On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:46:21 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

Wayne.B wrote:
On 30 Aug 2004 22:18:03 -0700, (Rex Jones)
wrote:
Anyone interested in NOAA charts.. I have available high resolution
full color digital charts ( on CD's) for just about all US waters and
possessions. Issue dates are from mid 80's to 2000. These charts are
calibrated for use with the included real-time navigation software
that shows position, speed, direction etc. similar to Maptech or
Nobeltec navigation programs. For more information check out my
website at http://americanchart.com Also included are other free
navigation aids and programs, GPS positions, navigation info and other
utilities.
===========================================

If the quality of your business is no better than the website, don't
quit your day job.


Wayne -

Are you doing anything with digital charts? I've gotten weary of the
small GPS chartplotters (I have a Standard Horizon 170 on Yo Ho), and
think the larger ones are grossly overpriced, considering they basically
are single-purpose devices, and even the $2500 units have relatively
small screens. My tiny block of Garmin stock doesn't earn me much of a
discount!

So, once again, I am considering switching over to a PC-software based
chartplotter. I've messed around using my laptop on Yo Ho, but the
keyboards on these devices don't react well to moisture. So I am
thinking of picking up one of the small footprint PC boxes, either 12V
or run off a converter, and installing a 15" LCD screen in the cabin and
a waterproof keyboard on top of the "dashboard."

I've been using Cap'n Mariner; do you have experience with any of the
other suites? Interestingly, ALL the hardware one needs for such an
installation is half the price of a $2500 dedicated chartplotter, plus
you get a much larger screen, a real keyboard and the ability to perform
the usual computer functions.

Any advice?

Actually, I can address this.

The problem with computer based operations on a boat, even one like
your Parker, is shock mounting the computer. It's almost impossible
to do correctly on a small boat with a store bought computer. I've
seen some gimbal type shock mounts, but on anything less than 40 feet,
they are useless.

I tried to use one on my Contender and gave up. I couldn't get the
computer to stay up long enough to do any good unless the water was
like glass and even then, the vibrations from the outboards would
cause it to go berzerk evey once in a while. Even remote mounting the
computer in a box with pads everywhere didn't help.

There's a bunch of marie laptops out there, but from the reviews I've
read (and that is by no means complete), this type of application for
laptops is not the greatest in the marine environment.

I went with the dedicated chartplotter - it does what it's supposed to
do.

Take care.

Tom

"The beatings will stop when morale improves."
E. Teach, 1717