Just_Me wrote in :

zCapn isnt a stand alone package.

What is does is offer you a "remote control view" of what is running
on your Capn Voyager system over a wireless link. zCapn would run on
your iPaq (or whatever pocket pc equivalent you have) and would
communicate back and forth to your desktop/laptop.

zCapn sells for $99 new. I dont think I even put a reserve on it.


I notice it says "remote control VIEW". I guess it can't control the boat
from there....

If you put a Webfoot serial to Ethernet adapter on the serial port of your
NMEA multiplexer:
http://www.stayonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=2370
and plug it into your wireless router:
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGR101.php
(I like Netgear and this little router is the size of a card deck with
built-in antenna. Should be great for this use.) This new "travel router"
also has a switch so you can set it for "single user mode" so noone else
can connect to it but you...very nice in this application.

Webfoot comes with software called a "virtual serial port" that simulates,
in software, a standard RS-232C serial connection to a COMx port The Cap'n
is looking for data on. The vsp software connects to the Webfoot over the
wireless LAN (or an Ethernet connection if you like). The Cap'n thinks
it's connected to your NMEA multiplexer, directly, even though you are
laying in your bean bag on the bow driving the boat's autopilot through the
wireless LAN from the laptop between your knees.

The Webfoot is fully network compatible with DHCP enabled, so it calls for
an IP from the router just like your computer does. The vsp software just
logs onto it automatically when it finds it. Once configured, you don't
have to do anything special.

Do make a cardboard mockup of a human to keep the shock from causing
accidents when noone is in the cockpit, however...(c; I wanted that
cardboard Darth Vader SO BAD from Hardee's promo of the new Star Wars...(c;

--
Larry

You know you've had a rough night when you wake up and you're outlined in
chalk.