Thank you for coming back Meindert.

No, my problem is a kind of country specific, as a lot of Danes
have invested in sea maps covering Denmark, West Sweden and
Southern Norway, but the format is not compatible with anything
in the world, and cannot run on a PPC - only on a Win PC, and you
are not allowed to get some one to convert the maps into another
format etc. Otherwise, I would not have bothered - even thinking
of this solution. And, most feedback from other people gives me
the impression, that I should look for an external monitor to my
notebook, that is prohibited access to the cockpit if it is more
than 4m/sec or there are more than three clouds on the sky ....

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Meindert Sprang" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
"Flemming Torp" fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote in
message
. ..
Hello Meinert,

Thank you for your proposal Meinert. I have also been visiting
your homepage. Very interesting and inspiring! By reading many
of
the 'letters' in this and other news groups, I have seen your
many relevant comments. Being an 'electronic amateur', I'm not
sure, I fully understand your input in this case. Sorry for
that.
Maybe a little clarification from my side can help, as I find
myself 'fighting with incompatible solutions' so to speak ...

snip

Do you think your NMEA multiplexer could play an active
role in my situation? Or are we talking on different subjects?

I think we were. It was indeed not quite clear to me what you
wanted to
achieve. I thought you merely wanted to run navigation software
on your PDA
in parallel with software on your laptop, and wanted to hook up
Seatalk too.
That's why I chimed in, because I thought our BT multiplexers
could help
here to translate Seatalk into NMEA, feed it to the laptop via
the serial
port and at the same time to your PDA over bluetooth.

But for the VNC stuff, our solution is useless :-)

Meindert

Very nice of you to spend so much time on me - thank you - very
useful.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
http://www.allware.com.mx/ VNCVewer for POCKETPC (IPAQ)
(freeware)
http://www.realvnc.com VNC server. 4.1 (free) Set to
Legacy VNC3
to use with PPC.

I had trouble getting an icon for the PPC and had to run the
program
initially by clicking on the file from File Explorer. I later
figured
out a hack which was, I think, based upon inverting
http://pocketpccentral.net/help/removeicons.htm

On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning the
favour.

That was a very convincing report "Goofball" - thank you!

We all have different background, priorities, and requirements
regarding our hobby, so many peoble make different decisions, and
I find it most interesting to understand the background for the
many different solutions. The way you are using your PPC is
exactly the way I have been thinking about - a kind of 'just in
case' help ... easy to get rid of - and easy to make a check ...

And you are talking 2-5 miles (NM I guess?) ... When I make 8
knots, thats about a kind og maximum average, which will give me
a respit of - let's say - not very much less than a quarter of an
hour ... that sounds reasonable ...

What I understand, Maptech has a program dedicated to the PPC. I
had a look at their website:

quote
Maptech Mobile - Featuring Outdoor Navigator

Mobility is a sign of the times. More and more boaters demand
detailed charts for handheld devices like Pocket PCs, Palms and
now Smartphones. With access to more than 60,000 topographic maps
and nautical charts, Outdoor Navigator is not only fun to use, it's
a safer way to explore the outdoors.

Boating




a.. Navigate with confidence and enjoy the experience,
even when traveling at top speeds.
b.. Only Maptech lets you download the most detailed and
up-to-date boating charts as often as you want.
c.. Explore new and unfamiliar spots without the fear of
running aground.
d.. Avoid charted hazards while staying steadily
on-course.
e.. Never be lost in darkness or fog.
f.. Outdoor Navigator gives you the advantages of bigger,
more expensive navigation systems in a size that fits your boat
and your budget.
g.. Use it on your dinghy or as a backup on a large boat.
h.. Phone in your exact coordinates if you meet someone
in distress.
i.. All for under $20!



unquote

see f.ex.
http://www.maptech.com/water/index.c...TOKEN=32005449
(I hope the link is not too long ...

All for under $20 ... that's a risk one could accept ...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me (and other in the
group) and good luck with your future project - sounds very
interesting - may be you will be kind enough to come back to the
group and share your 'real life experiences' with your new set
up.

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....


"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and
well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which
the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just
before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use
a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and
I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip
to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an
old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and
laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look
ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper
can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to
Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay
out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as
we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful
help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle
right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to
use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to
go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper
charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I
would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get
discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts
work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the
PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC
TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the
screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs
then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the
PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided
that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There
is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and
costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I
believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into
the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning
the
favour.

