PC/PDA as 'cockpit-chartplotter'
 

Hello Bruce,

Tried to use your mailing address - no success ... sorry!

In the newsgroup aus.sport.sailing - 12-02-2005, I read with
great interest about your set up in your boat ... It is a
solution, I'm very much after.

Just recently, I bought a 'new' sailboat - 15 years old...
It is equipped with rather new Raymarine instruments - ST60
series - 230 VHF, RC 530 Chart Plotter, and 4000 tiller
Autopilot - all elements are connected in a SeaTalk net ...
The instruments are visible from the cockpit, but the VHF
and the chartplotter, are mounted ind the cabin. As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

I find the prices of the Raymarine hsb2 interface plus their
RNS navigations software far too stiff for my budget, and as
I already do have some sea maps from Maptech and some nordic
electronic maps = versions, that are not compatible with
anything else in the world - (called 'the living seamap' =
DLSK - but they cover all of Denmark, Southern and Western
Sweden and Southern part of Norway) ... I'm pretty eager to
use, what I have ...

I have - therefore and for the time being - reduced my level
of ambition from a totally 'Raymarine' integrated system
based on C-Map charts and RNS 5.0 - to a more modest level:
Run my notebook with the maps/applications I have (Navigator
Lite from Maptech and DLSK) - 'hook up' a USB-GPS to the PC,
and somehow 'connect' the PPC to my notebook PC (Win XP) so
I can keep my notebook 'down under' but with access from/or
'controlled by' my PPC.

I don't have bluetooth, so I will have to accept cables - or
what? ... at least in the first implementation I'm afraid
....

As I'm not at all competent within this field of 'system
integration', I would very much appreciate, if you would
accept to give me a little more detailed information about
how I should go about, if I want to implement the solution,
you have outlined in your 'letter' to the newsgroup.

I do not intend to integrate the system with the RayMarine
system. So my problem is 'only' to establish a
'cockpit-chartplotter-function' i.e. the right connection
between the notebook PC and the PPC running windows ...
Microsoft Pocket PC vers. 3.0.11171.

As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

Being a Dane, I have problems finding the correct words
etc., but I do hope my mail is understandable.

Best regards


--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

Hej Flemming,

Could one of our NMEA multiplexers be of any use? We have a version that
translates Seatalk into NMEA and broadcasts the NMEA data over Bluetooth to
a PDA running standard navigation software.
Take a look at www.shipmodul.com and select MiniPlex-41BT or MiniPlex-42BT
from the Products page.

Meindert

"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in message
. ..
Hello Bruce,

Tried to use your mailing address - no success ... sorry!

In the newsgroup aus.sport.sailing - 12-02-2005, I read with
great interest about your set up in your boat ... It is a
solution, I'm very much after.

Just recently, I bought a 'new' sailboat - 15 years old...
It is equipped with rather new Raymarine instruments - ST60
series - 230 VHF, RC 530 Chart Plotter, and 4000 tiller
Autopilot - all elements are connected in a SeaTalk net ...
The instruments are visible from the cockpit, but the VHF
and the chartplotter, are mounted ind the cabin. As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

I find the prices of the Raymarine hsb2 interface plus their
RNS navigations software far too stiff for my budget, and as
I already do have some sea maps from Maptech and some nordic
electronic maps = versions, that are not compatible with
anything else in the world - (called 'the living seamap' =
DLSK - but they cover all of Denmark, Southern and Western
Sweden and Southern part of Norway) ... I'm pretty eager to
use, what I have ...

I have - therefore and for the time being - reduced my level
of ambition from a totally 'Raymarine' integrated system
based on C-Map charts and RNS 5.0 - to a more modest level:
Run my notebook with the maps/applications I have (Navigator
Lite from Maptech and DLSK) - 'hook up' a USB-GPS to the PC,
and somehow 'connect' the PPC to my notebook PC (Win XP) so
I can keep my notebook 'down under' but with access from/or
'controlled by' my PPC.

I don't have bluetooth, so I will have to accept cables - or
what? ... at least in the first implementation I'm afraid
...

As I'm not at all competent within this field of 'system
integration', I would very much appreciate, if you would
accept to give me a little more detailed information about
how I should go about, if I want to implement the solution,
you have outlined in your 'letter' to the newsgroup.

I do not intend to integrate the system with the RayMarine
system. So my problem is 'only' to establish a
'cockpit-chartplotter-function' i.e. the right connection
between the notebook PC and the PPC running windows ...
Microsoft Pocket PC vers. 3.0.11171.

As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

Being a Dane, I have problems finding the correct words
etc., but I do hope my mail is understandable.

Best regards


--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

Hello Meinert,

Thank you for your proposal Meinert. I have also been visiting
your homepage. Very interesting and inspiring! By reading many of
the 'letters' in this and other news groups, I have seen your
many relevant comments. Being an 'electronic amateur', I'm not
sure, I fully understand your input in this case. Sorry for that.
Maybe a little clarification from my side can help, as I find
myself 'fighting with incompatible solutions' so to speak ...

On the actual RayMarine Seatalk-system, that is totally
integrated, I do have a
"PC-SeaTalk-NMEA Interface Box Product Number: E85001:
Interface adapter used to connect PCs running RayTech
software to the Raymarine SeaTalk data network. Can also be used
to connect NMEA 0183 devices and computers running NMEA 0183
compatible navigation software to the SeaTalk network."

The above text is taken directly from
http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/P...duc t_id=2976

Unfortunately, I have not been succesful in establishing
any kind of meaningful communication between that interface and
my notebook applications DLSK and Maptech Navigator Lite ... I'm
still trying to figure out, what the problem is: The serial
cable? The serial to USB cable? The serial port on the PC, The
E85001 box? Right COM port? Conflict? or ... or ...

Back to my problem: Among other things, I have a
Scandinavian navigation system -DLSK - in case you read some
Danish - here is a link:
http://www.kms.dk/C1256BBB0028D4B5/(AllDocsByDocId)/3C9CB235258BF63CC1256BDB002B4EC6?open&page=detleve ndeskort2&omr=KORT_FRITIDSSEJLADS
it is not compatible with anything else. (I am afraid, that this
link is a bit too long or what?).

The DLSK-system consists of 3 CD's with some two hundred
sea maps covering the waters around Denmark, Southern Norway, and
Western Sweden, harbours, and differenet themes. I used to work
with this system in combinantion with my old Garmin GPS on my
former boat. That did cost me a notebook - unfortunately -
because the PC did not like the 'salt taste of Kattegat' ... but
it worked ... until ... That program does not run on a PDA. As I
would like to keep my new notebook 'down under' protected from
the wawes of Kattegat and Skagerak, I'm trying to figure out how
to use my PDA (that does not have blue tooth, but a little
RoyalTek GPS unit) as a screen 'reflecting' the monitor of the
notebook, that runs the DLSK application/maps. It is in no way my
intention to try to integrate this system with the Raymarine
Seatalk System - except, maybe, for the use of the GPS, as I
would like to use the Ray GPS on the notebook two - via the above
mentioned interface: Seatalk --- NMEA.

If it was not for the DKK, £ or $, I think I would buy the
RayMarine package ... but as I think I have most of the
components for establishing a 'cockpit-chartplotter-solution', I
think that will be, well ... my short term solution. (My
'captain' supports this view point very strongly). As she is
saying: We have always been able to mange with all the paper maps
.... and ... isn't she right?

In short - that was my reason for asking Bruce for some
more information about his solution with a combination of a
notebook (in the drawer) running the navigations package and the
PPC in the cockpit - 'controlling' the notebook with some
software called vnc, something, by the way, I don't know anything
about. But his statemenst made me curious. I have also tried to
address this question to some it-related newsgroups ... so far
without a useful answer ...

Do you think your NMEA multiplexer could play an active
role in my situation? Or are we talking on different subjects? If
so, I do apologise. As to the Maptech application, that can be
run on a PDA/PPC (I don't know the real difference between these
two terms): As my PPC has its own GPS unit, I don't think I would
need any multiplexor in that case - right? And the PPC unit can
not read the C-Map charts that are used in the Raymarine chart
plotter ... do you know whether the RC530 could output some
useful information to the PDA/PPC?

Again sorry for my language. There are so many words I know
in Danish ... and I'm a little confuse to be honest - so I'm
trying to make myself understandable - hope you are tolerant and
flexible ... Best regards



--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Meindert Sprang" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Hej Flemming,

Could one of our NMEA multiplexers be of any use? We have a
version that
translates Seatalk into NMEA and broadcasts the NMEA data over
Bluetooth to
a PDA running standard navigation software.
Take a look at www.shipmodul.com and select MiniPlex-41BT or
MiniPlex-42BT
from the Products page.

Meindert

"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
. ..
Hello Bruce,

Tried to use your mailing address - no success ... sorry!

In the newsgroup aus.sport.sailing - 12-02-2005, I read with
great interest about your set up in your boat ... It is a
solution, I'm very much after.

Just recently, I bought a 'new' sailboat - 15 years old...
It is equipped with rather new Raymarine instruments - ST60
series - 230 VHF, RC 530 Chart Plotter, and 4000 tiller
Autopilot - all elements are connected in a SeaTalk net ...
The instruments are visible from the cockpit, but the VHF
and the chartplotter, are mounted ind the cabin. As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

I find the prices of the Raymarine hsb2 interface plus their
RNS navigations software far too stiff for my budget, and as
I already do have some sea maps from Maptech and some nordic
electronic maps = versions, that are not compatible with
anything else in the world - (called 'the living seamap' =
DLSK - but they cover all of Denmark, Southern and Western
Sweden and Southern part of Norway) ... I'm pretty eager to
use, what I have ...

