Help / FAQ

[blubaju]

Originally Posted by cheepguy

How do I choose a compatible GPS and an AIS to work with OpenCPN?

I know they must be usb connectible. I do not own anything right now.
(Other than a laptop)

a.) anything that will submit the appropriate NMEA 0183 sentences will do
this might be 90% on the market, but be aware with the GPS-mouse,
there are other formats too, read the instructions first

b.) how you feed the signal depends on your hardware, openCPN needs to know which COM port, be it real (hardwired to your motherboard) or virtual (that is usually created when using a USB-connection like a GPS-mouse) or created with a serial <-> USB adapter or a software multiplexer (you might want this if you use your NMEA inputs with several programs either same time or you are to lazy to change settings all the time; like me)

there are combined AIS-GPS receivers on the market too, saves an adapter

hope I did not contribute to much to any confusion

[blubaju]

to avoid copying other pages to this one here, a very informative site with further links to many more pages

Peter Bennett's GPS and NMEA Site

[jerrymc]

Originally Posted by blubaju

a.)
there are combined AIS-GPS receivers on the market too, saves an adapter

that sounds like what i'm looking for..can you offer specifics?

[blubaju]

Originally Posted by jerrymc

that sounds like what i'm looking for..can you offer specifics?

SANAV-San Jose Technology, INC.

bought one in Hongkong, no information about US market

[cheepguy]

I found this US store carrying them.
ElectronGPS AIS Marine Products Store

Originally Posted by blubaju

SANAV-San Jose Technology, INC.

bought one in Hongkong, no information about US market

[cheepguy]

I planed a route on OpenCPN on my main computer and would like to move the route to my laptop for use on the boat.

I have been trying to find the "export to gpx" and have not been able to find it.

[ColdFusion]

Right-click on the route. Select "Export..."

[cheepguy]

Thats the first thing I did and just did it again and it did not show "export".

Originally Posted by ColdFusion

Right-click on the route. Select "Export..."

[ColdFusion]

Maybe you're not running the latest version? Latest Beta is v1.3.3 build 925. The next release is due this week (1.3.4). Details in the other threads in the OpenCPN sub-forum.

[jerrymc]

Originally Posted by cheepguy

I planed a route on OpenCPN on my main computer and would like to move the route to my laptop for use on the boat.

I have been trying to find the "export to gpx" and have not been able to find it.

Go the the Toolbox (wrench icon), select the 'Etc' tab...first item is 'Show GPX icons'...click the box, click on OK.

Now, the GPXin and GPXout icons will show in the program. Click on GPXout and a dialog box will open asking you where to save the file. You could email yourself the file, retreive with your laptop & save the file.

hope this helps,

jerrymc

[ColdFusion]

I'm not worthy

[cheepguy]

jerrymc You nailed it!
Got it done!

Originally Posted by jerrymc

Go the the Toolbox (wrench icon), select the 'Etc' tab...first item is 'Show GPX icons'...click the box, click on OK.

Now, the GPXin and GPXout icons will show in the program. Click on GPXout and a dialog box will open asking you where to save the file. You could email yourself the file, retreive with your laptop & save the file.

hope this helps,

jerrymc

[BillyDoc]

Is there any way to determine magnetic deviation at a location (myship?) displayed on openCPN? I can't seem to find any compass roses . . .

[idpnd]

AFAIK the map material doesnt contain that data nowadays since the course is derived from the GPS..

[BillyDoc]

Thanks idpnd, I guess that means I set a course with the GPS, and then look at the compass to see what the magnetic version is to steer by. Which should eliminate all that bother with deviations and such . . . which I won't miss!

Although I would still like to have the feature for when the GPS stops working but the computer still shows me the charts.

BillyDoc