OpenCPN GPS/AIS fix for Linux Mint 13 or Ubuntu 12.04

[stephenippolito]

GPS and AIS devices will not work with OpenCPN in Linux Mint 13 or Ubuntu 12.04 by default, because administrative usernames are not a member of the group "dialout" which is necessary to communicate with /dev/tty* devices.

To fix the problem, enter the following command in a terminal and reboot:

sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER



This fix is described in opencpn documentation, but it is way down the list of suggestions and is not specifically associated with these common operating systems:

Setting Up GPS | Official OpenCPN Homepage

In my case, the USB-353 GPS and AIS receiver were not recognized in OpenCPN 3.0.2 on Linux Mint 13 Cinnamon (Ubuntu 12.04 derivative) with Linux 3.2.0-23-generic (x86_64) kernel. Both worked perfectly before the operating system upgrade. I did this fix on two systems, and along with the sound fix described in the link below, my system is now fully functional.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1061288

[JesperWe]

You know the manual is a Wiki, right? All you need to do is create an account on opencpn.org and you can put these excellent tips into the docs yourself!

[stephenippolito]

JesperWe, thank you. I didn't know the manual was a wiki (editable), though I have been using it for years. Added the tip into the manual:

Setting Up GPS | Official OpenCPN Homepage

[alex2035]

I only installed "gpsd-clients" (gpsd was already installed) and I got the thing working. Linux Mint 13 KDE version, 32 bit.