I have - therefore and for the time being - reduced my level
of ambition from a totally 'Raymarine' integrated system
based on C-Map charts and RNS 5.0 - to a more modest level:
Run my notebook with the maps/applications I have (Navigator
Lite from Maptech and DLSK) - 'hook up' a USB-GPS to the PC,
and somehow 'connect' the PPC to my notebook PC (Win XP) so
I can keep my notebook 'down under' but with access from/or
'controlled by' my PPC.

I don't have bluetooth, so I will have to accept cables - or
what? ... at least in the first implementation I'm afraid
...

As I'm not at all competent within this field of 'system
integration', I would very much appreciate, if you would
accept to give me a little more detailed information about
how I should go about, if I want to implement the solution,
you have outlined in your 'letter' to the newsgroup.

I do not intend to integrate the system with the RayMarine
system. So my problem is 'only' to establish a
'cockpit-chartplotter-function' i.e. the right connection
between the notebook PC and the PPC running windows ...
Microsoft Pocket PC vers. 3.0.11171.

As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

Being a Dane, I have problems finding the correct words
etc., but I do hope my mail is understandable.

Best regards


--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...

Meindert Sprang wrote:
Hej Flemming,

Could one of our NMEA multiplexers be of any use? We have a version
that translates Seatalk into NMEA and broadcasts the NMEA data over
Bluetooth to a PDA running standard navigation software.
Take a look at www.shipmodul.com and select MiniPlex-41BT or
MiniPlex-42BT from the Products page.

Meindert

"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in message
. ..
Hello Bruce,

Tried to use your mailing address - no success ... sorry!

In the newsgroup aus.sport.sailing - 12-02-2005, I read with
great interest about your set up in your boat ... It is a
solution, I'm very much after.

Just recently, I bought a 'new' sailboat - 15 years old...
It is equipped with rather new Raymarine instruments - ST60
series - 230 VHF, RC 530 Chart Plotter, and 4000 tiller
Autopilot - all elements are connected in a SeaTalk net ...
The instruments are visible from the cockpit, but the VHF
and the chartplotter, are mounted ind the cabin. As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

I find the prices of the Raymarine hsb2 interface plus their
RNS navigations software far too stiff for my budget, and as
I already do have some sea maps from Maptech and some nordic
electronic maps = versions, that are not compatible with
anything else in the world - (called 'the living seamap' =
DLSK - but they cover all of Denmark, Southern and Western
Sweden and Southern part of Norway) ... I'm pretty eager to
use, what I have ...

I have - therefore and for the time being - reduced my level
of ambition from a totally 'Raymarine' integrated system
based on C-Map charts and RNS 5.0 - to a more modest level:
Run my notebook with the maps/applications I have (Navigator
Lite from Maptech and DLSK) - 'hook up' a USB-GPS to the PC,
and somehow 'connect' the PPC to my notebook PC (Win XP) so
I can keep my notebook 'down under' but with access from/or
'controlled by' my PPC.

I don't have bluetooth, so I will have to accept cables - or
what? ... at least in the first implementation I'm afraid
...

As I'm not at all competent within this field of 'system
integration', I would very much appreciate, if you would
accept to give me a little more detailed information about
how I should go about, if I want to implement the solution,
you have outlined in your 'letter' to the newsgroup.

I do not intend to integrate the system with the RayMarine
system. So my problem is 'only' to establish a
'cockpit-chartplotter-function' i.e. the right connection
between the notebook PC and the PPC running windows ...
Microsoft Pocket PC vers. 3.0.11171.

As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

Being a Dane, I have problems finding the correct words
etc., but I do hope my mail is understandable.

Best regards


--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

It would seem that our friend wishes to control a notebook and it's software
located in the cabin from a PDA located in the cockpit. If I am correct in
this assumption, I would have thought this to be impossible, since the
notebook's functions cannot be replicated in the PDA, can they?

Laplink allows you to control one PC from another (remote) PC, but that is
because they are both PC's and have the same architecture.

I stand corrected if this is not the case!


Dennis.
--
Satellite photocharts of the UK & Ireland
available, excellent detail and accurate
calibration using Oziexplorer.
Remove *nospam* to reply.

Flemming Torp wrote:

snip As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

Since you have a PPC and a GPS receiver for it (the RGM-2000) you might
want to look at trying out a trial version of an application like Ozi-CE
(http://www.oziexplorer.com/). Ozi-CE may be able to use the Maptech
BSB charts you have now if they are on CD-ROMs. The BSB chart files
require some conversion for use by Ozi-CE, that can be done using the
trial version of Ozi Explorer PC (Ozi-PC).

You may also be able to use your DLSK charts if you can import them into
Ozi-PC and calibrate them for use. Once those are converted and
calibrated they can be used with either Ozi-PC or Ozi-CE.

Another possible avenue for using the DLSK charts is that if you can
export or save bit mapped images of the chart files, those can be
imported and calibrated with Ozi-PC (and a number of other applications
that get frequent mention here).

To get the most flexibility with Ozi-CE the Ozi Explorer developer
recommends also buying Ozi-Explorer for the PC. But you may be able to
get along without buying it. I purchased Ozi-CE to use on an iPAQ 3630
and am managing fine without having bought Ozi-PC also. I'm using
Maptech BSB charts and USGS topo maps (both come with calibration data
files) and those can be converted for use with Ozi-CE by using the
trial version of Ozi-PC. What cannot be done with the trial version of
Ozi-PC is to import and calibrate map images or edit a map image.

A nice piece of freeware that you may want to look at that also has
good capabilities for importing and calibrating map images is
SeaClear II (http://www.sping.com/seaclear/). The process is a little
convoluted but I have been able to create routes on SeaClear II (using
Maptech BSB charts) and upload those to my handheld GPS (which was being
used with SeaClear for NMEA input).

I could then download the routes and waypoints from the GPS using GPS
Utility (www.gpsu.co.uk/) and then import the routes and waypoints into
Ozi-CE. Once you sort through the details of the various file formats
and the like, you'll find there are a number of GPS utilities that data
to be migrated from one platform to another.

My feeling is that the iPAQ screen size is okay for navigation in the
sense that you just glance at it occasionally to see if you're still on
track, in the same place you that your think you are, and are just
looking at the various details of data like course, speed, etc.

Route planning can be done on the iPAQ but it is much better done on a
laptop or other PC with a larger screen, a mouse, full sized keyboard,
and the other bells and whistles that make it easier and more pleasant.

If your PPC has removable media (my iPAQ uses CF cards) you can more
easily store chart files and move data around between the PPC and PC. I
can store the Ozi-CE program and data files and hundreds of BSB charts
on a 1GB CF card.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Jack Erbes wrote:
Flemming Torp wrote:

snip As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

Since you have a PPC and a GPS receiver for it (the RGM-2000) you
might want to look at trying out a trial version of an application
like Ozi-CE (http://www.oziexplorer.com/). Ozi-CE may be able to use
the Maptech BSB charts you have now if they are on CD-ROMs. The BSB
chart files require some conversion for use by Ozi-CE, that can be
done using the trial version of Ozi Explorer PC (Ozi-PC).

You may also be able to use your DLSK charts if you can import them
into Ozi-PC and calibrate them for use. Once those are converted and
calibrated they can be used with either Ozi-PC or Ozi-CE.

Another possible avenue for using the DLSK charts is that if you can
export or save bit mapped images of the chart files, those can be
imported and calibrated with Ozi-PC (and a number of other
applications that get frequent mention here).

To get the most flexibility with Ozi-CE the Ozi Explorer developer
recommends also buying Ozi-Explorer for the PC. But you may be able
to get along without buying it. I purchased Ozi-CE to use on an iPAQ
3630 and am managing fine without having bought Ozi-PC also. I'm
using Maptech BSB charts and USGS topo maps (both come with
calibration data files) and those can be converted for use with
Ozi-CE by using the trial version of Ozi-PC. What cannot be done
with the trial version of Ozi-PC is to import and calibrate map
images or edit a map image.

A nice piece of freeware that you may want to look at that also has
good capabilities for importing and calibrating map images is
SeaClear II (http://www.sping.com/seaclear/). The process is a little
convoluted but I have been able to create routes on SeaClear II (using
Maptech BSB charts) and upload those to my handheld GPS (which was
being used with SeaClear for NMEA input).

I could then download the routes and waypoints from the GPS using GPS
Utility (www.gpsu.co.uk/) and then import the routes and waypoints
into Ozi-CE. Once you sort through the details of the various file
formats and the like, you'll find there are a number of GPS utilities
that data to be migrated from one platform to another.

My feeling is that the iPAQ screen size is okay for navigation in the
sense that you just glance at it occasionally to see if you're still
on track, in the same place you that your think you are, and are just
looking at the various details of data like course, speed, etc.

Route planning can be done on the iPAQ but it is much better done on a
laptop or other PC with a larger screen, a mouse, full sized keyboard,
and the other bells and whistles that make it easier and more
pleasant.

If your PPC has removable media (my iPAQ uses CF cards) you can more
easily store chart files and move data around between the PPC and PC.
I can store the Ozi-CE program and data files and hundreds of BSB
charts on a 1GB CF card.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)


The day is not far off when "head-up displays" as per the fighter pilot's in
an F16, will be available for we sailors!



--
Satellite photocharts of the UK & Ireland
available, excellent detail and accurate
calibration using Oziexplorer.
Remove *nospam* to reply.

"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Meindert Sprang wrote:
Hej Flemming,

Could one of our NMEA multiplexers be of any use? We have a
version
that translates Seatalk into NMEA and broadcasts the NMEA data
over
Bluetooth to a PDA running standard navigation software.
Take a look at www.shipmodul.com and select MiniPlex-41BT or
MiniPlex-42BT from the Products page.

Meindert

"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
. ..
Hello Bruce,

Tried to use your mailing address - no success ... sorry!

In the newsgroup aus.sport.sailing - 12-02-2005, I read with
great interest about your set up in your boat ... It is a
solution, I'm very much after.

snip
Best regards
-- Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...