GIF89a
\0
\0€\0\0ÿÿÿ\0\0\0!ù
\0\0\0\0,\0\0\0\0
\0
\0\0D
\0;

Forgot to send you another Link to Maptech Pocket Navigator, that
might interest you:

http://www.maptech.com/products/pock...ator/index.cfm

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

"Goofball_star_dot_etal" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and
well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which
the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just
before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use
a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and
I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip
to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an
old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and
laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look
ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper
can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to
Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay
out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as
we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful
help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle
right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to
use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to
go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper
charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I
would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get
discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts
work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the
PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC
TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the
screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs
then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the
PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided
that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There
is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and
costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I
believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into
the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning
the
favour.

You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the Pocket PC to
the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc" network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

--
http://boatblogger.com

wrote:
Your question is definetly a networking issue, compatible devices and
software configuration. This is independent of what you running on
your
pc. Get the PPC networked to your Pc using a wireless network hub,
and
get VNC configured properly. All else is irrelevant.

If this doesn't help, try other newsgroups geared to Pocket PCs and
networking, VNCs.

Good luck.
Luis Castro

By the Way, all the below is a network connection, but not of the
type
that will sustain VNC. So your barking up the wrong tree. Get your
PPC
and PC wireless networked, and run VNC to the IP address you give
your
Pc.

Chart plotting on a small screen, may be very cumbersome, beside
time-consuming.



Flemming Torp (kanelbolle anmar) wrote:
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
Flemming Torp wrote:
Thank you for your input. All I know, is that there is a cable
connection between the socket of my PPC and into a USB port in
my
notebook. The program is called Microsoft ActiveSync, and I
can
'see' the memory of the PPC from explorer on the notebook,
when
the PPC is in the craddle ... And via this connection I can
send
data back and forth. F.ex. synchronize Outlook, download maps
from PC to PPC.
Snip

I carried out an experiment last night. Set up my laptop and
moved the
wireless mouse away to the far end of the room. I was able to
control the
mouse on-screen from 20 feet away. Set up a remote TFT display
at this
distance and was able to work the laptop from at least 20 feet
away.

Now, if the remote screen could be made portable and
weatherproof..........................

My wife has an old (you know, a couple of years) 15" TFT for
office use only.
As I'm looking for a 'nice to know-solution' (not to say
'quick&dirty'), and the screen needs a power cable anyway, so I'm
not that concerned about the cable to the PC ... So may be, she
really needs a new 17" TFT monitor? I will ask her ...

What about setting it up behind a perspex window in the cockpit
bulkhead?
Not impossible, and certainly a cheap solution. All modern
TFT's are
equipped for wall mounting, which makes it easy to set up.

A 19" TFT costing UK=A3225 is available, and could be seen from
anywhere in
the cockpit provided there was enough space in the bulkhead to
mount it.
Only trouble is, these things consume power like there is no
tomorrow!

And also the contrast/light of the monitor could be a problem - I
will have to make an experiment ...
As my initial idea was to use my PPC, I think 15" will be OK.
Some kind of protection will be needed - and, I agree, the power
consumption is an issue.
I will give it a try with my wife's TFT, before I invest in
something new ...

Now, where did I put that
jigsaw..................................?


Dennis

No Sir! This is just a 'nice to have' supplement to the 'real
navigation equipment down under' - no jigsaw will be needed in
this case ... If I won in the lottery, and would spend DKK
52.000,- for the RayMarine M 1500 monitor (one U$ equals 5,70
DKK) it might (just might!) deserve its own 'whole' in the
bulkhead ... but to be honest - its not on the top of my wish
list ...

Thank you for your constructive input!

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
...

thuss wrote:
You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the Pocket PC
to the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc" network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

Snip

You never spoke a truer word!
Been there, done that, back to my trusty laptop and a crew member to watch
the helm!

Dennis.

"thuss" wrote in
oups.com:

http://www.marinewireless.us

WOW! $US1000! Boat crap is kinda pricey!

Webfoot RS-232 to DCHP-enabled Ethernet adapter $179 including the virtual
serial port software for your PCs for the nav software. Works great with
The Cap'n hooked to the serial port on the old Noland NMEA multiplexer.

Plug it into a fixed port on:

Netgear MR814 802.11b 4-port + wireless router - as low as $20 used and
refurb'd on Amazon. New ones are $39..

179 + 39 + shipping = $995? I don't think so....

Oh, on Lionheart, the shared printer (HP) is hooked to one of the fixed
ports..(c;

Plug the cable modem into the router WAN port when you connect to the
dock's cable TV system and buy broadband internet from the cable company.
Because your wireless router can be used by your neighbors down the dock,
y'all get together and pay for ONE cable internet to the "host boat",
reducing broadband expenses on the dock by a LOT.....

