AIS (again)???

[dougal]

It's been a while since I've either used Open CPN, or been here. Is it still quite difficult/complicated to use OCPN for AIS?

[AISEAG]

Originally Posted by dougal

It's been a while since I've either used Open CPN, or been here. Is it still quite difficult/complicated to use OCPN for AIS?

Hi Dougal,

Yoou need to be more precise.

In which way is it difficult to use AIS with OpenCPN ?

What is your configuration ?

Serge

[cagney]

Originally Posted by dougal

It's been a while since I've either used Open CPN, or been here. Is it still quite difficult/complicated to use OCPN for AIS?

The way data connections, including AIS, are treated in OpenCPN has changed a lot in the last couple of years. So I think it's worth your time to look into it again.
Have a look here --> Data Connections | Official OpenCPN Homepage
Here is how AIS works in OpenCPN --> AIS | Official OpenCPN Homepage
What do you think?

Thomas

[dougal]

Originally Posted by cagney

The way data connections, including AIS, are treated in OpenCPN has changed a lot in the last couple of years. So I think it's worth your time to look into it again.
Have a look here --> Data Connections | Official OpenCPN Homepage
Here is how AIS works in OpenCPN --> AIS | Official OpenCPN Homepage
What do you think?

Thomas

Thanks Thomas. Away from the boat so can't do much right now, but sounds like its more that worth another looksie

[conachair]

Originally Posted by dougal

Thanks Thomas. Away from the boat so can't do much right now, but sounds like its more that worth another looksie

Definitely worth a look

The ais implementation in opencpn is excellent.

[Canibul]

please pardon a total newbie question. I've downloaded OpenCPN and Explorer charts, and am interested in the AIS as well. We have a new SH VHF radio with AIS receiver. I am not on the boat now, and the radio manual in there. But do I just need to get the signal out of the Standard Horizon and into a computer via USB? I assume in order for this to work, OpenCPN would need to know my vessel heading, correct?

[monte]

Yes but you should be able to use the AIS signal to give the PC the gps data

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by monte

Yes but you should be able to use the AIS signal to give the PC the gps data

This depends on the receiver. An AIS transponder will put out GPS data as well as the received AIS data. A receive-only unit may or may not put out GPS data.

I've used OpenCPN with AIS and it has worked fine. I have an external NMEA multiplexer that combines all my data sources (AIS, GPS, etc) before feeding them to the computer on a single port.

[monte]

Yes it does depend. I'd assume a radio with AIS would have to have gps for dsc and relative position to targets, but wether it has a comparable output will depend on the radio. We feed open cpn via a USB / mini USB cable directly from our Raymarine AIS 650 and if gives gps data as well. If your radio doesn't a gps USB dongle will work fine into a spare USB port on the PC. We have a couple for backups.

[a64pilot]

Don't most have a GPS input into the computer anyway? Seems Open CPN would be a lot more useful with a GPS signal, otherwise it's pretty much just a chart viewer?

[monte]

Yes opencpn allows you to select an individual gps source, or share the AIS source. We have ours shared and it's accurate and just uses one USB input to the PC.

[Canibul]

Originally Posted by monte

Yes but you should be able to use the AIS signal to give the PC the gps data

So it doesn't need nor use ship's heading, if it's not interfaced to a compass of some kind. I guess heading doesn't matter, if you're drifting sideways at two knots.

[monte]

It will calculate SOG and COG. No it won't calculate the heading, course to steer etc but that can be figured out easily enough on the run, or you can plan ahead accordingly

[Canibul]

Thank you. I'm muddling my way through. SO far have loaded Google Earth, GoodAnchorage, and squiddio plugins. Will wait til I get my hands on my radio/AIS manual this afternoon before working on that more.

[barnakiel]

In our case: connected the hardware, set up the data source under Open CPN settings and the mobiles pop up on the screen.

I think OCPN has very good AIS interface.

b.