Navigational Software Questions

[Chuckbear]

We, like many cruisers, we are finding ourselves using navigational programs more and more on our cruises. We currently run about 8 different programs, navigation, tides and a few others. We have often thought there is a real need to find a combined program that would give us maximum information in one program. So I thought I would throw the questions out to members of the board.
1. In addition to your charts, what other information would you like to be able to access on the same screen?
2. While actively cruising outside your main home area, what information is most important to you?
3. How would you prefer to be able to access this information, computer via software, computer via internet, mobile device, all of the above.
4. What current systems now best provide that information?
I hope this isn't too much information, but for the folks out there considering development of new applications for the cruising community, this information could be invaluable, and for those of us looking for the ultimate in electronic aids it will provide us with more useful applications and less bells and whistles we might never use. Thanks to all. Chuck

 

[Bill Roosa]

Data elements

I'd like to see:
Charts, depth, speed, true and apparent wind speed and direction in vector form, tide set and drift in vector form, my position, boat speed and direction in vector form, indications of where I'll be in x minutes, changes to BSB charts from the BSB file, AIS info from the big ships, weather, tide ranges and current state, time, sight reduction data/form, engine data to include fuel flow rate and engine hours, battery voltage, system current usage, alternator, wind, solar amp and volt output, sailing data like polars, VMG, tack angle......
And if it can do my taxes that would be super.

 

[Chuckbear]

Wow Bill, I need to check but I don't think you missed anything Chuck

 

[rpwillia]

How about the ability to directly use the NOAA Charts

The NOAA charts are online for download and good enough that I really don't need the Navionics, Garmin or other "value-added" charts.

 

[Chuckbear]

The NOAA charts are online for download and good enough that I really don't need the Navionics, Garmin or other "value-added" charts.

That is great but you can't do anything with those downloaded charts unless you have some kind of software to open and run the charts. Most folks that do any serious cruising want more than just a program that opens a chart and shows your position. Chuck

 

[Don12364]

Try This One

I use Euronav's SeaPro Plus. Does all of those things Bill would like - except taxes! Instruments can be shown down the right side of the chart - or switched off if not required. It will also display and track any number of windows so one can have the main chart in one window with a smaller window but a larger scale chart overlaid. Of course for display of instruments they need to be in NMEA form but most, even Raymarine, can manage this. It can even flash the navigation lights on buoys with their correct timings, though I turn this off.
SeaPro is a very comprehensive navigation program and will accept most chart formats both vector and raster you may already own including 3D views and local photos. I only use vector charts.
When displaying AIS it shows vectors for all vessels including your own and gives CPAs and TCPAs on the chart as well as in a table. One can select any of the vessel data on screen or in tabular form too. Alarms sound and messages on appear screen if any vessel enters your preset guard zone and even if its vector crosses your zone a different alarm sounds. It even shows curved predictions of vessels tracks from the 'Rate of Turn' data they transmit.
One can download GRIB weather charts and overlay these too.
Try it on http://www.euronav.co.uk/

 

[paulj]

Chuckbear
Articles on your sites are Top Drawer easy to read, understand and have a flow such that you have time to dream and reflect as you read.
Who is the writer in your family?

http://rosepointnav.com/CoastalExplorer/default.htm

This is the software I've used for 4 years, seems I can't use all the features......too much info and I go into overload.
I used the split screen feature alot this year in a place called Desolation Sound, a lot of islands and a place new to me.
The split screen alows me to navigate in great detail plus see where you want to navigate to keeping the best course and keep your orientation.

