Computer for our boats

[Joe Pyrat]

Joe - I am not questioning the use of a computer on board... Its the built-in, on-board computer that I am having trouble imagining.

All of the things you listed above where done on a portable computer right???

I just don't see the use in hard-wiring a computer system into your boat....

Sorry mate, didn't understand. 

I was going to build a system based on a micro ATX type case for KAHOLEE.  The idea being I could use fairly inexpensive parts (video cards, memory, hard drives) to update it or repair it.  The problem was that when I added the mouse, keyboard and mostly the monitor it became a real space consideration.  The nice thing about this little system is it is 12V and very small with very little battery drain, but mostly what got me interested was the 12V display.  Not much sense in having a energy efficient computer if you are having to run an inverter to power the monitor.  On the down side you are not going to be doing any upgrades other then the HD on this unit, but still it is an interesting system and cheap enough that it would be fun to play with.

I would agree, laptops are exceptionally handy, giving you a totally portable system that can be operated, for a while anyway, on its own battery.  Of course there are drawbacks, short battery life, initial expense, etc. but over all they are the way to go if you are only going to have one computer aboard.  Being into computers I've got two laptops and a Play Station Personal (PSP) (more on this in a minute) onboard.  The problem with the laptops is power consumption when running off of my house batteries, 9-12 amps.  This 12V system is a fraction of that and IF it will run my navigation software and store the charts and run my web software it would greatly extend the amount of time I can use it aboard without running the engine, which would be a good thing. 

The PSP has WiFi and a browser.  It works well for limited web surfing and email, has a fairly good battery life, a small current draw when plugged into house batteries and is very small.  I know one guy who carries his around letting it detect wireless networks for later investigation.   ::)

I am sold on laptops...but could we get one that is waterproof and resistant to damage if dropped?

Newt, Google Panasonic Toughbook and/or hardened laptop.  Big drawback is expense and they tend to lag in the technology arena.

Don't believe that device is legal in the US... 

Adrift, when has any good hacker let that stand in his way?   Arrrrr!!!!   ;)

[nowell]

Also the beauty of a fanless system, is that if you want to waterproof it, get a zip lock baggie. Rubber band where the cord comes through, and your good to go.

Can't do that with a running laptop, or fanned sysytem (Well you can, but don't expect much life).

[Joe Pyrat]

Thought about this Nowell.  Thought about using one of the smaller Pelican cases, but it probably uses some kind of heatsink to dissipate heat from the processor so it may not be that you can completely enclose it. 

[nowell]

I think it uses a Transmeta die, or some form of low watt die. Can't wait to get mine and disect it  ;D ;D

[Joe Pyrat]

I am looking forward to you getting it too, I ask the Spouse about getting one the other day and got what is locally known as a "Spouse Look".  Roughly translated that means "You've got to be kidding, another computer?  You already have so many we have no place to put them"   ;)  But she's a sweetie so if I really want one she won't object, but it would be nice to have a hands-on review before I spend the doubloons. 

[Lynx]

WiFi on boat - I have the little Linksys Wifi booster and it works well and makes it faster. I have heard that the mast mounted works much better but is not as portable.

I do suggest that you do without as much as you can. Gets to be to much like land living.

I expect in the next few years Garmin will  be able to send and receive text email like MX weather.

[Joe Pyrat]

Check this out.  I was looking at one of these Engenius EUB-362-EXT units when I happened on this so I ordered the parts to build one.  I think it would be just the ticket for a mooring like those in Marathon.

http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2008/12/simple-and-inexpensive-wifi.html

[Marc]

Don't mean to change the subject, but how the heck can someone resore their boat when it is -1 degree outside!!!  The cheapest indoor heated storage that I can work in is $950.00 per month which is a little bit out of my price range.  This cold weather sux!  I have cousins in the Phoenix, Tempe area That I'm thinking of going to ( seriously)  I HATE ARCTIC TEMPERATURES>  Marc

[Lynx]

The problem that I see with this is the long extension cable. A lot of computers will not handle this unless it is a thick cable (less resistance) The price is a little high as you can get the the "Linksys" for $ 50 and buy the thicker longer cable. Also you can get a 800 milliamp system for about $ 170.

[Amgine]

No mentions of the XO in the robust/waterproof discussion? Or did I just miss it?

And heh, someone gave me a micro wireless mouse for Solstice, suitable for someone whose hands are about half my size. (I happen to detest laptop trackpads, generally.)

[Joe Pyrat]

According to my research the unit he uses is the most powerful available.  The cable (USB) is an active cable which overcomes the length issue.

[Joe Pyrat]

Can't wait to get mine and disect it  ;D ;D

Nowell, you have been maddeningly silent on this subject.  Have you received it yet?  Does it work?  Inquiring minds want to know.   ;D

[nowell]

Hey Allan, no progress as yet, its still sitting in a box in the living room. Between work, and other projects, I just haven't had time to get into it yet. I will try and get to it in the next week or two. Will just set it up at home and do review and testing.

[Joe Pyrat]

Great mate, can't wait to hear all about it.   ;)

[Joe Pyrat]

Check this out...  I may just get one of these.  Would make traveling much easier.

http://www.acer.com/aspireone/

http://us.acer.com/public/page9.do?sp=page4&dau34.oid=40836&UserCtxParam=0&GroupCtxParam=0&dctx1=25&CountryISOCtxParam=US&LanguageISOCtxParam=en&ctx3=-1&ctx4=United+States&crc=1846489241

[Tim]

I bought a MSI Wind Netbook for my daughter for Christmas so I am getting a chance to investigate it. It is pretty slick but has some limitations (no internal disc drive) probably could be set up for onboard use though. The Wind comes with either Linux or XP as of right now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSI_Wind_Netbook

[Joe Pyrat]

The AspireOne has the XP or Linux option too and uses a standard laptop HD.  Just ordered a blue one and a pink one for Spouse.  Will do a write up when it gets here.

This just occurred to me; do you think we small boat guys are more technodweebies than big boat people?   ???

;)

[Ron B]

I purchased Aspire One, XP a couple of months ago. Downloaded Seaclear for free and NOAA charts. Then bought an older version of Streets and Trips off of Amazon for $20 and also went ahead and bought a USB puck type GPS. The GPS seems to be more accurate than our old Magellan 320 as the new one will bring 5 sats sitting at the desk and the Magellan none. I,am thinking thats just old technology. It does have wireless email that seems to work OK. May look into a better antenna.  All in all this looks like a pretty good little traveling chartplotter, street plotter, and emailer. I wouldn't discount the solid state memory; because as the memory gets bigger this will be the way to go. Ron

[Tim]

Definitely sounds good! I wasn't at all discounting solid state memory, because I do believe that is the way things are going. I am beginning to see one materializing in my future the next time this old Dell starts giving me trouble. ;)

[s/v Faith]

Ron B,

  Welcome aboard!  Sounds like a pretty good small boat set up you have there.  Do you have any idea what the current draw is like?  Does it run on the standard 20vdc, or something more user friendly?

  Maybe you could take a minute to tell us about yourself, your boat, and plans in the intro thread?

Welcome to SailFar!