the gap between tough boating environments and the outdoor limitations of your favored personal electronics. M7 also avoids the dreaded and expensive marine electronics obsolescence cycle by simply connecting to what’s new.

https://www.argonautcomputer.com/col...-touch-monitor



Argonaut also make rugged mini PCs with anti shock/vibration mounts, corrosion resistant components and protective treatment, etc:
https://www.argonautcomputer.com/col...gged-mini-pc-s

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Lenovo thinkcentre tiny seems to tick the mini PC box.
2nd hand i5 for around $200
Plenty of ports

I have one. I bought it new six or seven years ago. I'm currently cloning the original failing hard drive to an SSD. It's been a great computer for nav, weather, comms, and general purposes. It has VESA mounting holes. The version with an optical drive has even more ports. Disassembles easily for cleaning - I clear the dust out about once a year.

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by bluesphere

I dont think I can do a radar signal with wife, network or usb.

The Navico 3g/4g radars work perfectly fine over wifi.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Auspicious

I have one. I bought it new six or seven years ago. I'm currently cloning the original failing hard drive to an SSD. It's been a great computer for nav, weather, comms, and general purposes. It has VESA mounting holes. The version with an optical drive has even more ports. Disassembles easily for cleaning - I clear the dust out about once a year.

Good to hear.
$230 win on a 2016 vintage i7, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd and WiFi variant last night

[merrimac]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

The Navico 3g/4g radars work perfectly fine over wifi.

Sometimes. As in, you need an access point that will do multicasts at high bit rates higher than the standard 1 Mbit. As this is not a "customer interest" point, it is usually not in the specification list.


In fact my on-board Linux board with 802.11an hardware is not capable of transmitting the data at a bit rate that works for me all the time. I get dropouts of between 1 and 30%. Depends on what else is using the WiFi.



Ergo, the radar plugin developers (me included) do not recommend wifi, and do not have any recommendations of which hardware to try.

[merrimac]

Have you considered using a tablet with remote desktop software viewing the display of your navigation table computer?

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by merrimac

Sometimes. As in, you need an access point that will do multicasts at high bit rates higher than the standard 1 Mbit. As this is not a "customer interest" point, it is usually not in the specification list.


In fact my on-board Linux board with 802.11an hardware is not capable of transmitting the data at a bit rate that works for me all the time. I get dropouts of between 1 and 30%. Depends on what else is using the WiFi.



Ergo, the radar plugin developers (me included) do not recommend wifi, and do not have any recommendations of which hardware to try.

Ah ok, thanks for explanation. I'm using a Mikrotik HAP AC, and my main connection to my tablet or computer is 5ghz AC wireless.

The 3G radar is connected to switch switch, which my NSS8 also connects to. Then that switch is connected to the HAP router.

[skenn_ie]

When my time comes, I will almost certainly be using a Raspberry Pi or knockoff. Actually, Knock-off is unfair as it IS an open-source system. As for a PC, I think there is a PCMCIA card that does GPS, but few modern laptops have those slots.
I would be very interested in reading how people like openCPN. I had been using SOB from Digiboat, but C-Map charts are a bit pricey, esp for Ireland and UK.

[SeaRags]

My company is selling these unused toughpads. Not sure if it would work or not.

[r.stokes]

I picked up a used Panasonic CF-C1 - chose it because of the touch screen, it's water resistant and I can spin the display around which is really helpful for sitting in on the dash . I do use a puck, and I do wish the resolution was a bit better. but for $250 all in it's pretty tough to beat

[svkairos]

Best place for toiughbooks

https://www.bobjohnson.com/

Cheers Clint

[jmh2002]

That is an interesting link, thank you

[oceane]

indeed they are the best....
i sourced my cf-19, my cf29, cf30 and my amazing fz-x1 from Teo / Ohlip(nichname online) in Vancouver... all of them were used a few year, cheap, reliable and with good batterry...he, s the toughbook doctor online doing it for over 12years, honest and the most knowlodgeable guy for toughbook, he will customize as needed...
pm me for his contact info

[skenn_ie]

There are hundreds of mini pc fanless on eBay. Some of them could be sealed up to prevent water ingress.
Do you have any idea what spec you need ?

[mikedefieslife]

I've been searching for months now for a 9-13" monitor with touch and a brightness at least over 700nits. There is nothing out there unless you want to spend about €500.

At that price, the best option I've seen is a used Panasonic Toughpad. It has a decent FHD resolution, over 800nits brightness and anti-reflective screen, and older but decent hardware. OpenCPN isn't going to be taxing it.

The real benefit though, is the support and accessories available. The only piece of hardware that comes close to having as many accessories is an iPad. Which of course isn't IP65 certified like the toughpad, nor as bright or robust.

Originally Posted by SeaRags

My company is selling these unused toughpads. Not sure if it would work or not.