[AlaskaTug]

My recently purchased 1997 Nordic Tug has the original chart plotter and autopilot. They work well for basic navigation as there are no longer charts available for it. I am adding a mac laptop running MacEnc software and a separate gps. I would like to use the Miniplex lite as it allows the addition of an AIS receiver. I would also like to be able to bypass the new additions and go back to the original system. Problem is the Miniplex lite is usb powered and so will not work without the computer in place. The Miniplex 41USB is self powered but costs much more and will not handle the speed of an AIS receiver. I am thinking of a switching system to switch between the two systems but this seems cumbersome. Any suggestions?