I'm not sure if the software can do everything Bill Roosa mentioned, but if you use the F1 function key it will do your taxes, if you can enter the data.


paulj :troll:

 

[Chuckbear]

Thanks for the compliment on the site. Both Susan and I do the writing but she is pretty much my editor and corrects all of my mistakes. Thanks all for the input on the nav programs and please keep it coming. Chuck

 

[Bruce21849]

I use a Vavionics Gold Chip 12XG-2 on a Raymarine C-80 chart plotter for the west coast of Canada. While the charts seem to be accurate the complete data of tides and currents is entirely incorrect. This has been confirmed by both US and Canadian Navionic representatives. What I find troubling is that they have not issued a recall nor a warning about this problem. Obviously relying on incorrect data could seriously jeopardize the safety of a boat and crew.
I suggest referencing your chosen programs against government publications PRIOR to purchasing.

We, like many cruisers, we are finding ourselves using navigational programs more and more on our cruises. We currently run about 8 different programs, navigation, tides and a few others. We have often thought there is a real need to find a combined program that would give us maximum information in one program. So I thought I would throw the questions out to members of the board.
1. In addition to your charts, what other information would you like to be able to access on the same screen?
2. While actively cruising outside your main home area, what information is most important to you?
3. How would you prefer to be able to access this information, computer via software, computer via internet, mobile device, all of the above.
4. What current systems now best provide that information?
I hope this isn't too much information, but for the folks out there considering development of new applications for the cruising community, this information could be invaluable, and for those of us looking for the ultimate in electronic aids it will provide us with more useful applications and less bells and whistles we might never use. Thanks to all. Chuck

 

[seadaddler]

C-80

I forget how to do it and my book on boat but check your time calibration,my was off also but did some time reset.
Did you try calling Raymarine,I call them any time I need help or have problem and they have always been very helpful with any questions,must be on the boat with C-80 for any help when calling.
Nick

 

[Blue Grace]

Ozi Explorer

For an extremely reasonable cost (Less than $100) you can purchase Ozi Explorer.

This is a fully functioning charting and plotting system that uses a variety of chart types, including BSB charts downloaded from NOAA.

The system will interact with your GPS, thereby showing your position, speed, etc., and you can preplan routes and save route and track data.

Another feature is the ability to import images as charts, as long as you can pinpoint 3 positions on the chart accurately the system will provide good LAT/LON data.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

 

[higgs]

Wow! I am in the stone age, I guess. I only use Sea Clear, a handheld, paper charts, dividers, pencil, and hand bearing compass.

 

[Rick D]

Interim Thread Hijack

Do any of you guys know how to pick up magnetic on SeaClear or OpenCPN? No big deal since you can do the calculations in your head, but I always worry about crew or me with cotton for brains...

 

[RichH]

1. In addition to your charts, what other information would you like to be able to access on the same screen?
*** AIS overlay, Satellite Wx overlay, 3D barographic depth contours, Satellite/SSB GRIB file download.
2. While actively cruising outside your main home area, what information is most important to you?
*** Above ... for long distance cruising and passagemaking
3. How would you prefer to be able to access this information, computer via software, computer via internet, mobile device, all of the above.
*** SSB downlink (direct) ie.: Sailmail.
4. What current systems now best provide that information?
A. "MacENC" for Navigation plus AIS (realtime) + "Mr. Tides" (overlay), "XM Wx". B. "SSB WeFAX" (via "multimode") of course all for a MACINTOSH, as I dont and wont ever do WinDOZE.

 

[Mark15145]

The more information the better. The first response did not leave out much There is a reliability issue that maybe should be mentioned. Be careful about putting all your eggs in one basket. Last November I crewed on a 47 foot boat coming up from Puerto Vallarta. It had a fantastic Navigation System. AIS, Chart Plotter, Electronic maps, Depth, Wind, Etc all wired in through a Nobeltech program. About all it was missing was weather.The Lap-Top failed before we left the dock. We navigated all the way to San Diego with my hand held (back-up) GPS, Paper Charts, and the stand alone Radar. I started thinking about all the crashes and failures I have on my computer at work.This computer does not get damp, and does not get exposed to the rolling or pounding that is pretty much a part of offshore sailing. We use a different approach. On our boat we have redundant and stand alone equipment. There is a Furuno Plotter, with seperate antenna, backing up a Furuno Chart Plotter. The Furuno Radar is capable of chart overlay, and has its own 10" display. The depth finder, wind, and speed over water have their own sensors and displays. We use our Lap-Top with a verizon cell phone modem to access weather, email, and the internet, while we are docked or at anchor. There is a Furuno Weatherfax on board in case we ever get around to our dream voyage. We have an SSB and two VHF radios, plus a hand held VHF. In case your wondering, the CA Coast Guard does regular weather broadcasts on VHF22, and will anounce them on VHF16. When we have been coastal cruising in marginal weather, these reports have been wonderful to have. My point (in a nutshell) is that as a systems complexity approaches infinity, the mean time between failures approaches Zero. I am a fan of seperate systems with specific jobs. Easy to learn controls. And rugged reliability.

