April 21, 2008 10:05
thanks for the responses. I realize there is no consensus, but perhaps others see things I don't see. Anyway the debate is useful and the topic fairly central to boat installation.
I too would like to add a multiplex into the system. They are quite expensive. Since I am without additional nema inputs (wind, radar etc), I cannot justify the cost of a multiplexor. I think a simple switch (about $6) will work. I need to look and see if my Loran has nema output. Has any one hooked up a loran to the computer via MacEnc? You know if they turn off the satellites, were all screwed.
I think bluetooth is too unreliable a connection. WiFi would be much better. With the iPhone compatibility coming online, I'm quite excited about the possibilities. We're starting to see the integration of GPS and Wifi, but they need to keep the cost down. Economy of scale helps here but takes someone with deep pockets and a long term horizon. Like apple! Imagine all the iphones that could be sold. Imagine what that would do to the sales of MacEnc. What other technology is required to replace a bluetooth multiplexor with Wifi to bring all of our marine electronics into the same wireless network? Ok, I know about teh eggs in the basket, but think redundancy.
Anyway, thanks for the advice.
I too would like to add a multiplex into the system. They are quite expensive. Since I am without additional nema inputs (wind, radar etc), I cannot justify the cost of a multiplexor. I think a simple switch (about $6) will work. I need to look and see if my Loran has nema output. Has any one hooked up a loran to the computer via MacEnc? You know if they turn off the satellites, were all screwed.
I think bluetooth is too unreliable a connection. WiFi would be much better. With the iPhone compatibility coming online, I'm quite excited about the possibilities. We're starting to see the integration of GPS and Wifi, but they need to keep the cost down. Economy of scale helps here but takes someone with deep pockets and a long term horizon. Like apple! Imagine all the iphones that could be sold. Imagine what that would do to the sales of MacEnc. What other technology is required to replace a bluetooth multiplexor with Wifi to bring all of our marine electronics into the same wireless network? Ok, I know about teh eggs in the basket, but think redundancy.
Anyway, thanks for the advice.