Problem: ShipDriver plugin –*Sail option

[tintifugs]

Hello experts :-)

I have problems with the ShipDriver plugin, exactly with its Sail option. When I start the plugin, the GRIB window does not appear automatically. And even if I open it manually, the ship does not move at all after pressing the Sail button - although it is already quite windy according to GRIB and the angle to the wind also fits.

Does anyone know this problem or does anyone have an idea what the reason is and how I could solve it?

I use OpenCPN 5.2.4 for Mac.

By the way, the buttons of the plugin are also displayed incorrectly (see attached screenshot). Maybe this is related to the problem above.

Thanks!

[Rasbats]

tintifugs ... let me have a look.

Mike

[Rasbats]

tintifugs ...

Working for my Mac Mini, using the latest version of ShipDriver (SD).

Some checks:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of SD from the master catalog.
2. Download a Grib file that covers the area you are driving and includes the current date/time.
3. Open SD dialog.
4. Right-click and choose the vessel start position. Start SD and check that you can drive the vessel.
5. Press 'Sail'.

The grib dialog should appear and you can select the grib file you want to use. Wind arrows appear on the OpenCPN chart display.

Change the heading and the vessel speed will change with the apparent angle of the wind.

ShipDriver is using the forecast time from the grib that is closest to the computer time.

Let us know how it goes.

Mike

[tintifugs]

Dear Mike,

thank you very much for your explanations. The option is working now. Definitely I did something wrong. But unfortunately I can't say what it was ;-)

Thanks anyway!

[Rasbats]

Thanks for the feedback.

[Spot]

Hi Mike,
Trying to get it working on Win10 5.6.0 and having some issues.

Does it read polars somewhere to run the sail option?
It seemed pretty good with 4.8.8 with speed changing as one rounded up.

When I click Sail after getting a Grib and starting SD in 'motoring' mode it goes to heading 180 and speed 0. Would an active GPS puck mess with this too?
Thanks!

[Rasbats]

Spot ...

Had an initial problem kicking Sail into life, but it is working here. The Sail button should turn red if it is getting data from the grib.

Using the +10, -10 to set a course may help. Also my first grib had a 12h forecast interval. I reduced this to 3h in the next grib download which may have helped.

Would an active GPS puck mess with this too?

Perhaps try disabling this feed while you are testing?

Mike

[Spot]

Thanks Mike.
I got a new Gtib at 3hr intervals and moved the boat to more wind. GPS is unplugged.
Success! I appreciate the tips!