How does one get support??

[SeattleJew]

Err ahh

New to this forum.
I currently am using coastal explorer but Open Captain has been recommended because of I want to be able to interface radar with my nav SW.

Problem is, I can not find anyone who supports OC! So if I buy a radar and interface it, where do I go for support?

My email is stephem.schwartz@gmail.com if you prefer.

[Jim Cate]

G'day Stephem, and welcome to CF.

Re your questions:

First, it is Open CPN (chart plotter navigator), not Open captain.

And the good news is that the whole development team is available for support right here on CF. There is a whole forum devoted to CF issues, and questions will be addressed promptly... all for free of course.

Try a free download... I expect that you will love it. I have for years, anduse it exclusively for chart plotter sorts of things, AIS display, Google Earth access and much more.

Jim

[SeattleJew]

Thanks for the answer.

So If I set up OpenCPN and wnat to buy a radar to use with it. How do I do that? Waht radars will work? How do interface them???

Can OC work over wifi or does it require an ethernet connection?

I s this the place to request support?


Free is good but I would nto iond paying for support.

[Jim Cate]

Stephem, at this point I'd suggest that you download OCPN and start reading the inbuilt manual. It is very complete (albeit a bit disorganized) and will answer questions as they arise.

Doing this for yourself will add to your knowledge directly instead of filtering it through unknown folks (like me) who may not have things exactly right.

OCPN runs in whatever computer you have for it. Getting the input data is up to you -- I use a wi-fi link from a Vesper AIS unit which acts as a hub for various instruments plus it's own GPS. Works well. Before I installed that AIS I used a USB link to a stand alone GPS. There are many possible methods, and all is explained in the manual.

RTFM!

Jim

[rgleason]

Dear Jim,


This caught my attention:

Stephem, at this point I'd suggest that you download OCPN and start reading the inbuilt manual. It is very complete (albeit a bit disorganized) and will answer questions as they arise

I will readily admit that we have not updated the manual to v5.0 and at some point this needs to be done. I had suggested dividing the manual into 3 or 4 focused packages awhile ago, but got no response. When v5.0 was released Thomas created a brief instruction about the new features.


Would you please explain what you mean by "albeit a bit disorganized", the reason being is perhaps you have seen some opportunities for improvement that we have not identified! - Really, specific suggestions would be very helpful.


Best
Rick