Recommend a Windows tablet for OpenCPN

[prof_mariner]

I'm shopping for a tablet that is primarily going to run OpenCPN... boy are there a lot of options out there. I know I want a Windows tablet with a built in GPS, but other than that I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'd like to keep to a budget of $250 or less. Suggestions?

[NoShoes]

Originally Posted by prof_mariner

I'm shopping for a tablet that is primarily going to run OpenCPN... boy are there a lot of options out there. I know I want a Windows tablet with a built in GPS, but other than that I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'd like to keep to a budget of $250 or less. Suggestions?

Saw a poster answer this question not long ago. I took his advice, and got one myself for 60 bucks off ebay. With my gps puck, opencpn, cm93 and noaa charts, its a great little backup chartplotter.

Motion Computing LE1600

[prof_mariner]

Originally Posted by NoShoes

Saw a poster answer this question not long ago. I took his advice, and got one myself for 60 bucks off ebay. With my gps puck, opencpn, cm93 and noaa charts, its a great little backup chartplotter.

Motion Computing LE1600

So if you're using your GPS puck I guess that means it doesn't have an internal GPS? I'd really like to find a tablet -with- an internal GPS. I plan on putting it in a waterproof case and use it in a small inflatable (for survey/research operations).

[RhythmDoctor]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...pn-135663.html

Some information specific to my Miix2 8" model

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1708147

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1719514

[NoShoes]

Originally Posted by prof_mariner

So if you're using your GPS puck I guess that means it doesn't have an internal GPS? I'd really like to find a tablet -with- an internal GPS. I plan on putting it in a waterproof case and use it in a small inflatable (for survey/research operations).

Yeah, i miss read the internal gps choice. I do like the 12 inch screen though!

[prof_mariner]

Originally Posted by RhythmDoctor

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...pn-135663.html

Some information specific to my Miix2 8" model

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1708147

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1719514

Thanks, I did see those threads, but it doesn't hurt for me to read them again.

[seandepagnier]

Doesn't internal gps not work as good because you can't position it so it isn't under things that block the signal?

Maybe it won't matter most of the time, but during thunderstorms it might.

[prof_mariner]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

Doesn't internal gps not work as good because you can't position it so it isn't under things that block the signal?

Maybe it won't matter most of the time, but during thunderstorms it might.

I suppose that would depend on the GPS receiver and antenna. The "puck" GPS I use with my laptop and the GPS in my cell phone both seem to work just fine inside the cabin of my boat. But I plan on using this tablet outside anyways so (hopefully) will be able to receive fairly well.

[seandepagnier]

I found the puck usb gps I have, is a bu 353 I think.. it could not aquire a fix during a severe thunderstorm off of borneo. This is relatively infrequent, but it was whiteout conditions, night time, and many reefs islands and other navigational hazards around and 30 knots of wind.

I think the best option maybe is a gps antenna outside, you can plug in usb if conditions are trying? then 99% of the time you can use the internal gps.

[RhythmDoctor]

Originally Posted by prof_mariner

I suppose that would depend on the GPS receiver and antenna. The "puck" GPS I use with my laptop and the GPS in my cell phone both seem to work just fine inside the cabin of my boat. But I plan on using this tablet outside anyways so (hopefully) will be able to receive fairly well.

Since you'll be using this on an inflatable RIB, the internal/external takes on a different meeting. Your tablet will be outdoors. Your GPS will be internal to the tablet, but external to the boat's cabin, since a RIB has no cabin.

If the Miix2's internal GPS is too flakey to rely on, I'd recommend using a Bluetooth GPS. That way you can seal off the tablet, and put the Bluetooth GPS in a plastic bag also (assuming its battery life is sufficient for your needs). You could probably use your cell phone as a Bluetooth GPS - there are Android apps that will do that, and I bet there are iPhone apps also.

If you want to use your current wired GPS puck with a Windows tablet, you will need to get an OTG adapter to connect it to the microUSB port. IF you get one with a 90 degree angle plug you may have a chance of fitting it in a waterproof pouch.

[prof_mariner]

Originally Posted by RhythmDoctor

Since you'll be using this on an inflatable RIB, the internal/external takes on a different meeting. Your tablet will be outdoors. Your GPS will be internal to the tablet, but external to the boat's cabin, since a RIB has no cabin.

If the Miix2's internal GPS is too flakey to rely on, I'd recommend using a Bluetooth GPS. That way you can seal off the tablet, and put the Bluetooth GPS in a plastic bag also (assuming its battery life is sufficient for your needs). You could probably use your cell phone as a Bluetooth GPS - there are Android apps that will do that, and I bet there are iPhone apps also.

If you want to use your current wired GPS puck with a Windows tablet, you will need to get an OTG adapter to connect it to the microUSB port. IF you get one with a 90 degree angle plug you may have a chance of fitting it in a waterproof pouch.

Exactly what I'm thinking. I have both a puck GPS and a BT capable phone with GPS, but hopefully the internal GPS will do. Incidentally, I pulled the trigger on a Miix 2-8 the other day. Should be here by week's end. I'll be following the very helpful advice you posted in the other threads. Thanks!