MacSailing.net

hi,

my first post, thanks for the forum and the software.

i'm wanting to put together a nav package that could run on/recharge from a 12watt flexible solar panel.

i'd thought i would pick up an older g4 powerbook capable of running 10.4 and navX. are there any "gotchas" in those systems to look out for?

is there a way to recharge the batteries for a lap top from this solar panel?

i've also looked at a garmin 76cx which would work fine but i don't like their proprietary ways. (like apple is better)

any other suggestions?

i'm also thinking the powerbook could be my stero .

thanks for the input.


wm

way Wrote:hi,

my first post, thanks for the forum and the software.

i'm wanting to put together a nav package that could run on/recharge from a 12watt flexible solar panel.

i'd thought i would pick up an older g4 powerbook capable of running 10.4 and navX. are there any "gotchas" in those systems to look out for?

is there a way to recharge the batteries for a lap top from this solar panel?

i've also looked at a garmin 76cx which would work fine but i don't like their proprietary ways. (like apple is better)

any other suggestions?

i'm also thinking the powerbook could be my stero .

thanks for the input.


wm

First big gotcha is your charging capacity. If you have any kind of computer, 12 Watts is NOT gonna make a dent in your power requirements. Do a calculation as to the load your system is going to create, and then look at options to meet that load.