It would seem that our friend wishes to control a notebook and
it's software
located in the cabin from a PDA located in the cockpit. If I am
correct in
this assumption, I would have thought this to be impossible,
since the
notebook's functions cannot be replicated in the PDA, can they?

Laplink allows you to control one PC from another (remote) PC,
but that is
because they are both PC's and have the same architecture.

I stand corrected if this is not the case!


Dennis.
--
Satellite photocharts of the UK & Ireland
available, excellent detail and accurate
calibration using Oziexplorer.
Remove *nospam* to reply.


Hello Dennis - Thank you for your precision - this is exactly,
what I want. I have asked the supplier of DLSK ('free
translation: The Living Sea Map = Det levende SøKort) in Denmark,
and they confirm, that their application cannot run on a PPC.
Maptech has a program, that can run on the PPC.

So - in order not to loose one more notebook - I would accept the
small screen on my PPC, if it can control the notebook PC running
the DLSK apllication ... During periods with sunshine and easy
wind, I could use my notebook as a 'cockpit-chartplotter' ... The
reason for adressing my problem to this newsgroup was the letter
from bruce:

"being one who sails about the planet on his own, i've often had
to duck below to check my nav software whilst negotiating a
passage with the remote on the autotiller, and often get
sidetracked whilst i'm there...

until now.

what i've got running now is vnc server on the laptop with a
wireless nic and vncviewer on the wireless pda, it works like a
charm and it also means i can keep the laptop more securely
stashed away in a
drawer. there's an excellent freeware version for the pocketpc
and on the pda it is much better than mstsc."

Being an amateur within this field, I'm not sure I understand
everything of the above, but it sounds as a solution to my
problem ...

The major difference is, that I do not have all this wireless
gear, and is willing to experiment with the hardware I have -
including annoying cables - until my 'captain' accepts the
obvious long term solution ...

That leads me to a new question: Has anyone of you guys
experience with a flatscreen - placed in the cockpit - working as
the second monitor on a notebook - placed in the cabin? ... Are
you aware og a product, that can stand the 'hostile cockpit
environment' - is rather modest on the batteries, can be read in
daylight, and - at the same time - does not cost anything like
the RayMarine Monitor? I do have a wireless mouse/keyboard, and I
can accept the mouse in the cockpit ...

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Jack Erbes" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:

snip As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

Since you have a PPC and a GPS receiver for it (the RGM-2000)
you might want to look at trying out a trial version of an
application like Ozi-CE (http://www.oziexplorer.com/). Ozi-CE
may be able to use the Maptech BSB charts you have now if they
are on CD-ROMs. The BSB chart files require some conversion
for use by Ozi-CE, that can be done using the trial version of
Ozi Explorer PC (Ozi-PC).

Thank you Jack for a very thorough, relevant, and solid input!

As I understand from the Maptech site, they have an application,
that can run on my PPC. Have not yet tried, as I do not have a
lot of Maptech Maps. But my Maptech maps are on paper and on a CD
(BSB-format) with the Navigator Lite program, so the
ozi-application could also be tested. I have never tried it, just
read about it. Will have to look into this.


You may also be able to use your DLSK charts if you can import
them into Ozi-PC and calibrate them for use. Once those are
converted and calibrated they can be used with either Ozi-PC or
Ozi-CE.

Another possible avenue for using the DLSK charts is that if
you can export or save bit mapped images of the chart files,
those can be imported and calibrated with Ozi-PC (and a number
of other applications that get frequent mention here).

This is exactly, what I want! But - unfortunately - this is a
'world' I've never been into ... I have been told, that the maps
in DLSK are stored in a xxx.it - format, that is not compatible
with anything else in the world ... and I'm not in a position to
challenge this statement ... I will have to study this whole
subject in more details. I will go to the library. Maybe you have
some relevant references? I do not really know what calibration -
in this context means - so I feel I'm pretty far from the target
....


To get the most flexibility with Ozi-CE the Ozi Explorer
developer recommends also buying Ozi-Explorer for the PC. But
you may be able to get along without buying it. I purchased
Ozi-CE to use on an iPAQ 3630 and am managing fine without
having bought Ozi-PC also. I'm using Maptech BSB charts and
USGS topo maps (both come with calibration data files) and
those can be converted for use with Ozi-CE by using the
trial version of Ozi-PC. What cannot be done with the trial
version of Ozi-PC is to import and calibrate map images or edit
a map image.

Compared to my 'long term solution' or alternatives, I do not
find the prices of the two ozi-programmes prohibitive.

A nice piece of freeware that you may want to look at that also
has
good capabilities for importing and calibrating map images is
SeaClear II (http://www.sping.com/seaclear/). The process is a
little convoluted but I have been able to create routes on
SeaClear II (using Maptech BSB charts) and upload those to my
handheld GPS (which was being used with SeaClear for NMEA
input).

Sounds as a very practical solution. I will look into this. Thank
you for the link!

I could then download the routes and waypoints from the GPS
using GPS Utility (www.gpsu.co.uk/) and then import the routes
and waypoints into Ozi-CE. Once you sort through the details of
the various file formats and the like, you'll find there are a
number of GPS utilities that data to be migrated from one
platform to another.

I may understand this, when I start working with it ...


My feeling is that the iPAQ screen size is okay for navigation
in the
sense that you just glance at it occasionally to see if you're
still on
track, in the same place you that your think you are, and are
just looking at the various details of data like course, speed,
etc.

Exactly - just as a kind of 'easy reminder' --- 'are we on the
right track'?

Route planning can be done on the iPAQ but it is much better
done on a laptop or other PC with a larger screen, a mouse,
full sized keyboard, and the other bells and whistles that make
it easier and more pleasant.

Jep, I fully agree - that's why I'm after a PPC-program, that can
'run' my notebook, on which I have entered routes and waypoints
before starting etc.


If your PPC has removable media (my iPAQ uses CF cards) you can
more easily store chart files and move data around between the
PPC and PC. I can store the Ozi-CE program and data files and
hundreds of BSB charts on a 1GB CF card.


That's a nice solution. My PPC supports MMC and SD memory cards.
I have started with 256MB, but can see, that prices on memory
cards are going in the right direction ...

My primary challenge - I understand - is to learn how to
'calibrate and convert' my DLSK-maps into a format, that ozi-CE
can read ... As the boat is still packed in ice, I may have some
time during the coming weeks to study map-calibration, different
map formats, conversion programmes etc. It's a completely new
world for me - but fascinating - and a little frightening ...

That's why I was searching for at solution, where my PPC is just
a 'screen' to my notebook, where I do know the applications will
run ...

AnywayJack: Thank you so much for your comprehensive input. It
has given me a lot of inspiration - not to mention quite a few
challenges ... but "to learn what one doesn't know - is also a
kind of wisdom" ...

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

Flemming Torp wrote:
"Jack Erbes" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:

snip As I do not
want to make physical changes to this set up, and as I do
have a notebook and a PPC with a GPS (a little RoyalTek RGM
2000-thing), I'm looking for a cheap solution to my
'cockpit-chartplotter-problem' ...

Since you have a PPC and a GPS receiver for it (the RGM-2000)
you might want to look at trying out a trial version of an
application like Ozi-CE (http://www.oziexplorer.com/). Ozi-CE
may be able to use the Maptech BSB charts you have now if they
are on CD-ROMs. The BSB chart files require some conversion
for use by Ozi-CE, that can be done using the trial version of
Ozi Explorer PC (Ozi-PC).

Thank you Jack for a very thorough, relevant, and solid input!

As I understand from the Maptech site, they have an application,
that can run on my PPC. Have not yet tried, as I do not have a
lot of Maptech Maps. But my Maptech maps are on paper and on a CD
(BSB-format) with the Navigator Lite program, so the
ozi-application could also be tested. I have never tried it, just
read about it. Will have to look into this.


You may also be able to use your DLSK charts if you can import
them into Ozi-PC and calibrate them for use. Once those are
converted and calibrated they can be used with either Ozi-PC or
Ozi-CE.

Another possible avenue for using the DLSK charts is that if
you can export or save bit mapped images of the chart files,
those can be imported and calibrated with Ozi-PC (and a number
of other applications that get frequent mention here).

This is exactly, what I want! But - unfortunately - this is a
'world' I've never been into ... I have been told, that the maps
in DLSK are stored in a xxx.it - format, that is not compatible
with anything else in the world ... and I'm not in a position to
challenge this statement ... I will have to study this whole
subject in more details. I will go to the library. Maybe you have
some relevant references? I do not really know what calibration -
in this context means - so I feel I'm pretty far from the target
...


To get the most flexibility with Ozi-CE the Ozi Explorer
developer recommends also buying Ozi-Explorer for the PC. But
you may be able to get along without buying it. I purchased
Ozi-CE to use on an iPAQ 3630 and am managing fine without
having bought Ozi-PC also. I'm using Maptech BSB charts and
USGS topo maps (both come with calibration data files) and
those can be converted for use with Ozi-CE by using the
trial version of Ozi-PC. What cannot be done with the trial
version of Ozi-PC is to import and calibrate map images or edit
a map image.

Compared to my 'long term solution' or alternatives, I do not
find the prices of the two ozi-programmes prohibitive.

A nice piece of freeware that you may want to look at that also
has
good capabilities for importing and calibrating map images is
SeaClear II (http://www.sping.com/seaclear/). The process is a
little convoluted but I have been able to create routes on
SeaClear II (using Maptech BSB charts) and upload those to my
handheld GPS (which was being used with SeaClear for NMEA
input).

Sounds as a very practical solution. I will look into this. Thank
you for the link!

I could then download the routes and waypoints from the GPS
using GPS Utility (www.gpsu.co.uk/) and then import the routes
and waypoints into Ozi-CE. Once you sort through the details of
the various file formats and the like, you'll find there are a
number of GPS utilities that data to be migrated from one
platform to another.

