Low-Cost Chart Plotter Implementation Using Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter Software

Low-Cost Chart Plotter Implementation Using Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter Software

Hey dock hands! Let's dive into setting up a badass chart plotter with AIS for your seafaring vessel, using a Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter (yep, we're giving our boat some techno brains). Here's the lowdown:

You'll use the Raspberry Pi to create an advanced, budget-friendly chart plotter, and add an AIS system to see nearby boats in real time. This is all done with a simple USB TV tuner.

First off, here's the skinny:

• Raspberry Pi: A super cool, ultra cheap, and surprisingly powerful mini computer. The Raspberry Pi 4 we'll be using costs just 50 euros.
• Open Plotter: A nifty Linux-based operating system built for the Raspberry Pi that comes loaded with amazing tools for sailors.

Here's what you'll be able to do with your Raspberry Pi, Open Plotter, and a few add-ons:- Plug in a USB GPS to use as your boat's chart plotter- Convert it into an AIS receiver with a 12-euro television tuner to see nearby ships with their courses and speeds- Download meteorological info and overlay it on your charts- Connect other boat instruments and view the data on your preferred screen (or even on a tablet or mobile) through WiFi- Use it as a WiFi access point- Plus, check out your cameras on a TV or screen

Let's get to it!

Installation Options:

We'll cover two installation options:1. No-screen/TV-connected setup2. Self-contained, all-in-one setup with built-in touch screen

Shopping List:

Here's what you'll need for each setup, covering both the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5:

For both options:- Raspberry Pi (RPI) 4 AliExpress | Amazon- Raspberry Pi (RPI) 5 AliExpress | Amazon- Micro SD memory card (64 GB) AliExpress | Amazon- USB TV tuner Favorite | Amazon

For no-screen/TV-connected setup:- GPS USB AliExpress | Amazon- HDMI cable AliExpress | Amazon- Mini keyboard with touchpad AliExpress | Amazon- Raspberry Pi case For RPi4 (AliExpress) | Amazon | For RPi5 (AliExpress) | Amazon

For self-contained, all-in-one setup:- GPS USB with integrated antenna AliExpress | Amazon- Touch screen case AliExpress | Amazon

Connections:

Regardless of which installation option you choose, installation and commissioning will be identical.- If you choose the TV-connected setup, put the Raspberry Pi in the box, add heatsinks and a fan (if desired), plug in the USB GPS, TV tuner, and HDMI cable. Add a mini keyboard with touchpad and power cable.- For the self-contained setup, place the Raspberry Pi in its touch screen case, internally connect the screen connectors, and plug in the GPS, TV tuner, and power supply. A keyboard is optional (but recommended for the installation process).

Start Up:

1. Record Open Plotter on the 64GB micro SD card using a card reader on your computer. Grab the zip file from this link Open Plotter and save it to your computer. Download and install the Raspberry Pi Imager from this link Imager, and write the Open Plotter image to the micro SD card.
2. Place the microSD card in the Raspberry Pi and power it up.

Setup:

1. Run the wizard to choose your country, time zone, and language. you can also choose a WiFi network to connect to the internet (e.g., your boat, house, or shared network).
2. Finish the wizard by letting it download updates.
3. Connect the GPS to the USB and configure it in the Raspberry Pi's menu.
4. Download charts for your navigation area (you can buy them at o-charts.org or generate your own). Copy the charts to the Raspberry Pi and add the letters to OpenCPN.
5. Connect the TV tuner and add the SDR VHF plugin to Open Plotter, then calibrate the tuner and activate the AIS within said application.

First Steps:

With this setup, you'll see your position on the maps and surrounding ships in OpenCPN, relatively easily accessible from various devices on the boat via Wi-Fi.

Ready to kick your boat's tech game up a notch and save money in the process? Get ready to turn your vessel into a state-of-the-art nautical lab. Sail on!

1. To enhance the navigation system of your boat, consider adding gadgets such as a USB GPS for chart plotting or a television tuner for converting the Raspberry Pi into an AIS receiver, thereby allowing you to see nearby ships in real time.
2. As you start exploring the technology potential of your seafaring vessel, don't forget to check out the wide variety of nifty gadgets available for boats, which can help boost your boat's navigational capabilities and make your sailing experiences even more enjoyable.

Read also: