Has anyone had experience with open on maps using an Android device. Ease of loading maps and basic functionality
What do you mean by “open on maps”?
This is the mapping software that I am referring to
I used to use OpenCPN on our boat. It was Ok for mapping, but a big hassle overall. Too many lines running around - needed to plug in the external GPS antenna and for long days, I needed to plug in an inverter and then the laptop. The laptop was never where I wanted it – at the helm, but needed to be forward near the bulkhead, where it was too far away to see.
Much prefer our Raymarine Axiom MFD at the helm. Was worth ever penny (and many dollars). I no longer worry about the laptop getting wet or sliding off the seat or someone stepping on it as they enter the cockpit. I can easily see the MFD, it is a touch screen so no fiddling with a mouse or cursor pad on a bouncing boat. While the MFD at the helm is expensive, they have great features and integrate with the other instruments, giving you a much more polished interface to work with. When things turn a bit dicey out on the water, you want to be able to count on your equipment, not worrying about the equipment getting toasted because it is not marine capable.
I tried it for a while but it was not all that easy to use. I am much happier with AquaMaps, Navionics, etc.
Mark Nerenhausen
Cloud Hidden, Nonsuch 30U, #370
New Bern, NC
I’m installing it now. Not using a laptop though. I’m using a raspberry pi 4gb and attaching a 3d printed amnometer. It links to everything apparently. I’ll tell you how it goes. Still waiting for a few parts. I have a waterproof box for my 7 inch screen and using my phone to change the settings for now. I’m looking at a few screen options for the final interface for now the 7"screen will just be the display. For wind and speed depth. The interface screen will be attached to the console and there are a bunch of options for interactive options. It will be around $2000.00 once everything is up and running. Then you can fully customize it. I’m also upgrading the batteries to lithium and a victron system. If you want to chat about it feel free to dm me.
Thor,
I know this is not what you asked… I’m an avid user of OpenCPN on my laptop ( macbook pro ). I like it because it packs a ton of functionality into ( FREE ) application.
The thought of using OpenCPN on a mobile phone or tablet puzzles me because I had to make lots of configuration tweaks to get it setup on my laptop. I’m not sure phones or tablets expose enough flexibility to do the things I did on my laptop.
This might be a simple case of my ignorance about phone and tablet operating systems.
If you venture in this direction, I hope you share your experience.
I use OpenCPN as a backup for my B&G Chartplotter. I connect a USB GPS Dongle to my laptop and configured OpenCPN to listen on the USB port. It’s handy to use OpenCPN at home to plan routes and transfer them to the chartplotter once onboard. It’s also nice to log tracks for a record of trips on my laptop. I find the tracks on my B&G chartplotter are more accurate than the ones that OpenCPN records.
It’s interesting to hear how others address navigation needs on their boat.
I have Aqua Maps on my Samsung tablet and on my iPhone and for navigation it is excellent . I’m looking for a backup for the Samsung and IPhone.
The PC version would be nice for planning etc..