October 5, 2008 05:29
Hi
The only program I know that does this accurately is MaxSea. It calculates the best route using data from tidal streams and wind directions data (GRIB files) which has to be downloaded from MaxSea's servers.
But MaxSea isn't cheap, especially if you do use these features which are sold as separate modules.
Furuno has bought MaxSea and the latest chart plotters do have MaxSea 3D implemented.
But if you want it cheaper, why not use MacENC or GPSNavX on your Mac laptop and connect it via an external monitor (8" or 10" check ebay). Although these Mac navigational apps can't calculate the trends they can show you wind data using free or commercial downloadable weather GRIB files. (Works great with WiFi but with mobile phones too!)
The only problem I see is that the free GRIB data isn't accurate enough for racings as it only shows data over several hours and not minutes.
MacENC can also calculate the best route between 2 waypoints using the actual NMEA data from the ships instruments and performance polars.
As for the external screens from ebay, they are touchscreens but aren't waterproof.
I have one placed under the sprayhood, and if weather isn't too bad, it works great.
Regards,
Manou
The only program I know that does this accurately is MaxSea. It calculates the best route using data from tidal streams and wind directions data (GRIB files) which has to be downloaded from MaxSea's servers.
But MaxSea isn't cheap, especially if you do use these features which are sold as separate modules.
Furuno has bought MaxSea and the latest chart plotters do have MaxSea 3D implemented.
But if you want it cheaper, why not use MacENC or GPSNavX on your Mac laptop and connect it via an external monitor (8" or 10" check ebay). Although these Mac navigational apps can't calculate the trends they can show you wind data using free or commercial downloadable weather GRIB files. (Works great with WiFi but with mobile phones too!)
The only problem I see is that the free GRIB data isn't accurate enough for racings as it only shows data over several hours and not minutes.
MacENC can also calculate the best route between 2 waypoints using the actual NMEA data from the ships instruments and performance polars.
As for the external screens from ebay, they are touchscreens but aren't waterproof.
I have one placed under the sprayhood, and if weather isn't too bad, it works great.
Regards,
Manou