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Old 14-06-2024, 18:17   #31
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

We use a Samsung 8+ 12.4" at the helm to run Aqua Maps parallel to our chart plotter. We like the standardization of the Samsung products, without the Apple exclusive infrastructure. We mounted it with a RAM holder to secure it, and can slip it out in a second.
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Old 14-06-2024, 21:39   #32
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

I have a Samsung tab s9fe..same problem, impossible to read the screen in sunlight unless I am in the shade...
Better to have a dedicated chartplotter. All things considered they are cost effective and don't need a wifi connection.
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Old 15-06-2024, 03:26   #33
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

I use a Samsung Tab Active, which is very rugged, waterproof, and fairly bright.

Used mostly with GoFree under the sprayhood. I don't find OpenCPN (which I otherwise love and use as my main passage planning tool) works well on smaller Android screens.

I also use it in my bunk on the off watch to keep an eye on things, on longer passages. It's very handy.

Non-ruggedized tablets are highly vulnerable to being broken in lively sea conditions. I broke at least two of them before I switched to the Tab Actives.

One issue with these is power supply. Having a cord attached compromises waterproofness. I use a power bank, but it would be better to have some more permanent arrangement at the position where you use it the most.
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Old 15-06-2024, 03:28   #34
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Icarus View Post
I have a Samsung tab s9fe..same problem, impossible to read the screen in sunlight unless I am in the shade...
Better to have a dedicated chartplotter. All things considered they are cost effective and don't need a wifi connection.

Indeed.



Tablets are useful as ADDITIONS to a regular plotter, not INSTEAD.
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Old 15-06-2024, 09:11   #35
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

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Indeed.



Tablets are useful as ADDITIONS to a regular plotter, not INSTEAD.
I agree. Although we have friends that are on their second circumnavigation using only an ipad at the helm, I like the integration and reliability (most times) of a MFD at the helm.
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Old 15-06-2024, 09:32   #36
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dockhead View Post
Indeed.



Tablets are useful as ADDITIONS to a regular plotter, not INSTEAD.

I'd say that very much depends on the boat. If the computer at the nav station can be clearly seen at the helm and had a waterproof keyboard, it's likely to work for many. Add a tablet for the few times you really need a chart very close to the helm.



If you have a boat where the nav station is far from the helm than I agree that a chart plotter is best.



Still ashame noone managed to create a chart plotter running native Windows or Android, is waterproof, has over 1000nits brightness, does not overheat, has some basic controls as hardware buttons and doesn't cost a fortune.



This would allow the user to use any chart they want with any software they like.
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Old 15-06-2024, 21:58   #37
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

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I'd say that very much depends on the boat. If the computer at the nav station can be clearly seen at the helm and had a waterproof keyboard, it's likely to work for many. Add a tablet for the few times you really need a chart very close to the helm.

If you have a boat where the nav station is far from the helm than I agree that a chart plotter is best.

Still ashame noone managed to create a chart plotter running native Windows or Android, is waterproof, has over 1000nits brightness, does not overheat, has some basic controls as hardware buttons and doesn't cost a fortune.

This would allow the user to use any chart they want with any software they like.
There are good reasons not to use consumer electronics or anything generic for this critical function.

I use Windows for work but would never use this OS for a chart plotter used at the helm, which could then crash at the most inopportune (read, dangerous) moment.

A real chart plotter designed and built for that sole purpose:

1. Is waterproof
2. Is rugged
3. Is daylight visible.
4. Has a touchscreen which is usable when wet.
5. Doesn't run any other programs which could interfere with its sole function.
6. Has a hard wired power supply and doesn't depend on batteries.
7. Has software developed specifically for that exact hardware.

By the time you get a device which is even rugged, waterproof and has a sufficiently bright screen, it already costs more than a dedicated chart plotter, and you don't get the other advantages.

To my mind, this is a no-brainer. There are good dedicated chart plotters on the market which cost less than a grand.

I use and love OpenCPN but not for pilotage, not at the helm. I have a separate nav computer at the nav table with a large high resolution screen, connected by Ethernet to my boat network. I use this for passage planning and navigation, as a substitute for working with paper charts, as opposed to pilotage at the helm, two very different functions. I also have a second B&G Zeus at the nav table -- I like to run the radar on that and chart on the other, when I'm underway.

