albernifisher
Well-Known Member
So I've decided to turn my laptop into a chartplotter,what is a good mapping software and antenna?
laptop as a chartplotter
- Thread starter albernifisher
- Start date
Islandgirl
Well-Known Member
I have used nobeltec for 6 years.. I started with a regular laptop..and TRUST me those do NOT take the pounding and the moisture!
I bought a panasonic toughbook, i have been using it for about 5 years and it works great, takes the abuse etc.
The bonuses are... a GREAT big screen! Free software and maps..usually you can find it somewhere.
Negatives are..it is a laptop and not meant to be viewed in bright light condtions..
mine is a touch screen and in rough water or running.. well that it hard to do.. would be even harder with mouse.
You need a GPS or some toughbooks have a built in GPS antenna, i run a magellan GPS since it is compatable with nobeltec
I prefer actual push buttons like on a sounder.
Personally I would not recommmend using a laptop on a boat ...get a regular chart plotter..I am going to.
I bought a panasonic toughbook, i have been using it for about 5 years and it works great, takes the abuse etc.
The bonuses are... a GREAT big screen! Free software and maps..usually you can find it somewhere.
Negatives are..it is a laptop and not meant to be viewed in bright light condtions..
mine is a touch screen and in rough water or running.. well that it hard to do.. would be even harder with mouse.
You need a GPS or some toughbooks have a built in GPS antenna, i run a magellan GPS since it is compatable with nobeltec
I prefer actual push buttons like on a sounder.
Personally I would not recommmend using a laptop on a boat ...get a regular chart plotter..I am going to.
Secretpursuit
Member
Have run Nobeltec, Raymarine, Furuno nav maps. The Nobeltec is very user friendly. Currently running a C120 ray with a50 backup. Far more complicated to get use to. Current boat a CC so waterproof is a must. Having a enclosed boat with a ability to keep a CP and screen dry I'd run the Nobeltec hands down. The Ray marine is a good fix for rough treatment, wet environment. Has not missed a beat in three years of abuse.
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