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Author Topic:   Laptop/GPS mapping re-visited

Landlocked posted 12-05-2002 11:35 AM ET (US)
Perhaps a dumb idea and impossible to pull off but if it would work might be a cheap mapping alternative. Perhaps some of you computer tech types might have input to the following.
We have talked in several threads about using a laptop with mapping software connected to our gps units while "whalering". The consensus has always been - computers and boats don't mix.
If you were able to acquire a cheap used lap-top - say one in the 200 - 300 mhz range, would it be possible to somehow separate the screen from the cpu/base? if so, the brains could be installed inside the console and the small flat screen installed in some type of weather proof housing on the top of the console. Good mapping software can be obtained for ~$100. I would think an outdated laptop capable of running the software would be available for less than $200. With a little tinkering - you would have a color moving map for navigating. What do you think?
Ll
kglinz posted 12-05-2002 12:12 PM ET (US)
I run Nobeltec software on laptop. I have "Daylight Display" flush mounted at the helm and the laptop stays in the cabin. The display is waterproof. I think the Maptech charts are fairly inexpensive and come with some viewing software. Nobeltec uses vector charts which are designed for computers and are really great. Check their web sight.
Kemp Lindsey
skeepyjack posted 12-05-2002 12:21 PM ET (US)
That what I have on my 17' Newtauk, I got the old HP omnibook 800CT,(pentium 175Mhz) 10" color screen connected to Garmin handheld etrex legend (WAAS, 10 feet accuracy)for under $200. I also bought the Garmin Mapsource Blue-chart CD for $130 with all depth and contour of your region blue waters and rivers (mine it covers from north of SF bay down to Cabo Mexico). Garmin allowed to down load the charts into my etrex too, so I can use it as standalone handled or I can connected to my laptop and turned it to the color chart-plotter. Only draw back of my setup is the laptop screen glazing, therefore it's hard to view on the day light if you don't have a proper shade covering. If you hunt for the used laptop, looking for a matrix screen rather than LCD, CPU speed is not critical as long as Pentium. If you want more detail, trick and trade then email me.
triblet posted 12-05-2002 09:37 PM ET (US)
Hardest problem is keeping everything dry.
And skeepyjacks ides only works if you have
a Garmin GPS to which you COULD download the
charts, and have registered that chart and
GPS combination with Garmin. It would not
work with eTrex classic, Mariner, and a few
others. Only Legend and Vista in the eTrex
family.

Chuck
David Jenkins posted 12-05-2002 11:25 PM ET (US)
On long trips I take a laptop with Nobeltec Visual Series and DeLorme Road Atlas. I velcrow the computer where it is not likely to get wet. It is fragile, but so far I have not had any problems. The 15" active matrix color screen is wonderful.
Landlocked posted 12-06-2002 10:24 AM ET (US)
Thanks for your input. I use Topo USA and TOPO Tennessee all the time with a lap top and my Magellan GPS. Work great. Having the laptop onboard is a bit awkward and I contantly worry.
I guess I'm looking for a way to keep the electronics under the console and just have the screen up-top. I wouldn't mind spending a couple hundred bucks on an old laptop If I could somehow disconect the screen from the base unit and run a cable to the CPU.
KGlenz,
Can you tell me more about the "Daylight Display"? Size, cost etc. Might serve my needs. I assume you just connect it to a port on the back of the laptop.
Ll.
Landlocked posted 12-06-2002 10:52 AM ET (US)
Wow, found the site for "daylight display". Look nice but I would imagine they are a little rich for my blood.
Ll.
kglinz posted 12-06-2002 11:34 AM ET (US)
http://bigbaytech.com/specialized.html Here's where I buy. They really have good equipment
Kemp Lindsey
Landlocked posted 12-06-2002 11:58 AM ET (US)
Thanks Kemp.
Nice, but Youza - That's about half what I paid for the boat. Don't think the captain will authorize, expecially with another 1st mate on the way. Definately on my list of wants though.
Think I'll stick to tinkering with my orignial idea. Maby incorporate some sort of polarized shield to help with the bright light.
Ll.
David Jenkins posted 12-06-2002 07:19 PM ET (US)
Please let us know how it turns out.

