OpenCPN User Manual

OpenCPN User Manual
- Getting Started
- Basic Features
  - The Menu Bar
  - Toolbar Buttons
  - Right Click Menu
  - Keyboard Shortcuts
  - Zooming
  - All About Charts
    - Installing Charts
    - Status Bar
    - Chart Info
    - Scaling Charts
    - Chart Quilting
    - Chart Groups
    - Vector Charts
      - Vector Palette
    - S63 Vector Charts
    - Chart Formats
    - Chart Sources
  - Auto Follow and Display Orientation
  - Tides and Currents
  - Marks and Routes
  - Ship Track
  - Man Over Board
  - Setting Options
  - Data Connections
    - NMEA Sentences
  - GPS Status
- Advanced Features
  - AIS
  - Extended Marks
  - The Route Manager and Gpx Data
    - Layers
    - Great-circle Sailing
    - Using Routes
    - Weather Routing
    - Planning Data
  - Navigation Data Backup
  - Night Navigation
  - Anchor Watch
  - Automatic Anchor Mark
  - CM93 Offsets
  - The Command Line
  - The Configuration File
- Plugins
- FAQ
- Links
- License and Authors
  - GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE

Getting Started

OpenCPN 4.0

- -

-Welcome!
-
-This is the Documentation for the OpenCPN 4.0 release.
-
-It is very easy and intuitiv to get started with OpenCPN, the different -menus, including the clever context sensitive right-click menu, makes it - likely that you will find what you need.
-The program contains a lot of options to fit users with special demands and hardware.
-The most frequently asked questions by new users, seen in the OpenCPN Forum http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134, - are, in most cases, already answered i this document. If you are going -to use this program for actual navigation you need to read through this - document to fully understand the scope of the program, as well as all -the details.
-If you have difficulties finding a particular subject, please use your -browser's built-in search ability, often called just "find". This works -best using the stable release which is all on one web page.
-
-Press and then the help tab to access this built in version of this document.Links in italic are internal to this document, except for the table of contents. Other links will need an Internet connection.
-
-
-
-The installed documentation will open in your default browser.
-To download a current snapshot of this wiki as one huge web page, click here (only works if you are on line).
-
-As you can see above, also documents the people contributing to OpenCPN and a copy of the license OpenCP uses, GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2.
-The About tab also tells you where important settings and the log is located on your system and makes it easy to copy them.
-
-First before using OpenCPN, here is the note that all users has to approve when installing the program.

- -

OpenCPN is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied
-warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
-PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
-See the GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-OpenCPN must only be used in conjunction with approved
-paper charts and traditional methods of navigation.
-
-DO NOT rely upon OpenCPN for safety of life or property.

-
-This is not a text on general navigation. We assume that you are -familiar with nautical navigation. Reading this text and using OpenCPN -will not in itself make you a "navigator".
-
-Getting started using OpenCPN consists of 3 basic steps: - -

Installing OpenCPN
Installing Charts to be read by OpenCPN
*(Optional) Setting Up GPS to "talk" to your computer and OpenCPN

-Completing these 3 steps will get you started and allow you to check out - the program. Later, after exploring the program, you may want to read -through the Basic Features and Advanced Features sections to really get a good grasp of what the program offers.
-If you still have questions or would just like to get in touch with -other OpenCPN users, there is also a fairly large community behind -OpenCPN. You can find us in this Cruisers Forum.
-
-* For advanced users we recommend the Developers Manual.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Installing OpenCPN

- Windows XP SP3/Vista/7/8 (except W8 RT) -

Download the installation package for Windows from Download OpenCPN.
Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you just started using OpenCPN.
Exit all other programs, including your anti virus program - known -to create problems in some cases. Unplug your network cable, to be on -the safe side.
Run the downloaded installer. Re-start your anti-virus. Re-connect the network
If upgrading from a previous version of OpenCPN, there is no need -to un-install the old version. Simply install the new version and it -will upgrade OpenCPN, saving all your existing configuration and -preferences.
If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings.
If your installation goes well, but OpenCPN don't start as expected, try to download and install these runtime components.
Not Supported Windows versions:
- Win 8 RT is not supported.
- Win CE is not supported.
- Win XP SP 2 or 1 are not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.6.1624.
- Win 2000 is not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.5.0.
- Win 98/ME are not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.1.0.
Old versions of OpenCPN are available on SourceForge.

- -

- - -

Linux

- -

32/64 bit Ubuntu/Debian Distributions

- -

32/64 bit Fedora / Cent OS

-
-If you are installing OpenCPN for the first time on a computer with -Ubuntu, or any other Linux flavor, you have to go through a few steps to - make sure that all dependencies are met. Ubuntu uses "deb" packages and - Fedora uses the "rpm" packages. -

For Debian based Linuxes: Make sure that you belong to the "dialout" group. To find out, run the "$groups" command. If you're not in "dialout", add yourself with the command "$sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER". - Check this straight away, it will save you from frustration later on. -If there is a problem connecting the GPS to a physical port, such as -/dev/ttyS0, the reason is probably that you don't belong to "dialout".
For other Linux distributions, replace "dialout" above, with the result of this command: $stat -c %G /dev/ttyS0
It is recommended that you install the "xcalib" program, that is necessary to dim the screen for night time usage. Use your favourite package manager or just issue $sudo apt-get install xcalib from the command line (for debian based distros).
It is recommended that you install the "xdg-utils" program, that helps the grib plugin compose a SailDoc grib-request-mail. Use your favourite package manager or just issue $sudo apt-get install xdg-utils from the command line (for debian based distros).
On Ubuntu, start "System->Administration->Synaptic". In -Synaptic go to "Settings->Repositories" and tick the box -"Community-maintained Open Source software (universe)". Close Synaptic.
Download the correct .deb or .rpm from Download OpenCPN.
For Ubuntu, only use the download with an Ubuntu version number if you have exactly that version. Otherwise use the link "Download OpenCPN 3.X.X for all other *Ubuntu's".
Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you just started using OpenCPN.
Click on the downloaded package. An installation manager will guide - you on most Linux distributions. All dependencies should automatically -be installed. For most Linux installations, this is all you have to do. Consult the following 3 paragraphs if you run into trouble.
If you have problems with dependencies, run the recommended command - line in the next paragraph. First check that you really have downloaded - the correct version of OpenCPN. se above.
sudo gdebi <downloaded_opencpn_file.deb>. The command "gdebi" will automatically install the dependencies for you.
It is also possible to install the package via dpkg or rpm, on the -condition that all dependencies are met.To make sure that this is the -case on Ubuntu, open a terminal window to get a command line, -(Applications->Accessories->Terminal) and copy and paste the -following line: "sudo apt-get install libwxgtk2.8-0 libwxbase2.8-0 wx-common libglu1-mesa libgl1-mesa-glx zlib1g bzip2 gpsd gpsd-clients xcalib xdg-utils libportaudio2 libkml0 libtinyxml2.6.2 liburiparser1 zlib1g libexpat1". Then proceed with the commands below -
- -
```
For Ubuntu: $ sudo dpkg -i <downloaded_file.deb> 
-For Fedora: # sudo yum install --nogpgcheck <downloaded_file.rpm>
```
  -
- The binary will be installed to /usr/bin/opencpn and the static data used by the program will be in /usr/share/opencpn
-
If this is a new installation, click on the Options icon and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings.
If there is a problem with sound, make sure that -you, as a user, belongs to the "audio" group. To find out, run the -"$groups" command. If you're not in "audio", add yourself with "$sudo -usermod -a -G audio $USER"
If you are running Debian Squeeze and want to install OpenCPN from -the distributions .deb package, you will need to install with something -like this in order to satisfy install dependencies related to -libtinyxml:
- $sudo dpkg -i --force-depends opencpn_3.1.1327-1_i386.deb

- -

Using Linux repositories, an easier way to install and update.

- -

Installing in a different, easy way.

- -

Installing on Ubuntu

- -

Have a look at opencpn on launchpad.net.
-The launchpad site can be used as a repository, and let OpenCPN be -downloaded and updated the mainstream Ubuntu way. The X86 architecture -has always been supported. From early autumn 2014 experimental packages - for ARM will be available as well.
-Add repositories in, for example, Synaptic, like this:
-10.04
-=====
-- Add the following Software Sources: PPA from
-https://launchpad.net/~opencpn/+archive/opencpn, universe, lucid-backports
-- In Synaptic, reload the software sources as it suggests, search for
-and install opencpn
-- No need to install anything manually
-11.04
-=====
-- Add the following Software Sources: PPA from
-https://launchpad.net/~opencpn/+archive/opencpn, multiverse, universe,
-natty-backports
-- In Synaptic, reload the software sources as it suggests, search for
-and install opencpn
-- No need to install anything manually

- -

Installing on Fedora

- -

A full repo is now available and can be used to install and update opencpn.
-To install the repo, please run this as root:
-yum install http://je.onfray.fr/repo/fedora/18/x86_64/jeo-release-1.0-1.fc18.noarch.rpm
-You can install the above rpm, no matter if you're using i386 or x86_64, - be it Fedora 16, Fedora 17 or Fedora 18, it'll work on all these (you -should be able to install it right from your browser clicking the above -link and then install)
-By default, only the stable repo is enabled ; you can install -opencpn-4.0 from your favorite package manager (yum, Gnome package kit -or KDE package kit). I've created two separate packages: "opencpn" with -the program and the two default plugins and "opencpn-doc" with the whole - html doc to browse it offline.
-When a new stable is released, you'll be automatically notified and able to update... so easy!
-
-Security/Trust: all packages are signed with Key ID 7e53dbe19add462d

- - -

Other 32, 64bits, the armhf architecture, Linux Distributions and the BSD operating systems

- -

Currently other distributions requires compiling the source. This -will involve resolving various dependencies and is for folks comfortable - with developing on Linux.
Download the source from sourceforge.net or directly from the Git server. The SourceForge link for this project is sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/. More about compiling on Linux here Compiling - Linux.
Interested in maintaining a package for your favorite Linux distribution? Follow the SourceForge link above.
This also includes the different BSD distributions. Report your experiences back to the forum. -

-

- -

Mac OS X

- -

Installation OpenCPN on Mac OS X is no different from installing other programs. If a previous version is installed, rename the old version (app) file to avoid overwriting.
The Mac package is a ".dmg" file, and to install OpenCPN, the dmg -file has to be opened (it will mount as a virtual device) and the app -icon in the opened device window must be dragged and dropped to the -application folder.
- After that the device window can be closed and the mounted virtual device can be ejected.
You can have a look at this tutorial for general instructions on installing an application on Mac OS X.
If you have a message, that installations are only accepted for -programs from qualified developers, go to System Settings / Security, -first Tab, and switch to "No Constraints".
- After installation switch back, to prevent installation of malware.

- -

Different versions of OpenCPN

- -

Use a "stable", official release for actual navigation. The latest -stable release is always available at the top of the download page or -from Source Forge.
Beta releases are snapshots of the development process, and may -contain errors or temporarily be unstable. Show stoppers are normally -fixed very quickly however. This is where the latest features first are -seen. Most of the time the beta releases are quite stable and the -OpenCPN team appreciate it if more experienced users test the releases -and report back.
The place to report bugs and suggest features is the Tracker. To reach the Tracker - from the OpenCPN Web pages click on the "Tracker" tab at the upper -right (above the blue bar). The sticky thread "Tracker/Flyspray - How -and When to use it" (tab Forum) is giving some hints.
-
To see what version you are using either look in -?->about or at the top of your display. A lot of information is also -available in the log file. See below.
-
-

-
-(#log-config)
-
- -

Location of Important Files. Log and config files.

- -

It is important to know the location of the log file and the configuration file, opencpn.conf(Linux) or opencpn.ini - (Windows), on your computer. If you ask questions on the forum, there -is a fair chance that you will be asked about the content in these -files. Once you get familiar with OpenCPN, have a look at the files!
Through out this documentation there will be many references to the - configuration file, as it often is possible to change the default -settings. This is an advanced subject once you are familiar with -OpenCPN. All editing in the config files must be done with a -text-editor, such as "notepad" in Windows.
The configuration file is where all data, that needs to be -persistent between sessions, are stored. The logfile keeps tab of what's - going on in the current session.
To find the locations of the files go to the ToolBar click on -"About OpenCPN", the button looks like a blue book with a "?" on the -cover. Look at the bottom of the "About" Tab, highlighted below. The -illustration below is from a Win XP. A quick way to view the logfile is -to copy the full file path and then paste this into the address field in - a web browser.
-
-
For quick copying of the opencpn.ini and Log files use the two -"Copy" buttons. This is useful for publishing on the forum if asked to -do so. Please use the Forum "Code" button before pasting, as this -guarantees an exact copy.
On Linux the "opencpn.log" is in your home directory.
- The "opencpn.conf" is in a hidden directory, called "opencpn", also in your home directory.
- For a quick way to view the files you can try these commands.
- $gedit `echo $HOME/opencpn.log`
- $gedit `echo $HOME/.opencpn/opencpn.conf`
- Of course you can swap "gedit" for your favorite editor.
On Windows 7, Windows 2000, XP and Vista the - two files are more difficult to find, so use the "About" dialog as -described above. On many windows installs the folder containing the -logfile will also be hidden, so you need to change your systems "Folder Options" to show it.

- -

For example, the C:\ProgramData folder is by default hidden in Windows 7. Here's how to get to it:
-
-To access it you need to un-hide it by doing the following:
-
-1. Go to Control Panel > Folder Options
-2. Switch to View tab
-3. Select "Show hidden files, folders and drives".
-4. Unselect "Hide extensions for know file types" to get this state:

-
-Now you will be able to find your logfile.
-

- -

On Mac OS X, the logfile, "opencpn.log", is in /Users/"user name"/Library/Logs/ and the "opencpn.ini" is in the /Users/"user name"/Library/Preferences/ directory.

-(#error)
- -

If something goes wrong

- -

If you have installed OpenCPN successfully and later run into -trouble there is generally no point in reinstalling. It is a very common - reaction among users, but achieves very little.
If openCPN refuses to start, or hangs after the introduction dialog and - you have Intel integrated graphics on your computer, try to start the -program from the command-line with -> "opencpn -no_opengl"
-
Still no luck? Proceed by checking your logfile and try to find a hint there.
-
-
Next step is to close down OpenCPN, if it's still running. Then save any possibly valuable data. Read about Navigation Data Backup
-
Proceed by renaming the configuration file - opencpn.ini to , for -example, opencpn_OLD.ini. When you start OpenCPN again it will be like a - new install, no chart directories and all settings are default.
If you still have problems, and especially if your log file -complains about navobj.xml files, close down OpenCPN and move all -navobj.xml files to another directory. Rename the opencpn.ini file -again, and then restart as before. If successful, close down again, and -try to move, first the navobj.xml.1 back to the original directory -renaming it navobj.xml. If not successful, try navobj.xml.2 etc This -last step is only necessary if you have valuable data that's not saved -elsewhere.
-
If this is successful, please post your old config file and your -original navobj.xml file, together with full information of what -happened, and your system, on the Cruisers Forum. To do this, first -rename the file by adding ".doc" to the end of the file name.
-
-
This will help the OpenCPN developers to understand what's going on.
-
Still having trouble? There is a lot of info available on the -forum. Use the search function to see if your problem is already solved.
No luck? Post a question to the Forum. - Please include as much info as possible, as this will speed up the -process and help other users to help you. Include the following:

- -

Your Hardware and operating system, including versions.
Which version of OpenCPN, or plugin version.
A full description of your problem.
If possible, also include the opencpn.log and screen dumps showing your problem.

Go to Table Of Contents

OpenGL

-
-What is OpenGL an Overview
-OpenGL is an open standard, cross platform, advanced graphic library. It - uses the graphic cards processor (GPU) and memory, to speed up -applications. With OpenCPN a user with a typical modern graphic card -will have an enhanced experience. Much faster and smoother zooming and -panning as well as clearer and sharper chart rendering.
-
-In OpenCPN OpenGL is a choice, the old graphic engine is still there. -OpenGL will not work for everyone. Performance may not be improved with -embedded graphics chips, often found in older laptops and netbooks.
-
-Microsoft has gone from support to hostility towards OpenGL. There is -currently a lot of trouble Windows for all OpenGL applications, not just - OpenCPN. OpenCPN has been forced to disable a handfull of OpenGL -features for all Intel OpenGL graphics drivers on Windows, for example.
-
-
-Mac OS X has full supports for OpenGL.
-
-For Linux the situation is slightly different. Linux supports OpenGL, as - it generally tends to support open standards. The user is however -dependent on a driver from the graphic cards maker, and their support -for OpenGL. This may change with projects like nouveau, a free driver for nVidias cards.
-
-

-Without OpenGL With OpenGL
-Heavy over zooming reveals some of the secrets behind OpenGL
-
-Why introduce OpenGL in OpenCPN?
-The main reasons are: -

Better performance, leveraging modern PC graphics cards that are ubiquitous and powerful.
Better "eye candy", such as smooth zoom and pan, with little impact on responsiveness.
Future cross-platform support (e.g Android/IOS)
Some features depends on OpenGL, such as horizontal text and numbers on skewed (course up) vectorcharts.

-Is OpenGL a good choice for everyone?
-OpenCPNs performance with OpenGL is highly dependent upon your graphics hardware and drivers. -

On some systems using Intel HD Graphics adapters, especially -running 64bit editions of Windows 7, OpenCPN gets killed due to errors -in the display adapter drivers. You may try to get updated drivers or as - a workaround, on Windows run OpenCPN - no OpenGL from Start menu. On all the platforms, you can use the -no_opengl command line switch while starting the program to run it with OpenGL disabled.
Some graphics chip sets (e.g.intel 945G) have rather poor OpenGL -driver support, so that we cannot fully utilize the hardware -acceleration potential of these systems.
nVidia graphics, even very old cards, seem to perform very well.
Performance may not be improved with embedded graphics chips as often found in older laptops and netbooks.
There is a lot of trouble with OpenGL on Vista and W7. Microsoft -implemented a new screen compositing model for Vista and later, which -"broke" many OpenGL apps
Conclusion:Using OpenGL with OpenCPN will be a significant upgrade -for some users of OpenCPN, but OpenGL may not be "better" for everyone's - OCPN application.
So, user's choice. If OpenGL works better for you, then use it. If -not, the old DC based graphics render system is still in place.

-Start using OpenGL - -

Find the latest driver for your graphic card. The driver that came -with your operating system, is not likely to be the best. Start looking -at your graphic card makers home page.
Go to the ToolBox->Settings and tick the two boxes "Use -Accelerated Graphics(OpenGL)" and "Enable Smooth Panning/Zooming". Read - all the details in the Setting Options display tab.

-Other tricks
-If you have a lot of graphic memory, or very little, try to add the following to your config (ini on windows) file:
-"GPUMemorySize=nnn"
-where nnn is graphics card memory size, in MBytes.
-256 MBytes is the default.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Low Power Systems

- This is an advanced subject. Beginners - need only bother, if they have a system with very low resources and if -the system feels very sluggish. The background is that OpenCPN, quite -aggressively uses memory, to speed up the application, this can backfire - in certain situations....
-
-There is a simple memory management scheme, for use with systems that has limited resources.
-Two modes are available, only one of which can be active at any given -time. The mode must be specified in the "opencpn.conf" file, called -"opencpn.ini" in Windows and Mac.
-
-1. Application memory limit target. Try to limit the total memory used by OCPN to the specified value, approximately.
-Specify this mode by:
-......
-[Settings]
-MEMCacheLimit=xxx
-......
-Where xxx is memory use target in Mbytes. Overrides NCacheLimit below.
-
-2. Open chart limit. This is the default mode under Linux, and the default value is 20 open charts at any one time.
-
-Modify this limit by the following:
-......
-[Settings]
-NCacheLimit=yy
-......
-Where yy is the maximum number of simultaneously open charts.
-
-If you do not enter any memory management specification in the config file, the following defaults apply:
-
-a. Linux systems has a soft memory limit at 50% of available RAM. Open chart limit is 20 charts.
-b. Windows and Mac...Application memory limit target is used. Target -limit is 50% of available physical RAM, up to a maximum of 1 gigabyte.
- -

Settings for increased speed.

-In Options->Display-Advanced tab activate "Disable Full Screen -Quilting" to start with. Use OpenGL if your hardware is up to it. If you - are using OpenGL on a low-spec machine, you will have better -performance if you
-a) disable texture caching, or
-b) Pre-build the texture cache in a region of interest. That is, move -the boat to say Dover. Then do -Options->Advanced>(OpenGL)Options->Build Texture Cache. You do -not need to wait the entire time, which may be hours for a large chart -set. "Skip" out when the distance reported is 100 miles or so.
-Eventually, after steady use, your texture cache will be filled -automatically in the background, and performance will increase steadily.
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Portable OpenCPN

- The OpenCPN portable option allows the - program to run from an USB stick, or run independent from, and parallel - to a normal installation. On Windows, it is not possible to run -concurrent instances of OpenCPN, unless using the portable option.
-To differ between various instances of the program, the titlebar on portable versions looks like this.
-

-It is thus possible to run multiple portable instances and identify each version.
- -

To create a portable Windows version (across only 32-bit or only 64-bit systems)

-
-1. Create a new directory dedicated to the portable OpenCPN.
-
-2. In a separate window, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN (on -64-bit systems) or C:\Program Files\OpenCPN (on 32-bit systems), and copy (don't move) the following data directories (with containing files) into this new direcory: - -

doc/
plugins/
s57data/
share/
sounds/
tcdata/
uidata/
wvsdata/ (only for OpenCPN 3.2.0 and earlier)

-
-3. From the same OpenCPN folder, copy the following files into the new directory: - -

crashrpt_lang.ini
CrashRpt1401.dll
CrashSender1401.exe
license.txt
OpenCPN.exe (of course)
Eight wxWidgets dlls beginning with the name "wxbase"

-
-4. Now navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (on 64-bit systems) or -C:\Windows\System32 (on 32-bit systems) and copy the following files -into the new directory: -

msvcp100.dll
msvcr100.dll

-
-5. If running Windows, create MSDOS batch file "opencpn portable.bat" (or other name of user choice) containing the one line:
-
-"opencpn -p" (without quotes)
-
-This file must be in the new directory. If you want your batch file to -be in a different directory, you must edit the batch file to include -"cd" commands to navigate into the new directory before the line -containing the "opencpn -p" command.
-
-To run OpenCPN portably within this directory, simply execute the -"opencpn portable" batch file. There may be a way to build a click-able -shortcut to OpenCPN, with the -p option specified in the shortcut. But I - could not figure it out. Windows insists upon a drive letter in the -command line of the shortcut, which would defeat the whole purpose of -portability.Thus, the batch file....
-
-If the charts are also in the current dir, then the entire installation -is "portable", meaning there are no hard-coded drive letter -dependencies, and all write activities occur in the current dir only.
-
-This setup works very well from a USB stick.
- -

Alternate procedure to use the 64-bit libraries upon demand

-
-The setup described above will work on 32- or 64-bit systems, as long as - you are careful to copy msvcp100.dll and msvcr100.dll from the exact -folders that were specified. Those files are 32-bit libraries, which -will run without problems on both 32- and 64-bit systems.
-
-If you accidentally copied the 64-bit msvc*100.dll library files (which are located in C:\Windows\System32 on 64-bit systems) - a 32-bit system, you will get an error message when trying to run in -portable mode. If you want cross-compatibility between 32- and 64-bit -systems, it is strongly suggested to use the 32-bit libraries described -in step 4 above.
-
-If you insist on using 64-bit libraries on 64-bit systems, but want to -preserve 32-bit compatibility on 32-bit systems, you can do the -following setup procedure which creates separate batch files for the -32-bit and 64-bit versions of msvcr100.dll and msvcp100.dll in the -OpenCPN root directory as described here:
-
-1. Same as above
-2. Same as above
-3. Same as above
-
-4. Create MSDOS batch files "opencpn portable 32.bat" and "opencpn -portable 64.bat" (or other names of user choice that distinguish between - the 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems).
-
-In the MSDOS batch file "opencpn portable 32.bat", add the following lines (without quotes):
-"copy msvcp100_32bit.dll msvcp100.dll /Y"
-"copy msvcr100_32bit.dll msvcr100.dll /Y"
-"opencpn -p"
-
-In the MSDOS batch file "opencpn portable 64.bat", add the following lines (without quotes):
-"copy msvcp100_64bit.dll msvcp100.dll /Y"
-"copy msvcr100_64bit.dll msvcr100.dll /Y"
-"opencpn -p"
-
-5. Copy msvcp100.dll from the 32-bit system and rename it msvcp100_32bit.dll
- Copy msvcr100.dll from the 32-bit system and rename it msvcr100_32bit.dll
-
-6. Copy msvcp100.dll from the 64-bit system and rename it msvcp100_64bit.dll
- Copy msvcr100.dll from the 64-bit system and rename it msvcr100_64bit.dll
-
-To run OpenCPN portably on a Windows 32-bit system, execute the "opencpn portable 32" batch file.
-To run OpenCPN portably on a Windows 64-bit system, execute the "opencpn portable 64" batch file. -

-If you want to give a higher running priority see : http://opencpn.org/ocpn/commandline
-
-A Linux version

-
-On Linux, a similar functionality exists. The 32 and 64 bits issue is similar.
-32 bits version can be made to work on a 64 bits Linux by installing -ia32-libs or multiarch support packages. The opposit way, a 64 bit -version on a 32 bit system, will not work.
-Copy the opencpn executable binary and the data directories mentioned above to a local directory.
-In that directory, do
-$ ./opencpn -p
-This will cause all user data files to be created and used from within that local directory.
-This can be useful for side-by-side testing...
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Dedicated Marine OS

XINUTOP

-
-
-Another way to run OpenCPN is to use a specialized marine OS, also including essential marine - applications. Xinutop is a free an opensource linux-ubuntu based -solution and can run on a large variety of i386 processors compliant.
-
-Infos and download at http://marinux.tuxfamily.org
-See also in Supplementary Software

Using OpenCPN for the First Time

- Here is what happens once OpenCPN is installed and you start the program for the first time.
-
-First this message greets you. Please remember what you agrees to when clicking OK.
-
-

-
-Next OpenCPN prompts you to install charts.
-
-

-
-And sends you to "Options" to do so. Click on the Charts tab, to install charts. Read all about installing charts in Installing Charts
-If you're not quite ready to install yet just click "OK" in the Options dialog.
-
-

-
-The worldwide background Map will greet you.
-From here explore the different features in OpenCPN by clicking around, or read on...
-
-

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Setting Up GPS

- Below we describe only the basics of getting a gps up and running.
-For a full description ov all options read Setting Options
-
-Make sure your GPS is set to output positions using the WGS 84 Geodetic Datum. This is less of an issue nowadays, compared to, say 10 - 15 years ago.
-Some units can't be changed, and is permanently set to WGS 84. The BU-353 is one of those.
-
- -

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7

-
-Note that the extensive use of the cheap gps mouse BU-353 as an example below, should only be seen as an illustration.
- -

To use OpenCPN with a GPS, a GPS receiver is needed.

- -

There are a variety of possible choices for a GPS receiver:

- -

A computer, such as a Sony Vaio P has a built in GPS receiver
A NMEA Expander to amplify a nmea stream to multiple listeners
A hand-held GPS receiver
A dedicated GPS receiver

- -

The remainder of this section describes using OpenCPN with a -dedicated GPS receiver, however, the instructions for a dedicated -receiver will be similar for any serial/USB connected NMEA data stream.

- -

A Dedicated GPS Receiver

- -

There are several companies making dedicated GPS receivers. The -Supplementary Hardware section for GPS devices lists several -manufacturers.

- -

NMEA has traditionally been implemented as a serial protocol and -therefore, even if a USB connection is used, there needs to be a USB to -Serial Port conversion. The specific driver for the each GPS receiver -will handle this conversion.
-

- -

An Example - Configuring BU-353

- -

It is not necessary to use the installation disk to setup the -BU-353. Following the steps listed below will result in the latest -driver being installed.

- -

Download the latest driver from Prolific - http://www.usglobalsat.com/s-24-support-drivers.aspx#A
Unzip and install the driver
Plug in the BU-353.
Start -> (Right Click) My Computer -> Properties -> Hardware ->Device Manager
- or Start->Run devmgmt.msc
Expand Ports
Look for the “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port” and note the com port number (e.g., COM4)
Right click on the “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port”. Choose Driver
Select 4800 bits per second, 8 data bits, None parity, 1 stop bit, and None for Flow Control
Start OpenCPN
Click on the Options Icon
Select "Connections", and "Add Connection" and "Serial"
Under "Data Port" select the Com port noted in #6
Choose OK
Select Auto Follow to center the map over your GPS location

- -

Troubleshooting

- -

There is a small LED located on the BU-353. If the LED is off there is no power being received. Check the connection.

- -

If the LED is solid it indicates the BU-353 is searching for a GPS signal. Try moving the GPS receiver to a clear location.

- -

If the LED is flashing it indicates the BU-353 has a position fix and is transmitting data.

- -

Try viewing the NMEA data stream in OpenCPN. Choose Options->Connections->Show NMEA Debug Window
Alternatively, a diagnostic program is included on the installation - CD called GPSInfo.exe. Launch this program to install the diagnostic -utility.

