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fscguy · 03-10-2014, 15:32

i am going on a cruise on the allure of the seas in dec. i am looking for a way to keep track of the course we took. it was suggested that i use openCPN. will that allow me to track where we go. i have a globalsat bu-353-s4 usb gps receiver i plan to take along with my laptop.

nohal · 03-10-2014, 15:40

fscguy...
Yes, it will. You should probably read the manual a bit, especially Data Connections | Official OpenCPN Homepage and Ship Track | Official OpenCPN Homepage

Pavel

fscguy · 03-10-2014, 15:43

i am looking for something relatively simple to use. it looks a bit confusing to run. i just want something that will keep a record of where we went and also show where we currently are on a map.

nohal · 03-10-2014, 15:54

Well... then buy a handheld all-in-one GPS. All PC charting software is +/- the same confusing as you must tell it what your position source is.

Pavel

PjotrC · 04-10-2014, 00:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by nohal

Well... then buy a handheld all-in-one GPS.

Another alternative would be a tracking GPS, like Holux M-1000. It is a matchbox-size device, that one can put in the pocket for the shore-side trips through the labirynths of old-town as well... The rechargable battery lasts for some 48 hours non stop. It can not display anything directly, but is much cheaper than a handheld... Tracks can be exported for viewing in Google or OpenCPN.

PS: When connected to the laptop it will work in the same way as the BU353 (recharging itself and recording the track as well).

chuckr · 04-10-2014, 01:24

We use opencpn for a track of where we have been. We got a Hamlet BT gps reciever that is solar powered and each stop we put in a waypoint as to where we are with a name and other data we deem pertainent.

We actually put it both on our laptop and our tablet. The other day were on a dock in Giulianova in Italy and some people saw the USA flag and started asking questions and where we had been so i pulled out the tablet and showed them.

pretty kewl