The Hardware Side of OpenCPn

[warmbluewater]

Sorry if this has been asked prior. I did not see what I was looking for by searching.

I am doing on overall update of my nav equipment. Looking to use OpenCPn as my chartplotter platform. I have not found much information on the electronic hardware I am going to need to bring the various signals into my nav computer and OpenCPn.

I am planning to bring every signal in independently (i.e. not on a NMEA 2000 bus).

If there was a graphical diagram showing connections for the various signal types with hubs/switches, etc. I think I could make a go from there.

Thanks!

[hoolie]

I think you will get more helpful replies if you provide more details of your intended system.

Are you going to run OCPN on a Windows machine, an Apple Mac, a flavour of Linux such as Raspberry Pi or an Android tablet?

What sensors and data sources do you want? What interfaces will they have?

There needs to be some framework to hang recommendations on!

[warmbluewater]

Thanks for the advice. I plan to utilize Windows devices only because that is what I am familiar with. Virtually my entire system will be new equipment so anything can be changed if the reasons support it.

I am attaching a simple block diagram for how I think this system will look.

[rgleason]

Learn about Nmea 0183 and multiplexers in the Supplimentary Hardware section.
A USB Hub can essentially be a multiplexer put your GPS puck on the USB hub, and then a Daisy AIS with USB and take your instruments Nmea0183 or Seatalk instruments and convert them to USB also connected to your hub.

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...e:seatalk_nmea

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...s_multiplexers

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do..._vyacht_others

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...r_to_tablet_pc

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...or_nmea_output

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...ware:recording

Also read about Serial Connections.

[Pizzazz]

I just went through this, so to save you some time:

For wind, use NASA marine, 10Hz nmea output, around $180.

For heading, use KVH @ 10 Hz, available on eBay for around $200.

For GPS, use a Ublox module from Amazon @ 10 Hz, $11.99, serial out (same used in Raymarine chartplotters)

For AIS receive, my recommendation is to buy a radio with built in AIS.

For depth, it may be easier to just get a cheap sonar module with NMEA out. Garmin 44dv is a favourite and you get a lot more than a dedicated sensor.

Then you get to the complicated stuff. For radar, your options are 3G, 4G or Fantom. Raymarine also works but is currently in development.

For weather, you need an SSB receiver, connected to the sound card (could be an external soundcard cia USB).

Pizzazz

[rgleason]

Rudder Indicators are ridiculously expensive. There must be a reasonable alternative.

[fgd3]

Originally Posted by rgleason

Rudder Indicators are ridiculously expensive. There must be a reasonable alternative.

All that's needed is a potentiometer driven by some part of the steering linkage and enough smarts in the electronics to interpret resistance measurements. Look at the sliders on a $20 joystick.

Fabbian