- -

If it appears that the NMEA data stream is being received, the most -likely issue is that OpenCPN is not centered over your location. Click -AutoFollow to center the map at your GPS location.

- -

Known Issues

- -

If you change the USB port for the GPS receiver Prolific will -reassign the COM port number. This will require repeating steps 4-12 -above.

- -

On some computer / GPS receiver combinations when the computer -resumes from Stand By the GPS receiver will no longer transmit its NMEA -data stream, and only garbage instead of ASCII characters will be -visible in the NMEA Data Stream Window. The red indicator led will not -work.
-
-To change back to NMEA mode search for and download SIRFDemo.exe.
-Unpack and start. Set correct Baud rate and and com port as above.
-Click connect to data source button. Action -> Switch to NMEA protocol, then exit.
-There are many more settings available in SIRFDemo.exe

- -

An alternative workaround for this issue is provided by using a COM port splitter such as XPort http://curioustech.home.insightbb.com/xport.html

- -

Download XPort.
Unzip it to a folder of your choice
Double Click XPort.exe
Set the Baud Rate to 4800
Under Enable Ports add an entry for COM10
Click “Find GPS”. The port returned should match the port identified in Step #6 in the Configuring BU-353 Section
Select Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port in the check box section
Return to OpenCPN
Click on the ToolBox Icon
Select GPS

-Under NMEA Data Source change the Com port to COM10 - -

- - -

Linux

- -

To proceed, the "user" you use on your computer must belong to a -group that is allowed to open serial connections. This group is normally - "dialout" on Debian based Linuxes, including Ubuntu, and "uucp" on Red -Hat based distributions. Read more in Data Connections.
-Check your status by writing "groups" on a command line. The response -will be all groups that the user belongs to. Make sure that "dialout" or - "uucp" is included. If not, you have to add your user to this group. -There are many ways to do this, one is to issue this command:
-"sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER"
-This applies to many Debian based distibutions, for other distros just drop the sudo and do the command as root, using "su".
-All major Linux distribution includes a graphical user settings dialog, where adding a user to a group, could be fixed.

- -

Two methods are available, direct connection or through gpsd.

- -

-We start with gpsd.

- -

Install the gpsd and gpsd-clients packages -
- $ sudo apt-get install gpsd gpsd-clients
-
Go to Options-> Connections-> Add Conection and select -"Network" plus the GPSD radio button. Address should be "localhost" -and DataPorts should be set to 2947.
On Ubuntu 10.04 and later, that is really all you have to do. When you plug in your gps this will trigger gpsd to start.
"xgps" is client that comes with the gpsd-clients package, and is -useful for testing that the gps and gpsd is working properly. If xgps -isn't working, it's a gps or gpsd problem, not an OpenCPN problem

- -

Direct connection.

- -

Make sure that gpsd isn't running then connect your gps and start -OpenCPN. On Ubuntu 12.04 the easiest way to achive this is to unistall -gpsd.
In the Options->Connections -> Add Conection, select -"Serial".Set "dataPort to the port where you plugged in your gps. If you - plugged in BU 353 this will probably be /dev/ttyUSB0.
Choose 4800 baud, unless you know that the gps is set to something else.
The gps should now work....if not, check the NMEA data stream -window. If only binary garbage is visible, the gps has to be reset to -NMEA mode, see more about this above in windows section. An alternative -is to use gpsd, that will work with the gps in Sirf mode.
To do this in Linux for BU 353 as well as many other gps:es, make -sure that gpsd is running and that the package "gpsd-clients" is -installed. On Ubuntu 12.04 gpsd needs to be temporarily installed. Make -sure to kill any instances of gpsd with the command "sudo killall gpsd"
The command $gpsctl -n will put the GPS into NMEA mode.
If that doesn't work, try $ gpsctl -f -n /dev/ttyUSB0 .This will -force a low-level access, bypassing gpsd. For more information: $man -gpsctl
More information is as always available through "man gpsctl" Close down OpenCPN before running gpsctl.
-
- None of this is normally noticed when using gpsd, as this program reads both NMEA and SIRF binary sentences.
-
More Linux hints
-
If you can't connect to a physical port, such as /dev/ttyUSBO, -indicated by a line in the opencpn.log file. Check that you, as a user, -belongs to the group "dialout". To see which groups you belong to, run -the command "groups". Not all Linux distributions add the user to this -group by default. To add your self to the dialout group -> "sudo -usermod -a -G dialout $USER"
Check if gpsd is working:
- $ ps aux | grep gpsd
- nobody 12338 0.3 0.1 4124 1448 ? S<s 18:31 0:00 gpsd -F /var/run/gpsd.sock
- you 12356 0.0 0.0 3036 800 pts/3 S+ 18:32 0:00 grep --color=tty -d skip gpsd
- This or similar responses indicate that gpsd is running. If you only -have something like the second line, ....it is not running.
Run the command "$ls -lrtd /dev/*|tail -10", and see the 10 latest -created device files. Run this just after plugin in your gps to see -which device was created.
-
Determine which device your GPS is on your linux system by checking - the startup. Look for a line that says something about GPS and -/dev/ttyUSB# in the command "dmesg"

Or even better, after connecting a gps mouse, BU-353, we look for a dmesg by running this command. -

$ dmesg | grep tty
-and get this response back.
-[13616.095305] usb 2-3: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0
-
-

Add a script to start gpsd, if this is not done by your -distribution. I saved mine as startgps and set the executable -attribute. Edit line 3 to match your device, ie /dev/ttyUSB0 -
- -
```
#!/bin/sh
- sudo killall gpsd
- sudo gpsd -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
- 
```
  -
-
Run the script: -
- -
```
$ ./startgps
```
  -
-

-If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon Toolbox Settings

and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings. -

Other Distributions

- -

Install gpsd from source. More information is available here: http://catb.org/gpsd/

- -

Udev Rules

- -

If you have problem with, for example gps, connecting to different ports each time you restart udev is your friend.
udev supports persistent device naming, which does not depend on, -for example, the order in which the devices are plugged into the system. - The default udev setup provides persistent names for storage devices.
There is a lot about udev on the Internet. For OpenCPN specifics, read this post:Udev in 2.5

- - -

Bluetooth GPS

-More user experience of setting up bluetooth GPS are welcome, as the -notes below just reflects a few users experience. Please use the Forum. - -

- -

Ubuntu 10.10 and older.

-If you have a bluetooth GPS you will need to first configure it through - the standard Ubuntu Bluetooth "set up new device " proceedure. Once you - have done that you will need to find what the address of the GPS is. To - do that you run this command:
-
-"sudo hcitool scan"
-
-it will then start looking for the Bluetooth GPS and hopefully find your GPS. You should see something similar to:
-
-Scanning ...
- 00:1C:88:10:D3:4D iBT-GPS
-
-In this case i have a IBT-GPS at address 00:1C:88:10:D3:4D (Your GPS address will be different)
-
-Next we have to bind the GPS address to a "virtual" device OpenCPN -understands in this case rfcomm0. We do this with the following command:
-
-sudo rfcomm bind /dev/rfcomm0 00:1C:88:10:D3:4D Note put your GPS address in this line
-
-You should not have to run these commands each time your linux is restarted as it will remeber your GPS address.
-
-Now all you need to do is go into OpenCPN Toolbox and select GPS. Now in - the NMEA Data Source options select from the pulldown menu: -"/dev/rfcomm0", or write it in the box, if not present as an -alternative.
-
-Thats it - you should now have a Bluetooth GPS Connected.
-
-Ubuntu 12.04
--Pair GPS with bluetooth icon
--break connection with bluetooth icon
--get device id: sudo hcitool scan
--get channel for gps: sdptool records 00:02:78:0A:4E:E9 (put your actual number here)
--sudo gedit /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf #edit rfcomm input file. Text should be: -

	#
-	# RFCOMM configuration file.
-	#
-	# $Id: rfcomm.conf,v 1.1 2002/10/07 05:58:18 maxk Exp $
-	#
-
-	rfcomm0 {
-	        # Automatically bind the device at startup
-	        bind yes;
-
-	        # Bluetooth address of the device
-	        device xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx;
-
-	        # RFCOMM channel for the connection
-	        channel 1;#use channel number as provided by sdptool records XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
-
-	        # Description of the connection
-	        comment "Your GPS Device Here";
-	}

-- sudo rfcomm release 0 (not strictly neccesary)
-- sudo rfcomm connect 0 (you only need to to this once, not required if you reboot at this point)
-...connected /dev/rfcomm0 to 00:00:00:00:00:00 (whatever)
-...Press CTRL-C for hangup
-in a seperate terminal, you can test the connection with rfcomm show /dev/rfcomm0
-...rfcomm0: 00:08:1B:14:18:B6 channel 1 connected [tty-attached]
-your bluetooth GPS should now be working in open CPN. run sudo opencpn -to check that it works (/dev/rfcomm0 under GPS NMEA data source).
-if it works, try running opencpn without sudo, chances are that you -cannot see the gps. if this is the case, use the following fix: sudo -usermod -a -G dialout $USER
- -

Fedora

-Run "hcitool scan" to get the ID of your bluetooth gps device
-Make a file "rfcomm.config" and put it in /etc/bluetooth.
-This file is already present in Ubuntu, but needs editing for persistent connection.
-
-# RFCOMM configuration file.
-#
-# $Id: rfcomm.conf,v 1.1 2002/10/07 05:58:18 maxk Exp $
-#
-rfcomm0 {
-# Automatically bind the device at startup
-bind yes;
-# Bluetooth address of the device
-device XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX;
-# RFCOMM channel for the connection
-channel 1;
-# Description of the connection
-comment "Your GPS Device Here";
-}
-
-Change XX:XX:XX.... to your device ID
-
-Open Opencpn and write /dev/rfcomm0 as GPS NMEA device. Note that you -can add it yourself by writing directly into the scroll down box.
-Permissions for /dev/rfcomm0 are for group "dialout". Make sure you belong to that group.
-The command "groups" will show all the groups you belong to.
-Make sure that "gpsd" isn't running, issuing "killall gpsd" as root.
- -

Mac OSX

-
-Attaching a GPS device to a Mac is done via one of the USB ports. -Whether using a device with its own USB lead or via a serial-USB adapter - lead or an NMEA multiplexer with USB port, the appropriate OS X driver -needs to be installed. Nearly all hardware uses one of just two chip -makes: those from FTDI or Prolific. Both those companies make OS X -drivers available on their web sites, but manufacturers of GPS devices -usually package the driver with device.
-
-When the driver is installed and the device connected, start OpenCPN, -select the Toolbox and click the GPS tab. Open the "NMEA Data Source" -menu & select the the device from the list. It is not always obvious - which is the correct one, but in general the device will have a name -starting: "/dev/cu." or "/dev/tty.". Some manufacturers make it obvious, - like "/dev/cu.MiniPlex-99000125", but others may be more generic, like: - "/dev/cu.usbserial". Set the "NMEA Baud Rate" to 4800 and click "OK". -If the correct selection has been made, you should see the GPS status -icon change from red to green. -

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Touch Screens and Tablets

-
-It is no wonder that iPads and Android tablets have become so popular. -They offer superior ergonomics vs. laptops in many settings, including -areas with limited space and power such as boat cabins and cockpits. -Tablets usually offer superior battery life, lower power consumption, -and are easier to waterproof via inexpensive pouches.
-
-Unfortunately OpenCPN currently cannot install natively in an Android or - iOS environment. However, there are a couple of ways to get OpenCPN -running under Linux on Android tablets. See Building on Motorola Xoom for more information.
-
-Running OpenCPN on a Windows 8 tablet
-
-Although Windows 8 tablets are not as common as iPads or Android, they -have the advantage of running on the exact same Windows platform as PCs -and laptops. This means you can install OpenCPN onto a tablet using the - same installer that is used for Windows laptops and desktops. Just -dowload the installer and appropriate charts, run the installer, and -select the chart location just like you would on any PC.
-
-Because of differences in Windows 8 vs. prior Windows versions, and -configuration differences in the tablet hardware, your user experience -with OpenCPN on a Windows tablet may be enhanced by considering these -optional tips and tricks:
-
-1. Install the Classic Shell -free software. This facilitates using the tablet with traditional -Windows desktop programs, and will make the Win8 environment more -familiar for those who are coming from XP, Vista, or Win7. You can still - bring up the Start Screen to use the newer "Metro" tablet apps, but -Classic Shell restores the familiar Start menu that Windows users are -accustomed to having.
-
-

-
-2. Check Device Manager-Sensors to verify whether your tablet has a GNSS - Geolocation sensor. If so, your tablet has GPS capabilities already -built in. (Some tablets have been discovered to have GPS even though the - specifications may not mention it.)
-
-

-However, the Windows 8 tablets initially are configured in a way that -only Metro apps can see the built-in GPS. In order to overcome this -limitation, try installing petrsimon's excellent GeolocationTCP utility. - Set this utility to launch at bootup so it's always there by putting a -shortcut in the Startup folder created by Classic Shell.
-
-

-
-Then you need to configure OpenCPN to receive the NMEA data over the appropriate TCP port.
-
-

-
-3. If you do not have an internal GPS and want one to interface with -your tablet, I recommend a Bluetooth GPS transmitter instead of a wired -dongle or puck. There are Android and iPhone apps that will transmit -from your smartphone, or you can purchase a freestanding Bluetooth GPS -made by GlobalSat or others. Transmitting GPS to the tablet via -Bluetooth also facilitates putting the tablet into a waterproof pouch. -Some have reported that hanging a USB connector off the side of the -tablet may weaken the microUSB plug over time.
-
-4. The excellent form factor of the tablet opens up some great -possibilities for use in the cockpit, if you select a tablet with a -sufficiently bright screen. A suggested tablet model and more -comprehensive list of tips can be found on this message thread.
-
-OpenCPN runs remarkably well on a tablet with practically no -modifications. Microsoft has emulated many mouse functions in their OS. -The right-click context menus are emulated by tap-hold. Zooming and -unzooming in OpenCPN is accomplished by pinching gesture, or using the -magnifying glass icons in the toolbar.
-
-Mouse hover (aka "rollover") is not generally supported on tablets, and -accidentally tapping the chart can lead to unexpected re-centering of -the chart. To address this and other tablet needs, OpenCPN adds some -some custom features available in the Options-User Interface menu:
-
-

-
-Activating "Enable Touchscreen Interface" alters the effect of tapping/clicking on the chart in the following ways:
-
--Suppresses re-centering of the chart by tapping (you need to tap-drag to pan the chart)
--Tapping waypoint selects it for subsequent dragging
--Tapping Routes and AIS targets shows popup info
--Tapping tide/current icons shows appropriate dialog
-
-Here are some additional behaviors with "Enable Touchscreen Interface" activated:
-
--Optimize several common dialogs for screen rotation, i.e. landscape or portrait
--Route Create workflow: "Done" by clicking toolbar "Route" icon, or normal context menu.
--Toolbar navigation items (e.g. Zoom/Scale) are available during route creation.
--Chart drag (a.k.a. swipe) is available during route creation.
--Routepoint/Waypoint edit by drag is supported.
--Increase pixel select radius, to allow for finger tip selection of routes/waypoints
-
-A second option, "Enable Tablet Scaled Graphics Interface" can improve -the display, especially on tablets with high pixel density. At present, -Windows tablets are generally lower pixel density than Android and iPad, - but this may change with future hardware. This option does the -following:
-
--Increase toolbar icon size
--Increase context menu text item size
--Increase selectable item sizes for several common dialogs
-
-Tablet Scaled Graphics may enlarge the toolbar icons too much for some -tastes, especially on small tablets with limited screen space. As an -alternative, Microsoft provides a Magnifier utility that temporarily -zooms the view and allows for panning across the enlarged screen. It can - be found in Start-All Programs-Windows Ease of Access (if you have -Classis Shell installed), or by searching the Start Page in the Modern -iterface. I recommend pinning a shortcut to the taskbar for quick -one-tap access. While zooming the OpenCPN menu can enlarge many chart -features, Magnifier can enlarge additional elements like the very small -depth soundings and the green-over-black status text displayed by the -Active Route:
-
- Screenshot of Windows Magnifier utility

-* Read more about the XTE in Setting Options, "APB bearing precision"
-
-________________________________________________________________________
-
-Following are Dave's comments on "Enable Tablet Scaled Graphics Interface":
-- It is important that the screen width dimension be properly set for this option to work.
-- Manual override of screen width can be done at Options->Display->Advanced.
-- Dave found, on his W8.1 tablet, that the automatically calculated size - value was wrong, leading to extra large toolbar icons. Easy to correct -with a physical measurement.
-
-In the "Tablet Scaled Graphics Interface", the toolbar icon target minimum size is 9mm square.
-This is the generally accepted minimum button size for several mobile platforms.

Help the Developers Fixing Bugs!

If you experience a crash in -OpenCPN, the developers are very keen on knowing why. This is how you -can help making OpenCPN, even better.

- -

Windows

- - -

In OpenCPN ver 4.0 the semi-automatic Crash reporting for Windows is disabled by default.
-Crash Reports are saved in the OpenCPN config directory, i.e. where the -log file is stored now. End users may occasionally be asked privately to - send these reports to a designated recipient.
-
-The semi-automatic Crash reporting can be enabled by editing the opencpn.ini file.
---
-[Settings]
-.....
-EmailCrashReport=1
----
-Here is what you will see if OpenCPN causes a crash with the crashreport enabled.
-
-

-
-Provide additional information, such as your email or forum name, so the developers can contact you for more info, if necessary.
-
-

-
-This is what the report will contain. Use the "Export" button if yoy -don't have an Internet connection at the time of the crash. Mail the -report later.
-
-

- - - - - - -

Also, for fun, you may test this option by the keystroke Alt-F12. - This will induce a benign crash, and give you a chance to see what it -will look like before the real thing happens.
- Please don't send this kind of report by pressing "Send report". Just - press "Close the program" when you are done. Restart OpenCPN!
- This feature is temporary and will not be available in the Beta Release following 3.3.814.

- -

-Linux

-
-In Linux there is an excellent tool, "ddd", the Data Display Debugger, -to help the developers pinpoint where an error, or bug, is located in -the source code. "ddd" is a graphical front-end to the text based "gdb", - the GNU debugger.
-
-Install ddd through Synaptic, Ubuntu Software Center or similar for other Linux distributions.
-From a command line, in a Debian based Linux, such as Ubuntu, issue this command:
-$sudo apt-get install ddd -

The "$" sign above, just marks that this is a command line for a -normal user. Do not include it in the actual command. This is a Linux -convention used everywhere.

- -

Start ddd

-To start ddd, find a command-line and
-$ddd opencpn
-
-ddd starts and this is what you will see.
-
-

-
-Click "Run". If you don't get this small dialog, go to Program -> Run, or hit F2
-This will start OpenCPN. Just continue in OpenCPN and proceed to create a crash.
-Then go back to the ddd window.
-This is how it will look like after a crash.
-
-

-
-Notice "Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault."
-This is programmers way of saying a "crash". Exactly what this means, -does not matter for a normal user. Interested anyway? Read more, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmentation_fault
-To actually help the developers we need a back trace from the crash. -This is the path that the program followed in the source code, leading -to the crash.
-
-

-Go to Status -> Backtrace.
-This is what comes up, from this particular crash.
-
-

-The crash happened at #0 and this very short back trace started at #9.
-Your job now is to take a screen-dump, similar to the picture above, and send it on.
-Try to get as much of the back trace as possible, by expanding the Back trace dialog.
-This is important, so the developers can see the trouble point in the source code.
-Look at #3 above, ending in "....chart1.cpp:2367". "chart1.cpp" is a -part of the OpenCPN source code, and something on line 2367 was -involved, directly or indirectly in the crash.
-Lines ending in "......... .so.0" are external libraries used to run OpenCPN.
-
-On the odd occasion, when the back trace is very long, the developers may still complain that they need to see more.
- -

Using gdb

-Gdb, the command line debugger, is the answer.
-Start like this
-$gdb opencpn
-Gdb starts and you get the gdb command prompt (gdb).
-Just type "r", for run and hit Enter. Like this:
-(gdb) r
-
-OpenCPN will now start, once again, make it crash.
-The console will look similar to below.
-
-

-All the lines before the "Segmentation fault" line, are just "chatter" -from PortAudio and Gdk, and are not directly related to OpenCPN.
-
-To get a back trace, simply
-(gdb)bt
-That is type "bt", for back trace, and hit enter.
-
-

-
-You will now have access to the full back trace, with more details and reverse order to "ddd".
-Copy the text, and send it on.
-Press "q" to exit gdb.
-
-Send it on to the Programmers
-Tell the programmers about your findings through an entry in the tracker http://www.opencpn.org/flyspray/ , or through posting on the forum http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134 , if you have found a new bug.
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Basic Features

- OpenCPN uses some basic settings or limitations. -

Courses are by default true, not magnetic. Change this in Options -> Display -> Units.
All distances and routes are calculated using Mercator Sailing. Great Circle Sailing is an option in route creating.
For Windows: only one instance of OpenCPN is allowed. Use the portable option if more instances are needed.

- -

Do not edit the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN is running.

-
-Let's take a look at some of OpenCPN's basic features.

The Menu Bar

- The Menu Bar is a good aid to find -features and shortcuts, and works best if you already is a bit familiar -with OpenCPN. This page contains links that explains the different -features.
-
-The Menu Bar, when visible, is situated just under the Title Bar and -above the default position of the Tool Bar. See Below. It contains -access to features, as well as help with available shortcuts, also -called hot keys.
-
-The Menu Bar can be activated i two ways.
-It can be on all the time by ticking Options->User Interface -> Show Menu Bar.
-If this choice is not on, the Menu Bar can be shown temporarily by using the hot-key "Alt".
-As son as the screen is used, for example by panning or double clicking for an Object Query, the Menu Bar disappears.
-
-

-
-As seen above the Menubar consist of five entries.
-When a menubar item is visible, the characters shown on the right of the - items are "hints" to remind user of the shortcut key to use when the -menu is closed. While the menu is open, this kay may be inactive. The -key to use is the first character of the item itself. This may be -platform dependent.
-Alt + underlined letter, opens the concerned sub-menu. Alt +N will open -"Navigate". The exact behavior is platform dependent. For example Alt + A - will open the Ais menu on Windows. Linux requires Alt and then Alt + A.
- -

Navigate

-
-

-
-Auto Follow Read more: Auto follow and Display Orientation
-Enable Tracking Read more: Ship Track
-North Up Mode Read more: Auto follow and Display Orientation
-Course Up Mode Read more: Auto follow and Display Orientation
-Zoom In Read more: Zooming
-Zoom Out Read more: Zooming
-Larger Scale Chart Read more: Scaling Charts
-Smaller Scale Chart Read more: Scaling Charts
-Exit OpenCPN Shortcut Ctrl+Q.
-
-
-

-
-Enable Chart Quilting Read more: Chart Quilting
-Show Chart Outlines Read more: Setting Options
-Show Chart Bar Read more: Status Bar
-Show ENC Text Red more: Vector Charts
-Show ENC Lights Red more: Vector Charts
-Show ENC Soundings Red more: Vector Charts
-Show ENC Anchoring Info Red more: Vector Charts
-Show Tides Read more: Tides and Currents
-Show Currents Read more: Tides and Currents
-Change Color Scheme Read more in Night Navigation
-Enter Full Screen
-
-

-
-Read more about all AIS options: AIS
-
-
-

-
-Measure Distance Read more: Right Click Menu
-Rote & Mark Manager Read more: The Route Manager and GPX data
-Create Route Read more: Marks and Routes
-Drop Mark at Boat Read more: Marks and Routes
-Drop Mark at Cursor Read more: Marks and Routes
-Drop MOB Marker Read more: Man Over Board
-Options Read more in Setting Options
-
-
-

-
-About OpenCPN Read more: Getting Started
-OpenCPN Help Read more: Getting Started
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Toolbar Buttons

The Toolbar is floating and can be placed anywhere on the screen, vertical or horizontal.
-Note the "grabber" symbol at the far right side of the toolbar. Use this - handle to drag the toolbar wherever you want it. The default position -is horizontal and docked top left.
-It "snaps" to the edges. Right click on the grabber, and the toolbar -shifts to vertical format. On Windows (at least), unless in OpenGL -display mode, the toolbar dims down transparently until you roll over -it.
-
-There are three different styles of Toolbars to choose from. Go to the -ToolBox->"User interface"-> "Toolbar and Window Style" and select -one of the following styles:
-
-Traditional
-
-Journeyman
-
-Journeyman Flat
-

- -

-There are a lot of buttons available in the standard Toolbar, even more, - counting the many plugins. To control exactly which buttons to display, - hold the cursor over any button and right-click. This dialog pops up.
-
-
-
-Only the buttons with a ticked box will be displayed. The available -shortcuts are also shown in parenthesis to the right of the button -description.
-The MOB button is special. If unticked, you will get these choices:
-
-
-
-#1: The MOB button will still be there, but anyone (crew?) may later hide it.
-
-#2: If OpenCPN is used to handle a MOB situation, -choose this option. The MOB button will always be there. It is not -possible to change the state as long as OpenCPN is running. The MOB -button option will not even appear in the right-click menu.
-To reset this option open the opencpn.ini(config) file and change the value below from
-"1" to "0". Restart and all the options are once again available.
-"[Settings]
-....
-PermanentMOBIcon=1"
-
-#3: Use this option if a MOB situation is handled by -other means, and OpenCPN is not a part of the standard operational MOB -procedure.
-
-If the MOB button is visible, it will always be the button -furthest to the right. This way it's always easy to find in bad light -etc.
-
-The visibility of the plugin buttons is controlled in the ToolBox->Plugins Tab, by pressing the Enable/Disable toggle button.
-
-Note that the Toolbar must have at least one active button.
-
-
-
-
-When a toggle button is pressed, it changes and becomes darker, -Traditional style also adds a stronger outer frame. For example, -tracking off , tracking on .
-
-A brief explanation of the use of each button is available by just hovering with the cursor
-
-over a button.
-
-Traditional Style (from left to right) :
-(For translation to other styles, check the buttons just below the Traditional in the above pictures.)

- -

Zoom In (Zooming)

- -

Zoom Out (Zooming)not

- -

Scale Next Chart Down (Scaling Charts) ¹

- -

Scale Next Chart Up (Scaling Charts) ¹
- Create Route (Marks and Routes)

- -

Find/Follow Boat. Toggles on/off.(Auto Follow and Display Orientation)

- -

Launch Toolbox(Setting Options)

- -

Show/Hide Text Labels on Vector Chart.(Vector Charts)

- -

Show/Hide AIS Targets² (AIS)

- -

Show/Hide Currents On Chart (Tides and Currents)

- -

Show/Hide Tides On Chart (Tides and Currents)

- -

Print. Prints your current view, using a simple dialog.

- -

Route/Track/Waypoints/Layer- Manager.(The Route Manager and Gpx Data )

- -

Toggle Track On/Off(Ship Track)

- -

Adjust Screen Brightness for Dawn/Dusk and Night viewing.(Night Navigation)

- -

Drop Man Over Board marker(Man Over Board) Always the far right Button.

- -

About OpenCPN and Help File (Getting Started)
- Show/Hide the Dashboard Plugin (Dashboard Plugin)
- Show/Hide the Grib Overlay Plugin(Grib Weather Plugin)

-More Buttons may be present if certain Plugins are activated. See the Documentation for Plugins - -

A separate GPS status and Chart Orientation Status is normally in the upper right corner of the display, unless the floating ToolBar covers this position. Then the "Staus-bar" will be moved to the lower left corner, - were it will stay, unless the main ToolBar iis moved to cover this -position, in which case the "Status Bar" goes back to the default -position.

- -

Course Up/North Up ² (Auto Follow and Display Orientation)

GPS status²(GPS Status)
-
-Note 1: These icons are "grayed out" when only CM93 vector-charts are available, as the feature makes no sense.
-Note 2: These icons changes, depending on status. - -

- Go to Table Of Contents
-

Right Click Menu

- The right click menu is always available as long as the cursor is somewhere in the chart area. The content of this menu is very context sensitive. - The reason for the "Focused Context Menus", is to keep the number of -options down to a reasonable level, and still be able to deal with all -situations.
-There are basic right-click menus when clicking at a random point, and -very focused menus when clicking on a waypoint, a route, a track or an -AIS target. If you have just created or deleted a waypoint, or if chart -groups are defined, there are further entries added to the basic menu. -Some plugins also adds entries to the right-click menu when they are -used. Below, the basic entries are explained.The more context specific -entries are dealt with as the concerned feature is explained.
- -

The basic single charts right-click menus.

