Tough Time with Charts

[tbenefield]

I've been using Open CPN version 2.3.1 for several years, first on Windows 8, then 10. I bought a new Microsoft Surface Pro last week. I copied my CM93 charts and loaded version 4.4 on the new computer. The charts wouldn't load. I tried version 4.0, then I even went back to v 2.3.1 with no luck. I've been scouring the forums for help. I'm sure I've missed something obvious, but nothing seems to work. Any help would be appreciated.

[rgleason]

Tbenefield. " the charts wouldn't load" is not enough information.
Please look at the wiki under Charts, see how you install them.

Also Options > Charts > Chart Tab
You have to add the paths to charts TAB,
I use separate pathnames for varioos types of charts
CM93
rnc
enc
inland
cuba
CG01rnc
CG01enc
etc.
to provide flexibility and keep # of charts loaded lower
then create Chart Groups and add the chart paths you want,

You will also need to do a ful data scan.

[tbenefield]

Thanks rgleason, but I'm not sure what else to add. I copied the charts to a folder on my computer, then pointed OpenCPN to the proper directory using the various chart file windows. I followed Open CPN's directions verbatim. I've tried checking the updates and force full db rebuild boxes. I've tweaked an array of settings based on input from multiple online forums. When none of this worked, I loaded different versions of OpenCPN and had the same problem. The chart directories are visible in the "Available Chart Directories" box, but no chart info shows up on the screen.

Any thoughts?

[bcn]

What does the OPCPN log file say?

[rgleason]

What types of charts? Please be very specific.

Try downloading some new charts from NOAA or there are some on our website charts page, I think it is Chart Sources to see if they will work

Use some freshly download chart to see if that makes a difference.

Try using ChartDnownloader Tab to download the charts. Download/update a catalogue then check some charts in the catalogue and download them.
Then try to use those. Report back.

Are you sure you have the correct paths?

[tbenefield]

In reply to bcn,

The log file goes on forever, but here's an excerpt that seems relevant.

8:50:29 AM: Creating glChartCanvas
8:50:29 AM: Retrieving initial Chart Directory set from Windows Registry
8:50:29 AM: Error: Can't read value of 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\OpenCPN\ChartDirs' (error 2: the system cannot find the file specified.)
8:50:29 AM: ChartDB Cache policy: Application target is 1024 MBytes
8:50:29 AM: Chartlist file not found, config chart dir array is empty. Chartlist target file is:C:\ProgramData\opencpn\CHRTLIST.DAT

I can send you more or all of it if necessary. Or we could communicate offline if you are willing.

Thanks.

[tbenefield]

I reply to rgleason,

I'm using the same cm93 charts I've used for years on my old computer and I've been very careful about the file paths.

I'll try using the downloader to display new charts. I'll get back to you tomorrow. Thank you so much for the help.

[bcn]

How does your chart tab look like?

[CarCode]

Regarding the OpenCPN sources the program indeed looks during its first run into the Windows Registry for the chartlist and the locale. Even when I'm not a Windows man I wonder why the hell this well known bottle neck of Windows is used for OpenCPN?
It is obvious that this way problems arises.

Gerhard

[CarCode]

Looking into the Registry of my Windows10 I see this attachment.
There is no chartlist.dat spezified but the language (locale).
Is it really needed for Windows?

All settings are stored in the file opencpn.ini so there is NOT another entry in the Windows Registry needed. It should be deleted!

Gerhard

[rgleason]

First attach your opencpn.ini and opencpn.log files here. Read manual first pages to see how you get the to clipboard.

Did you try chartdownload? Idea is to determine if it is a chart problem or a program problem.

You must be more explicit so we can help.

I think Gerhard has a good suggestion. Go to c:/programdata/opencpn and rename your opencpn.ini file to opencpn-old.ini, then restart opencpn and enter your chart paths again

Do you have opengl accelerated graphics on or off? Try changing it. Could this be a hardware problem?

[tbenefield]

Hey, I think I've got it fixed! Thanks for sending me to the Login File. There was some language about not being able to find the dictionary files. I did some online research to figure out what that was and where it should live. To make a long story short, they didn't get copied over with my charts. All good once I copied them in. Thank you all for you help!

[bdbcat]

tbenfield...

Can you give us more color on your solution?

What files were missing. Where did you get them? Where did you put them?

Thanks
Dave

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by bdbcat

tbenfield...

Can you give us more color on your solution?

What files were missing. Where did you get them? Where did you put them?

Thanks
Dave

Would you like to tell why there are some settings stored in the Windows Registry and all other in the opencpn.ini file or do you want to keep it for your secret?

Gerhard

[nohal]

Gerhard...
there are none, this logic is there for backward compatibility after update from some very old OpenCPN versions (1.x) I think you can stop beating this dead animal now and look for another one.

Pavel