"Len" wrote in message
...
On 17 Aug 2005 11:46:50 -0700, wrote:
Most boaters use laptops for onboard computing, but I want to see what
this group thinks about using a more permanent PC solution?
-------------------------snip----------------
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
Nice to write this letter to santa... 
I want a fanless and solid state pc 512 mB memory, 1 gHz cpu with a
stabilized psu. I want it to be small so I can mount it in a small
locker.
I want wifi for hotspot internet acces
I want at least serial ports for connecting :
1 gps
2 ais
3 radar
4 cellphone for backup internet-acces
5 wind/depth/whatever
6 charger/inverter interface)
I want the connections to work optical, no galvanic connections.
I want an USB hub operating on the 12v psu for connecting
hard drive as a external unit
dvd reader/burner as an external unit
digital camera
mp3-player
memory sticks
whatever
In stead of at the back of the pc I want "remote" connectors for this
USB hub. I want to mount these usb-connectors in my panel next to my
chart table so I just stick the connector in the built in connector
next to my screen when I want.
I want a soundcard, for my car radio. I want to play the mp3's through
the car radio and I want to record from the car radio/digital tv
I also want mike-input for skype comms.
I want a 17" lcd screen to look at sitting at my charttable, 12 volts
(from the stabilazed psu) I also want a second lcd (15", bright,
rugged and waterproof but reasonably priced) in the cockpit.
Both with speakers built in. So: I want dual video out for both lcd's.
The one in the cockpit via a long vga cable.
I want to connect 2 trackballs, one mounted on my charttable,one in
the cockpit
Well lets leave at this for the time being.
Are you still there ?
Regards, Len.
I have serviced Northstar 961/962 systems (no longer in production). Shock
mounting the PC to avoid vibration problems to hard drives became necessary,
especially on commercial tugboats with lots of vibration. The fans suck up
all kinds on stuff, like metal filings, etc., that are not electronics
friendly. A fanless system would be great.
How about a plug in board for FAX broadcasts and NavText? Perhaps a GPS plug
in board so only a sensor type antenna would be needed? For the hams, a
plug-in APRS modem and maybe even a 2 meter transceiver on the APRS
frequency for automatic reporting of ship position to the web sites. An
interface for a radar scanner to the PC would be nice, such as the RJ-45
connector that Garmin and others are going to these days, allowing use of
software such as Nobeltec.
12 VDC or ever better 12-32 VDC power supply for the PC would be nice, with
good surge and noise protection.
Maybe down the line an AIS receiver plug in board with software could be
added. Just some thoughts beyond the toys Len already requested.
73
Doug K7ABX