OpenCPN on TinyCore Linux

[marinux]

Bonjour à tous,

For people who like extrem-ultra-light solutions and low power processors, TinyCore Linux from Robert Shingledecker is a very interesting OS. So, I have packaged OpenCPN to run on this platform.

Infos and downloads:

TinyCore Linux website: http://www.tinycorelinux.net
Marinux website: http://marinux.tuxfamily.org#OCPN-TINY

[jaapbood]

I am trying to get a recent OpenCPN version to run on my old (25 yr) Toshiba Tecra (64 MB, 8G SSD). I use this laptop on board for navigation (CMAP/C93). Till now, I used W2000, and an older version of OpenCPN (2.5). Later versions of OpenCPN don''t support W2000. I have now loaded DSL (Damn Small Linux) on the laptop and am looking for a suitable OpenCPN.
I don't have an internet connection on the laptop, it runs stand alone. Filetransfer via UCB stick mostly.
Is Tinycore the way to go? Suggestions on how I can get further?

Jaap Bood

[NielsvdB]

also check Lubuntu

32 bit installer (not 64)
https://lubuntu.net/downloads/

Detail info:
https://docs.lubuntu.net/lubuntu_ins...computers.html

[marinux]

Jaap,

Felicitation, It seems that you are not concerned by programmed obsolence !
Did you have try to install OCPN in DSL ?
Yes, TinyCore Linux is one of the smallest OS for running a graphic app.
64Mb is very small, it's the low limit given by TC, but any danger to try it ?
- realize a bootable TC
- create a large swap on your disk, TC automatically will handle it.
- boot and- install OCPN for TC, all instructions on tuxfamily website.

[NielsvdB]

lubuntu is also available for older systems, use 32bit version. check the documentation on lubuntu site

https://docs.lubuntu.net/

[jaapbood]

Frank,

I removed W2000 and installed DSL. However there does not seem to be a current OCpn for DSL and I was referred to TC, because apparently there is a working OCpn for TC. So I stopped with DSL and am now looking for this solution. I’m not familiar with Linux, so there is a lot to learn.
Do I start with a bootable cd, or can I download (to what?). Again, I have no internet on the target laptop.

Jaap

[marinux]

Jaap,

DSL is debian based, so a *.deb package should be convenient
TC for x86 (32bits) is compatible with many x86 processors, so the simplest way is to realize your USB bootable key with OCPN from an another PC, probe and adjust on it, and plug it on your Toshiba. If OK, install on HDD in a second time.
I use TC on USB bootable key for repair and diagnostic on various x86 without problems.

[seandepagnier]

Originally Posted by jaapbood

I am trying to get a recent OpenCPN version to run on my old (25 yr) Toshiba Tecra (64 MB, 8G SSD).
Jaap Bood

I have found 3 laptops from 2012 to 2014 in garbage. I take the 500GB hd out of them because computers this old are very slow and power inefficient I don't even bother to use them...


Is this out of curiosity you try to use ancient hardware when something much faster and power efficient is already free?

[jaapbood]

Frank,

I am in the proces of getting a TC boot cd. Will continue from there.
Busy with other stuf, so it will take a few weeks.

Why continue with my old laptop? It’s very robust, runs on 12V, has no moving parts (ccd hd), used only for OpenCPN and fits on the chart table.

Jaap

[rgleason]

Sean,

I get your point, but you are also talking about my much used Dell Inspiron 15 XPS i7 from 2011 in which I installed a fast 500 SDD, and which has been fully disassembled/cleaned twice, and upgraded to Win10. - Should I just put it in the waste? --Should I just put the SSH into the trash?

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

I have found 3 laptops from 2012 to 2014 in garbage. I take the 500GB hd out of them because computers this old are very slow and power inefficient I don't even bother to use them...

Is this out of curiosity you try to use ancient hardware when something much faster and power efficient is already free?

[petter5]

Writing from my 2004 Thinkpad T42 using mSATA ssd and running opencpn. More than powerful enough. You should upgrade the OS. Your problem is stonage heavy windows 10 and not the hardware.

Originally Posted by rgleason

Sean,

I get your point, but you are also talking about my much used Dell Inspiron 15 XPS i7 from 2011 in which I installed a fast 500 SDD, and which has been fully disassembled/cleaned twice, and upgraded to Win10. - Should I just put it in the waste? --Should I just put the SSH into the trash?

[rgleason]

Thanks petter5, it's running fine and when it gets too old I will send it to Sean as he always has a use!

[jaapbood]

Originally Posted by jaapbood

Frank,

I am in the proces of getting a TC boot cd. Will continue from there.
Busy with other stuf, so it will take a few weeks.

Why continue with my old laptop? It’s very robust, runs on 12V, has no moving parts (ccd hd), used only for OpenCPN and fits on the chart table.

Jaap

Frank,

I'm back in town. Meanwhile got a bootable cd with TCL. I'veloaded it on my Toshiba (64MB). The default version did not load (out of memory), but I managed to load one of the versions.
Since the info describes how to add OpenCpn via the internet, I'm still in trouble. The Toshiba does not have internet access, so I need to get stuff via my normal pc and carry things to the Toshiba via USB stick.
Any suggestions?

regards,
Jaap Bood

[petter5]

Move the hard drive to another old laptop that have a network card so you can connect to the internet. Install required software form internet, shut down and move the hard drive back to the other pc and is should work

Originally Posted by jaapbood

Frank,

I'm back in town. Meanwhile got a bootable cd with TCL. I'veloaded it on my Toshiba (64MB). The default version did not load (out of memory), but I managed to load one of the versions.
Since the info describes how to add OpenCpn via the internet, I'm still in trouble. The Toshiba does not have internet access, so I need to get stuff via my normal pc and carry things to the Toshiba via USB stick.
Any suggestions?

regards,
Jaap Bood

[jaapbood]

Just to finish the discussion on the use of prehistoric laptops for navigation purposes. I surrended. Got rid of my ancient Toshiba Tecra, and bought a (of course refurbished) Dell Latitude. I must admit, with its mill specs it’s probably even more robust...
Runs windows 10, and the latest version of OpenCpn with layered charts, works great. Just needed a special cable to convert from RS232 to a USB plug (for GPS and AIS input). Also needed a dc-dc converter to get 19V power. So, case closed.