-Below is first the rastercharts menu to the left and then the vector chart menu.
-Available "hotkeys", if any, are shown to the right.
-
-

-
-Starting with the left menu for rastercharts. -

Measure

-Activates a "pencil". Move the pencil with the cursor. Put the tip of -the pencil on a position that you want to measure from. Left-click, a -dot Position with a circle around is created. Move the pencil with the -mouse and see the distance and bearing from the point to the pencil-tip -in "real time". Left-clicking again creates a temporary waypoint. When -moving the "pencil" again, distance and bearing, once again are shown -from the temporary waypoint. The total distance from the original -measure point, via the temporary wapoint(s) are also shown as "Route -Distance". Right click and mark "Measure Off" to stop measuring.
-For longer distances, specially on east.west courses on higher -latitudes, the measure tool seamlessly switches to display and measure -great circles instead of Mercator rhumb-lines. Read more Great-circle Sailing .
-The "Create Route" tool works in a similar way, but you can't use the two tools at the same time. -

-

- - -

Max Detail Here

-Displays the largest scale, most detailed chart, available in the position of the cursor.
-It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the position.
- -

Scale In

-Displays the next larger scale chart.
-It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the position.
- -

Scale Out

-Displays the next smaller scale chart.
-It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the position.
-
-Drop Mark
-Drops a mark in the position of the cursor. Further explained on this page::Marks and Routes
- -

Move Boat Here

-Moves own boats position to the position pointed at. This item is only -visible in the right click-menu if the GPS isn't connected.
-
-Navigate to here
-Creates an instant active route from own boat to the position clicked. The option does not appear when following an active route. More about routes: Marks and Routes
-
-Center View...
-Activates a small dialog where latitude and longitude can be entered. -Pressing "OK" centers the display on this position, keeping the same -scale. If a position has been copied, and is in your copy buffer, it -will be displayed as default values. OpenCPN accepts a wide variety of -position formats. The values entered is kept during a session, but goes -when restarting OpenCPN.
- -

Course Up Mode

-Is shown because we are in North Up Mode. Clicking this entry changes -the display to "North Up Mode." It is a toggle switch between "North -Up" and "Course Up". Read more about display orientation: Auto Follow and Display Orientation
-
-AIS Target List
-Shows a list of discovered AIS targets, if any. Read more on the AIS page.
-
-Looking at the right click menu for vector charts, to the right above,we can see these additional entries.
- -

Object Query

-Every point on a vector-chart has certain attributes, or information. -This can vary from just the depth in mid ocean to much more. Double -clicking is an alternative to display the object query dialog. Here is -an example from a lateral buoy in the entrance channel to a medium sized - port.
-
-

-
- The scrollbar on the right side of the dialog, reveals that more info -is available by scrolling down. Much more about this on the Vector Charts page.
-
-CM93 Offset Dialog..
-Apply corrections to CM93 chart cells through this dialog. Read more on the CM93 Offsets page inthe Advanced section of this manual.
- -

The basic quilted charts right-click menus, for raster charts and vector charts

-
-

- -

The only new item in the quilted menus is

-
-Hide this chart. The chart becomes excluded from the quilt. To show the chart again, find it in the chart bar, now marked with a red "X", right click and press "Show this Chart". Read more here: Chart Quilting
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Keyboard Shortcuts

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

	Windows	Linux	OS X	Comments
Menu Bar	Alt			Toggle if Show Menu is unchecked.
Zoom In	+
Zoom Out	-
Zoom In	PgUp
Zoom Out	PgDn
Fine Zoom In	Alt +
Fine Zoom Out	Alt -
Larger Scale Chart	Ctrl+LeftArrowKey (or F7)		Cmd+LeftArrowKey
Smaller Scale Chart	Ctrl+RightArrowKey (or F8)		Cmd+RightArrowKey

Panning	Arrow keys
Panning Slowly	Alt + Arrow keys

Quit OCPN	Ctrl+Q (or F9)		Cmd-Q
Preferences			Cmd-,
Full Screen	F11		Ctrl+Cmd-F

Auto Follow (on/off)	Ctrl+A (or F2)		Cmd+A
Option Window	Ctrl+,
Chart Quilting (on/off)	Q		Q
Chart Outlines (on/off)	O (or F12)		O

ENC Text (on/off)	T (or F3)		T
ENC Anchoring (on/off)	A
ENC Lights (on/off)	L
ENC Soundings (on/off)	S

CM93 Detail Slider (on/off)	D
Chart Bar (on/off)	Ctrl+B		Cmd+B
GPS Status (on/off)	Ctrl+I		Cmd+I

Change Colour Scheme	C (or F5)		C
Screen Dimming	F6 (or Shift F6)			Cycles through 10 different levels. - OSX : Does not work.
Monochromatic Mode	Ctrl-G*			Works on some Windows systems (depending on graphic driver)

Measure Distance	M (or F4)		M
New Route	Ctrl+R		Cmd+R
Next Waypoint (in active route)	Ctrl+N		Cmd+N
New Mark at Cursor	Ctrl+M		Cmd+M
New Mark at Boat Location	Ctrl+O		Cmd+O
Man Overboard	Ctrl+Space		Ctrl+Space	Note OS X uses Ctrl, not Cmd - (the letter is reserved for Spotlight on OS X)

Undo (create/move/delete mark)	Ctrl+Z		Cmd+Z
Redo (create/move/delete mark)	Ctrl+Y		Shift+Cmd+Z

- -

-
-
-
-The List sorted by Keys

- -

-Function Keys

- -

F2 toggle Auto Follow on / off
F3 toggle ENC Text.
F4 activates the chart measure pencil. Esc Stops it
F5 toggle Daylight, Dusk & Night mode, if built into the Chart ( "C", Ctrl+C, Ctrl+G)
F6 General Dimming, in steps, of the entire Screen. (except Mac OS X ) OpenGL must be off.
F7 Larger Scale Raster Chart (Scale In) or Ctrl + Left-Arrow
F8 Smaller Scale Raster Chart (Scale Out) or Ctrl + Right-Arrow
F9 Chart Quilting . Toggle on/off
F11 toggle Full Screen view.
F12 toggle Chart Outlines
SHIFT + F6 reverses the dimming.

-Hot Keys or Shortcut Keys - -

C change color scheme -new similar to Ctrl+C, Ctrl+G and F5
L toggle Vector ENC Lights on/off. "Mariners Standard" display category.
O toggle Chart Outlines. or F12
T toggle ENC Text or F3
S toggle ENC soundings.
A toggle bottom features, useful when anchoring. "Mariners Standard" display category.
D toggle CM93 Detail Slider. Hide only works, if the slider lost focus.
M toggle Measure Tool F4
Q toggle Chart Quilting
+ Zoom In
- Zoom Out

-Alt Keys - -

Alt. Toggles Menu Bar on/off of Show menu is not checked.
Alt + Arrow Keys. Moves the chart view in very small steps.
Alt + "+" for fine scale zooming in.
Alt + "-" for fine scale zooming out.

-Control Keys - -

Ctrl + Space Man Over Board, sets MOB Marker at current GPS position.
Ctrl + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps
Ctrl + Left-Arrow-Key Larger Scale Chart (Scale In) (F7)
Ctrl + Right-Arrow-Key Smaller Scale Chart (Scale Out) (F8)
Ctrl + B toggle the Chart Bar.
Ctrl + C Change color scheme - new similar to Ctrl+G, "C" and (F5)
Ctrl + G* cycles through green, red and normal screen.
Ctrl + I toggle small dialog, containing GPS status & Course/Up North Up Icons, on/off.
Ctrl + M Drops Marker at current cursor position.
Ctrl + N Activate next waypoint in an active route.
Ctrl + O Drops Marker at current owship position.
Ctrl + Q Quits OpenCPN
Ctrl + R Starts the Routing tool. Esc ends creating route.
Ctrl + Y Redo Mark/waypoint create, move or delete.
Ctrl + Z Undo Mark/waypoint create, move or delete.
Ctrl + , the option Window is displayed

-Other Keys and Clicks - -

Keyboard Arrow Keys. Moves the chart view.
Left clicking on a chart, centers the chart on that point.
Double clicking a vector chart, displays all info for that point (exception below).
When the cursor becomes a green arrow, clicking pans in the direction od the arrow.
Double clicking on an AIS target, displays the target query dialog.
Double clicking on a mark or waypoint, displays the Mark Properties Dialog
Double clicking on a route or track, displays the Route/Track Properties Dialog
Right clicking on any chart, access a context sensitive menu.
Esc ends the process of route creation or stops the measure pencil.
Right Mouse click on chart View center lat & long
Left Mouse click on chart moves to center of view
-

-Scroll Wheel - -

Scroll Wheel, zooming in/out
Alt + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps.

-Cursor - -

When the cursor becomes a green arrow, clicking pans in the direction of the arrow.

- -

-* Ctrl-G Works on some Windows systems (depending on graphic driver).
-
-NOTE: This list may not be completely detailed and correct for now, but it does try to establish all the shortcuts available.
-We may need to add some things to Caesar's Functional and tabular list -to make it more complete. Please contribute ideas and -corrections/improvements!

Zooming

It is essential to understand what -happens when both zooming in and zooming out in a chart view. Vector -charts have their own issues, with both over- and under- zooming. Both -can be potentially dangerous, and it's essential to understand what's -going on.

- -

How too Zoom in/out

-Zooming in makes the chart scale larger while zooming out makes the scale smaller - -

These buttons allow you to zoom in and out on the chart currently being displayed.

- -

Will zoom the chart in for more detail, larger scale.

- -

Will zoom the chart view out for more area, smaller scale.

- -

Alternatively, the + and - keys on your keyboard will zoom in and -out. If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel, it can also be used to -quickly zoom in and out.
-
-Other alternatives for zooming includes:

- -

Page Up for zooming in.
Page Down for zooming
Menu Bar->Navigate click Zoom In / Zoom Out

-For zooming in smaller steps try - -

Alt + for fine scale zooming in.
Alt - for fine scale zooming out.
Alt + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps.

- -

Some settings for zooming are available in the Options -> -Display->General tab. Read more about "Smooth Panning/Zooming" and -"Zoom to Cursor" in Setting Options .
-
-Note that

- -

Keyboard, Menubar, and Toolbar zooms always zoom to the center of the screen.
Wheel zoom behaviour changes depending on "Zoom To Cursor" and "SmoothZoom" settings.

- -

Overzooming

-
-

Overzooming a raster chart.
-
-

-Overzooming a vector chart.
-
-If you zoom in enough there will appear a warning "OverZoom" in the upper left part of the chart area.
-This means that you have zoomed in way to far, and is using the chart at - a scale that was never intended, and that is not supported by the -original survey. No new information will be seen, and the situation is potentially dangerous as it could give the impression of increased distance between dangers.
-On a raster-chart pixelation will be seen, but on a vector chart it is -not so obvious when you have over zoomed. This is where the warning is -useful.
-Your first action when the warning appears should be to zoom out at least one snap.
-Charts are generally based on surveys in twice the scale of the released - chart, so when zooming in beyond a factor of 2, there is no support, -increased details etc, in the underlying survey. OpenCPN warns for -"OverZoom" when zooming with a factor of 4 or more. -

- -

Overzooming settings are explained in Setting Options - . In short OpenCPN, by default, blurs vector-charts and expands the -text an lines, to imitate what happens with raster charts, when zooming -in beyond a factor 10.0 x .
-
-Unlimited zooming is available using the background Map. Just create an empty chartgroup and switch to this map at any time. More in Chart Groups.

- -

-Underzooming

-
-Underzooming is only a general problem with CM93 V2, in OpenCPN. The -reason is the very poor graphical representation in small scale charts, -of reefs,small islands and other dangers.
-The case with the Cargados Carajos Shoals in Indian Ocean is well known -since Team Vestas grounding in the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race.
-
-This is what you see. All pictures are in a scale of approximately 1:650.000.
-The "normal view. No indication at all of islands or reefs, even though -the name in it self indicates, to a seasoned navigator, that more -information should be sought elsewhere.
-
-

-
-Switching to single mode view, and with chart outlines active, OpenCPN -shows that a larger scale chart is available. This will show on zooming -in further. The available chart does not cover the southern end of the -reef where Vestas ran aground. In some editions of CM93 more charts of -the area are available, including the southern part.
-
-

-
-Compare this to the well thought out representation in the raster chart INT 702 in scale 1:3.500.000.
-
-

- -

Using CM93 in OpenCPN

-It all starts with passage planning. The bottom line is: Don't trust -CM93. Always check with other reliable sources, meaning, for example, -Raster charts (paper charts) Pilot Books, or ENC charts, not another privately issued vector chart, with similar problems ( for example Navionics).
-
-Doing the best you can with OpenCPN and only CM93 available.
-For passages including small scale CM93 charts (A or Z scale):
-Create a route that you plan to follow.
-Switch to Single chart mode. Short Key "Q".
-Avtivate chart outlines.Short Key "O".
-"Fly" along the route, making sure you are zoomed in to a factor of at least 2.5 x.
-Available charts should now be outlined in magenta.
-Drop suitable marks documenting these charts, and the dangers they represent, for later reference.
-
-
-
-Nigel Calder "How to read a Nautical Chart, Second ed. 2012", - is recommended to all users who want to know more about charts, the -surveys they are based on, and their horizontal and vertical accuracy.
-
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

All About Charts

Installing Charts
-Status Bar
-Chart Info
-Scaling Charts
-Chart Quilting
-Chart Groups
-Vector Charts
-S63 Vector Charts
-Chart Formats
-Chart Sources
-

Installing Charts

- - - - - - -

The potential danger to the mariner increases with
- digital charts because by zooming in, he can increase the chart
- scale beyond what can be supported by the source data. The
- constant and automatic update of the vessel’s position on the
- chart display can give the navigator a false sense of security,
- causing him to rely on the accuracy of a chart when the source
- data from which the chart was compiled cannot support the
- scale of the chart displayed.
-
- Bowditch 2002 Ed p 412.

-
-

-
-
-

Brazilian charts - a free download.

-
-OpenCPN does not come with any pre-installed charts. It is up to the user to find and install charts. Read - on, and you will find detailed information about which chart formats -that OpenCPN can display, as well as pointers to all available charts -for OpenCPN, free downloads as well as commercial, that we know of.
-
-Background Chart. OpenCPN comes with a worldwide background map, displayed if no charts are available for an area.
-
-

-
-To install charts, OpenCPN must be pointed to a directory containing Charts of one of the recognized Chart Formats. Don't point OpenCPN to individual charts. You must specify the directory that contains the charts.
-
-Where do I keep my charts ?
-The installation tells you to go to the Options->Charts->Chart Files tab to install charts.
-When you press the "Add Directory" button the default directory will be -"My Documents" for Windows, and the users home directory, for Linux and -Mac. These are good places to keep your charts. Create a "Chart" -directory, and maybe some sub directories, to keep your charts in, and -you can't go far wrong.
-Seasoned users knows where they want their charts.
-Regard charts as data, independent of OpenCPN. Store them in a place -that is convenient for you and that is left alone by the operating -system.
-Download some charts (see Chart Sources) to your newly created Chart directory. Follow the directions below to make this directory an "Active Chart Directory"
-
-The main consideration for charts is storing them in a directory where they will not be tampered with or moved accidentally.
-
-Installing Charts
-Open the Options Dialog by clicking

. You are sent to the first tab "Display". Tick the box "Show Chart Outlines". That will help you visualize the loaded charts.
-
-

-
-Then click the tab "Charts" and then the tab "Chart Files".
-
-

-
-There are no charts loaded. To add charts we have to add a directory -that contains charts of a recognized format. To get started press "Add -Directories" and navigate to your chart-directory.
-
-

-
-Exactly how the dialog looks like depends on your operating system, and is not a part of the core OpenCPN.
-When clicking the button "Open" above, the highlighted chart directory -is added to the box "Directories". The screen-shots are from Linux, -but this process works similarly on all platforms. Add more chart -directories using the same process again. It's OK to load both raster- -and vector-charts together.
-
-

-
-All that remains is to click the "Apply" button. OpenCPN will then -process your selection. You can now start using your charts. When you -are done with your settings click "OK" and the Options Dialog closes. If - you are just adding a chart directory, it works fine to just click the -"Ok" button.
-
-The charts often come in a compressed package eg. a ZIP archive. You -must first uncompress them to your disk to be able to set them up. The -following screenshot shows the file and directory structure of the NOAA -raster charts (RNC) on a local disk
-
- NOAA RNC Charts directory structure

-
-Note that in OpenCPN you must add directories (folders) containing charts, not the individual charts.
-
-For BSB4 and nv-charts, first install the latest plugin version, then point OpenCPN to the correct chart directories and finally do a "Full Database Rebuild".
-
-Eager to get some charts quickly, to get started? Go to: Chart Sources
- -

Check your charts after installation

-This step is important if you just installed some old BSB charts, say -from the ninties, or charts of dubious origin. For example, there are a -lot of old Maptech charts that uses the Geodetic Datum "Unknown".
-It is not a problem with recent charts.
-OpenCPN Version 4.0 will reject charts without a projection and add a note in the log about the problem.
-Charts with an unrecognized Geodetic Chart Datum will be loaded as if -they were WGS84. This may lead to unacceptable errors. The Chart -Information Dialog will contain the sentence:"Warning: Chart Datum may be incorrect." , and the log will contain a note with the words "Chart datum {XXXX} invalid on chart".
-For practical use, it's very important that the implication of this is understood.
-Read up on the subject in the Chart Info page
-
-Start using your charts.
-You can click and drag the chart with your mouse. The cursor changes to -an triangular green arrow near the edges of the OpenCPN window, left -clicking in this situation, pans the chart in the direction of the -arrow. The scroll wheel zooms in and out. Left clicking anywhere centers - the view on that position. Right clicking brings up a menu with useful -actions. Exactly what the menu contains depends on the circumstances. -Read the rest of the manual for a full explanation.
-
-If you are running OpenCPN for the first time you may see the background - chart instead of the charts you installed. That simply means OpenCPN -is pointed at a location that is not on any of the charts you installed. - Click and drag, or use the arrow keys, to move the view-point to the -location of one of your installed charts as described under "A few hints" - below. Look for the rectangular outlines of the installed charts. An -alternative is to right-click, and then click "Jump to position". Enter a - location that is within the perimeters of your entered charts. The -first time you start OpenCPN the view will be centered on Georgetown in -South Carolina.
-
-Quilting Chart Mode is the default display mode. In -this mode all available charts at the viewpoint will be quilted together - seamlessly according to certain roles. Read more in Chart Quilting. The other display mode is Single chart Mode - were only one chart at a time is used. It is possible to read all the -information printed in the perimeter of a raster chart. To change to -another chart, select and click in the Chart Selection Bar. Read more in - Status Bar.
- -

Starting with vector charts?

-If you are new to vector charts, including CM93 v2, on OpenCPN follow this quick-start guide:
-
-1 Go to Options

->Charts-> Vector Chart Display and copy the settings below for the Display Category.
- -

-
-2 Press this button

in the ToolBar to toggle text display. Alternatively, the "T" hotkey does the same thing.
-
-These are not the "perfect" settings, but you will see most of what you expect from a vector chart.
-As soon as you have made yourself reasonably comfortable with OpenCPN -and before using Vector Charts for actual navigation, make sure you -understand all the settings in the Options-> Charts -> Vector -Chart Display Tab by reading the Vector Charts page.
-Loading Vector Charts
-When using a vector chart for the first time, OpenCPN has to process the - data, and transform the information to an internal display format. -Click the green chart rectangle in the chart-bar to start the process.
-

-This can take some time, depending on your computer. This internal SENC -chart, is saved for future use. The created files are quite large, but -is in a format optimized for quick loading. OpenCPN is trading, creation - time and size, for fast rendering when actually using the vector chart. - The SENC files are saved in the SENC directory, in the same place as -the opencpn.conf file - opencpn.ini on windows.
-To avoid getting a very long series of SENC charts being built at the -same time, use single chart mode, for better control. This is certainly -called for in areas that are densely populated with vector charts. -Single chart mode and quilting are explained on this page Chart Quilting .
-You probably do not want to build SENCs for all of your loaded S57 ENCs unless you plan to actually go there....
-For an advanced approach to building all SENC files in one go .. The Command Line
-Updating Vector Charts
-Publishers of Vector Charts, such as NOAA and EAHC issues regular -updates. OpenCPN updates the created SENCs automatically. The chart -itself, the base-chart, is named "name".000 , the first update is -"name".001 and so on. As a user you only have to make sure that the -update files are saved in the same place as the base-chart. In the case -of a new edition of the chart a new "name".000 file is issued. Just -replace the old file with the new file and OpenCPN will update the SENC -file. Don't forget to remove the updates to the old edition of the -chart.
-
-In case of missing revisions in a series of updates errors may be -introduced. OpenCPN will pop up a warning dialog with this content:
- - - - - - - -

"S57 Cell Update chain incomplete.
- ENC features may be incomplete or inaccurate.
- Check the logfile for details."

-
-
-CM93 Charts
-CM93-version2 Charts are different from the S57 vector charts, and has -it's own data structure consisting of a number of folders and files. To -load these charts in OpenCPN just add the top directory to the list of -"Active Chart Directories".
-In the top CM93 directory is an empty file with the ".EXD", for example -20110803.EXD. The format is YYYYMMDD.EXD. This is the version, or -edition, of the CM93 -v2 release.
-OpenCPN supports partial CM93 datasets, covering one or a few of the -available regions. There is also support for multiple, as well as -multiple partial, CM93 datasets.
-The CM93 top directory contains a number of (144) subdirectories named from
-"00300000" to "04501020", as well as six other files. These sub -directories each cover a geographical area of 40° x 40° . The first four - numbers describes the latitude and the last four, the longitude of the -SW corner of the area covered.
-
-

-This is a typical content of the CM93 V2 top directory.
-
-The key to understanding the numbers is to realize that CM93's coordinate system
-of the world starts at the South Pole or to be exact at lat -90° long 0° and from there
-proceeds North a East with a factor of 3 for each degree of lat and long.
-The tile 00300000 hence has the SW corner at lat from -90° + 0030:3 = -80° or 80°S to
-and longitude 0°E , and covers the area from 80°S latitude to 40°S and from 0° longitude to 40°E.
-Looking at 04501020 it brakes down to lat -90° + 0450:3 = 60° and long -1020:3 = 340° subtracting 360° results in -20° or 20°W. So we have he SW - corner at 60°N and 20°W .
-One more example, the tle 03900840 has the SW corner at 40°N and 80°W.
-
-Each of these sub-directories in turn contains directories with the -individual charts. Ordered in scale from smallest to largest they are -Z,A,B,C,D,E,F and G. Where Z contains overview charts and G contains -harbor plans. Note that, generally, not all of these are present in each - subdirectory.
-
-Z covers 40° x 40° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:3.000.000 scale
-A covers 20° x 20° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:1.000.000 scale
-B covers 10° x 10° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:200.000 scale
-down to
-..
-G covers 20' x 20' and OpenCPN typically uses 1:3500 scale.
-The individual chart tiles in these directories have the same logic in the naming scheme as described above.
-
-A few hints. - -

If you ticked the "Show Chart Outlines" box under the "Display" tab - the loaded charts will be outlined in red for raster and green for -vector charts. In CM93 the charts will be outlined in purple, but only -in Single Chart Mode. The smallest scale charts in CM93, the Z scale and - A scale charts, will not be outlined. Neither will all available charts - be visible as outlines at the same time. The reason for this is -computing speed and clarity. Generally the next level or two of larger -scale charts are shown. When large scale plans are available directly -from A scale charts, with no intermediate charts, the outline of the -larger scale charts will be visible from a zoom level between 1.5 and -2.0, but only, as already mentioned, in single chart mode and with chart - outlines switched on. Generally in areas where only A or Z scale charts are available, expect potentially dangerous omissions.

-Warning, do not use CM93 small scale charts alone for navigation without referring to other sources.
- -

Be aware that it is possible to "Over-zoom" charts in OpenCPN. A -warning will appear on the display. Please respect that warning. It is -recommended to not zoom more than a factor 2, for safe navigation. The -actual zoom-factor appears in the lower right-hand corner of the -display.
It is safe and reasonably efficient, to put all your charts except the - CM93 database in one large directory, and set that directory in -Options->Charts->Chart Files. The CM93 database contains its own -file and directory structure. The top-level directory only, of this -database, should be loaded, as described above.
- If you do a lot of chart downloads, updates, etc., then it will be -faster to break the charts folder into smaller groups, and specify them -individually in the Options->Charts->Chart Files dialog. Consider -using Chart Groups
"Scan Charts and Update Database " Use this option - if you have made any changes to the contents of your chart directories, - as for example after downloading new charts from NOAA, etc. It need not - be checked if directories are added or subtracted, as the entire -database will be scanned and updated automatically in this case.
"Force Full Database Rebuild" is mainly aimed at -users converting or correcting existing charts, in a situation where -changes are made to the geo-referencing, outline of the chart, or other -attributes in the kap file header section.
OpenCPN, supports Mercator Charts, Transverse Mercator Charts, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Charts and Polyconical Charts - (used in parts of US and Canada). Charts using other projections will -not be displayed. A note about the reason for the display refusal, will -be found in the "opencpn.log".
- "Other" projections could be Lamberts Conformal Conic Projection, mainly used in high latitude polar areas. Gnomonic - charts, mainly used in older, larger scale BA charts, for smaller -areas, for example harbor plans, in scales larger than 1:50,000. Newer -editions of these charts are generally re-issued as Transverse Mercator -charts. Gnomonic projection charts are also traditionally used for Great - Circle Sailings. Such charts are not needed in OpenCPN, as -Great-circles are handled internally.
-
OpenCPN is not suited for Polar Navigation N/S of -about 70 degrees. As long as there are Mercator charts available, -OpenCPN is OK though. There are some charts available up to 80 N, for -example Norwegian chart for the Northern part of Svalbard. The Mercator -projection is not generally suited for polar areas, with quickly -converging meridians. Small scale (less than 1:100,000 ) high latitude Transverse Mercator Charts, - with clearly converging meridians, cannot be displayed correctly. Other - projections suited for polar areas can't be displayed at all in -OpenCPN.

-A Linux/Unix Note
-These operating systems have a problem handling chart names containing spaces and non ASCII characters. A typical example is Swedish chart names.
-To sort this out use the utility program "detox". - Detox changes the file names so space becomes "_"; "(" and ")" become -"-"; and "å","ä" and "ö" become "a","a" and "o", etc. To see what -"detox" suggests to do, try a dry run first, like this:
-detox -n File_with_swedish_charts > outfile
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Status Bar

At the bottom of the display, is the Status Bar, activated from "Options->User Interface->Show Status Bar".
-Just above the Status Bar is the 'Chart Selection Bar'. CTRL +B toggles this bar on/off.
-It shows all the available chart for the present view, represented by -one colored segment for each chart. The order between the segments -represents the scale of the charts. Largest scale to the left, smallest -to the right. If CM93 is available, it is always furthest to the right.
-The segmented color bars in the Status Bar represent:

- -

Blue for Raster
Green For ENC's
Brown/Yellow for CM93 charts
The current chart displays as a lighter shade of its color, or if -quilting is active, the charts currently making up the quilt are -displayed in lighter shade.
The Chart bar below consisting of 12 segments shows a quilt of two -active charts. Five charts in the quilt are hidden, due to small scale. -CM93 is in it's place, to the right. Four charts of larger scale than -the present view are available. The largest scale chart is a Transverse -Mercator chart.

- -

Limitation

-The Chart Bar handles a maximum of 100 charts. The largest scale charts -will be dropped first if more than 100 chart are available on a -position. It is unlikely that this will be much of a limitation, but the - possibility certainly exists if a lot of info charts, pilot charts and -weather charts etc, are loaded. The symptom will be that large scale -charts becomes impossible to display. - -

-When you hover the mouse pointer over the bar, and not in quilting mode, a thumbnail of the chart will appear under the Scaling Charts icons - and a chart information box will pop up just above the button. If -quilting is on, instead of a thumbnail, the chart represented by the -button will be highlighted in a transparent reddish color. By clicking -on the appropriate bar, or using the appropriate Hot Keys and Shortcuts, - you will switch to the chart shown in the thumbnail. This feature is -especially useful if you wish to view an ENC or a Raster chart of the -same area.

- -

The bottom line starting from the left, a bar, that imitates a paddle - wheel, if a gps position is received, and the gps position. Then -follows SOG, COG, the position of the cursor, and course and distance -from the gps position to the cursor. To the far right there is true -Scale of the display and the Zoom Factor. If the Zoom Factor is missing, - the chart quilting feature is activated. The Zoom factor is the Scale -(as above) divided with the natural scale of the chart.
-
-The buttons, or colored segments, are displaying a lot more information however.
-

- -

These buttons shows that the two charts are Transverse Mercator, and that single char mode is used as the corners of the segments are not rounded.
-
- This button indicates that the chart is a Polyconic chart.
-
- This button shows that the chart is Skewed, meaning that north is not up on the chart.
-

- -

This chart is excluded from quilting because of user action. Right
-click to include in quilting again. Notice the rounded corners due to quilt mode.
-
- - The raster chart represented by this button don't participate in the - quilt because it is hidden by other, larger scale charts. Vector charts - are represented similar.
-
-To illustrate a lot of this, here is a screen shot in quilting mode.
-
-
-
-The screen is a quilt of two Polyconical charts. Hovering the mouse -pointer over the left chart-button highlights the lager scale chart for -Manitowoc. Two smaller scale charts that cover the area displayed on the - screen are included in the quilt, but are invisible as they are covered - by the larger scale charts. To view these charts, right-click anywhere -on a chart in the quilt and select "Remove this chart from quilt", one -of these charts will now be shown in the quilt.
-The Brown right most button shows that CM93 version 2, charts are available for the area, but not currently displayed.
-The information box shows relevant information about the chart. We can -see that the chart is Polyconic, and because of this a warning is -displayed for poor accuracy. The reason is, that although Polyconic -charts are allowed to participate in quilting, the result is not totally - free from errors, however small.
-

- -

To Hide the Chart Bar

-
-Use these hotkeys:
-Ctrl + B hide/show the Chart Bar. - -

- Go to Table Of Contents
-

Chart Info

-
-If you hover the cursor above one of the segments, representing a chart, in the Chart
-Selection Bar, a chart information box pops up. The chart info refers to - the chart in the upper right corner, outlined in red and with pink-ish -overlay.
-
-

-The information on a vector chart is similar.
-
-

-
-For CM93, switch to single chart mode, to see the information.
-If there seems to be a lot of information missing, it's because the -chart has not been viewed in the present session. Get the chart up on -the screen, the try again.
-The Chart Info Box can be inactivated by hiding the Chart Bar. Use Hot keys
-Ctrl + B to hide/show the Chart Bar.
- -

What does all the information mean?