I may understand this, when I start working with it ...


My feeling is that the iPAQ screen size is okay for navigation
in the
sense that you just glance at it occasionally to see if you're
still on
track, in the same place you that your think you are, and are
just looking at the various details of data like course, speed,
etc.

Exactly - just as a kind of 'easy reminder' --- 'are we on the
right track'?

Route planning can be done on the iPAQ but it is much better
done on a laptop or other PC with a larger screen, a mouse,
full sized keyboard, and the other bells and whistles that make
it easier and more pleasant.

Jep, I fully agree - that's why I'm after a PPC-program, that can
'run' my notebook, on which I have entered routes and waypoints
before starting etc.


If your PPC has removable media (my iPAQ uses CF cards) you can
more easily store chart files and move data around between the
PPC and PC. I can store the Ozi-CE program and data files and
hundreds of BSB charts on a 1GB CF card.


That's a nice solution. My PPC supports MMC and SD memory cards.
I have started with 256MB, but can see, that prices on memory
cards are going in the right direction ...

My primary challenge - I understand - is to learn how to
'calibrate and convert' my DLSK-maps into a format, that ozi-CE
can read ... As the boat is still packed in ice, I may have some
time during the coming weeks to study map-calibration, different
map formats, conversion programmes etc. It's a completely new
world for me - but fascinating - and a little frightening ...

That's why I was searching for at solution, where my PPC is just
a 'screen' to my notebook, where I do know the applications will
run ...

AnywayJack: Thank you so much for your comprehensive input. It
has given me a lot of inspiration - not to mention quite a few
challenges ... but "to learn what one doesn't know - is also a
kind of wisdom" ...

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...
There is a lot of stuff about chartplotting on a PDA on the Oziexplorer
website under Oziexplorer CE.

I used their stuff on my Ipaq a couple of years ago, but I'm afraid the 1400
by 1050 screen on my laptop simply made the PDA look stupid, so I sold the
Ipaq!

I know your problem, but so far only a high-intensity screen in the cockpit,
connected to the laptop either wirelessly on by cable, would be
satisfactory, and as you could also use a wireless mouse (most chartplotting
is done by mouse anyway), you would have almost complete control.

These waterproof daylight screens are unbelievably expensive. The last time
I checked them out they were around $5000, so I would advise a good surf
around to see whether they have come down.

My wireless mouse is a Silver Crest, and it's a real cracker.


Dennis.
--
Satellite photocharts of the UK & Ireland
available, excellent detail and accurate
calibration using Oziexplorer.
Remove *nospam* to reply.

"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
snip
"Jack Erbes" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:


'unsnip'

My primary challenge - I understand - is to learn how to
'calibrate and convert' my DLSK-maps into a format, that
ozi-CE
can read ... As the boat is still packed in ice, I may have
some
time during the coming weeks to study map-calibration,
different
map formats, conversion programmes etc. It's a completely new
world for me - but fascinating - and a little frightening ...

That's why I was searching for at solution, where my PPC is
just
a 'screen' to my notebook, where I do know the applications
will
run ...

AnywayJack: Thank you so much for your comprehensive input. It
has given me a lot of inspiration - not to mention quite a few
challenges ... but "to learn what one doesn't know - is also
a
kind of wisdom" ...

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...
There is a lot of stuff about chartplotting on a PDA on the
Oziexplorer
website under Oziexplorer CE.


Thanks, I will start my 'study tour' in the 'ozi-world'

I used their stuff on my Ipaq a couple of years ago, but I'm
afraid the 1400
by 1050 screen on my laptop simply made the PDA look stupid, so
I sold the
Ipaq!

I know your problem, but so far only a high-intensity screen in
the cockpit,
connected to the laptop either wirelessly on by cable, would be
satisfactory, and as you could also use a wireless mouse (most
chartplotting
is done by mouse anyway), you would have almost complete
control.

These waterproof daylight screens are unbelievably expensive.
The last time
I checked them out they were around $5000, so I would advise a
good surf
around to see whether they have come down.

My wireless mouse is a Silver Crest, and it's a real cracker.


I agree - and right now, I'm after a short term solution, with
the hardware I have, and under al circumstances will have on the
boat anyway ... you know mail, internet surf, calender etc. And I
want to keep my notebook free from the salt water, that is hard
to avoid in the cockpit ...

As to 'daylight monitors', I can give you an example: In Denmark
the RayMarine Monitor - M 1500 - is priced at DKK 52.000,-. Five
years ago, I bought a swedish 30' sailboat - 3,5t - called Albin
Ballad - http://ballad.dk/ - with 13 sails, ready to sail for DKK
150.000,-! A monitor at one third of a half tonner boat ... ...
Today one U$ equals DKK 5,70 ... ...

Dennis.
--
Satellite photocharts of the UK & Ireland
available, excellent detail and accurate
calibration using Oziexplorer.
Remove *nospam* to reply.


Dennis, thank you for your advice!
--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

Flemming Torp wrote:
snip
Thank you Jack for a very thorough, relevant, and solid input!

You're welcome, I'm seeing this on rec.boats.electronics and it is a
group that knows a lot and will share it helpfully. I've learned a lot
here too.

Another newsgroup that may be a little more focused on gps, navigation,
and some of the details of your questions here is sci.geo.satellite-nav.
I think there is more discussion there of the specific devices and
processes you want to do.

snip
This is exactly, what I want! But - unfortunately - this is a 'world'
I've never been into ... I have been told, that the maps in DLSK are
stored in a xxx.it - format, that is not compatible with anything else
in the world ... and I'm not in a position to challenge this statement
... I will have to study this whole subject in more details. I will go
to the library. Maybe you have some relevant references?

I don't really have any library references, what I know has been learned
through experience, newsgroups, web pages, and just playing around with it.

I do not really
know what calibration - in this context means - so I feel I'm pretty far
from the target ....

It is not that complicated, after all I think I get it. :)

If you download SeaClear II and look around on that web site, there are
several documentation files that will give you the basics of calibration
and how to do it. The Ozi-PC trial version also has a good explanation
of it. I am getting more comfortable with map calibration but am far
from an expert and have not used it much. Basically it is mapping the
x,y pixels in a map image file to a geographical reference system. You
tell the program the lat/long postion of a number of specific pixels
that are at known geographic points and the program then maps all the
other pixels to that geographical reference system. That is a
simplistic explanation and maybe not even quite correct.

Compared to my 'long term solution' or alternatives, I do not find the
prices of the two ozi-programmes prohibitive.

That was my feeling when I bought it, I consider it a real bargain at
the price.

snip

I may understand this, when I start working with it ...

I think you will, I felt the same way when I started but wanting to do
it and being stubborn will overcome a lot of ignorance.

snip
That's a nice solution. My PPC supports MMC and SD memory cards. I have
started with 256MB, but can see, that prices on memory cards are going
in the right direction ...

My primary challenge - I understand - is to learn how to 'calibrate and
convert' my DLSK-maps into a format, that ozi-CE can read ... As the
boat is still packed in ice, I may have some time during the coming
weeks to study map-calibration, different map formats, conversion
programmes etc. It's a completely new world for me - but fascinating -
and a little frightening ...

By it being mentioned on these groups, I would be surprised if someone
who has already done it does not speak up. There is a image file format
called tiff/it that may have something in common with your DLSK files.
It may be that you already have a bit mapped image file but that it does
not have a common name. It may just need to be "figured out".

If you familiarize yourself with map calibration with Ozi and SeaClear
and have more questions, I recommend you try asking them on the
sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup. I think you'll hit a little better
audience for the question there.

Good luck, feel free to email me off the group also if you think I can
be helpful.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Flemming Torp wrote:
snip
Thank you Jack for a very thorough, relevant, and solid input!

You're welcome, I'm seeing this on rec.boats.electronics and it is a
group that knows a lot and will share it helpfully. I've learned a lot
here too.

Another newsgroup that may be a little more focused on gps, navigation,
and some of the details of your questions here is sci.geo.satellite-nav.
I think there is more discussion there of the specific devices and
processes you want to do.

snip
This is exactly, what I want! But - unfortunately - this is a 'world'
I've never been into ... I have been told, that the maps in DLSK are
stored in a xxx.it - format, that is not compatible with anything else
in the world ... and I'm not in a position to challenge this statement
... I will have to study this whole subject in more details. I will go
to the library. Maybe you have some relevant references?

I don't really have any library references, what I know has been learned
through experience, newsgroups, web pages, and just playing around with it.

I do not really
know what calibration - in this context means - so I feel I'm pretty far
from the target ....

It is not that complicated, after all I think I get it. :)

If you download SeaClear II and look around on that web site, there are
several documentation files that will give you the basics of calibration
and how to do it. The Ozi-PC trial version also has a good explanation
of it. I am getting more comfortable with map calibration but am far
from an expert and have not used it much. Basically it is mapping the
x,y pixels in a map image file to a geographical reference system. You
tell the program the lat/long postion of a number of specific pixels
that are at known geographic points and the program then maps all the
other pixels to that geographical reference system. That is a
simplistic explanation and maybe not even quite correct.

Compared to my 'long term solution' or alternatives, I do not find the
prices of the two ozi-programmes prohibitive.

That was my feeling when I bought it, I consider it a real bargain at
the price.

snip

I may understand this, when I start working with it ...

I think you will, I felt the same way when I started but wanting to do
it and being stubborn will overcome a lot of ignorance.

snip
That's a nice solution. My PPC supports MMC and SD memory cards. I have
started with 256MB, but can see, that prices on memory cards are going
in the right direction ...

My primary challenge - I understand - is to learn how to 'calibrate and
convert' my DLSK-maps into a format, that ozi-CE can read ... As the
boat is still packed in ice, I may have some time during the coming
weeks to study map-calibration, different map formats, conversion
programmes etc. It's a completely new world for me - but fascinating -
and a little frightening ...

