Sailing Today Issue 147 July 2009

PC CHART-PLOTTERS
Laptop Navigation
INSTALLATION
chart-plotting software
PC Plotter charts into a folio, but the manual had not
This program was quite straightforward to been updated. Conﬁ guring AIS took a Jargon buster
install, though because it was our ﬁ rst, it while too, until we discovered we had to AIS Automatic Identification System. AIS
took slightly longer. Initially, we had re-set the default baud rate (data speed) of transponders are a mandatory fit on all vessels
packages on test
problems ﬁ guring out the way the various the laptop’s selected USB port from 4,800 over 300 tonnes. Small craft AIS is usually
USB devices were allocated to the speciﬁ c to 38,400 (common to all AIS receivers). receive-only, but may be transmit also. AIS
ports. However, in version 5.09, which transmissions include MMSI, vessel name,
was released while we were working on Nobeltec VNS MAX Pro course and speed. Commercial vessels also
the project, this became much easier. The Loading the application was pretty transmit the vessel type, length, beam, cargo
charts are not supplied on DVDs to load straightforward, if a bit slow, but that’s and destination.
into the PC, but are the standard Navionics because it’s a large and sophisticated CPA Closest Point of Approach.
Gold cards used in dedicated chart plotters program. Nobeltec had kindly sent us the TCPA Time to Closest Point of Approach.
with Navionics supplying a modiﬁ ed card unlock code for charts of the whole world, Comm Port The socket (usually USB these days)
reader with USB connection. This makes which required 17GB of hard drive and where a device is plugged into the computer.
it easy to switch charts – when a chart is took forever to download. This won’t Dongle A small device the size of a memory
opened it is loaded into the PC’s happen to you – unless you buy charts of stick that goes into a USB port and works
temporary memory, so the card reader can the whole world – because the system will like an electronic key. Without the dongle the
then be unplugged during use. only load the charts of the areas for which program won’t start.
you have paid. MARPA/ARPA (Mini/Automatic Radar Plotting
Euronav SeaPro 3000 Aid) – the output from a radar showing target
This software was quick to install, the only Admiralty/RYA vessels acquired on that radar, their bearing,
issue being a difference between the This was the fastest and easiest to distance and speed.
handbook and the physical operation, download. You simply insert the CD, wait Raster chart A ‘single layer’ chart usually
where the software writer had automated a few minutes and it’s done. However, this created by simply scanning a paper chart.
the process of matching newly loaded is a very simple entry level system, so the As you zoom in (magnify in reality) the words
amount of data installed is much less than and numbers get bigger and chart details
most of the others. The CD must be left in cannot be changed. A drawback of raster
WHAT TOOK US SO LONG?
the drive all the time the plotter is in charts is that if you zoom out to view a large
We spent more time than most people will operation, as a security measure, even area for passage planning, place names
on the installation, because we were testing though the charts are actually downloaded become too small to read.
a number of different products. Some of the onto your PC’s hard drive on installation. Vector chart Vector charts are ‘multi-layered’
software didn’t like the presence of other and contain details of all available charts for
plotters – particularly dongle drivers (mini Maptech Chartnav Pro the chosen area, amalgamated into the one
programs that are necessary to run bits of This suite was also fairly straightforward ‘seamless’ chart. Different layers may contain
hardware such as GPS antennae etc) – on to load although, because we had had this different detail, so that zooming in will reveal
the same PC. One program even had to be software for some time, a representative extra information as found on a large scale
uninstalled and moved to another PC before from Maptech came by to upload the latest paper chart. If you spot an error on a vector
it would function correctly. You are unlikely version of the charts. This required the chart and report it to the maker, it can correct
to experience problems like this if installing original charts to be deleted in order to the error for future editions. Words stay the
only one system, but it’s worth noting that if avoid a conﬂ ict between versions. same size as you zoom in and out.
you do experience problems with installation,
it might be that you have some other Imray
conflicting software on your PC/laptop. Loading the software took only a couple enabled PC, you log on to Imray’s website
The more sophisticated programs require of minutes, after which there’s a clever and enter the response code, together with
between 20-60MB of free hard disk storage online registration process that avoids the your email address.
before they will download and operate need for any hardware dongle (plug-in Just two minutes later you receive
properly and quickly. security key in the form of a USB stick), another code, via email, which you enter
All the software reviewed is designed which protects the copyright use of the into the Imray software.
for use with PC-based laptops only – the product. You enter on the PC a long code Each licence issued is for two
programs will not function on Apple-based that is supplied with the CD, which computers, so this process can be done a
PCs or laptops, even if they are said to be subsequently generates a response code second time, allowing the software to be
Windows® compatible. from the software. Then, using any web- installed on your home PC as well.
>>
ON PRO • NOBELTEC VNS MAX PRO • EURONAV SEAPRO 3000 • IMRAY
July 09 Sailing Today 49
ST147 Group Plotters_RTG.indd 45 15/5/09 10:04:54
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