For the nav table a normal computer monitor is OK -- doesn't need to be bright or waterproof. I chose one with an external power supply so I could connect it directly to DC power. And a USB-C powered minicomputer, mounted below the nav table in a closed space. It runs Windows 11, but a better OS for this would be Linux. OpenCPN on Windows crashes fairly often. Changing over to Linux is on my list of things to do.
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Old 16-06-2024, 01:01   #38
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

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Originally Posted by Dockhead View Post
There are good reasons not to use consumer electronics or anything generic for this critical function.

I use Windows for work but would never use this OS for a chart plotter used at the helm, which could then crash at the most inopportune (read, dangerous) moment.

A real chart plotter designed and built for that sole purpose:

1. Is waterproof
2. Is rugged
3. Is daylight visible.
4. Has a touchscreen which is usable when wet.
5. Doesn't run any other programs which could interfere with its sole function.
6. Has a hard wired power supply and doesn't depend on batteries.
7. Has software developed specifically for that exact hardware.

By the time you get a device which is even rugged, waterproof and has a sufficiently bright screen, it already costs more than a dedicated chart plotter, and you don't get the other advantages.

To my mind, this is a no-brainer. There are good dedicated chart plotters on the market which cost less than a grand.

I use and love OpenCPN but not for pilotage, not at the helm. I have a separate nav computer at the nav table with a large high resolution screen, connected by Ethernet to my boat network. I use this for passage planning and navigation, as a substitute for working with paper charts, as opposed to pilotage at the helm, two very different functions. I also have a second B&G Zeus at the nav table -- I like to run the radar on that and chart on the other, when I'm underway.

For the nav table a normal computer monitor is OK -- doesn't need to be bright or waterproof. I chose one with an external power supply so I could connect it directly to DC power. And a USB-C powered minicomputer, mounted below the nav table in a closed space. It runs Windows 11, but a better OS for this would be Linux. OpenCPN on Windows crashes fairly often. Changing over to Linux is on my list of things to do.
While I agree with you and we do have a chart plotter at the helm, I will say that that b&g chart plotter has crashed more often than any iOS or Android tablet I have ever used.

Most of our systems run Debian Linux. Unfortunately, OpenCPN still crashes often. QtVlm, has been rock solid though.
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Old 16-06-2024, 01:03   #39
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

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Originally Posted by Sabado View Post
While I agree with you and we do have a chart plotter at the helm, I will say that that b&g chart plotter has crashed more often than any iOS or Android tablet I have ever used.

Which model is it?


I think that's unacceptable.


My two old Zeuses (an old Z8 and the very first T8 in Europe) have been pretty crash free.


They are being replaced with 3S's. I hope they are not less stable than the old ones.
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Old 16-06-2024, 04:31   #40
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

DOCKHEAD

You said;

I use and love OpenCPN but not for pilotage, not at the helm.

Could you explain please.

I have been usingOCPN for pilotage and found it fine. The damn Android crashed on me twice. So is you reason software or hardware?
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Old 16-06-2024, 05:05   #41
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

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DOCKHEAD

You said;

I use and love OpenCPN but not for pilotage, not at the helm.

Could you explain please.

I have been usingOCPN for pilotage and found it fine. The damn Android crashed on me twice. So is you reason software or hardware?
Well, for pilotage I want something I can reach for and use at the helm WITHOUT FAIL. The device needs to be rugged, waterproof, hard-wired powered (i.e. not a piece of generic use consumer electronics), and with an interface which can be used with gloves on in the rain.

OpenCPN is brilliant, but the interface is in any case clunky, and on a small screen, in my opinion, almost hopeless. With a big screen and trackball it's fine, but that's the nav table, not the helm.

Now all that being said -- I learned to sail long before chart plotters were invented, and I don't necessarily have to have any plotter at all. I sailed for years with a Garmin wrist GPS (one made for joggers) and paper, or waypoints noted on a waterproof pad. But once we do pilotage with plotters, it should be done right, in my opinion. Not with some bloody Ipad.
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I behold from the beach your crooked inviting fingers,
I believe you refuse to go back without feeling of me;
We must have a turn together . . . . I undress . . . . hurry me out of sight of the land,
Cushion me soft . . . . rock me in billowy drowse,
Dash me with amorous wet . . . . I can repay you."
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Old 16-06-2024, 08:39   #42
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Re: New Tablet for use at the helm

I've been using Hugerock X70, rugged, waterproof (did not test), 12v power option, 2600nit bright - sunlight readable. Pretty happy with it so far.
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