By it being mentioned on these groups, I would be surprised if someone
who has already done it does not speak up. There is a image file format
called tiff/it that may have something in common with your DLSK files.
It may be that you already have a bit mapped image file but that it does
not have a common name. It may just need to be "figured out".

If you familiarize yourself with map calibration with Ozi and SeaClear
and have more questions, I recommend you try asking them on the
sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup. I think you'll hit a little better
audience for the question there.

Good luck, feel free to email me off the group also if you think I can
be helpful.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling one computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or PPC computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a network cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can do what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy & programming
http://www.trumphurst.com/

"Jack Erbes" skrev i en meddelelse
...
snip

Another newsgroup that may be a little more focused on gps,
navigation, and some of the details of your questions here is
sci.geo.satellite-nav. I think there is more discussion there
of the specific devices and processes you want to do.


I'm aware of that group too. The reason for 'entering' boats' is
that the first input came from a sailor using this newgroup, be
I'm afraid, that he does not use it regularly ...

snip

If you download SeaClear II and look around on that web site,
there are several documentation files that will give you the
basics of calibration and how to do it.

snip

Yes - I will try to be patient and take the time ...

By it being mentioned on these groups, I would be surprised if
someone who has already done it does not speak up.

snip

Very recently, I received an answer in the Danish newsgroup about
the possibility og converting the format of DLSK til some kind of
ozi-readable format. The answer is no - it is a 'very'
proprietary format!

Good luck, feel free to email me off the group also if you
think I can be helpful.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot
net

(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Thank you very much for your support.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook, when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.

I was naive, I understand, in assuming, that this connection
would be sufficient ... which reminds me of the old saying: "All
complex problems has at least one simple solution, - - - that
does not work" ...

I'm really not too much worried about making the connections
totally waterproof ... if it really gets rough, I will use my
'back up system': Pencil and paper ... (+ GPS etc. in the cabin)
.... and put my PPC in the drawer. The solution I'm looking for is
a kind of 'nice to have' ... the 'need to have' is in place!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Nikki Locke" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling one
computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or PPC
computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP
network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a network
cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections
waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a
network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can do
what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy &
programming
http://www.trumphurst.com/

Dennis Pogson wrote:

It would seem that our friend wishes to control a notebook and it's software
located in the cabin from a PDA located in the cockpit. If I am correct in
this assumption, I would have thought this to be impossible, since the
notebook's functions cannot be replicated in the PDA, can they?

No, they can't. If they could be, he wouldn't need the notebook, would he?

What he can do, and what he wants to do, is merely to view and control
the laptop from the PDA. VNC is almost certainly the answer here - there
will be a server for the laptop whatever operating system it uses. There
may or may not be a viewer for the PDA depending on what kind it is, but
there's a good chance that one will be available. I'm not sure how it
will cope with the difference in screen sizes, but the author of the PDA
VNC viewer will have thought of that and come up with something for
better or worse.

You can stick VNC into google as well as I can if you want a link.

Pete

Thank you Pete, for trying to help me out. What I want is to
protect my new (!) notebook (running WinXP) - control it from my
PPC (a windows version with MS Outlook, Navigation and MS
ActiveSync) in the cockpit - and as my notebook application
(DLSK) cannot run on the PPC and as the application cannot be
transferred to the PPC, I would like to use my PPC as a 'viewer'.
An alternative could be an external monitor to the notebook, and
then I could use my cordles mouse controlling the applikation ...
Unfortunately, monitor prices (5 - 10 KU$) for that kind of
application is prohibitive for my wallet and needs. Its a 'nice
to have'-solution, I'm after ...

I have been searching on the vnc site - very informative by the
way ... But I have not been able to see, whether my specific
problem - (i.e. PPC as the 'controller', and I don't have an
internet/TCP/IP on my boat, and the formats of the different
screens may also pose problems(?)) is being solved. I may present
to them my specific problem, as I'm not an IT-expert, and it is
hard to read through all the pages of the VNC manual, that I have
already downloaded ... so far, I have not seen a solution to my
problem.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....
"Pete Verdon" d
skrev i en meddelelse
...
Dennis Pogson wrote:

It would seem that our friend wishes to control a notebook and
it's software
located in the cabin from a PDA located in the cockpit. If I
am correct in
this assumption, I would have thought this to be impossible,
since the
notebook's functions cannot be replicated in the PDA, can
they?

No, they can't. If they could be, he wouldn't need the
notebook, would he?

What he can do, and what he wants to do, is merely to view and
control the laptop from the PDA. VNC is almost certainly the
answer here - there will be a server for the laptop whatever
operating system it uses. There may or may not be a viewer for
the PDA depending on what kind it is, but there's a good chance
that one will be available. I'm not sure how it will cope with
the difference in screen sizes, but the author of the PDA VNC
viewer will have thought of that and come up with something for
better or worse.

You can stick VNC into google as well as I can if you want a
link.

Pete

You will want to use VNC "server" on the laptop running your chartplotter
software.

You will want to install VNC for PPC on the handheld. The handheld will use
the client to connect to the server, and thus control your laptop from the
handheld.

In order to do this you need an IP connection. This will mean :

1) running WIFI on the laptop and PPC system.
- you can install a WIFI (802.11b) card on the PPC handheld as either as SD
card, or in the MMC slot.
- on the laptop you have a choice of PCMCIA cards or USB adapters for WIFI
- the advantage of WIFI is greater range
2) running a Bluetooth personal network between the laptop and PPC system
- most common form for BT on PPC is an SD card on older PPC handleds. Newer
ones typically have integrated BT
- for the laptop you will add a BT USB adapter if you don't currently have
built in support for it
- the advantage of BT is lower power consumption over WIFI, but you lose
range.

I have an Ipaq 5400 series PPC and when I enable WIFI it seriously drains
the batteries. I leave Bluetooth always enabled since it's not much of a
noticeable difference (the same on my cell phone, I always leave BT
enabled).

The main point here is, as Nikki stated, you need a TCP/IP connection and
that means some form of the above... or a physical connection which is not
practical.

VNC (search for tight VNC as well, also free and better performance) is not
the only solution. You could use Microsoft's own Terminal Services on the
laptop and load the Terminal Service Client for PPC if you wanted (to spend
money that is... because VNC is free).


If you decide on the Bluetooth solution you must make sure that the
Bluetooth adapter (USB) that you purchase for the laptop supports the
personal network service. Not all Bluetooth adapters are created equal,
some have support for more services than others (for example, my Ipaq does
not support the wireless headset profile, yet my laptop does).

Hope this helps.

R/
Dan




"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in message
. ..
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook, when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.

I was naive, I understand, in assuming, that this connection
would be sufficient ... which reminds me of the old saying: "All
complex problems has at least one simple solution, - - - that
does not work" ...

I'm really not too much worried about making the connections
totally waterproof ... if it really gets rough, I will use my
'back up system': Pencil and paper ... (+ GPS etc. in the cabin)
... and put my PPC in the drawer. The solution I'm looking for is
a kind of 'nice to have' ... the 'need to have' is in place!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

"Nikki Locke" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling one
computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or PPC
computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP
network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a network
cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections
waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a
network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can do
what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy &
programming
http://www.trumphurst.com/

Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook, when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT display at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20 feet away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the cockpit bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK£225 is available, and could be seen from anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead to mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no tomorrow!

Now, where did I put that jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

Thank you so much Dan. That gave me a very good understandig as
well as specific advice - at a level, I understand. Very useful
indeed! Now, I've got someting to work with, so I will return to
'the lab'.

PS - I don't think Bill Gates needs some of my money, therefore -
if possible - I will work with vnc...
--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"DC" skrev i en meddelelse
...
You will want to use VNC "server" on the laptop running your
chartplotter
software.

You will want to install VNC for PPC on the handheld. The
handheld will use
the client to connect to the server, and thus control your
laptop from the
handheld.

In order to do this you need an IP connection. This will mean
:

1) running WIFI on the laptop and PPC system.
- you can install a WIFI (802.11b) card on the PPC handheld as
either as SD
card, or in the MMC slot.
- on the laptop you have a choice of PCMCIA cards or USB
adapters for WIFI
- the advantage of WIFI is greater range
2) running a Bluetooth personal network between the laptop and
PPC system
- most common form for BT on PPC is an SD card on older PPC
handleds. Newer
ones typically have integrated BT
- for the laptop you will add a BT USB adapter if you don't
currently have
built in support for it
- the advantage of BT is lower power consumption over WIFI, but
you lose
range.

I have an Ipaq 5400 series PPC and when I enable WIFI it
seriously drains
the batteries. I leave Bluetooth always enabled since it's not
much of a
noticeable difference (the same on my cell phone, I always
leave BT
enabled).

The main point here is, as Nikki stated, you need a TCP/IP
connection and
that means some form of the above... or a physical connection
which is not
practical.

VNC (search for tight VNC as well, also free and better
performance) is not
the only solution. You could use Microsoft's own Terminal
Services on the
laptop and load the Terminal Service Client for PPC if you
wanted (to spend
money that is... because VNC is free).


If you decide on the Bluetooth solution you must make sure that
the
Bluetooth adapter (USB) that you purchase for the laptop
supports the
personal network service. Not all Bluetooth adapters are
created equal,
some have support for more services than others (for example,
my Ipaq does
not support the wireless headset profile, yet my laptop does).

Hope this helps.

R/
Dan




"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
. ..
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.

I was naive, I understand, in assuming, that this connection
would be sufficient ... which reminds me of the old saying:
"All
complex problems has at least one simple solution, - - - that
does not work" ...

