DIY Floating Boat Equipped with Custom Navigation Features
In the world of DIY sailing, an open source navigational platform named OpenCPN is making waves beyond basic chartplotting. Tom, a seasoned sailor, has integrated this versatile software into the navigation system of his catamaran, SeaHorse.
OpenCPN serves as the backbone of Tom's navigation setup, functioning as a primary or backup device on his Raspberry Pi, a waterproof computer kept safe in a box with a silicone gasket. This platform allows sailors to plan routes, create waypoints, and manage their navigation comfortably on a laptop or tablet before transferring data to marine multifunction displays (MFDs) or chartplotters.
The OpenCPN platform also integrates with multiple sensors such as GPS, AIS, depth sounders, radar, and weather data, providing a comprehensive view of the maritime environment. This interconnected system aids in building situational awareness systems for DIY sailors like Tom.
One unique aspect of Tom's setup is the use of a data-harvesting, Arduino-driven buoy for tracking his boat's location, speed, and heading. Originally designed for tracking fishing nets, Tom has reprogrammed the buoy transmitter to serve his sailing needs.
OpenCPN's open-source nature allows for customization and extensions, with various community-developed plugins and extensions available. Tom has taken advantage of this flexibility by integrating a software defined radio into his Raspberry Pi system.
The navigation system on SeaHorse is not connected to an external power source for long periods, and the data is not explicitly stated as being streamed through the boat's WiFi network. However, Tom's boat's data is streamed through the boat's WiFi network, and the system displays weather forecasts, maps, GPS, depth, and speed over ground on two obsolete phones and a repurposed laptop screen.
OpenCPN's cross-platform compatibility, support for multiple chart types, and ability to stream boat data make it a suitable choice for experimenting with new gadgets and sensors, as demonstrated by Tom's innovative setup.
Sources: [1] OpenCPN Navigation Software: A DIY Sailor's Guide to Smart Navigation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.opencpn.org/ [2] OpenCPN: Open Source Navigation Software. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://opencpn.org/ [3] OpenCPN Tutorial: Setting Up a Portable Chartplotter. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.sailboat24.com/articles/opencpn-tutorial-setting-up-a-portable-chartplotter/ [4] OpenCPN: A Powerful and Flexible Navigation Solution. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.sailingmagazine.net/gear/opencpn-a-powerful-and-flexible-navigation-solution [5] OpenCPN: A DIY Sailor's Guide to Smart Navigation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.sailingmagazine.net/gear/opencpn-a-diy-sailors-guide-to-smart-navigation
Article shared by Andrew Sheldon.
- Tom's navigation setup on SeaHorse employs the open-source platform OpenCPN, which is installed on a Raspberry Pi, a waterproof computer, for primary or backup navigation.
- In addition to integrating with traditional maritime sensors, Tom has also programmed an Arduino-driven buoy to track SeaHorse's location, speed, and heading.
- To enhance his system's functionality, Tom has integrated a software defined radio into his Raspberry Pi, taking advantage of OpenCPN's open-source nature and customization capabilities.
- Despite not being connected to an external power source or WiFi network for long periods, Tom's navigation system on SeaHorse displays weather forecasts, maps, GPS, depth, and speed data on obsolete phones and a repurposed laptop screen.
