We need some sort of computer system on the boat. Actually, I am toying with the idea of setting up a computer network.
The basic idea is to have one central server machine which operates all the time and where all the input devices are connected to. The input devices would include
- GPS
- Autopilot
- Wind, depth instruments
- Broadband Radar
- AIS
- 3G broadband for internet connection where available
- WiFi (2.4gh) for wireless internet where available
The server machine would then stream some of the data via a wireless network to a couple of laptops which would act as the display devices and run the client software.
The server machine would run linux (for stability and ease of configuration), while the client laptops would have to run either windows or macintosh (for navigation software).
I can already see some technical difficulties in being able to get the input data streams out across the network so that software running on the laptops is able to read and interpret it.
For example broadband radar. As far as I understand, a single company Navico produces most of the broadband radar hardware. They have only just made available a Software Development Kit (SDK) that allows third party developers to be able to write software to connect to and control the radar transmitter / receiver.
It looks like I will have some fun (read spend lots of time) fiddling around trying to get this to work properly, but I think it will be worth the effort.
Which computer to use for the server
The main criteria for the server machine is that it be LOW POWER. It has to run 24/7 and on a sail boat electrical power is in limited supply.
There are a number of choices for low power computers including these
- FIT PCi from Fit PC which uses 6W
- M1 Mobile Marine PC from Aleutia which uses 18W
- GWX2 from TechSol which uses 2w
Of these the GWX2 is looking very interesting. Both the FIT PC and the Aleutia computer are fully functional computers with far more processing power than the server really needs.
GWX2 on the other hand is an embedded device with lots of input connectors, including a couple of serial ports which will be very handy for connecting autopilot and other devices that still use serial connectors. Of course, it also wins hands down on the power usage.
The fun will begin pretty quick with this one, I have a whole system of hardware and software to get my head around.
Might be a good boat computer
