Windows based navigation software

[hhmcsv]

I use the NVCharts-app for Windows, Android and Apple-hardware. Their charts are fine for the Baltic area.
I use OpenCpn as well, with NV-charts as well as OEsenc-charts.

[gcrothers]

Originally Posted by masonc

I have a yakker connected to my HP-33A AIS and the yakker webpage debug shows valid AIS sentences. I can't get OPENCPN to recognize them, does anyone know how to set it up?

On opencpn tools/connections. Add a new connection of type network and UDP
Add the default yakker IP address and port details 192.168.4.1. Port 2000 or other if you have changed the default. Click apply.

Provided you have connected your laptop WiFi to the yakker SSID (12345678 Default WiFi code) then you should see ais and GPS sentences when you enable the NMEA debugging on the same page.
Check on the Matsutec menu page for I/O setting's that you have selected AIS
output

[TBW]

Ranger 42c
How do you mirror your nn3d on your laptop?

[Jon Hacking]

Masonic, I assume you got a link to CM93 world charts. If not, PM me. They're not the best (by far), but they'll get you started with OpenCPN.

Another option is SAS Planet. It's also free, with LOTS of cool charts that download to its cache. It's not really a nav program, but it will connect to a (serial) GPS to track your progress, & you can make waypoints, annotations, & routes. More importantly, it gives access to extremely accurate satellite imagery from Google Earth, Bing, ArcGIS, Nokia, & many others. AND it gives access to Navionics & (updated) C-Map charts, which are not as accurate, but have depths. You can delineate an area & it will download all "tiles" for a given map into its cache. Once the data is in the cache (which is simply your file system, so it can be copied & backed up) then the data is available off-line, while you're cruising. I find the interface a bit clunky, & the support is nix (unless you speak Russian) but the imagery is valuable enough that we run it side-by-side with OpenCPN.

Another option for OpenCPN charts is to MAKE them. All the tools are free, but it does take time & internet bandwidth. Download a copy of Sat2Chart (which used to be called GE2KAP) & you can make .KAPs from Google Earth or SAS, or you can make mbtiles from SAS. Both of these file formats can be displayed in the new OpenCPN v5, & you can switch between displayed chart formats easily. We provide detailed instructions on how to make KAPs on our KAP Files page. We'll be publishing a page on making mbtiles Real Soon Now, or I can give some quick pointers if you want.

[Jenia]

I like Navpak. It handles a wide variety of chart formats and it also plots world wide Notice to Mariners and Light Lists right on the chart. Also it is super fast and never crashes.

[bcn]

Originally Posted by Ambler

T
I am prepared to use digital charts if they are produced by the official hydrographic offices and IHO approved.

The Hydrographical Offices are abandoning raster charts - just as a fact, not an opinion about the values and advantages lost.
Their workflow is vector, raster requires additional editing and is therefore more expensive. The "added value" from the experienced cartographer mentioned above.

"IHO approved" or what is the same "official charts" are usually expensive when coming in the S-63 vector format for the commercial users.
You can get them for Australia for an intermediate cost directly from AHS.
Or you get the exactly same content as vector charts for OpenCPN.

New Zealand will distribute their vector charts as free S-63 sets in the future.
Likewise they do with raster already today in the BSB3 format.

Canada is studying to abandon raster. Same game, get the vector charts - that have not (yet) exactly the same coverages as raster as "official S-63" or as oeSENC for OpenCPN.

[jleeglenn]

Google “Navionics for PC”

[Emouchet]

What is mostly missing on Vector charts compared to Raster charts is land information: roads, elevations, buildings, towers…

This is going to change on the next few years, as adding those Raster based information to Vector database takes time. Most IHO are working on this.

When done, that will be the final nail on the raster charts coffin!

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by TBW

Ranger 42c
How do you mirror your nn3d on your laptop?

I don't; I think I used a misleading term. I meant the GUI for both are similar enough so there wasn't a huge learning curve...

OTOH, our current track on each is the same (separate GPS source for NN3D and for laptop), and waypoints and routes would be the same if I bothered to cross-load, etc.

-Chris

[Good To Go]

I use a windows 7 based program on a dedicated NUC computer using TMQ software that is compatible and able to interface with a variety on-board nav units. I run 2 monitors (1 up, 1 down stairs) and certainly would recommend it.

[Puka]

Does Open CPN works with both raster and vector charts?

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by Puka

Does Open CPN works with both raster and vector charts?

Yes. But you need to me more specific as there are multiple proprietary vector and raster file formats. So can you be specific about exactly which charts you want to use?

[Ambler]

Does anyone use Euronav Seapro software?
They appear to sell whole country (official ?) chart packs for a very reasonable price as well. The Australian chart pack is just £90 UK which appears to be a bargain if they are Aus Hydro Service and up to date at time of purchase. They also cover many other countries and regions at an affordable price.
Love to hear a review or two.

[capeharj]

Have you tried Polar View?

[Good To Go]

I know this software can use just about any mapping source and interface with all current on-board navigation units. Here is a link to their website...Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Tracking and Navigation. Supports Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and GPS