a little off topic I know, I am sorry. I would like to get a laptop system, I know windows can be a problem but, I will have the back up equip. to navigate also. . . I guess if I get a laptop set-up and I don't like it what am I really out of? I can get a chartplotter then I guess. So let me get this right. . . Here is a list of what I "think" I will need. . .
1. a laptop (obviously)
2. this Cap'n program or something like it ($500)
3. free charts of US coastal + Carib. charts ($400???)
4. an auto pilot (already installed on my boat)
5. a usb GPS
6. a basic radar system, 20 mile radius??? ($1000???)
7. wind, depth, etc.
8. radio
ok, I may be dreaming here but if I am someone needs to tell me. LOL, I want to be able to plot my course and have GPS steer my boat toward a given destination all the while being able to monitor parameters such as my specific location, my progress, my speed, deviation from said course, plus (on the same screen) a radar overlay of my location and what I may encounter, i.e other vessels, tsunamis
. . . with the ability to set alarms if certain parameters are met or exceeded. . . for instance if an object of a certain size gets within a specific proximity to my vessel. . . anyway, you get the picture. How do I tie all of this into the laptop "exactly"? Thanks again for all of the help. I am a fast learner, I promise
I am gonna start a thread in the "Solar, wind, etc." catagory to find out some more about my electrical needs. If anyone would like to chime in, feel free. . .