I'm really not too much worried about making the connections
totally waterproof ... if it really gets rough, I will use my
'back up system': Pencil and paper ... (+ GPS etc. in the
cabin)
... and put my PPC in the drawer. The solution I'm looking for
is
a kind of 'nice to have' ... the 'need to have' is in place!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...

"Nikki Locke" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you
will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling
one
computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or
PPC
computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP
network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a network
cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections
waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a
network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can do
what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy &
programming
http://www.trumphurst.com/

"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and
moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to
control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT display
at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20 feet
away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

My wife has an old (you know, a couple of years) 15" TFT for
office use only.
As I'm looking for a 'nice to know-solution' (not to say
'quick&dirty'), and the screen needs a power cable anyway, so I'm
not that concerned about the cable to the PC ... So may be, she
really needs a new 17" TFT monitor? I will ask her ...

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the cockpit
bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern
TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK£225 is available, and could be seen from
anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead to
mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no
tomorrow!

And also the contrast/light of the monitor could be a problem - I
will have to make an experiment ...
As my initial idea was to use my PPC, I think 15" will be OK.
Some kind of protection will be needed - and, I agree, the power
consumption is an issue.
I will give it a try with my wife's TFT, before I invest in
something new ...

Now, where did I put that
jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

No Sir! This is just a 'nice to have' supplement to the 'real
navigation equipment down under' - no jigsaw will be needed in
this case ... If I won in the lottery, and would spend DKK
52.000,- for the RayMarine M 1500 monitor (one U$ equals 5,70
DKK) it might (just might!) deserve its own 'whole' in the
bulkhead ... but to be honest - its not on the top of my wish
list ...

Thank you for your constructive input!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

In message , DC
writes
You will want to use VNC "server" on the laptop running your chartplotter
software.

You will want to install VNC for PPC on the handheld. The handheld will use
the client to connect to the server, and thus control your laptop from the
handheld.

In order to do this you need an IP connection. This will mean :

1) running WIFI on the laptop and PPC system.
- you can install a WIFI (802.11b) card on the PPC handheld as either as SD
card, or in the MMC slot.
- on the laptop you have a choice of PCMCIA cards or USB adapters for WIFI
- the advantage of WIFI is greater range
2) running a Bluetooth personal network between the laptop and PPC system
- most common form for BT on PPC is an SD card on older PPC handleds. Newer
ones typically have integrated BT
- for the laptop you will add a BT USB adapter if you don't currently have
built in support for it
- the advantage of BT is lower power consumption over WIFI, but you lose
range.

I have an Ipaq 5400 series PPC and when I enable WIFI it seriously drains
the batteries. I leave Bluetooth always enabled since it's not much of a
noticeable difference (the same on my cell phone, I always leave BT
enabled).

The main point here is, as Nikki stated, you need a TCP/IP connection and
that means some form of the above... or a physical connection which is not
practical.

VNC (search for tight VNC as well, also free and better performance) is not
the only solution. You could use Microsoft's own Terminal Services on the
laptop and load the Terminal Service Client for PPC if you wanted (to spend
money that is... because VNC is free).


If you decide on the Bluetooth solution you must make sure that the
Bluetooth adapter (USB) that you purchase for the laptop supports the
personal network service. Not all Bluetooth adapters are created equal,
some have support for more services than others (for example, my Ipaq does
not support the wireless headset profile, yet my laptop does).

Hope this helps.

R/
Dan




"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in message
...
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook, when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.

I was naive, I understand, in assuming, that this connection
would be sufficient ... which reminds me of the old saying: "All
complex problems has at least one simple solution, - - - that
does not work" ...

I'm really not too much worried about making the connections
totally waterproof ... if it really gets rough, I will use my
'back up system': Pencil and paper ... (+ GPS etc. in the cabin)
... and put my PPC in the drawer. The solution I'm looking for is
a kind of 'nice to have' ... the 'need to have' is in place!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

"Nikki Locke" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling one
computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or PPC
computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP
network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a network
cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections
waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a
network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can do
what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy &
programming
http://www.trumphurst.com/





..... And if you have enough time at the end of the installation/bug
fixing/support/crashing/re-installation etc. .... go for a sail!

Spike

Sure Spike, but for the moment, the boat is encapsulated in thick
ice ... so I might as well try to figure out how I can use modern
electronics before the ice disappears, and we can go sailing
again ...

When - or if ? - the spring comes ... I wonder whether I will
ever use all that gear ... normally my paper maps, my 'analog'
compas, and my binoculars will bring us to where we want to go
....

But the 'next generation' is pushing their old dad for some more
modern technology on board ... and to be honest, I'm a little
fascinated by the possibilities ... unfortunately, I don't know a
lot about this subject ... it's a new world to me ... but I'm
willing to learn - and this group has been of great help to me -
thank you.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....
"NotMyRealName" skrev i en meddelelse
...
In message , DC
writes
You will want to use VNC "server" on the laptop running your
chartplotter
software.

You will want to install VNC for PPC on the handheld. The
handheld will use
the client to connect to the server, and thus control your
laptop from the
handheld.

In order to do this you need an IP connection. This will mean
:

1) running WIFI on the laptop and PPC system.
- you can install a WIFI (802.11b) card on the PPC handheld as
either as SD
card, or in the MMC slot.
- on the laptop you have a choice of PCMCIA cards or USB
adapters for WIFI
- the advantage of WIFI is greater range
2) running a Bluetooth personal network between the laptop and
PPC system
- most common form for BT on PPC is an SD card on older PPC
handleds. Newer
ones typically have integrated BT
- for the laptop you will add a BT USB adapter if you don't
currently have
built in support for it
- the advantage of BT is lower power consumption over WIFI, but
you lose
range.

I have an Ipaq 5400 series PPC and when I enable WIFI it
seriously drains
the batteries. I leave Bluetooth always enabled since it's not
much of a
noticeable difference (the same on my cell phone, I always
leave BT
enabled).

The main point here is, as Nikki stated, you need a TCP/IP
connection and
that means some form of the above... or a physical connection
which is not
practical.

VNC (search for tight VNC as well, also free and better
performance) is not
the only solution. You could use Microsoft's own Terminal
Services on the
laptop and load the Terminal Service Client for PPC if you
wanted (to spend
money that is... because VNC is free).


If you decide on the Bluetooth solution you must make sure that
the
Bluetooth adapter (USB) that you purchase for the laptop
supports the
personal network service. Not all Bluetooth adapters are
created equal,
some have support for more services than others (for example,
my Ipaq does
not support the wireless headset profile, yet my laptop does).

Hope this helps.

R/
Dan




"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
k...
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a
cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port
in my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.

I was naive, I understand, in assuming, that this connection
would be sufficient ... which reminds me of the old saying:
"All
complex problems has at least one simple solution, - - -
that
does not work" ...

I'm really not too much worried about making the connections
totally waterproof ... if it really gets rough, I will use my
'back up system': Pencil and paper ... (+ GPS etc. in the
cabin)
... and put my PPC in the drawer. The solution I'm looking
for is
a kind of 'nice to have' ... the 'need to have' is in place!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...

"Nikki Locke" skrev i en meddelelse
...
Flemming Torp wrote:
As I'm very 'intrigued' by the wireless solution, I'm
curious as to what it takes to implement that set up in my
case ... I have been at the vnc homepage, which I find
very
interesting, but hard to understand ... my age and my weak
background within this field - unfortunately ... If you
will
help me, I will be happy - thank you!

VNC is a cross-platform application for remote controlling
one
computer
from another. You can use any of Unix, Mac, Windows PC or
PPC
computers to
control any (or all) of the others.

The computers have to be connected together by a TCP/IP
network. In your
case, this would either involve a wireless LAN, or a
network
cable (but you
would have to go to some trouble to make the connections
waterproof).

I'm not familiar with the PPC, so I don't know if it has a
network socket,
or wireless LAN. If it hasn't, then I don't think you can
do
what you want.

--
Nikki Locke, Trumphurst Ltd. PC & Unix consultancy &
programming

http://www.trumphurst.com/





.... And if you have enough time at the end of the
installation/bug fixing/support/crashing/re-installation etc.
.... go for a sail!

Spike

Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you Pete, for trying to help me out. What I want is to protect my
new (!) notebook (running WinXP) - control it from my PPC (a windows
version with MS Outlook, Navigation and MS ActiveSync) in the cockpit -
and as my notebook application (DLSK) cannot run on the PPC and as the
application cannot be transferred to the PPC, I would like to use my PPC
as a 'viewer'.

Yup, that's exactly the kind of thing VNC is for.

I don't have an internet/TCP/IP on my boat,

All that's needed is a network connection between the laptop and the
PPC. You will need this to control one from the other, whatever system
you use. I'm afraid I can't really help you with that as I know nothing
about PDAs. One way would be to get a wireless network card for the
laptop (under £10 if you shop in the right place) and for the PDA (no
idea how much these cost), assuming neither of them have one already.

Pete

Your question is definetly a networking issue, compatible devices and
software configuration. This is independent of what you running on your
pc. Get the PPC networked to your Pc using a wireless network hub, and
get VNC configured properly. All else is irrelevant.

If this doesn't help, try other newsgroups geared to Pocket PCs and
networking, VNCs.

Good luck.
Luis Castro

By the Way, all the below is a network connection, but not of the type
that will sustain VNC. So your barking up the wrong tree. Get your PPC
and PC wireless networked, and run VNC to the IP address you give your
Pc.

Chart plotting on a small screen, may be very cumbersome, beside
time-consuming.



Flemming Torp (kanelbolle anmar) wrote:
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and
moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to
control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT display
at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20 feet
away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

My wife has an old (you know, a couple of years) 15" TFT for
office use only.
As I'm looking for a 'nice to know-solution' (not to say
'quick&dirty'), and the screen needs a power cable anyway, so I'm
not that concerned about the cable to the PC ... So may be, she
really needs a new 17" TFT monitor? I will ask her ...