 

[RichH]

My point (in a nutshell) is that as a systems complexity approaches infinity, the mean time between failures approaches Zero. I am a fan of seperate systems with specific jobs. Easy to learn controls. And rugged reliability.

Boy Oh Boy do you have that right.
One lightning strike can totally destroy a total integrated system in a 'flash'. Better to have most of everything 'independent' as some usually 'survive'.
I got hit by lightning in 'de islands' last spring; and, every damn instrument connected by Sea-talk got fried; those 'independents' that wernt connected were OK.

 

[richk]

Do any of you guys know how to pick up magnetic on SeaClear or OpenCPN? No big deal since you can do the calculations in your head, but I always worry about crew or me with cotton for brains...

Rick
I'm unfamiliar with OpenCPN, but I'd be surprised if magnetic headings are available thru SeaClear. SeaClear relies on graphic NOAA ENCs. I don't believe magnetic info is included/embedded in these charts for use by SeaClear. If I can remember (what a challenge that is now), I'll check the manual.
Rich in Annapolis

 

[richk]

SeaClear manual

Rick
I'm unfamiliar with OpenCPN, but I'd be surprised if magnetic headings are available thru SeaClear. SeaClear relies on graphic NOAA ENCs. I don't believe magnetic info is included/embedded in these charts for use by SeaClear. If I can remember (what a challenge that is now), I'll check the manual.
Rich in Annapolis

The manual does show a screen which mentions magnetic variation. I don't know if this is what Rick wants...

 

[kenn]

One lightning strike can totally destroy a total integrated system in a 'flash'. Better to have most of everything 'independent' as some usually 'survive'.
I got hit by lightning in 'de islands' last spring; and, every damn instrument connected by Sea-talk got fried; those 'independents' that wernt connected were OK.

Hmmm. maybe NMEA 2000 should really be on fiber-optics, instead of wire. Yes the 12v connection also links everything, but the more interconnection, the greater the chance of inter-device currents in lightning or other electrical catastrophe.

 

[Mark15145]

RickH,
That sounds like an adventure! I am 50 years old with about 30 years of sailing, not counting Sunfish and rowboats. We have been very lucky when it comes to staying the heck away from lightening storms. They say the oven will make a fine farday cage, so that is probably where my displays are going if I ever get caught out.
I like Kenn's fiber optic idea for the thread.
There is a web sight ( http://sfports.wr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/wind/windbin.cgi ) showing real time wind in SF Bay. My Furuno Chart Plotter already can show current patterns, also in vector form with different size, and color, arrows for current speed and direction. In my racing days I would have LOVED to have that on Chart Plotter Screen. Today the weather, tides, and AIS data is probably more necessary I keep comming back to how complicated the system is, how reliable, and how rugged. Boats are a harsh enviroment (even without lightening strikes). I would rather be have a properly compensated compass, and a reliable accurate depth finder, than be trying to reboot my laptop while a sailed onto the beach. I would rather have a regular old hand held GPS and some paper charts, than loose my entire system due to a knock down or lightening strike. Remmeber when "Power Point" first came out? All these great tools to use but the same old management? We used to joke about "SBB" presentations. It stood for "Slick, But Bad". I'm just saying...