-
-ChartFile: The file on the local computer where the chart is.
-
-Name: The Name of the Chart. Not all vector charts have names, while raster charts always have names.
-
-Scale: The scale of the chart.
-
-ID: The chart number. For raster charts this is the -same as the number of the paper chart. Vector chart cells have their own - numbering scheme.
-
-Depth Units: For raster charts this is the units for -the printed soundings. For vector charts this is the sounding units set -in Options -> Display -> Units -> Depth.
-
-Soundings: The datum for soundings. It is the level -that all printed depth figures refers to. Consult a text book on -Navigation for details.
-
-Datum: The geodetic datum. This will be WGS 84 for all new charts, compiled later than about 1993.
-If this value is missing, unknown to OpenCPN, or stated as "UNKNOWN" or -similar, OpenCPN will not load the chart. The fact will be logged in the - logfile.
-See below for an example of this kind of chart.
-
-If the chart is not using WGS 84, but a named, recognized datum, OpenCPN will automatically add necessary corrections.
-
-Projection: OpenCPN accepts Mercator, Transverse Mercator, UTM or Polyconical projections.
-
-Source Edition: The Chart Edition.
-
-Updated: The date when the chart was released. Expect the chart to be updated to this date, unless otherwise stated.
-
- -

The OpenCPN Logfile

-The file contains a wealth of information, and should be your first stop - if your chart(s) don't load or if there is an error message.
- -

Chart Accuracy

-First... make sure your GPS is set to output positions using the WGS 84 Geodetic Datum.
-
-If you see a warning like the one below:
-

-
-Be careful. The warning means that the charts geographic accuracy is bad. The position of Own Ship may not be correct.
-A visual warning is that Own Ship turns from Red to Yellow when receiving a gps signal.
-
-

First is a real scale vector version and then. the default OwnShip bitmap
-
-
-There is no quick fix for a bad chart, but try to switch to another -chart if using single mode chart display. If quilting is on, right-click - on the chart button in the chart-bar and select "Hide this chart". -Both suggestions assumes that the bad chart can be replaced by other -charts, which of course isn't always possible.
-The chart will probably be OK for navigation with traditional methods. -Use bearings, vertical or horizontal sextant angles of conspicuous -landmarks to confirm your position, as well as soundings or any other -available resources.
- -

Checking a chart for accuracy

-A raster chart, using a named, recognized, Geodetic Datum, for example -WGS 84, can be checked for the accuracy of the chart grid. This does not - necessarily guarantee the position of the individual features on the -chart. Refer to Calders book.
-Activate Options -> Display ->General -> Show Grid. A Latitude -and Longitude grid will be displayed as a layer on top of the chart. -This grid is OpenCPNs view of how a proper WGS 84 should look like. For -raster charts this grid can be compared to the "printed" grid on the -chart picture. Chart errors are to complicated to be treated in a few -sentences. Refer to Nigel Calders book "How to Read a Nautical Chart" -for an in depth but still easy to read text.
-For a quick check, we are happy with a grid error that is in the region -of 1 mm at the chart scale. For a chart in 1:50.000 this means an error -of 50 m.
-
-Use OpenCPNs ability to grossly over-zoom a chart. Home in on a printed -lat/long crossing. Below is a test on a commercial BSB3 chart in -1:60.000. The width of the printed grid - thick black lines - is about -12 m. The thin gray lines is OpenCPNs grid layer. The accuracy of this -chart is very good.
-
-
-
-

-
-Another example. This time we are looking at a chart in 1:10.000. Very accurate.
-
-

- -

No Projection -> Chart rejected.

-If the chart does not contain any information about the projection, -OpenCPN don't know how to display them. From Version 4.0, such a char -will not be loaded, but a note about the problem will appear in the log -file.
-Missing a chart? Check your OpenCPN logfile.
- -

No Datum -> ---<<< Warning: Chart Datum may be incorrect. >>>---

-The message will be in the Chart Info Box.
-This is a warning that the chart probably is not accurate enough for GPS - navigation. It still should be OK with traditional methods. A minimum -recommendation is to check the GPS position with traditional methods, a -couple of compass bearings, for example.
-
-One example, that unfortunately have lead to problems for a few yachts, -is DMA/NGA chart 28201, Puerto Morelos, in Mexico, from 1995. This -chart, based on a Mexican survey from 1905, has a Datum Note, similar to - this:
-
-

-
-

-Comparing 28201 with CM93 that is correct, in this particular case. Note the substantial corrections applied in CM93,
-
-

Scaling Charts

These buttons will allow you to change the scale of chart you are using, unless - only CM93 charts are loaded, in which case these buttons has no effect, - and are grayed out. If just a yellow bar is visible in the Chart -Selection Bar, above the Status Bar, then CM93 is the only available -chart for the area.
-

- -

- Shift to larger scale chart. Will change to next chart of greater -detail, covering less area, if available, within the current view.

- -

- Shift to smaller scale chart. Will change to the next chart of less -detail, covering a greater area, if available, within the current view.

- -

The charts in the Chart Bar just above the Status Bar - are ordered according to scale. The leftmost chart, is the largest -scale chart available, and the rightmost chart is the smallest scale -chart.

- -

-
-Above the largest scale chart is a raster chart ( blue ) on the far -left. To the far right is CM93 ( Yellow), and it will always be there, -if available. The green ENC vector chart, next to CM93, is the smallest -scale raster/ENC chart available at the center of the display.

- -

The scale of the displayed chart.

- -

The chart display indicates the true scale of a particular chart at -the present zoom level. Look to the far right on the bar above: -"TrueScale 22600 Zoom 0.73x.
-There is also an always present quick reference visual indicator in the SW part of the display.
-
-

- -

When the indicator is gray and orange the total length is 1 nautical mile an each segment is 1 cable.
-When the indicator is gray and black the total length is 10 miles and each segment is 2 miles.
-
- Go to Table Of Contents

- -

Chart Quilting

- Chart quilting is a way to display parts of several charts together on the screen, redrawn to the same scale.
-
-Limitation
-Mercator charts, Transverse Mercator charts and Polyconic chart are -quilted separately and don't mix. The transition from one form of -quilting to the other is seamless. The background world chart can appear - in Tmerc and Polyconic quilt in areas where there is no other chart -coverage.
-By quilting, any information available in the white border around a chart, will be hidden.
-To see this information hit "Q" to get into single mode display.
-Skewed charts don't quilt, unless the skew is less than 5°.
-
-Quick Start
-Go to Options -> Display ->General -> Enable Chart Quilting. -Tick he box. Another, simoler way is to use the "Q" short key to toggle -quilting on/off. Zooming in, automatically brings up larger scale -charts, if available. Panning reveals a continuous quilt of the -available charts. If you started with a raster chart, only -raster-charts, and perhaps CM93, will be in the quilt. The same logic -applies to S57 and S63 Vector Charts (ENCS). Make sure you are familiar -with the Status Bar as this will -help you interpret all available information. The quilt, like a single -chart can be displayed North Up or Course Up read more: Auto Follow and Display Orientation.
-
-More details
-What is the use of this feature?
-
-

-
-In single chart mode, getting near the edge of the chart there is no information outside the chart. You manually have to change to the next chart, by selecting one of the charts in the chart bar.
-
-

- -

The situation changes dramatically when quilting mode is -activated. The amount of relevant information on the screen increases, -and the next chart is automatically available.

- -

-Displaying charts

-OpenCPN has two modes of displaying charts, single chart mode and -quilting mode. Quilting is the default, and is on in a new installation.
-
-Single Chart Mode only shows one chart at a time, and a - switch to other charts must be done by clicking another chart in the -Chart Bar. All printed general chart information, outside the chart -proper, can easily be read.
-
-To activate chart quilting go to -Options -> Display->General and tick the box "Enable Chart -Quilting", or use the shortkey "Q" to toggle quilting. Tick the box -"Show Chart Outlines" at the same time as this will help you see which -chart mode is active. For CM93 the outline of individual charts can bee -seen only if quilting is disabled.
-
-Full Screen Quilting. Options -> Display -> "Disable Fullscreen Quilting". By - default all visible charts of an appropriate scale are used in the -quilt. With this box checked only charts that overlap the center of the -screen are used in the quilt. Checking this box is easier on the system -and may give a performance boost in certain circumstances.
-
-Is Chart quilting on?
-There are some visual indications on screen to confirm if quilting is on or off. -

If the right click menu contains the entry "Hide This Chart", -quilting is on. Clicking the entry excludes the chart from the quilt.
The colored rectangles in the status bar have rounded corners and -the white borders of the charts are invisible when quilting is on. When -quilting is off in ToolBox->Settings, the colored rectangles have -"square" corners.
If you have the status bar visible at he bottom of the screen, a -value in brackets after the scale, to the far right, is only shown in -single mode. The value within the brackets is the zoom factor.
When hovering with the mouse pointer over a inactive raster chart -button in single chart mode, a thumbnail of the chart is displayed in -the upper left corner of the screen. At the same time an information box - pops up above the button with details about the chart. This changes -with quilting, as the thumbnails are replaced with a transparent reddish - high-lighting of the charts that is a part of the present quilt or has a - larger scale than the reference chart in the quilt. This means that if -Mercator charts are quilted the Transverse Mercator Charts will not be -highlighted, and vice versa.
The exception to the last rule is CM93 charts. When an area is only - covered by CM93 charts, indicated by a long yellow chart button in the -status bar, and in quilting mode, no info-box is displayed and no -reddish highlighting is taking place.
When CM93 quilting is off, the outline of the individual cells are outlined in magenta.

-
-More than one chart can be displayed and active at the same time, on the - picture above, for example there are two pale blue buttons, as there -are two raster-charts in this quilt. In single mode only one chart -button is highlighted at a time.
-
-Depth units that is normally shown in the upper right corner of the -display, if activated in the toolbox, is only displayed in quilting mode - if all participating charts uses the same unit.
-Zoom level, normally displayed on the far right on the Status bar, is not present in quilting.
-
-Many of these features are illustrated in this screen-dump.
-
-

-
-This is a quilt consisting of three raster charts, two that are -actually displayed and one smaller scale chart that is hidden behind the - larger scaled charts of St Croix.
- This is the button for the not displayed chart in the quilt.
-The mouse pointer is over the middle raster chart and the chart -information box is shown, together with the red highlighting of the -chart on the screen.
-If the chart info box contains much less info than above, just click the - button to display the chart, then go back and hover with the cursor -over the chart button again. The full info will now be available.
-No depth unit is shown in the quilt as the left chart is in Feet and the - right in Fathoms and parts thereof. Notice the lack of zoom level in -the status bar, a quilt , by definition, consists of several different -zoom levels.
-
-Which charts are quilted?
-There are several rules built into OpenCPN governing exactly how different charts reacts to the quilting mode.
-Raster charts and Vector charts are -quilted separately and don't mix together. You can quilt either raster -charts or vector charts, but not both at the same time.
-
-The exception to this rule is that CM93 ver2 charts, if available, are -shown if no other Mercator chart cover exists for a displayed area, for -both raster- and vector- chart quilting.
-
-CM93 chart also kicks in (if available), if the view is so far zoomed out
-that the rightmost (smallest scale) raster chart is too small to be -useful. OpenCPN remembers that this selection of CM93 is due to -attempted under-zoom of a raster chart. Then, when you zoom in again, it - tries to return to the raster chart that caused the auto-shift to cm93. - If that chart is not available, it makes best effort to find a useful -small scale raster chart.
-
-Transverse Mercator Charts, which are all raster charts, are strictly -quilted on their own. In this case, the background map is visible where -there is no coverage.
-Polyconic Charts, which are all raster charts as well, are also quilted -strictly on their own. The background world map is visible where ther is - no other chart coverage.
-
-CM93 ver2 charts can be quilted separately.
-
-Mercator Charts are always quilted in quilting mode but don't quilt together with Transverse Mercator charts or Polyconic charts.
-Polyconic Charts, are quilted separately, and don't mix with Mercator or Transverse Mercator Charts
-Skewed Charts are allowed in the quilt as long as they don't deviate more than 5 degrees
-from North Up.
-Transverse Mercator Charts are quilted separately from Mercator- and Polyconic- Charts.
-"BSB4" and "nv-charts", using plugins, quilts with other Raster Charts, following the rules above.
-
-User control.
-Users can control if an individual chart, is allowed in the quilt or -not. Right clicking on any chart in a quilt in the chart-bar and -clicking "Hide This Chart" on the pop up menu, removes the chart from -the quilt. The chart button in the Status bar changes to

. The same thing can be achieved through the right-click menu when clicking on a displayed chart.
-To activate the chart again right click this button an then click "Ad this chart to quilt"
-
-Controlling the scale of the quilt view.
-

-The "quilt reference chart" is the left-most, largest scale chart, -highlighted in the chart bar. This is the left of the two pale blue -chart buttons above.
-Click the next chart blue button "one-to-the-right" of the of the -current reference chart. The reference scale of the quilt will be -decreased, but the viewpoint will not change. The same logic applies if -clicking a chart-to-the-left of the present reference chart, except that - the scale of the quilt will increase. Zooming in/out will also move the - reference chart to the left/right.
-
-Known issue with some NOAA ENC:s
-
-

-
-Some NOAA ENC:s are produced with "holes" in. OpenCPNs handles almost -all of these cases. The picture above is from S:t Croix in the -Caribbean, using an old version of OpenCPN. There are still some gray -areas in this vicinity but only if the scale is larger than 1:10,000. -Very few users are likely to notice this.
-The gray rectangle above is a "hole" in a chart, where a smaller scale -chart with coverage exists. The "hole" is due to the fact that this area - wasn't surveyed to the scale of the chart.
-
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Chart Groups

-
-Chart Groups solves the following problem: You may have many charts -loaded in your active database. Some of them have overlapping coverage -at the same scale, so that when quilted the logic does not know which of - potentially several charts at the same scale to choose from. For -example, in the Bahamas there are a few publishers of charts, covering -the same areas, with radically different presentations. Sometimes you -may want to see one set (say planning charts of small scale), and other -times you only want navigation charts of the best scale possible.
-Another example: Pilot charts as one Group, normal navigation charts as -another Group, makes it possible to quickly switch between them.
-
-Final example: in another universe, NGA charts in one group, standard NOAA RNCs in another, British UKHO in a third group.
-
-The Chart Group function allows us to define multiple Groups, with -different chart directories in each group. It is possible to leave a -Group empty, in which case only the background chart will be displayed. -The Group desired for viewing may be selected quickly, through the -right-click menu, without adding or deleting charts from the Active -database.
-
-
-

-
-In Options ->Charts, select "Chart Groups"
-You will see two panes. The top pane contains "All Available Charts", -which are the charts you have installed. The bottom pane allows you to -create, edit, and delete Groups. Note that there is always an "All -Charts" group. This Group is not editable. New Groups which you create -may have chart directories or individual charts added to them by -selecting the item in the top pane and touching the "Add" button.
-You may also remove individual charts or directories from Groups by -selecting the desired item in the bottom pane, and touch "Remove -Chart". Please note that "removing" an item from the Group does not -remove it from your "Available" set of charts. The item is simply made -unavailable when the Group is in use.
-It is a good idea to have a empty chart group, only the background Map -will be shown. "Unlimited" zooming is allowed. This can be usefull for -very lage scale plotting, for example.
-
-
- -

Using your Groups

-
-

-
-In this illustration the navigator generally uses the US charts, -when available. Coming into Baia do Porto Santo a detailed chart would -be great, but no such US chart is available on board. A switch to the UK - chart group solves the problem.
-
-
-

-
-
-Select the Group you want to use, by a right-click context menu item -called "Chart Groups". As you switch Groups the logic tries to select a -chart and scale that closely matches the situation present before the -switch. As you may understand, sometimes the fit is not reasonable, so -the resulting view may be surprising.
-
-Finally, if you have no Groups defined, as in the default installation, all installed charts are always available.
-
-Chart Groups and CM93
-
-

-
-It is possible to have multiple instances of CM93v2 in different Chart -Groups. Above we have 5 instances loaded in various chart groups. The -view is of "All Active Charts".
-OpenCP also supports multiple partial CM93 data sets.
-The instances are loaded, from left to right, in the order of the chart groups.
-In this situation, only the leftmost instance of CM93, that is not -excluded from the quilt, will be displayed. Above, it is the instance -represented by the yellow rectangle.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Vector Charts

OpenCPN makes a serious effort to be compliant with IHO standards for ECDIS display of cartography.
-
-First, one very important setting for vector charts is handled directly from the main toolbar.
- This button toggles all text displayed on a vector chart On and Off.
-The hotKey "T" is an alternative for toggling the text.
-In OpenGL mode, all text will always be horizontal when using the "Course Up" option.
-
-Second, double clicking on a vector chart, as long as -the cursor hasn't changed to a green arrow near the edges, brings up an -information dialog, displaying the available vector-chart information -at the selected point. Scroll down to see all the information. An -alternative to double clicking is right-clicking an select "Object -Query".
-Note that a single normal (left) click will center the chart at that point.
-
-
-
-The example is taken from double-clicking on a lighthouse in a busy area.
-Exactly what is shown in this dialog depend on the settings described below in "Display Categories".
-
-Third, it is possible to select what font is used for -the text on vector charts. There is an entry in -theToolBox->Languages/Fonts->Choose Fonts tab, called ChartTexts. - Here you select what font-face to use, and a template size. Weight and -final size of the displayed texts depends on the charts you are using, -but if the charts contain various weights and sizes, they will all scale - together depending on what size you select.

- -

-
-The Options-Charts-Vector Charts Tab is where everything else is handled.
-If the S63 chart plugin is active, there will also be a "S63 Charts" tab. Read more about S63 Vector Charts,when you have read this page.

- -

Display Categories

-If you are new to OpenCPN and vector charts please start with the "All" Display Category, to avoid risks and possible confusion. More below.
-
-Navigators has the choice of three pre-defined, different, -presentations of ENC content, Base, Standard and All. OpenCPN also has -the very flexible Mariners Standard, which is better described as -"Mariners Choice".
- -

Base

-Displays general information, including coastline, safety-contour, isolated danger,
-buoy, beacon traffic separation zone, etc.
-
-From the IMO definitions:
-Display Base means the level of SENC information which cannot be removed from
-the display, consisting of information which is required at all times in - all geographic areas and all circumstances. It is not intended to be -sufficient for safe navigation. -

-Standard

-Everything in "Base" and aids to navigation, fairways, channel limits, restricted navigation zones, restricted areas, etc.. - -

-All

-Everything in "Standard" and more. This level shows all informatio, not -contolled in other settings options. More about what the IMO ECDIS - says about the content of these three levels. This is also a good -choice for actual, underway, navigation, avoiding the possible risks -involved in "Mariners Standard". See more below.
- -

Mariners Standard

- Users can use the filter tick box to set exactly what he or she wants -displayed. A large set of filters, about 186, can be employed. They are -all to the IHO S57 standard, but has been given a label that is easy to -understand.
-Note that Mariners Standard gives the user a much wider choice of what -to display, than approved ECDIS system are allowed. It is for example -possible to not display items in the Base category.
-
-These Hot Keys all works in "Mariners standard". Features are toggled on/off with the keys. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

T	Texts. The visible texts are still affected by the settings in the Vector Charts settings tab.
L	Lights. Lighthouses as well as buoys etc are all affected.
S	Soundings.
A	Anchoring. This will affect information needed when anchoring. Anchorages and anchorage areas. Submarine cables and pipelines. Type of bottom.
O	Chart Outlines

- -

-WARNING - it is possible to suppress essential information with "Mariners Standard".

- -

If in doubt, switch to the "All" Display Category, or use the "Select All" button for Mariners Standard.

- - - - - - - - - -

More Details.
The first time you use a vectorchart with a brand new installation you will see nothing, if you use Mariners standard. Why? - The Mariners Standard list of Feature types is empty on a fresh -install. When you load the first vector chart, the list is populated -with the Features that are discovered on that particular - vector chart. The default visibility of the added Features in -MarinersStandard category is presently 0, invisible.(This will soon -change. Version 3.4, when released, will show all features as they are -discovered.). - If you load another ENC, any newly discovered Feature types are added - to the list, again with viz=0, off. However, the visibility of Feature -types as set previously by the tick boxes is not modified. - Use the "Select All" button frequently untill you have initiated all -the charts you intend to use and/or the feature list is fully populated

- - -

Vector Palette

-It's possible to change the whole look of a vectorchart. One example below....
-Detailed information is available in Vector Palette
-
-

- -

Practical usage

- -

A general -recommendation would be to use the "All" display category or "Mariners -Standard" with "Select All" marked , and then switch of certain features - as required.

-As an example let's look at passing through the British gas fields in the SW North Sea
-
-

-
-This is not easy, so we want to get rid of all those red and yellow circles.
-Doubble click on one of the platforms, square with a dot.
-
-

-
-At the top it reads "Light (Lights)", which means that you clicked on a light, whis belongs to the Feature Class "Lights".
-Find "Light" in the Mariners Standard list of available filters, and untick it.
-
-

-
-Press the "Apply" button!
-
-

-
-Much better!
-In this particular case, there is a shortcut which does the same thing. Use the Hot Key "L" to toggle all lights on/off. -

Display

- -

Depth Soundings turns the depths on and of. Other -settings also affects when soundings are displayed, for example "Reduced - Detail at Small Scale". The dark black numbers are not soundings. -Instead they refer to heights of nearby islets or cays. On official -paper charts the soundings are printed in italics.

-
-

-
-The bold number 20 refers to the land height of the unnamed cay SW of the number.
-"Safety Depth" is set to 20 m, so the 20 m contour stands out in black.
-
-How soundings behave when zooming.
-"Chart sounding symbols" are represented by small raster images. As a -chart is zoomed in, these raster symbols will increase in size by about -2x. Currently they increase in size well after the "Overzoom" notice, -for the largest scale chart available.
-
-Chart Information Objects relates to information about -the chart itself. With this switch on, an object query reveals such -information as the buoyage system for the area, the quality of the -survey, the latest NTM update and sources for the chart.
-
-

- -

Buoys/Lights

- - -

Bouy/Light Labels, displays names and purposes of aids to navigation, such as number or name of buoys, information about conspicuous objects etc.

- -

Light Descriptions, this tick box control display of - light characteristics. Checking this displays a label with a text -describing the marker or lighthouse's characteristics.
-

- -

Extended Light Sectors. It is often difficult, on a vector chart, to see exactly what the light-sectors are supposed to do.

- -

Activating the Extended Light sectors clarifies the situation. All -sectors are extended and leading white sectors are emphasized in yellow -and extend the full nominal range of the light. Just hold the cursor -over a ligt and the extended sectors are activated.
-
-
-Light sectors as narrow as 0.3° are displayed.
-
-
-This sector is 0.5°.

- - - - - - - - -

More Details.
A light sector is extended if: - 0. The words "Leading" or "Directional" can be found in the Object Query. - Otherwise, the rules are - 1. The sector is < 15° wide. - 2. It is White. - 3. The light also has Red and/or Green sectors. - These rules works quite well, but there are exceptions that are difficult to catch. - As always, it's the responsibility of the navigator, how a light and its sectors are used for practical navigation.

- -

-Chart Texts

- -

National text on chart. Vector charts may have -attributes with the texts in the national language. For example a -Russian chart with texts in Cyrillic. With this option activated OpenCPN - will display text in the local language and character set, in this case - Russian written in Cyrillic.

-Important Text Only displays only a bare minimum of -text essential for navigation, such as course and bearing in a leading -line (range) and bridge clearances. - -

- -

De-Cluttered Text. Even when using "Reduced Detail -at Small Scale", there are cases when text labels overlaps or overwrites - other labels and creates a cluttered impression. Ticking this box tries - to clear the view. This setting may hide needed information.
-

- -

Chart Detail

- -

Reduced Detail at Small Scale makes sure that a minimum scale is required before certain objects are shown. If this box is not ticked, everything is always shown, leading to very cluttered view at small scale (zoomed out).

- - -

Graphics Style

-Paper chart draw the markers and lights just like the printed paper chart, while Simplified uses icons to represent the same. Some like the one and some the other, a matter of taste.
-Paper Chart mode closely follows the IHO standard standard in this area. - This mode is currently more developed than the simplified mode, as it -has a higher priority in the development effort.
- -

Boundaries

-Plain normally just uses a dashed line, while the Symbolized version also uses triangles pointing into the area.
- -

Colors

-Depth on the chart can be displayed with either 2 or 4 colors. - This setting is closely related to the "Depths Settings". With 2 -colors, and using a relatively large scale, areas with depth less than -"Safety Depth" is blue, the rest is white. With 4 colors, there are -different colors for areas less than "Shallow Depth", areas between -"Shallow Depth" and "Safety Depth", areas between "Safety Depth" and -"Deep Depth" and finally for areas deeper than "Deep Depth".
- -

-Depths Settings

-
-The units for depths is set in Options->Display->Units.
-
-All depths units are rounded off to the nearest number. If the value is -half way between, the nearest higher number is used. Underlined values -indicates drying heights.
-Feet
-Only whole digits are shown. A value of 12 feet covers all soundings between 11.5 feet and 12.4 feet. -

Meters

-Meters are show as whole numbers for depths greater than 30 m. Depths -below 30 m are shown as whole meters and decimeters as subscript, like -this 12₇ This is the same as 12.7 meters and is shown for all soundings between 12.65 m and 12.74 m. - -

Fathoms

-Fathoms are show as whole numbers for depths greater than 31 fathoms. -Depths below this value are shown as whole fathoms and tenths of fathoms - as subscript. Compare to the notes above for meters. - -

-_{Shallow, Safety and Deep depths}.

-_{These settings are very important as they affect how the different depths are colored.

-They can help you identify a deep channel for example, or they can, in
-the worst case scenario, prevent you from being aware of a shallow area.

-There is no setting that fits all circumstances. For example a Sea Mount
- with a depth of 20m in the middle of an ocean should be regarded as
-"shallow" and be avoided, while 20 m depth in a harbor approach in
-protected water, probably is safe.

-

-The Depth Settings controls the coloring of the water as a function of
-depth. By setting the Safety and Deep water right you will have a
-visible border to show when to take care about shallow water.

-CM93 charts and ENCS works very similar in this area. The charts
-contains depth area features according to fixed depth cutoff zones,
-usually 5, 10, and 20 meters. Intermediate values are not available in
-the database,if you select a value between those available, OpenCPN
-chooses the next higher value available for display of color.

-The charts are inconsistent in this area, depending on the country
-issuing the original charts. For example in UK and the Netherlands the
-depth contours in CM93 are 2, 5 and 10 meter while in US the are based
-on feet but expressed in meters, such as 3.7, 5.5, 9.1 and 18.3 m.

-Generally for both ENC and CM93, find these fixed depth cutoffs by
-double-clicking so the Object Query dialog pops up. The last entry is
-usually Depth Area. The two values in the range, represents these built
- in cutoffs.

-

-

-An example from UK with cutoff values of 5m and 10m.

-

-If for example, as is the case on the South China Sea Hydrographic
-Commissions charts, the shallowest area has a range "0 m - 10 m",
-there is, in most cases, no point in setting "Shallow Depth" to anything
- but 10 m.

-Find out these cut off depth for your area and set the "Depth Settings"
-with this knowledge together with your preferences and activity.

-

-With all the reservations above, the general case for 4 colors, will be described.} - -

-_{Shallow Depth}

-_{will color all water areas with water depths shallower than the set depth to a dark blue color. Soundings are in black.} - -

-_{Safety Depth}

-_{Water deeper that Shallow but shallower that this depth will have a
- paler blue color. The Shallow Depth contour clearly marked with a
-thicker black borderline. Soundings less than this depth are in black,
-while soundings greater than this value are gray.} - -

-_{Deep Depth}

-_{Water deeper than Safety Depth but less than Deep Depth will
-display a light gray color. The Safety Depth contour is clearly marked
-with black borderline. Water deeper than Deep Depth is displayed in
-white.

-

-Finally a word about drying heights,
-displayed in green. There is no detailed information available for
-drying heights, neither in CM93 ver2 nor in many ENC charts. Some ENC
-charts have negative ranges, for example "-2 m - 0 m" in areas with
-drying heights. This adds very little, as it really only gives the
-information that the drying height is less than the first value in the
-range, in an area of unspecified size.

-This situation is changing though. A set of new charts released in april
- 2012, by the Dutch Authorities, sets a standard for others to follow in
- this regard. See picture below. Modern Australian S63 charts are
-equally good.

-

-

-

-Compared to CM93.

-

-

-

-When is safe to pass across Bramble Bank? The CM93 vectorchart gives you
- no information whatsoever, neither on the chart, nor in the Object
-Query dialog.

-

-

-

-While a raster chart tells us that we need a Hight of Tide that is 1.2m + safety margin + the draft of our own vessel.

-

-

-

-Heights of islands etc. are not available in CM93, while ENC charts, in
-many cases, have info about heights of summits and some contour lines.

-Is Balls Pyramid a high Island, that the name implies, or is it named
-with the same sarcastic humor as "Greenland" ? CM93 can't tell.}
-
- -

- -

CM93 Detail Level (d)

-The CM93 charts - slider control that allows the user to adjust the screen complexity to -suit the actual situation as well as the available processor capability.
-Normal settings depend on a combination of personal preferences and -present usage of map. To see more details, the "CM93 Detail Level" -slider, can be set to a higher positive number or for navigation in -shipping lanes to a negative numbers. Typical zoom level 5 is good for -fishing when as much details are possible is of interest. Zoom level of -+1, zero or -1 is usually fine for normal use.
-Positive values give more detail, but at a cost:
-a. It simply takes longer to render larger scale charts covering more screen real estate.
-b. There will be more instances of gray (NODATA) areas surrounding the -larger scale charts as you zoom out, unless quilting is activated.
-c. It can become dramatically slower if high detail is specified, and -chart outlines are requested. In this case, the program has to read a -lot more cells to get their outlines.
-
-Conversely, negative values give less detail. Zooms are faster.
-
-The slider can also be activated through the "d" hotkey, and displayed directly on the screen.
-
-_{Go to Table Of Contents}

Vector Palette

- JesperWe's Swedish look palette.
-The default style can be changed to look different! You can download files that - give the charts a Swedish look (new colors, soundings and underwater -rocks). Unzip and move the two files into the s57data folder of your -installation and you get this:
-
-

- * Download "Swedish Style"
-
-We are looking for more "styles". There is a French style... somewhere.
-Can someone supply a change file similar to Jespers ?

S63 Vector Charts

-
-

Chart showing Part of Jamaica, from the IHO S63 test suit.

-
-
-S63 is an encrypted version of S57 vector charts, and is the standard -format for almost all, officially published, vector charts in today’s -world. As a matter of fact, only NOAA and the East Asia Hydrographic -Commission (EAHC), publishes free unencrypted S57 charts nowadays.
-
-These, S57 and S63 charts, are the current state of the art charts. The -quality of the charts are the best vector charts available. They are -always kept up to date. No other vector chart are in the same league.
-There are, however also some drawbacks. Many popular cruising areas are -very poorly covered as the focus is on the needs for commercial -shipping. One example is he Bahamas area. Another problem is the -relatively high price.
-
-OpenCPN handles these commercial, non free, charts through an open -source plugin, that in the background connects to a "black box" helper -application. An external entity, o-charts.org, handles the encrypted and commercial aspects of the S-63 plug-ins for OpenCPN.
- -

Get Started

- -

Download the plugin for your operating system from http://o-charts.org/downloads.html. - On the same page download your fingerprint executable, that will be -needed later. Also download and read the informative Documentation.
Install the plugin the way you normally install programs on your operating system.
Go to Options->Charts-Plugins. Find the S63 plugin and click -"Enable" and then "Apply" or "OK". The "Preferences" button is grayed -out, as there are nothing to set.
Check thar your Options->Charts has a new "S 63 Charts" tab, as in the pictures below.
Now go to the O-charts shop to get your "User Permit" and "Install Permit". Use these to buy your chart selection.
Detailed instructions are available on o-charts.org

- -

Loading the Charts

-
-The Keys/Permits tab.
-
-

Certificate Name This should already be present after a sucessfull plugin installation.
If it's missing press the "Import Certificate..." button and import - the file IHO.PUB. To find the location of this, file press the - button in the toolbar. Find the " Config file location" at the bottom -of the "About" tab. Go to the same directory as the config file, and -then s63->s63_certificates directory, where you will find IHO.PUB.
UserPermit

Enter your new Userpermit from O-charts and test it. The permit above is from IHO's test suit and is not valid in real life.
New InstallPermit

Enter your new Installpermit from O-charts and test it.
OpenCPN is now setup for S63 charts. Buy your charts or use the test set. See instructions below.
Download and uncompress your files.
Install Cell Permits by using the button "Import Cell Permits..." to find the file PERMIT.TXT.
Import the downloaded charts by pressing "Import Charts/Updates.." and find the folder "ENC_ROOT"

-
-

- -

This dialog will pop up. I you answer "No", the SENC creation will happen when you first try to use the chart.

-
-

-
-
- -

Testing

-Download http://www.iho.int/iho_pubs/standard/S-64/ENC_Test_Data_Sets/ENC_TDS_S-63_Encrypted/ENC3.1.1_TDS_S-63_Encrypted.zip
-
-You may exercise the S64 Test set using the following special permits:
-User Permit: 66B5CBFDF7E4139D5B6086C23130
-Install Permit: 38F99B50
-
-Perhaps the best to start with is:
-IHO S-64 [S-63 TDS v1.2]/8 Data Exchange Media/Test 8b/PERMIT.TXT

Chart Formats

OpenCPN supported chart formats

- - -

Raster Charts

- -

BSB Versions 1, 2 and 3, with chart files ending with ".kap".
-Non standard coded "skewed" charts, are handled through internal calculations.
-This takes care of a few charts from "Solteknik HB", and possibly others.
-
-BSB Version 4 , with chart files ending with ".cap", works with a non free plugin, for Windows only. See the PlugIns download page.
-
-"nv-charts" with chart files ending with ".eap", are supported through a non free plugin, for Windows only. See the PlugIns download page.
-
-NOS/GEO Version 1, with chart files ending with ".nos" and ".geo". (Subsequent versions are probably supported but need to be tested. However, this format is obsolete for new charts.)
-

- -

Vector Charts

- -

S57 ENC charts, with chart files ending with ".000".
-ENC update files (ending with .001, .002, ...) are included -automatically, if present, and must be placed in the same directory as -the corresponding base chart (.000). OpenCPNs internal SENC files has a ".S57" file extension.
-
-If a chart is said to be a S57 Vector chart, and has a different file -ending, it is likely to be a SENC file, a processed version of a ".000" -chart file, in a proprietary, platform specific format, that OpenCPN -can't handle.
-
-S63 Encrypted ENC charts, with chart files ending with ".os63".
-This chart format is supported in OpenCPN from version 4. It is the -format for all vector charts from national hydrographic offices -worldwide. Apart from being encrypted, S63 charts are exactly the same -as S57.

-All S63 chart worldwide, are available for purchase. The support is -through a two part plugin, one part open source and the other part -closed. The encryption and the commercial aspect is handled by a separate entity, o-charts.org - -

CM93 Version 2.
-(C-map Version 3, and later, are in a preprocessed proprietary SENC format and are not supported.)

- - -

Pictures of charts, can be converted, and used.

- -

Generally chart pictures in gif, jpeg, pdf, png, tif, bmp and other formats can be used, when properly geo-referenced, to generate raster charts. For the details about this process read the Chart Conversion Manual. Also, make sure to browse around the forum as there are a handful of interesting chart related threads.

- -

Not supported formats that can be converted.

- -

WCI charts generated with SeaClear and MapCal can - also be transformed to BSB charts and used by OpenCPN. The key is to -open a WCI chart in MapCal and then "Tools->Convert->Current WCI -to BMP" to convert the chart to a BMP picture. More about using MapCal, a - part of SeaClear, for chart conversions, is available here: Conversion Using Linux. MapCal works just fine with Linux, using Wine.
-The necessary utilities for making or converting charts usually only run on Windows or Linux. For Mac OS X, use boot camp, Parallels or VMware to run one of these operating systems.
-
-OziExplorer charts consisting of picture in one of the standard formats, together with a georeferencing ".map" file, can be converted to a bsb kapfile. A Ruby script for this conversion is available here and a more developed windows version here. - Ozi charts of the ozfx2 or ozfx3 format can not be converted with this - tool. These Ozi formats are not documented and proprietary, and cannot -be displayed in OpenCPN.

- -

The HDR/PCX charts, used prior to the BSB format, -was used from the late eighties to mid nineties. While these charts -cannot be used directly in OpenCPN, the chart-picture as such, can be -extracted. These charts consists of many picture tiles in pcx format, - more than 100 tiles is not unusual. The tiles can be merged to one big -picture, and then used as any other picture, to make an OpenCPN -compatible chart. For details on this process see the Chart Conversion Manual and this post and the following posts in the forum. A script for merging the pcx tiles to one picture is available here.

- -

The HDR format is from an era when computer-memory and processing -power were less powerful than today, as a consequence these charts are -not of the same quality as more modern charts. Furthermore, most of -these charts are not using WGS 84 as reference datum. These charts -should not be the first choice, but can be useful if nothing else is -available.

- -

Other formats that are not supported.

-The Hydrographic Chart Raster Format, HCRF, used by the - United Kingdom Hydrographic Offices' ARCS (Admiralty Raster Chart -Service). This is also due to proprietary encryption algorithms and -copyright issues. UKHO is now alone in using this format, since New -Zeeland switched to the BSB/Kap format and Australia no longer publishes - official raster charts. - -

-Charts from Mapmedia, Navionics, C-map(with the exception of CM93 version 2), Garmin - and various other private vendors, are not supported, for the same -reasons as for the other proprietary charts. It is not possible for -users to convert these charts to an OpenCPN recognized format, but it is - possible for these companies, to release OpenCPN plugins, if they whish.
-
- Go to Table Of Contents
-

Chart Sources

-High Resolution Background Map

- -

A more detailed version of the built in background map is available here.
-It is a big file, 230 mb(unzipped) compared to the standard 26mb, and -may slow your computer down. The presentation is better when zoomed in, -but most users don't need it.
-Install by unzipping and placing the files in the <install_dir>/gshhs .
-<install_dir> is normally ...Program Files/OpenCPN on Windows and /usr/share/opencpn/ on a Linux default installation.

- -

- Free Nautical Charts

- -

To get you started quickly, here are three sample raster charts from Puerto Rico: -
-
Right click and use "Save Link As", or similar. Just clicking shows - you the actual file as a text file (more about that advanced subject -here:imgkap). -Don't use these charts for navigation. Download their current versions -from NOAA's Web site. Save the charts in a "directory", also called a -"folder". Install the charts by adding this directory to the Options --> Charts -> "Loaded Charts" Tab.
For those interested in U.S. waters, raster charts - and S57 vector charts are available as free downloads from NOAA. Find -all NOAA charts, both raster (RNC) and vector (ENC) charts, for your -region through NOAA OCS Website at: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/chartspubs.html. - US charts cover a wide area, apart from the mainland states, Puerto -Rico, the US Virgin Island, the Hawaiian Island chain as far as Midway -Island, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands are all -included
Official Inland Electronic Navigation Charts (IENC) of U.S. inland -waterways are available from the US Army Corps of Engineers at http://www.agc.army.mil/echarts. The download link -> here
Argentina publishes free raster charts (RNC) for a large part of their coast as well as parts of Antarctica: Argentinian Charts Note that the downloadable "zip" files actually are "rar" files.
Brazil publishes free raster charts (RNC) for -their whole coast and new charts for inland waters are published -regularly.There is also coverage for part of Antarctica. Here is a -direct link to the download page: Brazilean Charts.
New Zealand now publishes free BSB3 raster charts, as of 2013-11-22. Download here. NZ - has moved away from a proprietary UKHO encrypted format, to the, de -facto, standard BSB format. NZ charts cover most of the Pacific in small - scale charts, as well as the Southern Ocean, down to Antarctica, South -of New Zealand. Detailed charts for the Kermadec Islands, Cook Islands, -Niue, Tonga, Western Samoa and the Tokelau Islands, are included.
The version of the NZ charts compiled by Marco Certelli, includes a - better coverage of the Tonga/Samoa area. The official version does not -include charts with soundings in fathoms, for example. The link is here.
The East Asia Hydrographic Commission provides free offshore S57 vector charts for the South China Sea area at: http://scsenc.eahc.asia/main.php. The motivation for releasing these charts is well worth reading. -
Realizing that official and high quality small scale ENCs -conforming with the established IHO standard were not available for the -SCS, the EAHC MSs decided to cooperate closely and resolve the situation - so that mariners could use most up-to-date chart information for voyage - planning and enhancing safety of navigation, rather than resorted to -some commercially developed electronic products which were either -prepared in proprietary formats, or containing unofficial data with very - infrequent updating... It was the view that if the SCS ENC could be -freely and widely available to mariners, it would further enhance the -safety of navigation in the region. This in turn could reduce the -chances of environmental damage from grounding and oil pollution, which -have tremendous cost impact. The EAHC decided to provide the SCS ENC to -users free of charge.
-
Colombia and Australia publish sample S57 single charts.
Many European countries publish free S57 ENC charts for their inland waterways:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Switzerland

- -

The US Pilot Charts, are available as BSB charts, on the OpenCPN.org download page.
The OpenSeaMap project publish raster charts in -many formats (including KAP which work with OpenCPN). This project -relies on mariners to survey their local waters and upload their data -using the OpenStreetMap database and editing tools. This project is -still in its infancy, so only a few areas have been mapped to any -extent. Currently only sea-marks are displayed, but it is planned to -include depth & other data in due course. For the maps, go to: openseamap.org

- - -

Other Charts

- - -

All platforms

- -

"Antares Charts" are - producing a lot of very large scale charts covering "The West Coast of -Scotland". These charts are available in many formats, including BSB3. A - nominal sum is charged for the charts, to support this impressive -effort by unqualified enthusiasts.

- - -

- Commercial Nautical Charts for OpenCPN

- - -

All platforms

- -

S63 Encrypted ENC charts. Worldwide coverage is available using the - latest 3.3 beta version of OpenCPN. These are the official vector -charts that big ships use. Detailed coverage of popular cruising grounds - is not always available. For details check http://o-charts.org.
"nv-charts" cover the Bahamas with BSB 3 format charts. Windows is necessary, at least initially, to access the charts.
1yachtua.com covers the Mediterranean and the Eastern Caribbean with BSB2 charts.
The Swedish company "Hydrographica" produces large scale BSB 3 charts for popular areas, based on their own surveys.
Another Swedish outfit, soltek.se, provides all official charts for - Sweden and Finland in BSB 3 format. If you want to buy a CD-area, and -don't have access to a Windows computer, contact "soltek" first, as -their installation program is Windows only.

- -

Windows only

- -

The VisitMyHarbour "ChartSticks", are USB sticks covering UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands,Spain and Portugal with UKHO rastercharts. Windows only.
Windows users also have access to world wide chart-coverage through - the "BSB 4" and the "nv-charts" plugins. This coverage includes Europe. - UK, for example, is covered by both BA and Imray charts. A simple -Internet search will reveal all necessary information.

- -

- Links to more chart sources

- -

A worldwide directory of free available nautical charts can be -found on the Website Open Sea Chart. There's a directory for vector -charts (http://openseachart.org/doku.php/enc) and a separate one for raster charts (http://openseachart.org/doku.php/rnc). The collection and the updates are community driven.
Links to a wide selection of ENC's for U.S. inland waters and other countries are available at : http://www.dacust.com/inlandwaters/index.html.

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Auto Follow and Display Orientation

Clicking the Auto Follow button - will center the chart directly on your vessel's current location. This -is a toggle button that is slightly larger and greyer when on. If the -the gps is working own ship is red otherwise the icon is gray. . It's also possible that a yellow own ship icon will appear. Read more: GPS Status . Read If zoomed out to a scal that is smaller than 1:300.000 the icons changes to , when receiving gps signals and otherwise. More about he OwnShip icon is available in Marks and Routes.
The default own ship icon can be replaced by putting a file -"ownship.png" in the User icons shared data directory. More about this -shared directory here: Marks and Routes
The Auto Follow button useful for two different situations:

- -

When you have panned the map away from your current location and want to quickly move back to your vessel.
When underway, this will keep the display on the chart around your vessel, with the boat at the center of the chart.

- -

Panning the chart will disable Auto Follow mode. Simply click again to turn Auto Follow - mode back on. Zooming in/out with the scrollwheel is OK as no panning -takes place unless Options->Display->"Zoom-to Cursor" is ticked.
There are three main options for display orientation, normally it is North Up but Course Up - is an alternative. With Course Up OpenCPN uses COG (Course Over -Ground). A head Up mode, is not available. The easiest way to change -between these two modes is through the "Right Click" menu. One situation - where course up might be considered is when navigating a river or a -canal. The third orientation is when skew charts are displayed, they are - simply shown as "Chart Up", but an optional setting exist to show them as "North Up".
In the picture below the Course Up is active. COG is 41Deg. Notice -how all text on the vector chart, is aligned correctly. This only works -in OpenGL mode. The red arrow, in the upper right corner, is always -pointing North.

If the option "Show skewed raster charts as North-up" in the Options->Display->Advanced tab, is not - ticked, the right-click toggle option "Course Up Mode/North Up Mode" -will be replaced by "Course Up Mode /Chart Up Mode", for skewed charts.
If an electronic compass is available in the NMEA stream the own -ship icon will be orientated according to this heading. The difference -can be seen on the chart if there is a cross current, for example. The -boat below is heading WNW but is being set SW. An AIS CPA, Closest Point - of Approach is also visible.

- -

This icon (blue color) to the far right in the ToolBar indicates that the display is in North Up mode. It may also indicate Chart Up mode for skewed charts, if chart up mode instead of North up mode i selected. See above
The red version of the icon indicates Course Up - mode. Clicking the icon toggles North Up / Course up. These settings -can also be toggled in the rightclick menu, as well as in Options -> -Display ->General Tab. In the Options-Display->Advanved Tab, the -update period for course up, can be set. This comes in handy, for -example, to prevent the display jerking around in a chop.
The Course Up/North Up icon share a small dialog with the GPS -indicator. This dialog can be toggled on/of with the "Ctrl + i" -shortcut.
Note that both the red and the blue arrows are always pointing North.
Look Ahead! To see more of the chart in front of -the boat, activate Options -> Display -> Look Ahead Mode. Your -own boat will no longer be in the center of the screen. Instead it will -be located away from the center, in the opposite direction to your -present gps course(COG).
Don't always Look Ahead! If you are at anchor, -swinging on the hook produces random courses and low speeds.If Look -Ahead is on in this situation the chart rendering will constantly be -redrawn, with the boat in all possible lookahead positions as the course - changes. To prevent this kind of scenario OpenCPN works like this:
- *If the boat speed is less than 1 kt, then lookahead is disabled.
- *If boat speed is greater than 3 kts, lookahead is enabled.
- *In between 1 and 3 kts, the lookahead "distance" is adjusted smoothly.
- *If the problems still there when doing more than 3 kts, consider -using "Options->Connections -> FilterNMEA Course and Speed data" - to average out the "jumpiness".
Show skewed raster charts as North-up. Skewed -charts are normally showed "chart up", as intended by design. If ticking - this box, these charts are shown North-Up. In both cases, activating -course up, works as expected, the difference is when course up is not on.
Full Screen. Enter Full Screen Mode with the F11 -toggle. Toggling full scree is also possible through the Menu Bar -> -View. Once in full screen mode the Right-Click-menu contains the item -"Toggle Full Screen".

- -

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-

Tides and Currents

-Notes

- -

Tide and Current predictions are not available for all areas.
OpenCPN comes with a built in tidal data file, but can use any -legacy IDX or binary tcd file. Multiple tidal files can be used at the -same time. More about this further down this page.
As with all predictions, the displayed values are calculated using mathematical models and actual tides and currents will vary

- - -

Enable Tides and Currents Display

- -

Click the toolbar button to see tide stations.
Select to see current stations.
Important: tide and currents will not be displayed unless these toolbar buttons are selected.

- -

Displaying Tides

- -

Available tide stations will show on the chart as green graphs with a "T" logo:
The "T" becomes a yellow and blue vertical bar when the scale is greater than 1:500.000

- -

-
-

- -

The vertical bar contains a lot of information at a glance.
- The tidal rise is 2.5m above the chart datum. The blue part is "water". - The "V" inside he bar indicates that the tide is decreasing towards -Low Water.
-
Here, the tide is rising towards High Water.
Low Water looks like this.
High Water Looks like this.
Right click the middle of either icon to see the tidal graph:

If a waypoint, route or a track is, or passes, on top of a tidal -icon, a right-click will show a context menu for those features. To see -the tidal graph, press "Show Tide Information" at the bottom of the -menu.

- -

The Tidal Dialog gives the name of the station as well as the the -name of the Data Source file. This is important when you have multiple -sources covering the same area. Time and height for HW and LW is -displayed in the upper right part.

- -

The Yellow box, with the tidal rise and time, follows the cursor -when hovering over the dialog. The time axis at the bottom displays the -time, in this case he timezone is "Z +01:00", which is the same as one -hour ahead (east) of UTC, that used to be called GMT.
In North America it is common to use a three or four letter acronym for timezones.

- -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- CODE -	- UNITED STATES TIME ZONE CODES -	- UTC OFFSET -
- AST -	- ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 4 -
- EST -	- EASTERN STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 5 -
- EDT -	- EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 4 -
- CST -	- CENTRAL STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 6 -
- CDT -	- CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 5 -
- MST -	- MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 7 -
- MDT -	- MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 6 -
- PST -	- PACIFIC STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 8 -
- PDT -	- PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 7 -
- AKST -	- ALASKA TIME -	- UTC - 9 -
- AKDT -	- ALASKA DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 8 -
- HAST -	- HAWAII-ALEUTIAN STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 10 -
- HADT -	- HAWAII-ALEUTIAN DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 9 -
- SST -	- SAMOA STANDARD TIME -	- UTC - 11 -
- SDT -	- SAMOA DAYLIGHT TIME -	- UTC - 10 -
- CHST -	- CHAMORRO STANDARD TIME -	- UTC +10 -

- -

Displaying Currents

- -

Available current stations will show on the chart as orange -diamonds, when zooming in arrows will appear pointing in the direction -of the set. Note that "current" here is short for "Tidal Current", and -is the same as the UK term "Tidal Stream".
Master current stations are shown like this - in all scales. No direction is associated with these stations but they -can be queried, trough a right click, for the magnitude of the current.

- -

Arrow indicates current direction and strength - the bigger the arrow, the more current.
The size of the arrows can be customized by users in the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file.
- In the [Settings/Others] section you can set the option CurrentArrowScale to - a positive number representing a percentage scaling factor of the -current arrows. The values bellow 100 mean the arrows will be smaller -than now, the values above 100 will cause them to be bigger.

A numerical value can be displayed next to the arrow.
To do this go to Options->Ships->AIS Targets and tick the box - "Show names with AIS targets at a scale grater than 1:", and set a -scale. When zoomed in to a scale greater than this, the current will -also be displayed with a number
Right click the orange box to see current graph:

If a waypoint, route or a track is, or passes, on top of a current -icon, a rightclick will show a context menu for those features. To see -the current graph, press "Show Current Information" at the bottom of the - menu.
The Yelow box, with time,speed and direction, follows the cursor when hovering over the dialog.
Note that OpenCPN can only display "Reversing Currents" found in -restricted waterways, such as rivers and straits. The general case with -"Rotary Tidal Currents", can not be displayed with this interface, but -are available for some areas as Grib files. More here Grib Weather Plugin .

- -

Using alternative data sets

- -

OpenCPN supports two tidal file formats. Xtides .tcd file format as - well as the default .IDX type. The latter consits of a pair of files -called HARMONIC and HARMONIC.IDX, in a directory.
The default, IDX dataset for tides and currents is limited, mainly for copyright reasons.
Xtide, a well known free -software tidal aplication (GPL license), maintains regularly updated -.tcd files for US. Updated files are normally published in December each - year. These are presently the only area with, up to date freely -available, tidal data. The latest updates are available from the Xtide -site, http://www.flaterco.com and ftp://ftp.flaterco.com/xtide/. The "non-free" dataset, including UK and the Netherlands, is no longer updated. The last update was published 2011.
Please note that OpenCPN differs from XTide results, in very small -amounts, usually a few minutes, regarding the times of slack water. This - is due to the older algorithm used in OpenCPN compared to the most -modern XTides implementation of subordinate station time offset -calculation
There is currently has a problem when multiple .tcd files are -loaded. The reference station may be incorrectly identified. In -practical navigation only one .tcd file is needed at any given time, -depending on which side of the Atlantic you are navigating.
A number of different datasets are available on the Internet, with -vastly greater coverage. Some of these datasets are quite old, and they -also contains glitches and errors, many of which have been corrected in -the OpenCPN default dataset.
In many areas there are no free alternatives, and OpenCPN makes it -possible to switch between data sets and even using them at the same -time. If two stations are located on exactly the same position, only one - will be visible......

- -

Go to Options->Charts->Tides & Currents. Press "Add Dataset.." to add another dataset.
Tidal files can be located anywhere on your file system, but it -will pay off to be organized. The first entry above shows the default -location for the built in datafile on Linux. On windows a typical -location is "C:\Program Files\OpenCPN\tcdata".

- - -

Go to Table Of Contents
-

Marks and Routes

- -

Marks...

-are the basic points that is used for many things, such as creating -routes, marking fishing spots, good anchorages or anything of interest.
-
-Once a mark is created a focused right-click dialog becomes available, when clickin on the mark.
-

- -

Creating a mark

-There are a few ways to directly create marks. - -

Pressing "Ctrl +O" creates a mark at the boats position.
"Ctrl + M" creates a mark at the cursor position.
Right-click and and press "Drop Mark" creates a mark, at the position of the cursor, when clicking.
Marks are created at the start of each leg in a route, and one at -the end of the route. More about routes a bit further down this page.

-Marks created these ways will have a triangular icon, except for routes that uses a diamond, but no name.
-
-The default icon, when creating a mark, is settable by changing the the value "DefaultWPIcon" in the opencpn.ini(config) file. Use the name of any available icon in the properties dialog.
- - - - - - - - -

More Details
- In the [Settings/Others] section set the option DefaultWPIcon to one of [empty, - airplane, anchorage, anchor, boarding, boundary, bouy1, bouy2, -campfire, camping, coral, fishhaven, fishing, fish, floating, food, -fuel, greenlite, kelp, light, light1, litevessel, mooring, oilbouy, -platform, redgreenlite, redlite, rock1, rock2, sand, scuba, shoal, snag, - square, triangle, diamond, circle, wreck1, wreck2, xmblue, xmblue_, -xmgreen, xmgreen_, xmred, xmred_, activepoint] values representing the default set of built-in icons or to a *filename of any of your UserIcons, without the the path and .xpm extension*. If you have a file called MyICON.xpm in the user icons folder, the value will be simply MyICON -

- -

You can move the mark by left-click-dragging it around.

- -

You can delete a mark by right-clicking its icon, and selecting "Delete".
-There is an built in undo/redo buffer for creating, -deleting or moving marks or waypoints. If you have just created, deleted - or moved a mark the right-click dialog will have relevant entries. The -undo/redo, for moving or creating marks, follows a straight time-line -and is not tied to an individual mark.
-
-
-
-Above is a right-click menu just after moving a mark a few times and -undoing the last move, and one mark was deleted, and then the deletion -was undone. CTRL + Z and CTRL + Y works as hot-keys for undo/redo.
-
-All marks have properties that can be seen by right-clicking and -pressing "Properties", or even simpler just double click the mark.
-Read all about the properties dialog in Extended Marks
-Marks can be manipulated through the Route & Mark Managers Waypoints - tab as well. Deleting a mark that is part of a route, will also change -the route. Marks that are a part of a "layer" cannot be changed at all. -Marks can also be imported into OpenCPN in a number of ways.
-Read all about this in the The Route Manager and Gpx Data
-
-A general locking of all marks is available. Goto Options -> Display ->Advanced
-
-and tick the box. This feature is handy, to prevent accidentally moving a - mark. Activate this feature when underway, deactivate it when planning.
-
-The Man Over Board mark can be activated through the icon - in the toolbar, or through hitting Ctrl + Space-bar. The mark looks -like the button and is dropped on own boats present gps position. This -mark cannot be moved or deleted with the cursor or keyboard (by -mistake), but can still be deleted from the Route/Waypoint manager -dialog. More about Man Over Board here.
-
-All the details of the Mark/WP Properties dialog are dealt with in Extended Marks
-
-

- -

Use your own Icons

-OpenCPN comes with a handful of different icons that can be assigned to a - mark. Right click or use the Route Manager and activate the properties -dialog. The Mark Icon window in the dialog shows the available icons.
-
-A user can install his or her own icons to use with marks and "own ship".
-
-1. Create a directory called "UserIcons" in the same place that holds -your opencpn.ini(config) file. Instructions to find the directory -(folder) location here:Installing OpenCPN
-
-2. Add .png image files to this directory. The legacy .xpm format works -as well. The icons can be any size. The name of the file (without the -extension) becomes the name of the new waypoint icon. These new icons -will appear on the Waypoint Properties dialog, and can be assigned to -any waypoint. They can also be assigned in GPX Import files.
-
-3. The User Icons page contains links to a few sets of user contributed icons.
-
-4.To replace the default own ship icon

- , just put a file "ownship.png" or "ownship.xpm", containing the -ownship picture you prefer, in the UserIcons directory, described above.
-More about "ownship" icons and setting "ownship" size in Setting Options. - -

-Routes

- -

Press the - -button and start the creation of a route. Hotkey "CTRL R" is an -alternative way to start a route and "Esc" ends the route. The cursor -changes to a ( - ) pencil. Left click along the desired route you want to make. This -will leave sequential numbered waypoints as you click along, the numbers - will not be visible, but are available in the Route Properties Dialog, -accessible through the right click menu or the Route Manager. The -running total distance of the whole route will be shown along the -"pencil" together with the course and distance from the last marked -waypoint. When creating routes, OpenCPN will ask if it should use a -nearby mark, when a route point is added that is close to an already -existing mark. If answering "yes", the existing mark is copied to the -route.
-
-
-
-For longer distances, specially on east.west courses on higher -latitudes, the Create Rout tool seamlessly switches to also offer a -great circles alternative, instead of Mercator rhumb-line route legs. -Read more Great-circle Sailing.
-
-
-Holding the cursor over the route brings up a roll-over info. The name -of the route, if it is set in the properties dialog, the total length of - the route, the course and distance for the leg under the cursor and -distance run so far along the route, to the first waypoint in the -current leg.
-Looking at the four legged route above. The total distance is 8.8 NMi. -The third leg is 1.89 NMi i true direction 160° and the accumulated -distance in the first two legs is 4.76 NMi.
-
-If your desired route extends off the currently displayed chart, move -the route cursor in the desired direction and the display will -automatically pan to show the area. You can zoom in and out with the -mouse scroll wheel or keyboard +/- keys during route creating. You can -also right click and select 'MAX DETAIL HERE' or 'Scale Out' during -route creation. When finished right click and choose end route from the -context menu, alternatively just press the "Esc" key.
-You should now have an inactive (Blue) route. Active routes are Red, inactivated routes are Blue.
-Right-clicking on a route brings up a focused menu
-
-

- - - - - - - -

To prevent deleting a route by mistake, a confirmation dialog is activated when pressing "Delete..." if the box "Confirm deletion of tracks and routes" is ticked in Options->User Interface.
- If a waypoint is deleted, the rightclick menu will have
- "Undo Delete Waypoint" in the rightclick menu, with a hotkey Ctrl + Z.

- -

-Multiple Routes

- -

In OpenCPN multiple routes can be handled in a couple of different ways.
-Many routes can be created in a session or imported into a session.
-The visibility of every route is controlled in the Route Manager. There -is an "eye" to the far left on the line for each route. This works as a -toggle switch. A PLAIN Eye means that the route is visible, while an -eye with a red cross, means that it's hidden.
-This way only the route(s) of interest for the moment can be shown.
-
-Another way is to create and export routes, and later import them when needed.
-To keep the chart clear of useful, but not needed routes follow these steps:
-• Create a folder called, 'GPX_Routes', or another suitable name.
-• Create your route.
-• Use the Route Manager to export the route, with a descriptive file name and save it in GPX_Routes.
-• Delete the route from the chart.
-• You can export all your routes as one big file or export and delete a route as you create them
-• When needed, simply use the Route Managers "Import" Button to open the route file.
-

- -

To get rid of the way points left on the chart when a route has been -imported and then deleted, which may happen depending on the imported -gpx file.

- -

1. Open the Route Managers Waypoint tab and press the "Delete All" button
-2. Say 'Yes' to: 'Are you sure you want to delete <ALL> waypoints?'

- -

Saving and Loading Routes and Marks

- -

Refer to The Route Manager and Gpx Data to load and save data using The Route Manager

- -

Activating and using routes

-Right clicking on the track, changes the color from blue to orange and brings up a comprehensive menu.
-
-

-
-Clicking "Activate Route" or performing the same action through the -Route Manager, changes the route color to red and new, route information - window appears on the right side of the display. Once a route is -activated, you are presented with the choice of "Deactivate Route" in -the different menus.
-
-There is one unique item in the route focused right-click menu above.
-
-Zero XTE Sets the present XTE (Cross Track Error) to -zero. This comes in handy if you for some reason if off course following - a route and want the autopilot to follow the route, but adjusted for -your current position rather than the position of the last route -waypoint.
-
-Right clicking on a waypoint in a route brings up a few options, otherwise not available.
- -

Properties. The dialog is the same as for an individual mark.
Activate - Gives the direction to the chosen -waypoint instead of the first waypoint in the route, which is the -default. Useful when joining, for example, an imported route, at an -arbitrary waypoint.
Remove from Route, but don't delete it.
Copy as kml, for use with Qtvlm or Google Earth.
Delete Waypoint from Route.
Send to GPS is seen in the rightclick menus for -routes and waypoints. If a port is not selected, the case in the picture - above, a dialog is shown to select an output port. To change the -selected port, go to the route manager and select "Send to GPS".
Ctrl + N, a shortcut that activates the next waypoint in an active route.

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-XTE Cross Track Error. How far off course your boat is.
-
-BRG Direction to next waypoint.
-
-VMG Velocity made good to next waypoint
-
-RNG Distance to next waypoint.
-
-
-TTG Time To Go to next waypoint.
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Right clicking on "This Leg" above brings up this dialog
-
-

-
-Show just the current leg or the entire route. Show or hide the highway.
- -

Autopilots and Routes

-If an autopilot output port is defined in the Options->Connections -tab, OpenCPN sends instructions to the A/P when a route is active. -OpenCPN creates and sends the NMEA RMC sentence to the A/P output port -when a route is activated. Read more in Setting Options.
-OpenCPN automatically shifts to the next waypoint in the route using an -arrival radius of 0.05 miles (= 92.6 m) by default. This value can be -changed in Options->Ships->Own Ship. The arrival radius can be -adjusted in each waypoint properties dialog as well.
-This works fine in the general case. The A/P is watching the RMB -strings. It sees a new destination lat/lon, and new heading to steer, -and then asks the user for confirmation to make the turn. -Raytheon/Autohelm work this way.
-Some advance options for Routes ans AutoPilotsare discussed in Setting Options.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Ship Track

Toggling the track icon - turns tracking on and off. When tracking is on, the button becomes -slightly larger and darker (shown here). Tracking means that a record is - kept of the vessels position as it proceeds. A trail is left behind the - vessel.
-Tracking is persistent. If you shut down OpenCPN with tracking active, -tracking will be activated automatically next time you start. Note -however that tracking on start up is delayed until a GPS position is -available. This action avoids large nonsense jumps in the beginning of -the new track.
-The way the track is recorded can be set in Options -> Ships -> Ownship.
-A full explanation is available in Ownship
-
-
-
-Recorded tracks can be imported, exported and managed using the The Route Manager and Gpx Data.
-
-When right clicking on a track you can select Track Properties from the -context menu, and a new dialog pops up. Normally it looks like this:
-
-
-
-But if the track is a layer or part of a layer, you will see this instead:
-
-A layer cannot be changed easily, and a lot of what follows does not apply to Layer Tracks. Read more about Layers.
-
-The properties dialog can also be reached through the Route Manager. A -record of all the track point will be listed. On the screen dump below -the tracking precision is set to "Medium". The Waypoints, track points -really, appears at irregular times, due to the smart tracking. Only -trackpoints that contributes to the track are recorded. In other words, a - change in the track occurs at every recorded trackpoint.
-Click anywhere on a line in the list of track points, to mark the line and a blue square will mark the position on the track.
-
-
-
-From the right click menu the Delete track option is available as well. To prevent mistakes a confirmation dialog pops up.
-For more about Tracks read about the Route Managers Track Tab in The Route Manager and Gpx Data.
-
-
-
-There ar many options for how a track will be shown and what time to use.
-The Advanced tab, were you can document the track and include links, works similar to Extended Marks.
-
-As a backup, a logbook entry is made every half hour in the OpenCPN log file. The format is similar to this:

- -

14:30:00 CEST: LOGBOOK: 2011-06-28 12:30:00 UTC DR Lat 44.43657 Lon -65.17280

- -

- Go to Table Of Contents
-

Man Over Board

- Man Over Board, MOB, can be handled manually, by pressing a button on the screen, or hit a shortcut key sequence.
-Mob can also be handled automatically, or semi-automatically, provided that the crew is equipped with the right gear.
-
-In any case ...receiving a signal from an AIS SART or PLB will always -generate an on screen alert, and sound a warning if this is set up. Read - more about AIS SART .
-
- -

MOB activated manually.

-
-Drop a Man Over Board Marker at your present position by pressing
-* Man Over Board Button

on the ToolBar. This button will always be furthest to the right among the buttons, for ease of finding.
-or hit the Keys
-*Ctrl + Space bar.
-
-A mark, looking like the button is instantly created - the MOB mark.
-The MOB mark will be called "MAN OVERBOARD at + time-stamp"
-
-A temporary route, from a point 1 mile ahead on the current COG, and to the - MOB mark is created and activated. On the screen, a course and bearing -to the MOB mark will be displayed. This temporary triangular mark is -labeled "1.0 NM along COG".
-
-If COG, course over ground, is not available, no route is created but -the MOB position is marked. This can happen if no GPS is connected, if -the GPS signal is (temporary) unavailable or if the speed is so low that - the GPS doesn't calculate COG.
-
-The MOB mark is persistent
-If OpenCPN is shut down OpenCPN by misstake, and you have to restart, the MOB mark will still be there.
-
-To delete a MOB
-The temporary route can be deleted, through the right-click menu, but no - action of the user with the mouse or keyboard will move or delete the -MOB mark, except for a right click -> Mark/Wpt Properties and select a different icon, - and then delete the mark (ex mob mark) from the right click menu, or -through the Route Manager. A MOB mark is not included in "Delete All" -in the Toute Manager, to avoid mistakes. The mark has to be selected -alone and then "Deleted".
-
-Multiple MOB marks can be deployed, and multiple temporary routes will -be created. The active route will always be associated with the last -dropped MOB mark.
-
-Be very careful when using this capability in waters with strong tide or current.
-The person overboard will not be at the position of the - MOB mark for long. Both Own Boat and the person in the water will move -with the current, but OpenCPN knows nothing about this.
-
-The MOB mark has just been dropped
-
-

-
-Own Boat has moved on and the MOB mark is 0.22 miles in bearing 306 degrees.
-One option in this situation is to drag the triangle to the Own Boats position.
-
-

-
-A second MOB mark is dropped.
-
-

-
-MOB activated automatically.

-This works if each person onboard has a personal "AIS-SART" or "PLB(AIS)" and carry them at all times.
-The transponder must also be activated, either manually by the MOB or automatically.
-OpenCPN should be set to treat the MMSI of the crew devices as MOB events.
-Do this by going to Options->Ships->MMSI Properties->New and enter the MMSI number of a device.
-
-

-Mark "Always track" and "Handle this MMSI as SART/PLB(AIS) MOB", and -press OK. Do the same thing for each AIS emergency device on board. They - should now all appear in the list at the "MMSI Properties" tab.
-
-Next set up Options->Ships->Ais Targets->"Play Sound on -CPA/TCPA and DSC/SART emergencies" including "Select Alert Sound".
-
-With this setup a MOB will generate an alarm and OpenCPN will start a -MOB event as described above under "MOB activated manually".
- -

Otherwise.....

-An active SART or PLB(AIS) will generate an emergency alarm (if this is -set up) and an on screen alert, even if the MMSI is not entered into -OpenCPN as above. Read more about AIS SART .
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Setting Options

- -

icon to open the Options Dialog which has 6 tabs, as seen below.
-All Settings that are not context sensitive, are set in Options. The Settings are persistent, meaning that settings entered in one session will still be there on restart.
- -

Display

- - -

The General Tab

-
-

-Navigation Mode
-North Up /Course Up. North Up is the of course the -normal way charts are shown. Course Up makes the whole chart turn so -what you see in front of the boat in real life, is above the own ship -icon on the display.
-Lookahead Mode: - The Own Ship icon will be offset from the center of the screen so that -more of the chart are in front of Own Ship than behind. More in Auto Follow and Display Orientation.
-
-Chart Display
-Enable Chart Quilting: The screen shows several charts seamlessly stitched together. More in Chart Quilting.
-
-Preserve scale when switching charts: Normally when -switching charts OpenCPN will open the new chart scaled close to it's -natural scale, the zoom factor stays the same. With this box ticked -OpenCPN will keep the scale from the last chart, when switching, not -exactly, but generally of the same magnitude. The zoom-factor will -increase as you switches to smaller scale charts.
-
-Controls
-Smooth Panning/Zooming: This works best -together with OpenGL. Test to see how it works with your graphic card. -If you are using OpenGL, tick this box as well.
-
-Zoom to Cursor: Normally when clicking on the screen, -the display centers on the clicked point. The wheel zooms in/out always -using the center of the display. With this box ticked, the zooming -happens at the point of the cursor. This means that as soon as you start - to zoom in the cursor stays in the same place on the screen and on -approximately the same geographical position. The advantage is that the -zooming in position can be fine tuned just using the cursor.
-The "Zoom in" and "Zoom Out" buttons, as well as the short cuts "+" and -"-", will still use the center of the display for zooming, even when -"Zoom to Cursor" is on.
-
-
-Zoom to Cursor Summary: -

Keyboard, Menubar, and Toolbar zooms always zoom to center screen. Always.
Wheel zoom behaviour changes depending on ZTC (Zoom to Cursor) and SmoothZoom settings.
ZTC (Zoom to Cursor) applies only to wheel zooms.

-Display Features
-Show Grid: Activate a latitude and longitude -layer on the display. This feature only works if the display is in North - Up mode. The grid is handy on vector charts, that normally lacks this -feature.
-
-Show Chart Outlines: The - borders of the available charts are shown. Vector charts are green, -raster charts are red, and on CM93 available larger scale charts are -purple. The CM93 chart outlines are not shown if using quilting mode. As - a safety precaution, the outlines of isolated dangers with large scale -charts available, are shown in CM93 even if "Show Chart Outlines" is -off, provided that quilting is not used and the scale is large enough. -At a scale of 1:200.000 or larger these isolated Islands and dangers -will be shown. Hence it is recommended not to use quilting with CM93 when on a longer offshore passage. More on Installing Charts
-
-Show Depth Units: - Shows the charts depth units on the screen in embossed letters in the -upper right corner. When in quilt mode, depth units are only shown if -all charts in the quilt has the same depth unit.
-
-Goto top of page
- - -

The Units Tab

-Choose the units that suits your way of navigating. These settings apply - to everything in the core program. The exception is Radar rings, where -the units for distance between rings is selected separately.
-Plugins have their own settings for units.
-
- Options-Display-Units

-
-Distance. The options are: Nautical Miles, Statue miles, Kilometers and Meters.
-Short distances, less than 0.1 Nautical Mile or Kilometer are always -shown in meters. Short distances less than 0.1 Statue Miles are shown in - feet.
-Speed. The options are: Knots, Mph, km/h, and m/s.
-Depth. The options are: Feet, Meters and Fathoms.
-Lat/Long. The options are: Degrees + Decimal Minutes, Decimal Degrees and the traditional Degrees + Minutes + Seconds
-
-Bearings
-Show Magnetic bearings and headings: OpenCPN by default uses -true courses and bearings etc. This box is for navigators who prefers to - work with magnetic courses and bearings, or want to test this method. -Note that OpenCPN knows nothing about deviation.
-All courses and bearings will have a (M) post-fix, to show that they are magnetic.
-

-The following settings will be affected: Bearings and Courses in the -Route Properties dialog, route leg rollovers, and Active Route console -will be (M). COG displayed on the bottom status line will be COG(M). AIS - target reports will show target COG(M).
-Variation will be calculated at Own Ships position, if possible. AIS -targets however, will use the targets position for variation, if -possible.
-
-How does OpenCPN know about the variation? -

If a GPS receiver that reports variation as part of RMC sentence, is available, this value will be used.
Otherwise, if the WMM plugin is installed and activated, it will supply the variation.
Lacking the above alternatives, the manually entered "Assumed Magnetic variation", will be used for all calculations. See below.

-
-Assumed Magnetic variation.
-This value will be used if variation is not available through the GPS or the WMM plugin.
-The default value is 0°. As usual, positive values are also called -"easterly variation" , and negative values are also described as -"westerly variation".
-(+W,-E) this is just a reminder that the program will -reverse the signs you entered, as a conversion from "true" to "magnetc" -course takes place.
-
-Goto top of page
- - -

The Advanced Tab

-
-

-
-Chart Display
-Show skewed raster charts as North-up: -Skewed chart are normally shown as intended by the cartographer, "Chart -up". With this option they are rotated to show North-Up. If you are -looking for speed, don't tick this box. I slows down the screen -rendering . Skewed charts are a common along the US Inter-coastal -Waterway. More here: Auto Follow and Display Orientation
-
-Disable Full Screen Quilting: By - default all visible charts of an appropriate scale are used in the -quilt. With this box checked only charts that overlap the center of the -screen are used in the quilt. Checking this box is easier on the system -and may give a performance boost in certain circumstances.
-
-OpenCPN and over-zooming
-It is very common that charts are based on surveys that are twice the -scale of the charts natural scale. For example a chart in 1:50.000 would - be based in a survey in 1:25.000.
-Once a vector chart is zoomed in to a factor 2, no more details can be -found. OpenCPN makes the navigator aware of this fact in a few -different ways.
-
-

-This screen-shot shows an example how over-zooming warning is treated.
-Overzoom Warning (default)
-At a zoom factor of 4 the embossed OverZoom warnings will be displayed -in the NW part of the screen. From a factor 10 to 30 a blur or gentle -bluish fog will be overlaid on the chart. This applies to vector charts -and raster charts using the Mercator projection.
-Overzoom blur/fog effect (default)
-Overzoom blurring is performed only for those systems with modern and -fully capable OpenGL drivers/cards. Otherwise, a very gentle "fog" is -applied to extreme overzoom displays, as a visual que to the user that -the chart is highly overzoomed.
-From a factor 10, lines and depth numbers on vector charts will be -scaled and appear bigger, to further indicate the imprecision of chart -feature geographical location at high over-zoom. This imitates what -happens with a raster chart, when the individual pixels gets bigger and -bigger.
-
-Options - Make sure you understand all the implications of the following two options, before activating them.
-Suppress blur/fog effects on overzoom
-The blurring or bluish fog, will be turned off.
-Suppress scaled vector charts on over-zoom
-The scaling of lines and number will be turned off. Applies to vector charts only.
-
-Note that the blurring effect and scaled vector charts -does not aply to single chart mode, so an alternative to this option is -to toggle the "Q" hotkey.
-
-Below is how it looks like with both the above options activated.
-
-

-
-Course-Up Mode Display Update Period: This relates to -how often the entire displayed chart is updated. The own-ship and AIS -icons are still updated every second. The default value is 15 seconds. A - "zero" value is allowed! The default mode is North-up. It's easy to -switch between the two modes through the right-click menu.
-
-Chart Zoom/Scale Weighting
-This option has a short description, on screen. Here are some further notes.
-The slider applies to zoom operation dynamics, not to static chart selection.
-The option really asks you this question.
-"On zooming in, when do we switch to a smaller scale chart if available?"
-Your answer may depend on your screen resolution and other preferences.
-The slider affects zoom-in operations most directly.
--5...delay switching to smaller scale to improve performance and visibility.
-0....As OCPN always was, default
-+5...Switch sooner to a smaller scale chart, if you want more detail.
-
-It was not intended that a user exercise this control very often. Maybe experiment, set it to your liking for average charts in your area, and leave it set.
-
-Controls
-Lock Waypoints. Unless a waypoint property dialog is -visible. Locks waypoints, and prevents accidental moving of them. This -box should normally be ticked when under way.
-
-Confirm deletion of tracks and routes. A safeguard against deleting important data by mistake.
-
-Physical Screen Width
-Auto
-This is the default were OpenCPN will use the size that the operating -system reports. Unfortunately this is not always correct, leading to an -incorrect scale on screen for the charts.
-The OpenCPN log will state what your operating system thinks about your screen size. - - - - - - -

19:03:44 CET: Detected display size: 338 mm

-
-Manual
-If the value in the logfile is differs from your screens real width, activate this option.
-To calibrate your screen, measure and enter the width of your screen.
-The value shown is just from a sample 17" screen.
-
-Graphics
-Use Accelerated Graphics (OpenGL) The net -effect of full OpenGL optimization on raster charts with compatible -hardware is nothing short of amazing, especially with low-spec, -low-power systems. Unfortunately the support for OpenGL on Windows is -sometimes problematic. Intels OpenGL graphics drivers on Windows are -very buggy, for example. Read more on the OpenGL page!
-If you hav started OpenCPN without OpenGL support, this option will be greyed out.
-
-Options
-The standard Option dialog looks like this
-
- Options-Display-Advanced-Opengl

-An expert version is available by adding a line to the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file.
- - - - - - - -

[Settings]
- ....
- OpenGLExpert=1

-To turn the expert version off, change the value from "1" to "0", or delete the line.
-
-

-Use Accelerated Panning works if your graphics card supports Frame Buffer Objects.
-Texture Compression greatly improves the speed of -raster chart display. It works by treating raster charts as compressed -textures instead of bitmaps, and these textures are loaded and displayed - much more efficiently by the graphics hardware. They also consume much less GPU memory space.
-Texture Compression with Caching A further improvement -to raster chart display loading and panning. This option uses the system - hard drive to store pre-calculated raster chart compressed images in a -way that is optimized for direct loading into the graphics card. When -enabled, the texture cache is created dynamically, as charts are visited - in normal navigation. Depending on the OpenGL hardware capabilities, -there may be some slight, but noticeable, delay as a chart is accessed -the very first time while the textures are created, compressed, and -written to disk. Once a particular chart section has been cached, -subsequent accesses are very fast. If the OpenGL hardware texture buffer - is capable, then rendering on-screen is virtually instantaneous.
-* The cache understands color scheme changes. Cache entries are automatically created for each of the 4 possible BSB color schemes, as they are encountered in normal operation.
-* The cache understands chart Edition Dates. So, if one manually updates - a chart (thus changing the chart's Edition Date), the old cache -contents will be discarded, and a new cache will be built automatically -as the new chart(s) are visited.
-* Using compressed texture caching retains all the benefits described -earlier. It is very much faster on low spec hardware, at the expense of -more disk space usage.
-* There is a command line option which will build/update your compressed - texture cache. You may execute opencpn like this: opencpn -/rebuild_gl_raster_cache (-rebuild_gl_raster_cache on linux) -

* "Texture Compression" and "Texture compression caching" may -actually slow down some machines, depending on the capabilities of the -video system.
If you are using OpenGL on a low-spec machine, you will have better performance if you
- a) disable texture caching, or
- b) Pre-build the texture cache in a region of interest. That is, move -the boat to say Dover. Then do Options->openGLOptions->Build -Texture Cache. You do not need to wait the entire time, which may be -hours for a large chart set. "Skip" out when the distance reported is -100 miles or so.
- Eventually, after steady use, your texture cache will be filled -automatically in the background, and performance Show FPSwill increase -steadily.

-The Size of the current "Texture Cache" appears just to the right of the button "Clear Texture Cache". In the picture above this value is 101.8 MB.
-
-

Show FPS FPS stands for Frames Per Second, and -is one way measure OpenGL performance. The number appears in the lower -right hand corner of the display, to the right of "Scale". Above you see - "26 fps". If you report a graphical problem, expect the devolopers to -ask you about this figure.

-Enable Transparent Toolbar. This option is greyd out in - OpenGL mode, as the feature only works in traditional mode. On Linux it - is necessary to activate a window manager compositing system, such as -Compiz or GNOME Shell, to have a transparent toolbar.
-Goto top of page
- -

The Charts Tabs

- - -

Chart Files

-
-

-
-Add Directory In OpenCPN charts are added by adding the directory (folder) that contains the chart files. This tab is where charts are added and removed, read about the details in Installing Charts
-
-Remove Selected Mark the chart directories that are no longer needed, press the button an then "Apply" or "OK" .
-
-Scan Charts and Update Database Use this option if you -have made any changes to the contents of your chart directories, as for -example after downloading new charts from NOAA, etc. It need not be -checked if directories are added or subtracted, as the entire database -will be scanned and updated automatically in this case.
-
-Force Full Database Rebuild is mainly aimed at users -converting or correcting existing charts, in a situation where changes -are made to the geo-referencing, outline of the chart, or other -attributes in the kap file header section.
-
-Goto top of page
- - -

Vector Charts

-
-

Chart Groups

-
-

-Read more about Chart Groups !
-
-Goto top of page
- -

Tides & Currents

-
-

-
-Read more about Tides and Currents !
-
-Goto top of page
- -

The Connections Tab

-
-

-For a full explanation of this tab read Data Connections.
-
-Go to top of page
- -

The Ships Tabs

- - -

Own Ship Tab

-
-

-
-Display Options
-COG Predictor Length (min): Shows a red -dashed line in front of your own boat, with present COG and ends in a -small square, which represents where you will be in the set number of -minutes, with the present speed. 6 minutes is a good starting value for -piloting. If your vessel has a SOG of 10 knots the dashed line will be 1 - nautical mile long. 60 minutes makes sense on a coastal passage and 24 x - 60 = 1440 minutes on longer blue water passages.
-Heading Predictor Length
-If a heading sensor is available and outputs an nmea data stream, this -is shown as a finer line with shorter dashes ending in an open small -circle. The length is set in Nautical miles.
-
-

- - - - - - - -

The width of the COG Predictor can be adjusted in the opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below and adjust the value.
- OwnshipCOGPredictorWidth=3
- Warning: Don't edit to the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN is running.

-
-Ship Icon Type: The following options are available for ownship
-
-

-
-Default: This will use the icon that comes with OpenCPN, unless you have installed
-your own icon, "ownship.png". More about installing your own icons in Marks and Routes .
-Real Scale Bitmap: This option will adjust the size of -the default icon, depending on your settings. When using this setting, -the dialog expands and five more options related to the size of -"ownship" becomes available. See picture below
-
-

-
-Length Over All (m)
-Width Over All (m)
-GPS Offset from Bow (m)
-These settings needs no further explanation as their names are clear.
-GPS Offset from Midship (m): Use a positive value for an offset to Starboard and a negative value for an offset to Port.
-Minimum Screen Size(mm): The size of the ownship icon on the screen. Default is set to 1mm.
-
-Real Scale Vector, works the same as the previous -option with the exception that ownship is a somewhat boxy, computer -rendered ship. It's currently not possible to change the -vector-own-ship.
-
-

The dot represents the set location of the GPS.
-
-Show radar rings: These show up as red rings centered -on your gps position, and can be useful in different circumstances, such - as keeping clear of dangers. The settings are, hopefully, intuitive.
-
-

-Once the number of radar rings are selected, and not equal to "None" the - dialog expands, and shows more settings. The Distance Unit for Radar -rings is set here, and does not follow the the global settings in -Options->Display->Units. The choices are Nautical Miles and -Kilometers
-
-

-
-Tracks
-Automatic Daily Tracks.
-Automatic Daily Tracking ensures that the track-points collected -throughout a single day (midnight to midnight in local zone time) are -stored and managed as a single (possibly multi-segment) track.
-If the Automatic Daily Tracking check-box is selected, the "Toggle -Tracking" tool will - as before - turn tracking on and off. However, on -turning it off, the accumulated track will be extended with the previous - one, if it does not extend into yesterday. Disjoint segments are kept -separate, time-adjacent segments are merged into a single segment.
-Disjointed track segments, can be joined through the right-click menu, when they are selected in the Route Managers Tracks Tab.
-Every Midnight the tracking is turned off and on again automatically, to ensure that the track does not span dates.
-If Automatic Daily Tracking is selected during the day, when some tracks - have already been created, only the last one will be merged with future - daily tracks.
-Assuming Automatic Daily Tracking is on, normally during tracking -periods there will be two tracks visible in the Route Manager: the -current track (red color track-points on the chart) and the previously -accumulated track for the day. After toggling tracking off there will be - just one track for this day.
-If the timezone needs to be changed, it is a good idea to close OpenCPN application before..
-With the manual capability of splitting and extending, the daily tracks can be easily managed at any time.
-The daily tracks will be automatically named with the date in the local Time Zone, but can of course be changed manually.
-The Automatic Daily Tracks follows the settings in Tracking Precision, see below.
-Without Automatic Daily Tracks selected, OpenCPN handles tracks as before.
-
-Highlight Tracks shows a 7 to 10m wide highlighting, -either side of the track. This is not selectable for individual tracks. -The idea of the highlighting is to remind us that following a previous -track exposes us to the inherent inaccuracy of GPS, and that the real -track followed is most likely within the highlight region, but not -necessarily in the middle. And this says nothing about the accuracy of -the underlying cartography. For many charts it is prudent to assume at -least 1.5 mm inaccuracy using the nominal scale of the chart. For a -chart in scale 1:20,000 this translates to 30m.
-
-

-
-Tracking Precision
-
-

-
-With track button in the ToolBar activated this setting affects the size - of the data saved. It also affects the "smoothness" of the track, -though this is only visible when zoomed in to a very large scale.
-OpenCPN uses smart dynamic tracking, and only uses those track points -that actually contributes anything to the track. A straight line track -for example is only represented by it's endpoints. This is done by -analyzing the track just behind the boat. The process is visible in real - time, close to "ownship". The end result is good track accuracy while -keeping the size small.
-Low: Good for offshore passages.
-Medium: Very good for all normal uses.
-High: Only necessary when very tight maneuvering needs documenting.
-
-Routes
-Waypoint Arrival Circle Radius, gives an answer to this question.
-When following a Route, with the autopilot engaged, at what distance -from the upcoming waypoint should OpenCPN tell the autopilot to change -to the next waypoint?
-The default is 0.05 nautical miles. This is equal to about 93 meters or 300 feet.
-The default setting does not fit all circumstances. A number of factors -are involved, for example, the type of navigation, the waypoint -selected, own ships turning radii and speed. Find what setting(s) suits -your boat by testing.
-
- Options-Ships-Ownship-Routes

-The arrival radius can also be set individually for each waypoint in the Waypoint Properties dialog.
-
-
-Advance route waypoint on arrival only.
-Routes are explained in Marks and Routes. With an active route, the Dialog "This Leg" is visible near the upper right corner of the screen.
-This dialog contains "RNG", the "actual range", or distance to the next waypoint.
-The "normal range" is different. It is the distance -from ownship to a line which passes through the destination waypoint and - is at right angles to the current route segment.
-The actual range is always equal to or greater than the normal range. -When the difference is greater than 10% both values are shown in "RNG"
-
-

-The "normal" range is the second number shown. 1.88 in this case.
-
-When following a Route OpenCPN normally decides to advance to the next -waypoint if at least one of the following two conditions apply. -

The "normal range" is less than the declared arrival radius.
Ownship is moving away from the target waypoint, and has been for more than two seconds.

-With Advance route waypoint on arrival only activated, OpenCPN only advances the route to the next waypoint, if condition 1 above is true. Condition 2 is ignored.
-
-This feature is useful when sailing and you can't lay the next mark and -are forced to tack a few times to reach it. It allows a ship to move -away from waypoint without automatically advancing to next waypoint.
-This ensures that the next waypoint stays active until you either reach -it, or you reach a line through it, which is perpendicular from the -marked route. In the latter case you have a cross track error greater -than the arrival radius.
-
-On the other hand....
-Option 2 helps you if you really want to cut a corner by a large -distance, in such a way that the "normal range" will never be less than -{arrival radius}. We want to automatically advance the route in this -case.
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-Goto top of page
- - -

AIS Targets Tab

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-Read more about AIS.
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-Goto top of page
- - -

MMSI Properties Tab

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-Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a number identifying a ship in communication. MMSI consists of nine digits. All VHF units using Digital Selective Call (DSC), are programmed with the vessels MMSI. The same applies for AIS and EPIRBs.
-
-MMSI numbers, individual targets, can be handled in a few, preset ways.
-Below we have set 970000099 as an MMSI that should be tracked as a MOB.
-The number could for example belong to a crew members Personal Locator Beacon.
-The "MMSI Properties" popup becomes available when right-clicking. -Doubleclicking on the MMSI bypasses the popup an takes you directly to -Properties edit dialog.
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Add a new target to track.

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-MMSI: Enter the MMSI number that the new action should apply to.
-
-Tracking
-Default tracking: This is the normal tracking controlled by Options->Ships "OwnShip" and "AIS TArgets" tabs.
-Always track and Never track: The MMSI Properties -dialog allows one to preset the tracking behavior of a particular MMSI -target, even if the target is not presently visible. Always track a -friend or a ship you are interested in. Ignore that ferry that just -clutters your screen. Just a few examples.
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-Ignore this MMSI: The target will not show at all on the screen
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-Handle this MMSI as SART/PLB MOB.
-With this setting a MOB from your ownship will be signalled immediately.
-Special Search and Rescue Transponders, SARTs, are now available, using -the AIS system. Personal Locator Beacons transmitting on the AIS -frequencies are also available.These are sometimes called Personal AIS -MOB Devices. Don't confuse these with the more common personal EPIRB, -that cannot be tracked by OpenCPN.
-Entering the the MMSI number makes it possible to use these devices as -an onboard emergency MOB tracking system. Setting off a device, alarms -all vessels that can receive the signal, but it tells you that this -emergeny is directly related to your vessel.
-OpenCPN will now treat this MMSI as a standard MOB. Read more Man Over Board
-The alarm is entered in Options -> Ships-> AIS Targets ->"Play Sound on CPA/TCPA and DSC/SART emergencies."
-Have a look at AIS SART to see how OpenCPN reacts to an alarm.
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-Convert AIVDM to AIVDO for this MMSI
-AIVDM NMEA 0183 sentence -> AIS position reports from other vessels
-AIVDO NMEA 0183 sentence -> AIS position reports from own vessel
-
-The setting is intended for at least the following very specific scenario:
-1. You have an AIS transponder, not connected to your computer.
-2. You have a separate AIS receiver, used to monitor your own AIS signal, as well as all other traffic.
-3. You desire not to collide with yourself, virtually. So you instruct O to convert the AIVDM
-for your MMSI coming in via your AIS receiver into AIVDO, or "ownship". -Thus, no collision. O may, however, also use this converted AIVDO for -ownship position if enabled in the connections dialog.
-There may be other uses for this VDM->VDO conversion.
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-Goto top of page
- -

The User Interface Tab

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-Languages: The following languages are available in OpenCPN 4.0 :
-Brazilian Portuguese
-Catalan
-Chinese, Traditional
-Czech
-Danish
-Dutch
-English
-Estonian
-Finnish
-French
-Galician
-German
-Greek
-Hungarian
-Italian
-Norwegian Bokmaal
-Polish
-Portuguese
-Russian
-Spanish
-Swedish
-Turkish
-Choose your language here. Make sure your selected language has the -support files installed on your computer (Linux). Default language is US - English.
-
-Remark: Changing the language will reset the font settings.
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-Toolbar and Window Style. The alternatives are described in Toolbar Buttons
-
-Fonts. On a new installation OpenCPN uses the operating - systems default fonts. This can be changed to suit the user through -this dialog. Fonts can be selected for many elements on the display. -Selecting the right size of font can have a dramatic impact on how -values are presented. It's well worth playing around with these settings - if you think that something is difficult to read for example. Note that - even the text displayed on vector-charts, can be adjusted.
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-

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-The result of adjusting the "Console Value" font size.
- - - - - - - -

There is a side effect of the Font management module, which is worth noting.
- One must actually display something in a particular Font List -category (ChartText, Console Legend, Console Value, etc.) in order for -the item to appear in the list for the first time. Thereafter, the item -should stay in the list and be available for editing.
- For Example: You may not see the Font List entry for "AIS Rollover" unless you have actually displayed an AIS Rollover message at least once.
- Of course, if you re-install OpenCPN, or start with a new config file, there may be limited entries in the FontList.

- -

Change Font Color to suit your taste.

-Show Status Bar. The status - bar at the bottom of the display contains a lot of navigation -information. If you have this info available elsewhere, turning this -setting off increases the available space for the chart.
-
-Show Menu Bar. Show /Hide the Menu Bar. More about The Menu Bar
-Short Cut: "Alt"
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-Show Chart Bar. Show /Hide the Chart Bar. More info available on the Status Bar page.
-Short Cut: "Ctrl + B"
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-Show Compass/GPS Status Window. Show /Hide the Compass/GPS Status Window. More info on the GPS Status page.
-Short Cut: "Ctrl + I"
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-Play ship bells: Every half-hour the traditional ship bell will be heard.
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-Enable Touchscreen/Tablet Interface: Touch Screens and Tablets
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-Enable Responsive graphics interface for Touchscreens. -The option is intended for small (~8") tablets with high definition -displays. What it does is adjust the various graphic elements such as -menus, icons, etc. so that they meet the best-practice size standards -for Win8/Android system displays. This makes them "big enough" to -facilitate touching, dragging, etc with normal human fingers. You should - not see much difference when selecting this option for normal desktop -or laptop systems
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-Goto top of page
- -

The Plugins Tab

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-The Plugin tab is treated on these pages
-About Plugins
-Dashboard Plugin
-Grib Weather Plugin
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-Goto top of page
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Data Connections

-
-OpenCPN version 3.2 featured a complete redesign of the NMEA message -handling structure, including a new GUI and monitor window. This feature - has been further improved and tuned in version 4.0. The current scheme -provides extensive NMEA management capabilities, including:
--Input message filtering, by TALKER ID and/or message type.
--Virtually unlimited input port multiplexing, with shared I/O and individual data rate settings.
--Selective message echo capability, similar to third-party mux applications.
--Programmable output port messages, for e.g. autopilot interfaces.
--Full Network input and output, including TCP, UDP, and GPSD services.
--GPSD client support for Windows platforms.
- - - - - - - - -

**Linux Serial Connections**
Make sure that you belong to the "dialout"^* group. To find out, run the "$groups" command. If you're not in "dialout", add yourself with the command "$sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER". - Check this straight away, it will save you from frustration later on. -If there is a problem connecting the GPS to a physical port, such as -/dev/ttyS0, the reason is probably that you don't belong to "dialout". - - OpenCPN will display a warning, once per session, if you try to -configure a serial connection, or starts the program with an active -serial connection, and don't belong to the right group. - - - - * Red Hat based Linux versions are using the "uucp" group. Check what - applies to your version of Linux, by using the return from the command -"stat -c %G `ls /dev/*\|grep -m1 tty[A-Z,a-z][0]`" - If the return is "root", upgrade to a contemporary Linux version.

- - -

All this is different from the logic in earlier versions of -OpenCPN. From version 3.2, there is no defined "autopilot" port. The -autopilot is simply connected to any available output- enabled -data-stream, and gets everything on the bus, subject to user specified -output filtering. There is no specific "shared" AIS and GPS port, as -all ports are shared.

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- -

The key point to keep in mind with this new setup is the complete -orthogonality between message sources, message destinations, and -transport media. All messages come and go from an internal "bus", and -all internal modules have access to all messages. Any message can be -received, and possibly re-transmitted according to the configuration -established. If the messages get onto the bus, OpenCPN will do the right - thing. For example, if it is an AIS message, the AIS module will get -the message and act accordingly. Plugins also get all messages.

To get a taste of what can be done, we start with a lab scenario. -In the screen-shot above, four Data Ports are enabled. GPSD on localhost - port 2947, /dev/ttyUSB1 as ais port, next is an output port to a -computer on the local network and last the San Fransisco AIS feed *. -Note that the connections are automatically sorted in order of the -priority setting The picture is from a Linux computer, but the -receiving box is an Win XP. Both boxes are configured to use the same -broadcasting address 192.168.0.255 ** on the local network, using the -default 10110 port. Note that UDP, and not TCP, is used. OpenCPN on the -XP box receives and shows all info from the three first ports and even -data from the VDR plugin, if it's running. All input sources are merged -together and available to transmit to an external computer. Every -computer on-board can be used as a repeater to the main box!
Note that in this scenario the UDP connection is output only. In -previous releases of OpenCPN all UDP data connections would read data as - well as write. This is a possible configuration in the current release - but neither required nor generally desirable. If a broadcast connection - is read/write, all data written will be read back leading to the -potential for data loops. To avoid this, the priority of any read/write - broadcast connection should be set lower than that of any other -interface on which OpenCPN receives data for re-distribution over that -interface. For most purposes setting a broadcast connection to either read or write is the preferable solution.

-* The San Francisco AIS feed has now changed to ip address 76.103.90.196, also on port 9009.
-** There is no advantage with using a broadcast address on the local -network with just a few computers. It's as easy to just specify the -addresses of the receiving computers as outgoing connections on the -transmitting computer. The "receivers" specify the "transmitter" as -address for a connection.
- -

In real life, a common setup will include input -from GPS, AIS and output to an Autopilot. If your GPS produces GPRMC, -then this will be automatically shipped to the autopilot. Everything on -the internal multiplex bus will be sent to the output port that the -autopilot is connected to, even if a route is inactive. If, a route is -active, OpenCPN will create and send NMEA (EC)RMC sentences to output -data ports. The only reason OpenCPN "synthesize" an ECRMC sentence is to - cover those odd cases when there is no other source of RMC in the -system, and the Autopilot wants variation, SOG, etc. This might be the -case if an older GPS produces GPGLL alone, for instance, which has no -var. There is no "new" information in the transmitted, synthesized -ECRMC.
The autopilot might be complaining that it is getting RMC -information from two different talkers (GP and EC) at the same time, and - cannot decide what to do. The easiest solution if don't like the ECRMC, - is to filter it out of the output stream of the port connected to the -autopilot. Or choose a filter to allow only GPRMC and ECRMB for this -port.

- - -

Filter NMEA Course and Speed Data: Providing a -rolling average of COG/SOG, with configurable sampling period. This -feature is useful, for example, if you find that course and speed from -the gps is varying erratically due to the sea state. The Dashboard -plugin is not affected by this setting - COG and SOG are updated about -once per second.

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- -

Show NMEA Debug Window: If you check this box you -will get a window that shows the NMEA data sentences coming into or -going out from OpenCPN. In the picture above we can see the color-coding - at work. Messages in red could occur as well, and indicates a transmit -error. Connections Priority change messages, will also be printed to the - NMEA Debug Window. The reason that AIVDM messages are both dropped and -appear as "Output message", is that there is more than one source for -this message, and the filter just applies to one source.
Have a look at the page NMEA Sentences to - see which messages are understood. OpenCPN generally does not care -about the Talker ID, the first two letters in the message type. $GPGGA -above, is the talker GP = the gps, sending a GGA = position message, for - example. At the end of each sentence there is a "*" followed by a -calculated checksum.
To see all messages it's important to close the -Options dialog completely, while leaving the NMEA Debug window open. The - ECAPB sentences etc, will not appear while the Connections dialog box -is open as autopilot output is disabled during this time.
Known issues: The pause button only works if the main -Options dialog is closed. In Linux, the debug window can only be closed -by unticking the Show NMEA Debug Window box, unless the the main Options dialog is closed.

- - -

If there are NMEA sentences in the debug window, then OpenCPN has opened the port set in the Data Connections. - Note that the source of each NMEA sentence is printed after the time -stamp o each line. If your GPS port is configured, and there is no -"red" boat, then the only reasons are: no gps fix or wrong sentence -configuration from the GPS.
Messages originating from GPSD or the VDR (Voyage Data Recorder plugin) will also show up in the debug window.

- - -

For simple NMEA data stream debugging, add the following to your opencpn.ini file:Under [Settings] add a line

- DebugNMEA=1500
- This will provide up to 1500 debug messages pertaining to NMEA traffic to the
- opencpn.log.
- -

Format uploads for Furuno GP3X input filtering: - If the special Furuno gps protocol is needed, tick this box. The -reason is that Furuno uses their own version of NMEA for uploading -routes. Furuno GPS users take note. It is now allowed to use a numeric, -two digit OpenCPN route name (e.g. 10, 21, etc).

- - -

Use Garmin GRMN (Host) mode for uploads. - Make sure that this box is ticked, if you have a Garmin GPS. The -reason for this is that Garmin units cannot accept route uploads via -standard NMEA0183. This is a "design feature" of all Garmin receivers.
Use magnetic bearings in output sentence ECAPB. -Some autopilots, among them Simrad, require navigational bearings, -contained in the APB sentence, to be transmitted as Magnetic bearings -rather than as True bearings, OpenCPNs default.

- - -

Data Connections

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Two Buttons "Add Connections" and "Remove Connections", to the right of the Connections window are the key to this whole tab.
The enable choice at the start of each connection line, is handy to - organize connections, but still only use those that are needed for the -moment. Tick or un-tick, and then press "Apply", to activate the -setting.
A connection can be used for input and output at the same time, -with the reservation that they have to use the same Baud rate. For more -details, read on.
When pressing "Add Connections" two basic choices are given, a serial or a network connection.

- - -

Add a Serial Connection

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DataPort: Pick a port by pressing the \/ o the -right side of the field. If the port you are looking for does not appear - in the selection, write the correct port yourself in this field.

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Baud Rate: This is normally 4800 for GPS and 38400 - for AIS, but check the documentation for the connected device. It's -important to get this right and not just guess.

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Protocol: For future use, as only NMEA 0183 works, for now.

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Priority: Higher number equals Higher priority. -The priority is set for each NMEA sentence individually. As long as a -higher priority stream is available it's used. If this fails the next -stream in line, with lower priority, kicks in and is used, until a -higher priority stream appears. The present filter does not handle the -case where, for example position messages, are received from different -sentences.As an example, GPGLL and GPRMC both transmits the position -information. The last received of either message will be used.

- - -

Control Checksum. At the end of each NMEA sentence - is a checksum, that makes sure that sentences are correctly received. -This box is ticked by default, as OpenCPN calculates the checksum and -compares it to the received checksum. Only sentences with a valid -checksum are passed through. Un-ticking may help, if an application -calculates checksums incorrectly or if the checksums are missing.

- - -

Use Garmin (GRMN) mode for input: - Make sure that this box is ticked, if you have a Garmin GPS set to -this mode. The reason is that Garmin uses their own serial protocol.
Receive input on this Port Greyed out here as it only applies to a network connection. see more below.
Output on this port (as Autopilot or NMEA repeater ): Tick this box if the connection will be used for output. A common case is sending NMEA to an Autopilot.
APB bearing precision is greyed out unless "Output - on this port" is checked. APB is the NMEA sentence "Autopilot Sentence -'B'". The precision can be set to between 0 and 4 decimals, were 3 is -the default. Some autopilots requires a different precision than the -default, to work. Check your AP documentation.
Note that the "XTE - Measured cross track error" NMEA message, that is a part of the APB message is not adjusted by the APB bearing precision setting. It is however possible to set the precision of the XTE through the opencpn.ini / opencpn. conf file. Add a line

- - - - - - - -

[Settings]
- ......
- NMEAAPBXTEPrecision=3
- ......

- This will give you X.XXX for the XTE field precision. Default is "2", or X.XX
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Add a Network Connection

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Protocol: There are three choices of protocols TCP, UDP and GPSD.

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TCP: is a "connection-oriented" protocol which -provides a reliable link between two network endpoints. TCP ensures -that any network packets lost in transit are re-transmitted. Internet -AIS servers normally accept TCP connections as do many -serial-to-network/wifi devices.
To make a connection to a remote TCP server, enter its IP address -or hostname in the "Address" box and the TCP port on which the server -listens in the "DataPort" box. Many devices use a non-standard TCP port - rather than OpenCPN's standard 10110, so do check the server's -documentation.
If "0.0.0.0" is entered in the "Address" box, OpenCPN will act as a - TCP server accepting a connection from a remote TCP client. OpenCPN -will listen on all its host computer's network interfaces for TCP -connections to the port specified in the "DataPort" field. There should -normally be no reason to select a "DataPort" value other than the -standard 10110 unless multiple servers are required: In the current -implementation a single data connection can accept only one client. If -multiple clients wish to connect to OpenCPN, a dedicated data connection - must be provided for each and each data connection must have a -different DataPort.

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UDP: is a method of transmitting -data as simple "datagrams" without negotiating a connection between two -endpoints. It involves no detection and retransmission of data lost in -the network. Within a small home/boat network such data loss should not - normally occur and in any case, NMEA data is generally updated by -"talkers" on a regular basis. Unlike TCP which involves a connection -between two endpoints, UDP data may be received by many "listeners".
An OpenCPN UDP data connection will listen for data destined for -the specified DataPort on any system interface or the broadcast address -of any connected network. If you don't need to receive multicast data -or transmit any data, you may enter "0.0.0.0" in the "Address" box if -you are unsure of what to enter there. Alternatively you may specify the - address on which you intend to receive data. In both cases behavior -will be the same. If you wish to receive multicast data you must enter -the multicast address to which those data are being sent or the system -will not see them. If you wish to transmit any data ("Output -on this port" checked) you must put the address you wish to send data to - in the "Address" box. In all cases (transmit, receive or both) the -DataPort must be specified. For more information about broadcast and -multicast, see "Broadcast and Multicast" below.
GPSD: is a Unix/Linux gps server, which means that - several different applications can share one gps receiver. Linux users -have the choice between using serial or GPSD connections for their gps -input.
Ubuntu users take note! If gpsd is installed - use it. If you -prefer a serial connection, un-install gpsd. The reason is that gpsd -starts automatically when,for example, an USB gps is connected. This -will block the serial port that the gps communicates with( /dev/ttyUSB0 -in many cases), hence no separate serial connection to the gps is -possible. So it's an either or situation.
OpenCPN also has support for Windows clients. So a windows computer - should be able to connect to GPSD running somewhere on a network -(testing), as an alternative to an UDP connection, described earlier.

- - -

Address: The network address to connect to. In the - example above we used the broadcast address for convenience, but -specifying host to send to, and host to receive from, works as well.

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Port: The port to connect to on the network -address. The default port for UDP is 10110. Port 10110 is designated by -IANA for "NMEA-0183 Navigational Data". There should not be any reason -to change this port, but it is possible. See below. The default port -for GPSD is 2947. Do not change this!
For your own local connections use port-numbers greater than 1023 -and avoid ports used by other applications. Ports in the range 49152 -through 65535 are not assigned to other applications and should be OK. -Make sure that no firewall is blocking the port you pick.

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Network GPSD connection

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When connecting to GPSD, running on your local computer, use the settings shown above.

- - -

Connections Filter

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For each source line in the data connection windows, it's possible -to specify exactly which NMEA sentences to receive, and which ones to -drop. Similarly it's possible to control exactly which sentences to send - out to, for example, an autopilot.
The applied filters for each connection are stated in in the -"Filters" column in the Data Connection window. The default for a -connection is no filters at all.
Filtering can be observed in real time, through color coding in the Debug Window.

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Accept only sentences: Either base your filtering on stating which sentences to accept or which to ignore.
Ignore sentences: Same as above.
To select filters press the button. The dialog below becomes available.

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A lot of NMEA sentences are listed. Just tick the box to select a sentence. "Select All" or "Clear All" are also available.
For sentences not listed press "Add", and enter a new NMEA sentence.

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Your entry must conform to these rules.

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When you are finished, press "OK", your new entry will appear at -the bottom of the list of NMEA sentences to filter. It will already be -ticked, so just press "OK" until you are back in the original -Connections tab. Now press "Apply". The implemented filtering should now - be visible on the connection line. For more, see below

- - -

Receive input on this port: This box should be -ticked if you want to receive receive data on this connection. If the -connection will only be used to output to other devices it should not be - ticked. If you wish to broadcast UDP data for consumption by other -devices or programs, leaving this box unticked will save you having to -worry setting the priority of the connection to avoid data loops.
Output on this port (as Autopilot or NMEA repeater ): Tick this box if the connection will be used for output. A common case is sending NMEA to an Autopilot.
APB bearing precision is greyed out unless "Output - on this port" is checked. APB is the NMEA sentence "Autopilot Sentence -'B'". The precision can be set to between 0 and 4 decimals, were 3 is -the default. Some autopilots requires a different precision than the -default, to work. Check your AP documentation.
OpenCPN creates and sends the NMEA ECRMB and ECRMC sentences to the A/P output port when a route is activated. If variation is not otherwise present, OpenCPN includes variation, coming from the WMM plugin, if installed and enabled.

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-Input Filtering - -

Some examples to illustrate how things works.

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-Accepting the filter above leads to this in the filter column on the connection line:
-

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-If "Ignore sentences" is marked instead, the line looks like this:
-

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-Output Filtering - -

Similar to input filtering above.

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-Transmitting three sentences.
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-Send to GPS
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-Dropping them instead.
-

- -

Connection Notes

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If you already have an application connected to your -gps, on a serial port, OpenCPN will not be able to connect to the same -port. Two applications cannot use a port simultaneously. On - Linux use Gpsd in such a situation. Of course this only works if your -"other application" supports the Gpsd. As an alternative on Linux you -can use Kplex (also for Mac) or Muplex which can create pseudo terminals - ("virtual serial ports") to share NMEA data between applications.
If a NMEA sentence is filtered on an input connection and -"LegacyInputCOMPortFilterBehaviour=1" setting in opencpn.conf|ini, it -will still enter the internal multiplexer. So, it will be available to -output connections, unless it's filtered there as well. If -"LegacyInputCOMPortFilterBehaviour=0" then the message will not be -placed on the internal multiplexer. This will only work for serial -connections. Echoing back a network connection, on the input port for -output, will not work
NMEA data can also come from the VDR plugin. They will be labeled as such in the Debug Window and have "0" priority.

- -

Sending an Active Route to an Autopilot

- -

On Route activation, OpenCPN sends the ECRMB, ECRMC and ECAPB NMEA -sentences to an Auto Pilot, if it is connected to a port, with output -activated.

- -

Broadcast and Multicast

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UDP data may be delivered to more than one system when sent to certain special addresses
A "broadcast address" is listened to by all devices on a network. -It is normally formed by taking the network address (the first part of -the IP address common to all systems on your local network) and setting -the last part (the number which is different for every computer) to a -value represented by all "1"s in binary. If all your devices' addresses - start with "192.168.1", your network's broadcast address will likely be - 192.168.1.255 (255 is "11111111" in binary. This is why IPv4 addresses - written like this never contain numbers higher than 255. Except for in - the movie "The Net" and we don't talk about that). If you specify an -address ending with "255", OpenCPN assumes you mean a broadcast address. - This is not always true but will result in desired behaviour in almost - all cases.
The special broadcast address "255.255.255.255" is also listened to - by all devices. It should not normally be used to transmit data from -OpenCPN. Use your local network's broadcast address instead.
A "multicast address" is listened to only by devices which wish to -receive information on that address. IPv4 addresses in the range -224.0.0.0 - 239.255.255.255 are multicast addresses. If you specify a -multicast address for a UDP data connection, OpenCPN will tell your -computer to listen for datagrams on that address.
More than one system may send data to broadcast or multicast addresses, so this is a "many to many" communications medium.
You cannot use broadcast or multicast addresses with TCP. TCP is a "one to one" connection.
Devices must to some extent process all broadcast packets on the -network whether they are interested in them or not. Multicast packets -are normally only seen by devices which have registered an interest in a - particular multicast address. Consequently multicast is more efficient - than broadcast although this is usually of little consequence in a -small network. Despite being used by NMEA-over-IP protocols such as IEC - 61162-4 and the forthcoming NMEA OneNet, NMEA-0183 over IP multicast -is far less widely supported in marine applications than NMEA-0183 over -IP broadcast.
There is no multicast address mandated for NMEA-0183 data in this -context although you should avoid those addresses used by other -protocols. When using multicast with OpenCPN it is suggested that an -address be used in the range 239.192.0.0/14 specified by RFC 2365 as the "Organization Local Scope". If in doubt, try 239.194.4.4.
There is no mechanism in OpenCPN to specify the network interface -through which multicast packets are sent or received. This will be -determined by your system. In some cases it may be necessary to -manually adjust your system's routing table to ensure that the desired -network interface is used. Refer to your system's documentation if this - proves necessary.
If you transmit UDP broadcast or multicast, then you should - set the priority of the "real" NMEA input to something higher than the -UDP stream. If not, prepare for problems. The reason is that if - you are broadcasting, then you yourself will get the UDP message as -well, which again will be retransmitted...... Obviously, it duplicates -the "real" incoming data. Thus we get source priority flip-flop on each -message, since they have the same priority. For example set the UDP -priority to "0" and real incoming connection to "1" or higher. Multicast - loopback is not disabled for consistency with broadcast behaviour. -This means that priorities must be set as detailed above when -transmitting over multicast, but multicast communication between -multiple instances of OpenCPN on the same system remains possible.
The firewalls on some systems (e.g. OpenSuSE linux) may block -broadcast and multicast data that you wish to receive. Refer to your -system's documentation to determine how to allow such data to reach -OpenCPN.

- -

Sending Routes and Waypoints to a GPS

- -

The feature "Send to GPS", which appears in the right click menus for waypoints and routes and in the Route Manager, is not - linked to connections. The upload port does not even need to appear in -the Datastream connections list. Its a completely separate concept. - For this reason users must define a separate upload port, that is -remembered by OpenCPN. The port can be changed by clicking the button in - the Route Manager.
NMEA provides no handshake protocol for Route and Waypoint upload. -So, OpenCPN simply sends the Route/WP information out on the port, -without having any way to know if there is actually a device connected -to the port.
The Garmin protocol does provide handshaking, so OpenCPN can be -sure that the information is uploaded correctly. The Garmin protocol -will fail if the device is not a Garmin.
In the case of standard NMEA, the indication "Route successfully uploaded"
- is not very meaningful. You can say that it just means that a port was found,
- and writing to that port succeeded.
In the case of "hockey puck" GPS receivers, they probably ignore -Route and WP uploads, since there is nothing for them to do with this -information anyway.
The key to remember is that Route and Waypoint upload process is -completely independent of normal running Datastream operation. They are -two separate sub-systems.
It does no harm to assign the Datastream GPS port as an output and -input device together. Some users might reasonably expect that this -would be required for Route and W/P uploads. Most GPS receivers would -ignore input sentences other than Route and W/P uploads anyway.

