[Rhodes22-list] Computerized Boat

[Bill Effros]

Mark,

T-Mobile runs around $30/month, but you can go in and out of it at will--a month at a time.  It's painfully slow--30bps--but solid.  You think before hitting the return key.  On the other hand, I use it to download the entire New York Times daily while I'm travelling.  It takes more than an hour, but it doesn't lose a bit.

Which version of Cap'n are you using?  I think the vector graphics will eventually overrun the raster graphics.  It takes longer for them to set it up, but I understand they will start providing running upgrades as they move buoys around once the system is more mature.

Bill Effros


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Mark Kaynor 
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list 
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 10:13 AM
Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] Computerized Boat


Bill,

I've used the free Fugawi ENC viewer, but haven't tried the full version w/
GPS, etc. We also use The Cap'n, as did the previous owners with excellent
results. I like the resolution one can get w/ the vector charts, but find
the raster charts easier to read - no need to query objects, etc. The free
ENC coverage is nowhere near as complete as the available raster chart, as
well. The entire Chesapeake Bay is covered, however, so that's a big plus
for any Chesapeake sailor.

We currently have WiFi at the marina so we can work from the Tayana. With
only 3 weeks of vacation a year, this allows us to spend considerably more
time on the boat. Unfortunately, we haven't found a reasonably priced
wireless system with enough upload bandwidth to allow us to work from
anywhere, but I'm sure that'll come before too long. T

Mark Kaynor

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]On Behalf Of Bill Effros
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 8:19 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Computerized Boat


Michael,

I don't have the time to think this through right now, but my next boat
project will probably be to computerize my boat.  You will have finished
before I start, so a few thoughts.  It seems to me that the portable
computers we all have are more than adequate to the task, and far more
capable than the dedicated instruments being marketed as an afterthought by
companies full of engineers not thinking about our problems, or how
inexpensively we can get better equipment and software elsewhere.

I am using a Juice 70 to power my laptop on board from the house batteries.
My laptop runs on 90 watts, and the Juice is just 70, but this is not a
problem.  It still fully charges the laptop battery, just takes a little
longer.  I take the power unit everywhere I take the laptop.  Been very
satisfied with it.  It also runs off 110, and it will charge other portable
things while at the same time charging the laptop.

I am using a T-Mobile wireless modem.  Slow but solid.  Sprint is twice the
speed, but less reliable on my mooring.  What are you using?

I plan to set up a wifi system on board.  Instruments, music, navigation
software, auto tiller, remote screens with very large letters and numbers,
should all run on inexpensive wireless systems.  How many old laptops do I
have lying around that will provide much better displays than the most
expensive instruments I would ever consider for this boat?  And if they get
wet...my wife will be so happy to see them go, she'll probably keep pouring
drinks on them so I'll replace them with another, and have one fewer in the
house.

Laptop navigation software is far more capable than the software that comes
with the instruments.  The charts are now free.  The software will run the
auto pilot--an infinite number of waypoints--any length name--an infinite
number of routes--automatic updating--weather, GPS, radar, tides, and
currents can all be plugged in.   Have you tried the Fugawi?  I've used
Cap'n.  What are you using now?  What do you like?

Bill Effros


----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Meltzer
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 2:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] autopilots


I know more after geeting the boat, but at the wheel my thinking is :-)

CS4500 airmar
raymarine tridata/60
raymarine st4000 mkii
standard horizion ram mic

a maybe on 60/wind and sometype of fishfinder and chartpototer, or a ray 120
gps and a "head" for it.

all the "stuff" to be mounted on navman pod on the wheel guard.

I leaning to the 4000 becuase on intergration issues(match and ties into the
60's), I want the new 6000+ system with the rate gryo
but it is overpriced(IMHO), the simrad wp30cx might work for you also, it
seem the wheel polits are half the price and a lot simpler
to install that the below deck ones. Also I want to keep the option to take
the wheel off and rail mount is out of the way, the 4000
seem like it will do that.

MJM





----- Original Message -----
From: "RUSSELL MILLER" <re.miller at worldnet.att.net>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 3:33 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] autopilots


Thinking of purchasing an autopilot for the new Bulldog (Seaward26RK)
suited for wheel steering.  Looking for suggestions, advise,
etc.

Russ
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