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Budget-Friendly Line Graph Plotter Constructed with Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter Software

Set sail, mariners! Today, we delve into the process of equipping your vessel with a Raspberry Pi, in tandem with Open Plotter, transforming your boat into a tech-savvy sea vessel. By adding a Raspberry Pi, you'll unlock numerous capabilities and today, let's explore one specific aspect......

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Boatowners, here's a guide on how to equip your vessel with a savvy Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter...
Boatowners, here's a guide on how to equip your vessel with a savvy Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter system. Essentially, you'll be giving your boat a smart brain. With Raspberry Pi, you'll unlock a range of possibilities, too lengthy to cover in a single post. Today, we'll delve into... (remaining part omitted due to transcript length limit)

Budget-Friendly Line Graph Plotter Constructed with Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter Software

Hey there, matey! Let's sink into the thrilling world of sailing tech. Today, we're going to walk you through setting up a Raspberry Pi with Open Plotter and an AIS system on your boat, using a humble USB TV tuner. Are you ready to give your boat some serious brain power?

With a Raspberry Pi, you'll be able to whip up a state-of-the-art, budget-friendly chart plotter for your vessel, and amp it up with an AIS system to see what's bobbing around you in real time. And, the best part? The AIS system will be powered by a simple USB TV tuner.

Now, here are some fundamental facts about this adventure we're about to embark on:

  1. Raspberry Pi: This tiny, affordable computer runs circles around its size and cost. The Raspberry Pi 4 we're using here sets you back a mere $50. Rock on! Over the years, the Raspberry Pi has sparked countless projects like building smart TVs, retro game consoles, and even, you got it right, boat electronics!
  2. Open Plotter: Open Plotter is a Linux-based operating system tailor-made for the Raspberry Pi, featuring plenty of nautical utilities. This operating system integrates seamlessly with the Raspberry Pi, boosting your boat's navigation system.

With the Raspberry Pi, Open Plotter, and some other accessories, you'll be able to:

  • Build an advanced, smart, and pocket-friendly chart plotter for your boat.
  • Convert it into an AIS receiver for detecting nearby vessels and their movement details, using a 12-euro television tuner.
  • Download weather data, visualize it on your chart plotter, or connect your existing boat instruments, like sounder or wind equipment, and view all data on a screen of your choice, or even better – through WiFi on your tablet or mobile.
  • Utilize it as a WiFi access point.
  • Display your boat's cameras on a TV or screen.

That said, let's dive right into it!

Mounting Options

To turn your plotter into an AIS system, we'll explore two mounting options:

  1. A system without a screen or TV screen connected
  2. An all-in-one setup, boasting a touchscreen

Shopping

Here's what you'll need for each option, be it the Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5:

  • Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5
  • Micro SD memory card (64 Gb)
  • USB TV tuner (My favorite / The best fit for VHF antenna)
  • 12V power supply socket
  • USB 5V 3A charger
  • Power supply cable (USB C)
  • GPS USB (for GPS without integrated antenna)
  • HDMI / Micro HDMI cable
  • Mini keyboard with touchpad (Optional when using all-in-one setup with touch screen)
  • Raspberry Pi case

Connections

Whichever option you pick, installation and commissioning will be a breeze!

  1. If you're choosing my option, reusing a boat TV:
  2. Stick the Raspberry Pi in its box, add heat sinks, and a fan (if needed)
  3. Connect the USB GPS, TV tuner, HDMI cable to a TV, and power with a mobile charger
  4. If you've opted for an all-in-one setup with a touch screen:
  5. Put the Raspberry Pi in its case
  6. Internally connect the screen connectors
  7. Plug in the GPS, TV tuner, and power

Start-up

First things first. Record Open Plotter onto the memory card. Pop it into a card reader, download the Open Plotter zip file, save it, install the Raspberry Pi Imager, create a custom operating system, choose the downloaded file, select the unit disk, and click write. Sit back and relax.

Setup

Now it's go-time. Insert the card in the Raspberry Pi, power it up, and let the configuration process begin. Follow the on-screen instructions, such as country selection, time zone, language, WiFi network connection, and software updates.

To help you along, give our video a watch at the top of this post. It'll walk you through the entire process.

With the OpenCpn in the Raspberry Pi, you'll be able to see your vessel's position on the maps and the AIS-equipped vessels around you. Tune in for future posts to learn how to display your setup on other devices!

Have a blast setting up your Raspberry Pi with Open Plotter and AIS system! Stick around; we've got plenty more seafaring tech tips coming your way. Jolly sailing! 🐟🚢🚀

  1. By utilizing the Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter, you can convert your boat's chart plotter into an AIS system with the help of a USB TV tuner, enabling real-time detection of nearby vessels.
  2. When setting up your Raspberry Pi project, don't forget to consider navigational gadgets such as a USB TV tuner, which can be used for powering the AIS system and turning your chart plotter into a smart and affordable navigation tool.

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