Dealing with a knowledgeable vendor certainly helps. When shopping for a new GPS unit or software, these are important considerations, but as daunting as this seems, it’s simple now that you know the questions to ask.
#Seaiq free download#
Yes, I did need Internet access, but only to download the apps. I downloaded and installed the pertinent apps on my computer and iPad. WiFi means that the unit contains a built-in transmitter that creates its own local WiFi network on your boat. WiFi connectivity does not involve the Internet. However, this is different and, despite my initial reservations, it has real practical uses.
#Seaiq free software#
Until worldwide Internet connectivity becomes as available, reliable, and stable as a GPS signal, I do not consider any device or software to be a proper navigation instrument if it requires “Internet connectivity” to function. Dealing with Internet aboard is never simple, especially in foreign countries. WiFi wizardry The latest onboard development is the inter-connectivity of the charting program to ancillary devices (computer/tablet/smart phone) via WiFi. Our new Vesper XB-8000, antenna splitter, and plotter transmitting AIS and WiFi draw only 1 amp, or. 4 amps as opposed to almost 4 amps if the we used the computer in place of the plotter.
Our original AIS receiver, coupled with an antenna splitter and chart plotter, drew only. I will gladly pay more for a device that draws less power because, in the long run, it is far less expensive to reduce consumption than to produce amps. Power draw An important factor in choosing any electronic device is power draw. With built-in GPS and WiFi transmitters, it was advertised to “connect to almost anything.” The installation of the 8000 and antenna splitter took less than an hour from box to first contact.
#Seaiq free upgrade#
Transponder upgrade After thoroughly researching the available “black box” units, we settled on the Class B Vesper XB-8000 when we installed a new AIS aboard Entre’acte. The above system is very simple and cost-effective and - despite the limitation of the plotter - we are ecstatic with the results. The iPad also displays AtoNs where the Garmin plotter does not.
#Seaiq free free#
The iPad running SEAiq Free was originally our backup, but since the WiFi connectivity with our transponder has proved so easy, it now serves as an ancillary plotter when we are following numerous AIS targets and need a larger screen. Because of the power draw (3+ amps), we seldom use the computer for active navigation at sea. The computer, running Open CPN, is used mainly for critical pre-voyage planning.
These plotters are hard-wired via NMEA 0183 to a Vesper XB-8000 AIS transponder and antenna splitter. This is further technical information about purchasing, installing, and powering AIS devices from the article in the July 2015 issue.Įntr’acte’s navigation system consists of two identical chart plotters (nav station/cockpit), with charts (SD Card) for our current area. Entr’acte’s nav station has limited space, so compact devices and wireless connections are welcome.
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