What is OpenPlotter? What can it do?
OpenPlotter provides a compelling alternative to major brand chart plotter systems. Here’s what it can do:
- Chart plotter functionality by running OpenCPN.
- Build instrument dash boards to visualize data.
- Download and display GRIB files using xyGrib.
- Connect to your NMEA 0183 / 2000 devices to receive and send data.
- Signal K open source universal marine data exchange format support.
- Share NMEA and Signal K data with laptops, tablets and phones.
- Access data via wireless from the cockpit through your mobile devices.
- Heading and heel from an IMU sensor.
- Autopilot support, including building your own.
- Receive voice or decode AIS using cheap Software Defined Radio receptors.
OpenPlotter issues. Why an OpenPlotter alternative?
If you are technically inclined, OpenPlotter is an excellent option to consider. I applaud the functionality and the open source nature of OpenPlotter. However, it can be very challenging and confusing to set up and use. It also has its limitations:
- You need to build a Raspberry Pi computer and load the Linux image onto it.
- Even technically inclined and knowledgeable people spend a lot of time putting this together.
- Knowledge of Linux and command line interfaces are required. This can be a huge frustration and time sink for beginners.
- You need all around technical expertise to assemble and configure the system.
- You’re connecting and assembling many different components.
- Many hardware components must be sourced from different vendors.
- Units are not waterproof and not rugged in any way.
- Outdoor viewable and waterproof displays are expensive and hard to source.
- Linux severely limits the range of navigation software you can run. This also limits the accessible chart sets.
- Due to the above, good charts may not be available for all areas.
- Windows software you’re accustomed to does not run on Linux. It is difficult to use the unit for anything else.
OpenPlotter alternative – preconfigured navigation laptop!
I believe my navigation laptops offer an excellent user friendly alternative to OpenPlotter. Here are some advantages:
- You are saving a ton of time to get up and running. Save yourself dozens of frustrating hours.
- My software and hardware comes preconfigured. All you need to do is turn it on, and go out on the water!
- You get everything you need from one source. No need to deal with many different vendors.
- Similar costs. If you need a waterproof unit with an outdoor viewable display, a navigation laptop can actually be cheaper!
- Windows is more familiar and easier to use than Linux for most people. My navigation laptops run a specially configured version of Windows. I turn off mandatory automatic updates and background processes. It won’t interfere with your navigation!
- Many of my units are waterproof and have outdoor viewable displays. This is a huge advantage in a marine environment.
- I provide support to you directly with remote desktop if needed.
- My navigation laptops support all kinds of navigation software. For example: Coastal Explorer, TimeZero, i-Boating, P-Sea Windplot, EuroNav, PC Plotter, StarNavPilot, and others.
- You can run any other Windows software program you wish.
- The units are portable and self-contained. You can take it home for trip planning, or move one unit between multiple vessels.
- Most importantly, there are not many downsides to my systems. After all, you can run Linux on them. They can do everything that OpenPlotter can.
- More info about what my navigation laptops can do can be found here.
Please contact me with any questions or to order!
Popular navigation laptop models – good alternative to OpenPlotter
Please contact me with any questions or to order!
Why use a navigation laptop as a chart plotter?
My navigation laptops can be much more affordable than Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Furuno, Humminbird, Raymarine, Si-Tex. I will also support the GPS laptop your purchase forever! Furthermore, I believe that some of the commercial chart plotter brands gouge their customers. Large companies force their clients to upgrade. They stop supporting older units with chart and software updates. In addition, they charge outrageous fees for simple things like a larger screen size. I don’t do any of these things, and never will – guaranteed! Moreover, please take a look at other advantages as well. A GPS laptop can offer a compelling alternative to major brands!