I was looking at downloading OpenCPN. I was looking through the online manual and I started wondering if it is worth it. Those how have used it, what is your experience with it? What about the additional plugins and various overlays?

I downloaded it onto a mate's computer and we copied an old pirated set of CMap 94 charts onto the hard drive. We also set the PC up with a GlobalSat Sirf4 GPS puck. We then pointed OpenCPN at the chart folder and it is all working fine. John is really chuffed with it all.

I think OpenCPN will read both vector (digital) charts and Raster (scanned paper) charts. The interface is really good, simple to use and does not possess the whole computer when running i.e. you can minimise it and use other programs as well.

OpenCPN is free to download and I would do that to get the latest version rather than copy off a CD. It is then a matter of which charts you are going to use and that is where it might cost you some money.

The other alternative is Memory Map. Again the program is free but you can get charts for the whole of Aus (Quick Charts, scanned Aus Hydrographic) plus WA transport maps, Qld Beacon to Beacon and more for less than $100. Not a bad deal. Check it out here:-

memory-map.com/

I have memory-map loaded on a small Acer netbook running XP. Cheap, easy to use and the license allows install on 2 devices. The GPS unit is a no name usb puck. For coastal cruising it seems to fit the bill.

I have on my list of things to install a dedicated Raspberry Pi to handle the map and AIS functions, along with some other race related stuff. Will probably use OpenCPN, so am interested in other peoples thoughts as well.

I have recently loaded open cpn on my android device and installed older cmap collection , so far seems to run ok , looking forward to comparing navionics which is running on same device.
previously i had been running open cpn on a eeepc with win xp os , i tapped the frequencies for ais on a vhf scanner and successfully ran the ais module in open cpn.
the android device has a 7" screen and displays the charts adequately for my purpose
It has the advantage of being portable and low power consuming.
I have found open cpn good to export waypoints , routes and tracks to my garmin gps72

Hmm. Thanks

I currently use Navionics on my iPad but have C-Maps on my plotter. I like Navionics but not to the point where they keep gouging like Southace recently discovered.

I was hoping there was an alternative to Navionics where you don't have to download/scan/what-have-you onto a computer. I also think power consumption wise and for ease of charging, an iPad may be better then a laptop. OpenCPN I don't think can be used on an iPad so MemoryMaps may be a better option.

Cheers for the thoughts..

open cpn for Android is in beta testing
opencpn.org/404page.shtml


www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/opencpn-for-android-beta-test-4-1-718-a-149682.html#post1871883

I agree. A tablet screen is just not big enough for setting out longer passages. To have a 19" screen could be difficult though.