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Author	Topic: Laptop/GPS mapping re-visited
Landlocked	posted 12-05-2002 11:35 AM ET (US) Perhaps a dumb idea and impossible to pull off but if it would work might be a cheap mapping alternative. Perhaps some of you computer tech types might have input to the following. We have talked in several threads about using a laptop with mapping software connected to our gps units while "whalering". The consensus has always been - computers and boats don't mix. If you were able to acquire a cheap used lap-top - say one in the 200 - 300 mhz range, would it be possible to somehow separate the screen from the cpu/base? if so, the brains could be installed inside the console and the small flat screen installed in some type of weather proof housing on the top of the console. Good mapping software can be obtained for ~$100. I would think an outdated laptop capable of running the software would be available for less than $200. With a little tinkering - you would have a color moving map for navigating. What do you think? Ll
kglinz	posted 12-05-2002 12:12 PM ET (US) I run Nobeltec software on laptop. I have "Daylight Display" flush mounted at the helm and the laptop stays in the cabin. The display is waterproof. I think the Maptech charts are fairly inexpensive and come with some viewing software. Nobeltec uses vector charts which are designed for computers and are really great. Check their web sight. Kemp Lindsey
skeepyjack	posted 12-05-2002 12:21 PM ET (US) That what I have on my 17' Newtauk, I got the old HP omnibook 800CT,(pentium 175Mhz) 10" color screen connected to Garmin handheld etrex legend (WAAS, 10 feet accuracy)for under $200. I also bought the Garmin Mapsource Blue-chart CD for $130 with all depth and contour of your region blue waters and rivers (mine it covers from north of SF bay down to Cabo Mexico). Garmin allowed to down load the charts into my etrex too, so I can use it as standalone handled or I can connected to my laptop and turned it to the color chart-plotter. Only draw back of my setup is the laptop screen glazing, therefore it's hard to view on the day light if you don't have a proper shade covering. If you hunt for the used laptop, looking for a matrix screen rather than LCD, CPU speed is not critical as long as Pentium. If you want more detail, trick and trade then email me.
triblet	posted 12-05-2002 09:37 PM ET (US) Hardest problem is keeping everything dry. And skeepyjacks ides only works if you have a Garmin GPS to which you COULD download the charts, and have registered that chart and GPS combination with Garmin. It would not work with eTrex classic, Mariner, and a few others. Only Legend and Vista in the eTrex family. Chuck
David Jenkins	posted 12-05-2002 11:25 PM ET (US) On long trips I take a laptop with Nobeltec Visual Series and DeLorme Road Atlas. I velcrow the computer where it is not likely to get wet. It is fragile, but so far I have not had any problems. The 15" active matrix color screen is wonderful.
Landlocked	posted 12-06-2002 10:24 AM ET (US) Thanks for your input. I use Topo USA and TOPO Tennessee all the time with a lap top and my Magellan GPS. Work great. Having the laptop onboard is a bit awkward and I contantly worry. I guess I'm looking for a way to keep the electronics under the console and just have the screen up-top. I wouldn't mind spending a couple hundred bucks on an old laptop If I could somehow disconect the screen from the base unit and run a cable to the CPU. KGlenz, Can you tell me more about the "Daylight Display"? Size, cost etc. Might serve my needs. I assume you just connect it to a port on the back of the laptop. Ll.
Landlocked	posted 12-06-2002 10:52 AM ET (US) Wow, found the site for "daylight display". Look nice but I would imagine they are a little rich for my blood. Ll.
kglinz	posted 12-06-2002 11:34 AM ET (US) http://bigbaytech.com/specialized.html Here's where I buy. They really have good equipment Kemp Lindsey
Landlocked	posted 12-06-2002 11:58 AM ET (US) Thanks Kemp. Nice, but Youza - That's about half what I paid for the boat. Don't think the captain will authorize, expecially with another 1st mate on the way. Definately on my list of wants though. Think I'll stick to tinkering with my orignial idea. Maby incorporate some sort of polarized shield to help with the bright light. Ll.
David Jenkins	posted 12-06-2002 07:19 PM ET (US) Please let us know how it turns out.