Samsung Galaxy S II and Oruxmaps

[sinbad7]

You can now quickly and easily move the optimized routes from qtVlm to OruxMaps.

Using the export .kml facility,I place the file in a directory called ORUXMAPS on my PC. Using two FREE Android programs FTP Server and ES File Explorer I can set up a two way WI-FI link between the ORUXMAPS directory on my PC and the Tracks directory on my Galaxy S II.
From here you just copy/paste.

For the time being OruxMaps do not display the date/time and speed data but I have asked the author to add it in the next version.

By clicking the .kml file you can view the date/time and speed of each WPT via Google Earth,which is installed on my Galaxy.

Tore

[sinbad7]

And if that is not enough,I can up and download the .kml route files or any other file for that matter from my Galaxy smartphone to and from my cloud Google Drive over the internet when I don´t have Wi-Fi connection.

And finally,failing all else,I can use my USB cable connection to copy/paste between my laptop (or PC) and my Galaxy.

With OpenCPN and qtVlm installed on the laptop and .grib files available via internet or radio link,we´re also pretty indepenent on the long hauls....

Tore

[sinbad7]

I am pleased to tell you OruxMaps has a new upgrade version 5.0 beta 3.
Download it here:http://www.oruxmaps.com/cs/

Several new features including the ability to display ALL waypoint information from an imported, enhanced Track file in .kml format from the route planning software qtVlm.

Just select a chart and load the .kml Track file,then tap any wpt for it´s information.

Tore

[sinbad7]

Here is an overview of an optimized Track collected today from qtVlm using the latest GRIB info for the area Skagen to Holtenau.

The number of waypoints shown can of course be reduced.
Clicking a waypoint displays date/time,position,true wind direction and force.

Clicking the flag at the start of the Track displays a summary of the trip.

Note. The new beta version does not show the entrance page/menu but all is accessable from the map page.

Tore

[sinbad7]

Having done a fair bit of research Googling the available Android marine apps,I have found several excellent and useful utilities.

Today I downloaded the FREE starter version of PredictWind which I might say is quite excellent. The free version only gives you 1 days prediction but upgrading to the full version is only US$ 19.- per year and well worth it.

Tore

[sinbad7]

A new beta 5.0.5 of Oruxmaps has just been released with several improvements and new features. Checking it out now..

Download here:www.oruxmaps.com/cs


Tore

[sinbad7]

The updated version is actually v. 5.0.0.6 and works very well.

Tore

[sinbad7]

I came across a problem reading .kml files from the Tracks directory.
They just would not open at all. After some deliberation,it seems like the
contents of the Tracks and tracklogs have become reversed.

To resolve the problem I re-named the tracklog to Tracks and the old
Tracks directory to tracklog,deleting all the files. (or keep them if you prefer)

This is just a tip for v. 5.0.0.6 if you have the same problem.

Tore

P.S. PredictWind mentioned earlier has a problem closing and you need to
re-set your smartphone. Press Vol/On/Menu simultaneously and hold until
the screen goes black,after which it will re-set itself. (Galaxy S II)

[sinbad7]

The designer of the route optimizing software qtVlm has kindly agreed to add boat speed,boat course as well as boat heading and speed,in addittion to true wind direction and force as an importable .kml file compatible with OruxMaps. This will be an excellent prediction and planning tool to be used with caution as with all other navigation info.

They are promising,in the near future also to include the effects of tides and tidal streams.

Tore

[sinbad7]

The next release of qtVlm,the optimizing routing software now enables the import of opimized .kml routing files to OruxMaps,also including boat direction and speed,in addittion to the wind direction and speed.

A new release,coming out soon,will also include tidal direction and speed also in .kml format. Sea temperature is also included.

See samples attached..

Tore

[sinbad7]

Found and installed a great Android app. which enables you to operate your laptop remotely from the cockpit with your Android smartphone.

Quick initiation from your smartphone and the laptop screen is duplicated on your phone,accepting ALL commands. Zoom via finger pinch etc.

Keep your laptop safely below connected to your local Wi-Fi network and use your smartphone in the cockpit to access EVERYTHING on your laptop.

Not sure yet,but I think you can also control your PC/laptop remotely over the internet as well. The name of the app is "Splashtop".

Great app. at $ 9.99

Tore

[sinbad7]

You can read all about the Splashtop here:

Splashtop - Press Releases - Splashtop 2 Launches

Tore

[sinbad7]

How´s this for a protective real leather wallet for your Galaxy smartphone
at $13.- hand-made by my local shoe-maker.

Tore

[sinbad7]

OruxMaps now accepts the latest route optimizing .kml files from qtVlm. Tidalstream direction and speed is also included but not yet implemented in the export or copy/paste .kml file.

Great new cursor icons are also now added for both land- and sea.

Forget about Splashtop, go for PocketCloud Pro which allows you to also connect off-line to your laptop safely located down below while accessing all your programs from your Android smartphone in the cockpit.

Tore

[sinbad7]

The latest beta version of the route optimizing software is now getting very accurate and also include the calculation of Tidalstreams in the route optimizing equation.

The attached screendump shows the optimized route and also all the data values for EACH waypoint.

Tore