Just a 'final' personal comment on this subject from my side:

The first reason for me entering this discussion was, that I
recently bought a 'new/old' boat including a chartplotter (RC530+
integrated with the Raymarine instruments), built into the chart
table set up, but - unfortunately - is not visible from the
cockpit, and I don't want to move it. As I do find the Raymarine
Monitor pretty expensive, and as I have a notebook PC, and a PDA,
I was searching for ideas, solutions and experiences from members
in this group using these devices for navigation purposes. Some
like the PDA - some don't. That's fair enough. Based on the the
comments in this thread, my conclusion is to go for the
'cockpit-monitor-solution' - may be a touch screen - that can
stand the tough life in the cockpit ...

The other reason was, that I'm very often sailing single (which
means no crew member available - that's why the statement:
quoteback to my trusty laptop and a crew member to watch the
helm!unquote from Dennis is not valid in my case.

I was looking for at solution that could be integrated in the
existing Raymarine-SeaTalk-C-Map system including an integrated
auto pilot as well as providing continued support to my existing
electronic sea maps. Based on the input I've got from many of
you - thank you very much! - I have decided to go for the RNS
V5.0 and the hsb2 interface kit, in order to focus on an
integrated solution, that can be controlled from 1. the cockpit
and 2. the chart table 'down under'. I tested the
SmartController, and find it very useful in my situation ...
wherever I am on the boat, I can steer via the autopilot, and it
gives me acces to all kinds of data from the different
instruments. The display is small, but OK for the purpose.

With my notebook PC - well hidden in the cabin connected to the
existing GPS (via the serial port and a SeaTalk/NMEA-interface) -
and an external notebook monitor in the cockpit, I will have a
totally integrated solution based on the Raymarine instruments
and chartplotter, the C-Maps and my PC and the 'cockpit-monitor',
and - if and when - I should wish so, I can swith to my other
'non-compatible-applications' like DLSK and Maptech - (on CD-ROMs
or the HDD) and these applications will also be visible and
controlable from the cockpit based on my wireless mouse or the
touch screen ....

This is an initial investment somewhat larger, than I initially
had in mind, but I feel confident, that is is a better solution
in the long term. I have also learned, that I simply don't know
enough about systems integration, data communication, networking,
calibration of cards, ozi, vcn, 802.x, TCP/IP, PPC applications,
etc. etc. ... and I'm afraid, that starting to try to get to the
necessary knowledge level, will cost me too many hours from the
water ... debugging, asking silly questions in various
newsgroups, etc.

My PPC with GPS will, therefore, mainly stay in my car or pocket,
and in very good and stable weather, I may try to play with it
and The Pocket PC Navigator from Maptech, when I'm in waters
covered by these maps. But to be honest ... I don't think so ...

Let me thank all of you for your creative proposals and comments,
kind support and useful input. I have learned a lot, and I will
follow this newsgroup with great interest also in the future -
not with many comments, as I don't think a can contribute a lot
to this experienced group of sailors - but I certainly enjoy
reading about your different subjects, ideas, questions, advice,
solutions etc. ...

Let me wish you all a happy sailing season! (at least in the
northern hemisphere ...)

best regards
--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....

--
Flemming Torp
'Even the worst day sailing is better than the best day working'
....
"Dennis Pogson" skrev i en
meddelelse ...
thuss wrote:
You don't necessarily need a hub. You can also network the
Pocket PC
to the laptop with 802.11 directly by creating an "ad-hoc"
network.

I'd recommend my company's marine wireless navigation server (
http://www.marinewireless.us ) but we don't currently ship to
the uk
and it's probably more money than you want to spend anyhow.

It sounds like a fun project but I think you'll find the
remote
desktop/vnc approach unsuitable for regular navigation. I
think you'll
want real pocket pc navigation software in the end (like the
Capn or
Oziexplorer offers) if you go the Pocket PC route. Then I
think you'll
get tired of the PocketPC and you'll want a real chart plotter
or
waterproof laptop in the cockpit.

-Todd

Snip

You never spoke a truer word!
Been there, done that, back to my trusty laptop and a crew
member to watch
the helm!

Dennis.

Larry W4CSC wrote:

Webfoot RS-232 to DCHP-enabled Ethernet adapter
virtual serial port software for your PCs
Noland NMEA multiplexer.
Netgear MR814 802.11b 4-port + wireless router
shared printer (HP) is hooked to one of the fixed ports
Plug the cable modem into the router WAN port
dock's cable TV system
buy broadband internet from the cable company.
cable internet to the "host boat",
broadband expenses on the dock

Ever considered just going sailing? :-)

Pete