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the cockpit
bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern
TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK=A3225 is available, and could be seen from
anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead to
mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no
tomorrow!

And also the contrast/light of the monitor could be a problem - I
will have to make an experiment ...
As my initial idea was to use my PPC, I think 15" will be OK.
Some kind of protection will be needed - and, I agree, the power
consumption is an issue.
I will give it a try with my wife's TFT, before I invest in
something new ...

Now, where did I put that
jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

No Sir! This is just a 'nice to have' supplement to the 'real
navigation equipment down under' - no jigsaw will be needed in
this case ... If I won in the lottery, and would spend DKK
52.000,- for the RayMarine M 1500 monitor (one U$ equals 5,70
DKK) it might (just might!) deserve its own 'whole' in the
bulkhead ... but to be honest - its not on the top of my wish
list ...

Thank you for your constructive input!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

Thank you for your input.

Being more of a sailor, than a network or IT expert, the reason
for me raising the question in this group was a letter from a
fellow called Bruce - Feb.12th - that gave an short resumé of his
solution, and I liked it, and tried to 'call' him for some more
details - you know: From sailor to sailor - obviously. and
unfortunately without a positive result.

It is my experience that it is often much easier to follow or
join a conversation/discussion about exchange of ideas, and some
ones experience with specific solutions, when the participants
'are at the same footings', and share the same interests. Me
talking to a very bright computer/network expert is not always
very giving, as he or she does not understand, what I do not
understand. And the result is ... ... well, not very useful - one
could say ...

But I got your message. Thank you.
--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....
skrev i en meddelelse
oups.com...
Your question is definetly a networking issue, compatible devices
and
software configuration. This is independent of what you running
on your
pc. Get the PPC networked to your Pc using a wireless network
hub, and
get VNC configured properly. All else is irrelevant.

If this doesn't help, try other newsgroups geared to Pocket PCs
and
networking, VNCs.

Good luck.
Luis Castro

By the Way, all the below is a network connection, but not of the
type
that will sustain VNC. So your barking up the wrong tree. Get
your PPC
and PC wireless networked, and run VNC to the IP address you give
your
Pc.

Chart plotting on a small screen, may be very cumbersome, beside
time-consuming.



Flemming Torp (kanelbolle anmar) wrote:
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a
cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port
in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download
maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and
moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to
control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT
display
at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20
feet
away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

My wife has an old (you know, a couple of years) 15" TFT for
office use only.
As I'm looking for a 'nice to know-solution' (not to say
'quick&dirty'), and the screen needs a power cable anyway, so
I'm
not that concerned about the cable to the PC ... So may be, she
really needs a new 17" TFT monitor? I will ask her ...

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the
cockpit
bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern
TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK£225 is available, and could be seen from
anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead
to
mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no
tomorrow!

And also the contrast/light of the monitor could be a problem -
I
will have to make an experiment ...
As my initial idea was to use my PPC, I think 15" will be OK.
Some kind of protection will be needed - and, I agree, the
power
consumption is an issue.
I will give it a try with my wife's TFT, before I invest in
something new ...

Now, where did I put that
jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

No Sir! This is just a 'nice to have' supplement to the 'real
navigation equipment down under' - no jigsaw will be needed in
this case ... If I won in the lottery, and would spend DKK
52.000,- for the RayMarine M 1500 monitor (one U$ equals 5,70
DKK) it might (just might!) deserve its own 'whole' in the
bulkhead ... but to be honest - its not on the top of my wish
list ...

Thank you for your constructive input!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day
working'
...

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 04:27:59 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

Thank you for your input.

Being more of a sailor, than a network or IT expert, the reason
for me raising the question in this group was a letter from a
fellow called Bruce - Feb.12th - that gave an short resumé of his
solution, and I liked it, and tried to 'call' him for some more
details - you know: From sailor to sailor - obviously. and
unfortunately without a positive result.

It is my experience that it is often much easier to follow or
join a conversation/discussion about exchange of ideas, and some
ones experience with specific solutions, when the participants
'are at the same footings', and share the same interests. Me
talking to a very bright computer/network expert is not always
very giving, as he or she does not understand, what I do not
understand. And the result is ... ... well, not very useful - one
could say ...

But I got your message. Thank you.

Don't give up yet. It works over USB. I suggest you get the software
and try it. I have the URLs somwhere if you need them. You need to
connect to the IP address your PC uses for USB. I could not find this
from the PC or the PPC directly but using vxIPConfig on the PPC it
gave the PPC IP address as 192.168.55.100 and the default gateway as
192.168.55.100. I called 192.168.55.100 with the wifi switched off on
both the PC and PPC and it worked. The IP address may well be the
same for you or perhaps not. . .

It is quite slow on the PPC when the PC screen is changing and this
locks up the scroll bars until it catches up. It works quicker if you
can reduce the size of the map on the PC to match the PPC screen. It
also seem quicker with vector charts, probably because they have less
detail to update.

"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in message
. ..
Hello Meinert,

Thank you for your proposal Meinert. I have also been visiting
your homepage. Very interesting and inspiring! By reading many of
the 'letters' in this and other news groups, I have seen your
many relevant comments. Being an 'electronic amateur', I'm not
sure, I fully understand your input in this case. Sorry for that.
Maybe a little clarification from my side can help, as I find
myself 'fighting with incompatible solutions' so to speak ...

snip

Do you think your NMEA multiplexer could play an active
role in my situation? Or are we talking on different subjects?

I think we were. It was indeed not quite clear to me what you wanted to
achieve. I thought you merely wanted to run navigation software on your PDA
in parallel with software on your laptop, and wanted to hook up Seatalk too.
That's why I chimed in, because I thought our BT multiplexers could help
here to translate Seatalk into NMEA, feed it to the laptop via the serial
port and at the same time to your PDA over bluetooth.

But for the VNC stuff, our solution is useless :-)

Meindert

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat? Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless. In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to use
.... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 04:27:59 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

Thank you for your input.

Being more of a sailor, than a network or IT expert, the reason
for me raising the question in this group was a letter from a
fellow called Bruce - Feb.12th - that gave an short resumé of
his
solution, and I liked it, and tried to 'call' him for some more
details - you know: From sailor to sailor - obviously. and
unfortunately without a positive result.

It is my experience that it is often much easier to follow or
join a conversation/discussion about exchange of ideas, and
some
ones experience with specific solutions, when the participants
'are at the same footings', and share the same interests. Me
talking to a very bright computer/network expert is not always
very giving, as he or she does not understand, what I do not
understand. And the result is ... ... well, not very useful -
one
could say ...

But I got your message. Thank you.

Don't give up yet. It works over USB. I suggest you get the
software
and try it. I have the URLs somwhere if you need them. You need
to
connect to the IP address your PC uses for USB. I could not
find this
from the PC or the PPC directly but using vxIPConfig on the PPC
it
gave the PPC IP address as 192.168.55.100 and the default
gateway as
192.168.55.100. I called 192.168.55.100 with the wifi switched
off on
both the PC and PPC and it worked. The IP address may well be
the
same for you or perhaps not. . .

It is quite slow on the PPC when the PC screen is changing and
this
locks up the scroll bars until it catches up. It works quicker
if you
can reduce the size of the map on the PC to match the PPC
screen. It
also seem quicker with vector charts, probably because they
have less
detail to update.

http://www.allware.com.mx/ VNCVewer for POCKETPC (IPAQ) (freeware)
http://www.realvnc.com VNC server. 4.1 (free) Set to Legacy VNC3
to use with PPC.

I had trouble getting an icon for the PPC and had to run the program
initially by clicking on the file from File Explorer. I later figured
out a hack which was, I think, based upon inverting
http://pocketpccentral.net/help/removeicons.htm

Thank you for coming back Meindert.

No, my problem is a kind of country specific, as a lot of Danes
have invested in sea maps covering Denmark, West Sweden and
Southern Norway, but the format is not compatible with anything
in the world, and cannot run on a PPC - only on a Win PC, and you
are not allowed to get some one to convert the maps into another
format etc. Otherwise, I would not have bothered - even thinking
of this solution. And, most feedback from other people gives me
the impression, that I should look for an external monitor to my
notebook, that is prohibited access to the cockpit if it is more
than 4m/sec or there are more than three clouds on the sky ....

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Meindert Sprang" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
. ..
Hello Meinert,

Thank you for your proposal Meinert. I have also been visiting
your homepage. Very interesting and inspiring! By reading many
of
the 'letters' in this and other news groups, I have seen your
many relevant comments. Being an 'electronic amateur', I'm not
sure, I fully understand your input in this case. Sorry for
that.
Maybe a little clarification from my side can help, as I find
myself 'fighting with incompatible solutions' so to speak ...

snip

Do you think your NMEA multiplexer could play an active
role in my situation? Or are we talking on different subjects?

I think we were. It was indeed not quite clear to me what you
wanted to
achieve. I thought you merely wanted to run navigation software
on your PDA
in parallel with software on your laptop, and wanted to hook up
Seatalk too.
That's why I chimed in, because I thought our BT multiplexers
could help
here to translate Seatalk into NMEA, feed it to the laptop via
the serial
port and at the same time to your PDA over bluetooth.

But for the VNC stuff, our solution is useless :-)

Meindert

Very nice of you to spend so much time on me - thank you - very
useful.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
http://www.allware.com.mx/ VNCVewer for POCKETPC (IPAQ)
(freeware)
http://www.realvnc.com VNC server. 4.1 (free) Set to
Legacy VNC3
to use with PPC.

I had trouble getting an icon for the PPC and had to run the
program
initially by clicking on the file from File Explorer. I later
figured
out a hack which was, I think, based upon inverting
http://pocketpccentral.net/help/removeicons.htm

On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning the
favour.

