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I am not clear on the process required to install NDI Charts on a DIgital ocean CD to GPSNavx
Please help
Eric :?:

Can someone explain to me the practical difference between the Miniplex 41 and 42's? I really need one to tie my instruments together and into my Mac. I know the 42 has programing options (assuming someone writes a config utility) but is it worth the extra cost?

Also, how much additional power does the Bluetooth consume? My instruments (thus future miniplex) are at my nav station, which is right below the companionway - not where I really want my Mac with potential water coming in. Bluetooth would be very handy and less cumbersome than a long USB cable. The Miniplex would at least be protected behind a panel.

Thanks,
Scot

In preparing for an 800 mile cruise in May, I am concerned about electric power needs. I will be using a Mac laptop (G4 Power Book with 50-watt-hour lithium-ion battery and an advertised up to 5 hours of battery life; however I've heard it's less. The computer is supplied with a 45W power adapter for plugging into 120V outlet.) I'm using the laptop for navigation (with GPSNavX software and BSB charts) and I'll be cruising (and using the computer) between 6 to 10 hours on any given day.

Assuming that I'll need to "plug in" (using one of those little plug into cigarette lighter inverters?) the computer from time to time and taking into account the other 12V power needs, cabin lights, anchor light, waterpump, instruments, VHS, auxillary GPS, refrigerator (which runs on 12V once disconnected from shore power) should I invest in a hard-
wired or other type inverter to power the computer? Also, can this power source be isolated, so that the refridgerator doesn't run off the inverter?

BTW, we PLAN to overnight at marinas that supply shore power every night except one. However, in reality, that could change and we could be on the hook overnight more than
anticipated.

My current (no pun intended) set up is two batteries, a battery switch (OFF, ONE BOTH,TWO), and a portable type battery charger that plugs into a 240V power source at night. No generator (don't intend to buy one) on board and, so far, no inverter.

My question is... do I need another or additional batteries (and if so, a new battery switch)? What type inverter (if any) is suggested and what's involved in the installation? And
anything else to share with this electrically-challenged boater.
javascript:emoticon('hock:')

Many thanks for input.

Joy
m/v PYXIS cruising out of Port St. Joe, FL hock:

I just started using the BU-353 USB GPS Receiver and it is very sensitive. I'm picking up satellites even inside ferro-concrete buildings, if I get near a window. I picked up western satellites thru a window on the east side of the building!



hock:

I think you can help me.

We are about to replace our home PC with a Mac mini. For the next year it will be used for internet access, photos and video editing. In 2007, we plan to purchase a boat in Europe, spend several months in the Med before joining the ARC in November, 2007, and then spend some time in the Caribbean before returning to the rat race.

An earlier post discussed some of the technical points about installing a mini on board. Another post lead me to have some questions about the usefullness of a Mac for sailing in the Mediterranean.

Will the software support European/Mediterranean navigation charts? What system would any of you suggest? Because the boat will end up in the Caribbean, I need a system that will transition to the electronic charts that are available there.

What are your suggestions?

Charlie

Found some great news this morning. Xara, a company who's products I've been a fan of since my Acorn Archimedes days are developing Mac and Linux Open Source versions of their excellent Windows vector graphics package, Xara Xtreme. In particular the graphics rendering engine that they use is lightening fast.

I've been using Xara's graphics software professionally for years, and it's been one of the only Windows applications that I've really missed since my move to the Mac. (The other was Microsoft Project, but I've since discovered Merlin for Mac OS X)

They're looking for Mac developers to help out with the project, so if anyone wants to volunteer...!

http://www.xaraxtreme.org/

I've been using GPSNavX with a handheld Garmin with great success...but am now on the brink of upgrading to a Raymarine, Furuno or Garmin fixed-mount large screen charplotter.

Raymarine leading candidate right now.

Are these pretty straightforward to conenct to my Mac and GPSNavX?

Thanks for any 1st hand testimonials!

Tom

Does anyone use Ocens Mail with their Mac? Globalstar with their Mac? Any suggestions, advice, guidance? (I really hate the idea of bringing a Windows machine onboard...)
--steve

I have been using several charts from a CD I purchased last year, to use on our boat (iBook G4).
In spite of a decade of Mac use, I cannot see how to install new charts now so that the app will open them. I have d/l a couple of NOAA charts and they appear in a folder marked ENC_ROOT on my desktop. The one large file that is about 1.1 MB and should be the chart will not launch by doubleclicking, and I see no way to bring it into the unusual charting dialog box incorporated in the app.
Sorry to whine, but my other hundreds of text and picture files never do this to me! I must be doing something wrong on a basic level...

Do I need to keep the app and assoc chart files put in a certain place on the HD? Now they are loose in a navigation folder on the desktop.
Thanks.

I have heard rumblings of this over the last couple years, but I believe it is coming that US boaters will have carry an AIS transponder on their boat in the name of home land security. I call this decision misguided at best.

http://www.latitude38.com/LectronicLat/2...chor218737