That was a very convincing report "Goofball" - thank you!

We all have different background, priorities, and requirements
regarding our hobby, so many peoble make different decisions, and
I find it most interesting to understand the background for the
many different solutions. The way you are using your PPC is
exactly the way I have been thinking about - a kind of 'just in
case' help ... easy to get rid of - and easy to make a check ...

And you are talking 2-5 miles (NM I guess?) ... When I make 8
knots, thats about a kind og maximum average, which will give me
a respit of - let's say - not very much less than a quarter of an
hour ... that sounds reasonable ...

What I understand, Maptech has a program dedicated to the PPC. I
had a look at their website:

quote
Maptech Mobile - Featuring Outdoor Navigator

Mobility is a sign of the times. More and more boaters demand
detailed charts for handheld devices like Pocket PCs, Palms and
now Smartphones. With access to more than 60,000 topographic maps
and nautical charts, Outdoor Navigator is not only fun to use, it's
a safer way to explore the outdoors.

Boating




a.. Navigate with confidence and enjoy the experience,
even when traveling at top speeds.
b.. Only Maptech lets you download the most detailed and
up-to-date boating charts as often as you want.
c.. Explore new and unfamiliar spots without the fear of
running aground.
d.. Avoid charted hazards while staying steadily
on-course.
e.. Never be lost in darkness or fog.
f.. Outdoor Navigator gives you the advantages of bigger,
more expensive navigation systems in a size that fits your boat
and your budget.
g.. Use it on your dinghy or as a backup on a large boat.
h.. Phone in your exact coordinates if you meet someone
in distress.
i.. All for under $20!



unquote

see f.ex.
http://www.maptech.com/water/index.c...TOKEN=32005449
(I hope the link is not too long ...

All for under $20 ... that's a risk one could accept ...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me (and other in the
group) and good luck with your future project - sounds very
interesting - may be you will be kind enough to come back to the
group and share your 'real life experiences' with your new set
up.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....


"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and
well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which
the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just
before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use
a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and
I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip
to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an
old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and
laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look
ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper
can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to
Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay
out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as
we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful
help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle
right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to
use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to
go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper
charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I
would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get
discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts
work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the
PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC
TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the
screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs
then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the
PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided
that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There
is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and
costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I
believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into
the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning
the
favour.

GIF89a
\0
\0€\0\0ÿÿÿ\0\0\0!ù
\0\0\0\0,\0\0\0\0
\0
\0\0D
\0;

Forgot to send you another Link to Maptech Pocket Navigator, that
might interest you:

http://www.maptech.com/products/pock...ator/index.cfm

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and
well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which
the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just
before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use
a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and
I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip
to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an
old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and
laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look
ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper
can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to
Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay
out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as
we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful
help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle
right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to
use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to
go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper
charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I
would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get
discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts
work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the
PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC
TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the
screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs
then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the
PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided
that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There
is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and
costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I
believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into
the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning
the
favour.

You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the Pocket PC to
the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc" network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

--
http://boatblogger.com

wrote:
Your question is definetly a networking issue, compatible devices and
software configuration. This is independent of what you running on
your
pc. Get the PPC networked to your Pc using a wireless network hub,
and
get VNC configured properly. All else is irrelevant.

If this doesn't help, try other newsgroups geared to Pocket PCs and
networking, VNCs.

Good luck.
Luis Castro

By the Way, all the below is a network connection, but not of the
type
that will sustain VNC. So your barking up the wrong tree. Get your
PPC
and PC wireless networked, and run VNC to the IP address you give
your
Pc.

Chart plotting on a small screen, may be very cumbersome, beside
time-consuming.



Flemming Torp (kanelbolle anmar) wrote:
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and
moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to
control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT display
at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20 feet
away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

My wife has an old (you know, a couple of years) 15" TFT for
office use only.
As I'm looking for a 'nice to know-solution' (not to say
'quick&dirty'), and the screen needs a power cable anyway, so I'm
not that concerned about the cable to the PC ... So may be, she
really needs a new 17" TFT monitor? I will ask her ...

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the cockpit
bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern
TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK=A3225 is available, and could be seen from
anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead to
mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no
tomorrow!

And also the contrast/light of the monitor could be a problem - I
will have to make an experiment ...
As my initial idea was to use my PPC, I think 15" will be OK.
Some kind of protection will be needed - and, I agree, the power
consumption is an issue.
I will give it a try with my wife's TFT, before I invest in
something new ...

Now, where did I put that
jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

No Sir! This is just a 'nice to have' supplement to the 'real
navigation equipment down under' - no jigsaw will be needed in
this case ... If I won in the lottery, and would spend DKK
52.000,- for the RayMarine M 1500 monitor (one U$ equals 5,70
DKK) it might (just might!) deserve its own 'whole' in the
bulkhead ... but to be honest - its not on the top of my wish
list ...

Thank you for your constructive input!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

thuss wrote:
You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the Pocket PC
to the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc" network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

Snip

You never spoke a truer word!
Been there, done that, back to my trusty laptop and a crew member to watch
the helm!

Dennis.

"thuss" wrote in
oups.com:

http://www.marinewireless.us

WOW! $US1000! Boat crap is kinda pricey!

Webfoot RS-232 to DCHP-enabled Ethernet adapter $179 including the virtual
serial port software for your PCs for the nav software. Works great with
The Cap'n hooked to the serial port on the old Noland NMEA multiplexer.

Plug it into a fixed port on:

Netgear MR814 802.11b 4-port + wireless router - as low as $20 used and
refurb'd on Amazon. New ones are $39..

179 + 39 + shipping = $995? I don't think so....

Oh, on Lionheart, the shared printer (HP) is hooked to one of the fixed
ports..(c;

Plug the cable modem into the router WAN port when you connect to the
dock's cable TV system and buy broadband internet from the cable company.
Because your wireless router can be used by your neighbors down the dock,
y'all get together and pay for ONE cable internet to the "host boat",
reducing broadband expenses on the dock by a LOT.....

Just a 'final' personal comment on this subject from my side:

The first reason for me entering this discussion was, that I
recently bought a 'new/old' boat including a chartplotter (RC530+
integrated with the Raymarine instruments), built into the chart
table set up, but - unfortunately - is not visible from the
cockpit, and I don't want to move it. As I do find the Raymarine
Monitor pretty expensive, and as I have a notebook PC, and a PDA,
I was searching for ideas, solutions and experiences from members
in this group using these devices for navigation purposes. Some
like the PDA - some don't. That's fair enough. Based on the the
comments in this thread, my conclusion is to go for the
'cockpit-monitor-solution' - may be a touch screen - that can
stand the tough life in the cockpit ...

The other reason was, that I'm very often sailing single (which
means no crew member available - that's why the statement:
quoteback to my trusty laptop and a crew member to watch the
helm!unquote from Dennis is not valid in my case.

I was looking for at solution that could be integrated in the
existing Raymarine-SeaTalk-C-Map system including an integrated
auto pilot as well as providing continued support to my existing
electronic sea maps. Based on the input I've got from many of
you - thank you very much! - I have decided to go for the RNS
V5.0 and the hsb2 interface kit, in order to focus on an
integrated solution, that can be controlled from 1. the cockpit
and 2. the chart table 'down under'. I tested the
SmartController, and find it very useful in my situation ...
wherever I am on the boat, I can steer via the autopilot, and it
gives me acces to all kinds of data from the different
instruments. The display is small, but OK for the purpose.

With my notebook PC - well hidden in the cabin connected to the
existing GPS (via the serial port and a SeaTalk/NMEA-interface) -
and an external notebook monitor in the cockpit, I will have a
totally integrated solution based on the Raymarine instruments
and chartplotter, the C-Maps and my PC and the 'cockpit-monitor',
and - if and when - I should wish so, I can swith to my other
'non-compatible-applications' like DLSK and Maptech - (on CD-ROMs
or the HDD) and these applications will also be visible and
controlable from the cockpit based on my wireless mouse or the
touch screen ....

This is an initial investment somewhat larger, than I initially
had in mind, but I feel confident, that is is a better solution
in the long term. I have also learned, that I simply don't know
enough about systems integration, data communication, networking,
calibration of cards, ozi, vcn, 802.x, TCP/IP, PPC applications,
etc. etc. ... and I'm afraid, that starting to try to get to the
necessary knowledge level, will cost me too many hours from the
water ... debugging, asking silly questions in various
newsgroups, etc.

My PPC with GPS will, therefore, mainly stay in my car or pocket,
and in very good and stable weather, I may try to play with it
and The Pocket PC Navigator from Maptech, when I'm in waters
covered by these maps. But to be honest ... I don't think so ...

Let me thank all of you for your creative proposals and comments,
kind support and useful input. I have learned a lot, and I will
follow this newsgroup with great interest also in the future -
not with many comments, as I don't think a can contribute a lot
to this experienced group of sailors - but I certainly enjoy
reading about your different subjects, ideas, questions, advice,
solutions etc. ...

Let me wish you all a happy sailing season! (at least in the
northern hemisphere ...)

best regards
--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
thuss wrote:
You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the
Pocket PC
to the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc"
network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to
the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the
remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I
think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the
Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I
think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter
or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

Snip

You never spoke a truer word!
Been there, done that, back to my trusty laptop and a crew
member to watch
the helm!

Dennis.

Larry W4CSC wrote:

Webfoot RS-232 to DCHP-enabled Ethernet adapter
virtual serial port software for your PCs
Noland NMEA multiplexer.
Netgear MR814 802.11b 4-port + wireless router
shared printer (HP) is hooked to one of the fixed ports
Plug the cable modem into the router WAN port
dock's cable TV system
buy broadband internet from the cable company.
cable internet to the "host boat",
broadband expenses on the dock

Ever considered just going sailing? :-)

Pete