-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

NMEA Sentences

For a comprehensive explanation of the NMEA protocol please read http://www.catb.org/gpsd/NMEA.html

- -

-OpenCPN Recognized NMEA Sentences:

- - -

The Core Program:

- -

HDM - Heading, Magnetic

- -

Heading Degrees, magnetic
M = magnetic

- -

HDG - Magnetic heading, deviation, variation

- -

Magnetic Sensor heading in degrees
Magnetic Deviation, degrees
Magnetic Deviation direction, E = Easterly, W = Westerly
Magnetic Variation degrees
Magnetic Variation direction, E = Easterly, W = Westerly<

- -

HDT - Heading, True

- -

Heading Degrees, true
T = True
-
RMB - Recommended Minimum Navigation Information
- -
-
To be sent by a navigation receiver when a destination waypoint is active.
-
- -
-
-
```
                                                             14
-        1 2   3 4    5    6       7 8        9 10  11  12  13|  15
-        | |   | |    |    |       | |        | |   |   |   | |   |
- $--RMB,A,x.x,a,c--c,c--c,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x.x,x.x,x.x,A,m,*hh<CR><LF>
```
-
-
- -
-
Field Number:
-
- -
1 Status, A= Active, V = Void
- -
2 Cross Track error - nautical miles
- -
3 Direction to Steer, Left or Right
- -
4 TO Waypoint ID
- -
5 FROM Waypoint ID
- -
6 Destination Waypoint Latitude
- -
7 N or S
- -
8 Destination Waypoint Longitude
- -
9 E or W
- -
10 Range to destination in nautical miles
- -
11 Bearing to destination in degrees True
- -
12 Destination closing velocity in knots
- -
13 Arrival Status, A = Arrival Circle Entered
- -
14 FAA mode indicator (NMEA 2.3 and later)
- -

-

- -

RMC -Recommended Minimum Navigation Information

- -

Time (UTC)
Status, V = Navigation receiver warning
Latitude
N or S
Longitude
E or W
Speed over ground, knots
Track Made Good, degrees true
Date, ddmmyy
Magnetic variation, degrees
E or W
*

- -

xxWPL - Waypoint Location Used to send routes and waypoints up to a GPS receiver. OpenCPN does not process these sentences as input.

- -

Latitude
N or S (North or South)
Longitude
E or W (East or West)
Waypoint Name

- -

xxRTE - Routes. Used to send routes and waypoints up to a GPS receiver.OpenCPN does not process these sentences as input.

- -

Total number of messages being transmitted
Message Number
Message Mode -
1. c = complete route, all waypoints
2. w = working route, the waypoint you just left, the waypoint you're heading to, then all the rest
-
Waypoint ID
More Waypoints

- -

GGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data

- -

Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)
Latitude
Longitude
GPS Quality Indicator
Number of satellites in view, 00 - 12
Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP)
Antenna altitude above/below mean-sea-level (geoid)
Units of antenna altitude, meters
Geoidal separation, the vertical difference between the WGS-84 elipsoid and the geoid
Units of geoidal separation, meters
Age of differential GPS data, time in seconds since last SC104
Differential reference station ID, 0000-102

- -

GLL - Geographic Position, Latitude / Longitude

- -

Latitude
N or S (North or South)
Longitude
E or W (East or West)
Time (UTC)
Status A - Data Valid, V - Data Invalid
*

- -

GSV - Satellites in view

- -

Number of sentences for full data / sentence 1 of 2
Number of satellites in view
Satellite PRN number
Elevation, degrees
Azimuth, degrees
SNR - higher is better / for up to 4 satellites per sentence

- -

VTG - Track Made Good and Ground Speed

- -

Track Degrees
T = True
Track Degrees
M = Magnetic
Speed Knots
N = Knots
Speed Kilometers Per Hour
K = Kilometers Per Hour
*

- -

GPwpl - Waypoint data, only when there is an active route (this is sometimes bidirectional).
-
-
APB - Autopilot Sentence "B" This is a fixed form of the APA sentence with some ambiguities removed.
-
- -
-
Note: Some autopilots, Robertson in particular, misinterpret -"bearing from origin to destination" as "bearing from present position -to destination". This is likely due to the difference between the APB -sentence and the APA sentence. for the APA sentence this would be the -correct thing to do for the data in the same field. APA only differs -from APB in this one field and APA leaves off the last two fields where -this distinction is clearly spelled out. This will result in poor -performance if the boat is sufficiently off-course that the two bearings - are different.
- -
-
Field Number:
-
- -
1 Status V = LORAN-C Blink or SNR warning V = general warning flag -or other navigation systems when a reliable fix is not available
- 2 Status V = Loran-C Cycle Lock warning flag A = OK or not used
- 3 Cross Track Error Magnitude
- 4 Direction to steer, L or R
- 5 Cross Track Units, N = Nautical Miles
- 6 Status A = Arrival Circle Entered
- 7 Status A = Perpendicular passed at waypoint
- 8 Bearing origin to destination
- 9 M = Magnetic, T = True
- 10 Destination Waypoint ID
- 11 Bearing, present position to Destination
- 12 M = Magnetic, T = True
- 13 Heading to steer to destination waypoint
- 14 M = Magnetic, T = True
-
-
-

-XTE - Measured cross track error Measured cross track -error is a part of the RMB message, for compatibility with some older -equipment designed to work with Loran. - -

Cross track error, measured
General warning flag V = warning
(Loran-C Blink or SNR warning)
Not used for GPS (Loran-C cycle lock flag)
Cross track error distance
L - Steer left to correct error (or R for right)
N- Distance units - Nautical miles

- - -

AIVDM - Automatic Information System (AIS) position reports from other vessels

- -

Time (UTC)
MMSI Number
Latitude
Longitude
Speed Knots
Heading
Course over Ground
Rate of turn
Navigation status

- -

AIVDO - Automatic Information System (AIS) position reports from own vessel

- -

Latitude
Longitude
Speed over ground
Course over ground
MMSI, navigational status, ship type, call sign, destination, sizes (in AIS target list)

- -

xxTTM - Tracked Target Message

- -

Target Number (0-99)
Target Distance
Bearing from own ship
Bearing Units
Target Speed
Target Course
Course Units
Distance of closest-point-of-approach
Time until closest-point-of-approach "-" means increasing
"-" means increasing
Target name
Target Status
Reference Target

- -

xxTLL - Target Latitude and Longitude

- -

Target Number (not used/ignored)
Latitude
Longitude
Name
Status
Reference Target (not used/ignored)

- -

xxOSD - Own Ship Data

- -

Heading, degrees true
Status, A = Data Valid
Vessel Course, degrees True
Course Reference
Vessel Speed
Speed Reference
Vessel Set, degrees True
Vessel drift (speed)
Speed Units

-FPROS - GPSGate Buddy Position Update. - -

Latitude
Hemisphere N/S
Longitude
Hemisphere E/W
Altitude in meters above sea level
Speed over ground in knots
Heading over ground in degrees
Date
Time UTC
Name of buddy this position info belongs to.

- -

CDDSC - Digital Selective Calling Information
CDDSE - Extended Digital Selective Calling Information, including a more accurate position.

- - - - - - - -

For more details on how OpenCPN interprets all recognized sentences, look at the "AIS_DecoderA.cpp" file in the source code.
- For the Dashboard plugin, look at the different files in the "nmea0183" directory.

- - -

The Dashboard Plugin recognises the following input NMEA sentences:

- -

DBT - Depth Below Transducer
DPT - Depth of Water
GGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data
GLL - Geographic Position - Latitude/Longitude HDG Heading - Deviation & Variation
HDM - Heading - Magnetic
HDT - Heading - True
MTA - Air Temperature (obsolete)
MDA - Meteorological Composite (obsolete)
MTW - Mean Temperature of Water
VLW - Distance Traveled through Water
MWD - Wind Direction & Speed
MWV - Wind Speed and Angle
RMC - Recommended Minimum Navigation Information
RSA - Rudder Sensor Angle
VHW - Water speed and heading
VTG - Track made good and Ground speed
VWR - Relative Wind Speed and Angle
VWT - True Windspeed and Angle (obsolete)
ZDA -Time & Date - UTC, day, month, year and local time zone
AIVDO - Automatic Information System (AIS) position reports from own vessel

-^*
-NMEA version 2.3.added a mode indicator to many sentences to indicate what
-kind of fix the receiver has. The value can be one of
-A=autonomous
-D=differential
-E=Estimated
-N=not valid,
-S=Simulator.
-Sometimes there can even be a null value as well.
-The A and D are the only vales that will indicate an Active and reliable Sentence.
-This mode character has been added to the end of RMC, RMB, VTG, and GLL sentences.
-Optionally, to some others as well, including the BWC and XTE sentences.
-
- Go to Table Of Contents

GPS Status

- The default Ownship icon is rendered as grey

if there is no valid gps position fix available and like this when a gps fix is available

-
-The GPS status is also indicated all the way to the right along the top - of the screen, together with the North Up/ Course Up Indicator, unless -this position is covered by the floating ToolBar. The GPS status is then - found bottom left.
-
-This windows visibility is user settable in Options->User Interface-> Show Compass/GPS Status Window. Short cut "Ctrl-I"
-The status icons should be interpreted as fallows:
-
-

No GPS data at all, or position not available.
-
-

GPS position available, and good for navigation
-
-

Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 1 - 4 satellites, if available from GPS receiver.
-
-

Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 5 - 9 satellites, if available from GPS receiver.
-
-

Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 10+ satellites, if available from GPS receiver.
-
-In real life, various gps receivers may behave slightly different, especially when starting up and finding satellites.
-
-The small dialog, containing the GPS indicator and the Course Up / North - Up indicator, can be toggled on/off with the "Ctrl+i" shortcut.
-
-The GPS status, including available satellites, is also available as an instrument on the DashBoard.
-
-GPS and low accuracy charts.
-OpenCPN is checking loaded charts for accuracy as far as possible. If -there is a problem with a chart, the chart info box that becomes visible - when holding the cursor over the chart rectangle in the chart bar, will - say " Warning: Chart georef accuracy is poor."
-
-

-
-A visual warning is that Own Ship turns from Red to Yellow when receiving a gps signal.
-
-

First is a real scale vector version and then. the default OwnShip bitmap
-
-
-
-There is no quick fix for a bad chart, but try to switch to another -chart if using single mode chart display. If quilting is on, right-click - on the chart button in the chart-bar and select "Hide this chart". -Both suggestions assumes that the bad chart can be replaced by other -charts, which of course isn't always possible.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Advanced Features

Don't edit the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN is running.
A VHF/DSC or an AIS/SART emergency are treated the same way. A small dialog pops up and the audio alarm is set off.
An audio alarm can now mean three different things. Apart from DSC -and SART it could also be an AIS warning about a target coming to close.
- If all these alarms are set of at the same time, what will happen?
- The alarms will show according to their priorities.
- The priorities are
- *SART - This is equal to a MAYDAY!
- *DSC - This is equal to a MAYDAY!
- *AIS
If two alarms of the same priority are triggered at the same time, the nearest will be shown.
So... for your own safety if an alarm is triggered, evaluate the full situation near your boat.
-
Let's take a look at some of OpenCPN's other advanced features.
-

AIS

For a general introduction to AIS, Wikipedia is a good place to start.
-The screen-dump below gives you a first feel for how AIS targets are presented and used in OpenCPN.
-
-
-
-The Lookahead mode is activated here and our own vessel is -proceeding 352 deg at 13.8 kts, leaving an activated track behind, and -projecting a dashed line ahead representing the course. This ends in a -dot, that represents where we will be in 6 minutes, or 1.38 nautical -miles ahead. We are meeting a vessel, steaming in the opposite direction - following the traffic separation. This target also has a line and a dot - in-front of it representing course and where it will be in 6 -minutes(user configurable), and a track behind it.. The two blue dots -with a red/yellow line between them, represents where the vessels will -be at CPA - closest point of approach, or when the are nearest each -other, with present courses and speeds. The meeting vessel is red, as it is a potential danger to us. An AIS target alert dialog has just popped up.
-
-There is a lot of information about the vessels that transmits AIS signals.
-

- -

-The cursor is on top of the the meeting vessel on a SW course. As we - have not yet received full information, this can take a while, we don't - get the name but an id number, the so called MMSI number, instead. -Exactly what is shown in the yellow pop-up is configured in the AIS tabs - Rollover heading.
-

- -

This vessel is identified by name, and has a green color, as it does not represent any danger to our navigation.
-

- -

AIS Target Query
-

-What is an MMSI number?
-Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a number identifying a ship - in communication. MMSI consists of nine digits. All VHF units using -Digital Selective Call (DSC), are programmed with the vessels MMSI. The -same applies for AIS and EPIRBs.
-
-What is an IMO Number?
-International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers - are a unique reference for ships and for registered ship owners and -management companies. They were introduced under the SOLAS Convention to - improve maritime safety and security and to reduce maritime fraud. For -ships, the IMO number remains linked to the hull for its lifetime, -regardless of a change in name, flag, or owner. ( from Wikipedia )
- -

- -

If we instead of just hovering the cursor on an object, double -click it, the dialog above pops up. A lot of relevant information is -displayed. CPA, "Closest Point of Approach", to ownship is 12.7 miles in - 12min 57s.
-More information about the target itself, is available on Internet address: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi="MMSI number here", in this case: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=233150000
-

- -

Buttons in the Target Query Dialog

- -

Create Waypoint drops a mark at the targets current position.
-
-Record Track/ Stop Recording
-Pressing the "Reckord Track" button brings up a new dialog
-
-
-
-The recently recorded track of the "Poseidon Leader" will appear in the -Route & Mark managers track tab on a line starting with "AIS -Poseidon Leader.....".
-If the "Yes" button is pressed, the Target Query Dialog button ""Record -Track" changes to "Stop Recording". All tracks recorded will behave -just like any other track.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Right-clicking a target brings up a dialog focused on AIS.
-
-

- -

Aids to Navigation AtoN

- -

More and more aids to navigation are equipped with an ais transmitter, and shows up as a target in OpenCPN like this
-
-
-Note the word "Real", that says that this is an object that exists in reality.
-
-
-Here we have an AIS transmitter on a floating W Cardinal Mark.
-This is of course real and the buoy is on position. If the buoy is off position, for some reason, the Aton icon becomes red.
-
-
-There are also Virtual AtoNs marked with their own icon .
-Virtual AtoNs are used to quickly make mariners aware of things like new - wrecks, uncharted hazards and floating debris. They are normally used -for a short duration until replaced by real buoy, charted, removed or -dispersed.
-
-Virtual AtoNs are also used for information. An example...the position -of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center. Note the word -"Virtual" in the dialog.
-
-
-

- - - - - - - -

OpenCPN handles the situation where MMSI is set to 0 (zero). This - can occur with an incorrectly configured Aton. Nevertheless, all -available information is shown.

- -

-AIS update rate.

- -

How often are the AIS information updated from each target?
-The required update rates from an AIS target transmitter is shown below.

- - - - - - - -

- - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Update Rates
		Class A	Class B

Static Data		6min	6min

Dynamic Data	< 3kn moored	3min
	upto 2kn	10s	3min
	> 2kn		30s
	< 14kn (turning)	10s (3.33s)
	< 23kn (turning)	6s (2s)
	> 23kn	2s

- -

The AIS Target List

-
-

-Another way to present the AIS information. The AIS target list is available through the right click menu.
-
-Sorting targets
-Click on the header in a column to sort according to this criteria. For -example, clicking "Range" sorts the targets with the nearest target on -top. Click one more time to get the target, furthest away on top. There -is an "autosort" checkbox. When checked, auto sort is on. May be -unchecked/rechecked any time. The autosort checkbox is automatically -unchecked when target count exceeds 1000. However... It may be rechecked - directly by the user, even if the target count is exceeded, and will -stay checked.
-Active Search And Rescue Target (SART) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress targets, will always stay at the top of the list, even when sorting.
-
-AIS targets with Lat > +/-85 deg will show brg "unavailable". OpenCPN is not suited for Polar Navigation.
-Target Info button: Click on a target to highlight it and then click the button to display the information dialog.
-Center View button: Highlight a target an click this button and the screen will center on the target.
-Create WPT. Drop a waypoint at the current position of the target.
-Hide All Tracks If tracking is on in -Options->Ships->Ais Targets, all tracks will disappear from the -screen. Read more furher down this page.
-Show All Tracks Will reverse the previous option, and -show all available tracks. If Options->Ships->Ais Targets is off, -tracking will start for all targets.
-Toggle Tracks
-
-Note the first column in the list "Trk". This indicates the current status of tracking for each target.
-
-AutoSort See "Sorting Targets" above, for an explanation of this box.
-Limit Range: The list will only show targets with a range less than, or equal to this value.
-Target Count: Total number of AIS targets.
- -

AIS Transponder and Ownship.

- -

OpenCPN does not show the ownship (i.e. AIVDO message) neither as an -AIS target, nor in the target list. AIVDO is processed only in the main -navigation thread.
-Earlier releases did show ownship, but this was a bug, simply an illusion.
-The earlier presence of AIVDO (ownship) information in the data stream, -really only indicated that the transponder was turned on and received -GPS signals. The only true way to monitor the output of a transponder, is with a separate AIS receiver.

- -

AIS data port

- -

Select your AIS input port in the Connection Tab. The AIS button in -the ToolBar, appears different according to the following conditions.
- - AIS Alive. The default AIS button. This icon appears as soon as an AIS -port is active in the tool-box. It is also the normal state with an AIS -receiver working and with no targets of interest.
-
-AIS - Alive and Activity, a small green circle will illuminate in the lower -right corner of the Ais buton. If there is at least one AIS message -every 4 seconds, the light will remain illuminated.
-
- - AIS Suppressed. This icon indicates only that target suppression is -activated in the AIS tab in the ToolBox. Referring to the picture above -there are two sort of suppression:
-* Suppress display of all moored/anchored targets, max speed specified in dialog.
-* Suppress Alerts for moored/anchored targets.
-This icon will be over-ridden with the AIS alarm button if an alarm is, -or becomes, active according to the AIS tab alarms settings in the -toolbox.
-
- - AIS Alarm. A target exist that raises the alarm as defined in the AIS -tab in the ToolBox. It is the three settings "CPA Calculations", that -rules if and when an alarm is raised.
-
- - AIS Disabled. No targets, if available, are shown on the screen. This -button toggles with the other buttons. For example, if the AIS alarm -button is visible, click the button and it will change to the "AIS -Disabled" button, and all targets, alarms etc, disappears from the -display. Click again and the original button and AIS display comes back.

- -

The ToolBox AIS Tab

- - -

- -

This tab controls the behavior of many thing in the -AIS display. There are no "best" settings. It all depend on where you -are, what kind of navigation you are into and what kind of vessel you -are on. It is your responsibility to evaluate this.
-
-CPA calculation: Rules for when the Closest Point of -Approach- CPA (when two vessels are nearest each other) and the Time For - Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) is calculated, and when warnings are -activated.
-There are three tick boxes, which can be activated with user set values.
-
-No CPA Calculation if target range is greater than (NMi)
-If the vessel is far away it is less interesting to calculate CPA. In a -busy waterway this could cut down on clutter and processing speed if a -reasonable value is set.
-Warn if CPA is less than(NMI)
-Similar arguments to No 1. This controls when a warning for minimum CPA -distance is given. A warning can be both on the screen and a sound. The -CPA is shown on the screen when a warning is active.
-..and TCPA is less than (min)
-This Box can only be activated if the previous box is active. If the -minimum CPA is far in the future, it's not so interesting. If it's hours - away, both vessels have probably changed speed and course in the -meantime. Set TCPA to a reasonable value value depending on -circumstances. A lower value if negotiating a busy waterway. A higher -value when offshore. Many factors plays a role here. If you need to get -off watch crew up on deck for a manoeuvre, take this into account, for -example. Do you find that you get to many useless alarms? Consider -lowering this value and/or the CPA value.
-
-If a target is within the distance set in #1 and without an active -warning, theCPA can be shown anyway through right-clicking on the -target.
-
-
-
-"Show Target CPA" toggles with "Hide Target CPA"
-
-More About Target CPA, a few more tricks are available.

- -

Lost Targets: Rules for how lost targets should be handled on the display.

- -

-Mark Target as lost after (min)
-Target is regarded as lost if no transmission are received for the -number of minutes set here, the target will change on the display and -have a black bar across.
-Remove lost targets after (min)
-The lost target will be removed from the display after the number of minutes set here.
-
-Display: If and how a vessels course and speed should be displayed and if stationary vessels should be on the screen.
-
-Show target COG predictor arrow, length (min)
-An arrow will be shown in front of the vessel representing it's COG -(Course Over Ground). The length of this arrow and the dot at the end of - it represents the calculated position in the number of minutes set -here. Set easily calculated values. If a vessel approaches you doing 15 -kts and the time is set to 6 minutes, the dot will be 1.5 nautical miles - ahead of the vessel.

- - - - - - - -

The width of the "Target COG predictor arrow" can be adjusted in the opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below and adjust the value.
- AISCOGPredictorWidth=3
- Warning: Don't edit to the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN is running.

- -

To track or not to track?

- -

This choice below boils down to two basic scenarios.

- -

All targets will be tracked, with the option of turning off tracks for selected targets.
No targets will be tracked, with the option of starting to track selected targets

- -

There are more about tracks in the section "AIS Target List" above.
-Note the first column in the Target list -> "Trk". This indicates the current status of tracking for each target.

- -

Show target tracks, length (min)
-This is the basic setting that can be refined in the "AIS Target list". -With this box ticked targets are tracked even if they are not displayed. - Start out with this option ticked, if you hesitate. Come back and -fintune the settings later on, if necessary.

- -

A track will be shown behind a target. This helps to judge the target vessels intentions.
-
-
-
-When this option is ticked, the context sensitive AIS menu changes to -include the toggle option "Hide Target Track" / "Show Target Track".
-
-
-
-When this option is not ticked, the context sensitive -AIS menu changes to include the toggle option "Show Target Track" / -"Hide Target Track". A big difference, in this case, is that OpenCPN has - no record of the track. The tracking will start from the moment "Show -Target Track" is clicked.
-
-Hide anchored/moored targets, speed max (kn)
-A target - will not be displayed if the speed is less than the value set here. -There are two exceptions to this rule, Aids to Navigation (Aton) and -"Vessels Not Under Command". The rule is aimed at catching anchored or -moored vessels. The "Navigational Staus" is set by the ships and may -not be correct.
-Be aware that the COG arrow will not be shown for any target with a COG -less than this value, hence it's important to enter a very low value.
-
-Show Area Notices(from AIS binary messages). More about AIS Area Messages here.
-
-Show AIS targets real size. Zooming in on a target will - eventually show a rectangle using the real size , if available. The -picture below also shows how differences in course and heading are -treated.

- -

Show names with AIS targets at scale greater than 1:[select value]
-With this box activated.....this is what you get!
-
-

- - - - - - - -

Note that this setting also controls if a numerical value will be displayed alongside a tidal current arrow.

- -

-
-Treat WPL sentences as APRS position reports.
-APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is utilized by HAM radio -operators around the world.The NMEA WPL sentence is shorthand for for -"waypoint location". If this box is ticked, a WPL sentence will be -assumed to be an AIS-like APRS target.
-
-
-Rollover: Tick the boxes for the kind of information -shown when hovering with the cursor over a target. This is what you get -with all the settings ticked.

- -

-CPA/TCPA Alerts and DSC/SART Emergencies: When an alert - is triggered, a jagged circle in red is drawn around the target that -set off the alarm. Additional events can be set here, drawing more -attention to the alarm. For practical navigation, make sure your alarm -sound is set.
-
-Show CPA/TCPA Alert Dialog
-Shows an alert dialog on the screen with target information when an -alarm is triggered. This setting only applies to AIS CPA/TCPA alerts. A - DSC/SART emergency will always generate a dialog.
-Play Sound on CPA/TCPA Alert Dialog and DSC/SART emergencies
-Sounds an alarm when an alarm is triggered.
-Supress alerts for anchored /moored targets
-Don't show alarms for anchored and moored targets.
-
-Select Alert Sound. Select an alarm that suits you, -instead of the installed default sound. This alarm will also be used if -an anchor watch is set. Due to copyright issues, only a few sound files -are included. The default location for these files are -"/usr/share/opencpn/sounds/" on Linux and typically C:\Program -Files\OpenCPN\sounds on Windows XP. Users can add their own generic -".wav" sound files. These files can be in any suitable place in the -file-system.
-
-Test Alert Sound. Test the selected sound and make sure this important feature is working
-
-Enable Target Alert Acknowledge timeout. Once a target alert is acknowledged, wait the set number of minutes before the alert comes up again (if still applicable).
-

- -

The Toolbox MMSI Tab

-
-

- -

Read all about this tab here Setting Options

- -

-
-When exactly is an alarm activated?

- -

An alert is set off if your boat is approaching the -CPA, the blue dot on the extension of the course line, and the -previously discussed set of conditions are met. Once the distance to the - CPA increases, this happens when the involved vessels has passed each -other, the alarm stops, even if the other conditions still apply.
-

- - - - - - - -

One user noticed an alert every few seconds, yet the target was still green. The explanation is:
- Variation between alert status and ship icon color is due to rapid -changes in target course/speed. The target color can change from red to -green while the alert dialog is showing. This may happen so fast that -the red icon is not actually seen. OpenCPN does not automatically cancel - the alert dialog in this case, in order to not mask information.

- -

+++

- -

Types of Transponders recognized by OpenCPN
-Class A
-Class B
-APRS Automatic Packet Reporting System Targets
-ARPA Automatic Radar Plotting Aid Tagets
-ATON Aid to Navigation, both "Virtual" and "Real".
-BASE Base Station
-DSC Digital Selective Calling Targets
-GPSG_BUDDY GpsGate Buddy Targets
-SAR Aircraft Aircraft participating in Search and Rescue.
-SART Search and Rescue Transponder Targets
-
-OpenCPN Remembers the Names of seen and fully -identified target. The names are cached internally and helps Identify -targets quicker on next start. Targets not yet fuly identified, were the - name comes from the cache, are displayed lime green. See example below.
-The AIS name caching can be turned off in the opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file by adding a line like this.
-[Settings]
-.....
-EnableAISNameCache=0
-.......
-
-Quick Reference for targets:
-Note that AIS targets reporting position unavailable will be rendered in grey colour.
-
- An active AIS SART and is a distress call equal to a "Mayday" transmission.
-More about AIS SART.
-
- Icon displayed when testing an AIS-SART device.
-
- Aircraft participating in Search and Rescue.
-
- Potential Danger.
-
- No Danger. Not Identified (Static voyage data not received)
-
- No Danger. Not Identified (Name from cached data)
-
- No Danger. Identified
-
- Lost Target
-
- Ship which has lost fix - position unavailable. Displayed at the last known position.
-
- Vessel not under command.
-
- Vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre.
-

- -

 Vessel constrained by draft.
-
-  Vessel aground.

- -

- Vessel engaged in fishing.
-
- - High Speed- and Wing In Ground- crafts. This includes Hydrofoils, -Hovercrafts and low flying crafts utilising the ground effect.
-
- - Anchored or moored. Displayed when the transmitted "Navigation status" -is "at anchor" or "Moored". There is no guarantee that this status is -correct, as it is set manually on the transmitting ship...
-
-...illustrated - by this ship. Note the black line on the yellow circle. This indicate -that the vessel is turning to port (left), also illustrated by the lag -in the display update. ROT - Rate Of Turn is available in the "Ais -Target Query" dialog, through the right click menu.
-
- - The V-shape stern indicates a Class B target. Tugboats and pilot boats -very often carry Class B transponders. These are often designed -specifically for small commercial boats, fishing boats and pleasure -crafts.
-
- Targets is complying with the Euro AIS Inland specification.
-
- - This vessel has the "Inland Blue Flag" set, it's a part of the -European, Inland AIS standard. The "Blue Flag" signal, commonly seen on -inland waters, indicates that the vessel requests a "stbd-stbd" passage -or crossing. This Blue Signal is manually switched on/off, by the -target.
-
- Aton, Aid to Navigation, for example a Lighthouse or a Buoy with an AIS transmitter.
-
- Aton, Aid to Navigation, that is off it's suposed position. For example a buoy equiped with AIS that has come adrift.
-
- - Virtual Aton, Virtual Aid to Navigation, not a real marker. Can be -useful for a range of situations. A new wreck, is one example. Further explanations.
-
- Virtual Aton, off position. Actually seen in the wild, but may be a user config error.
-
- AIS Base Station
-
-The following tagets only displays if DSC messages, GpsGate mesages, -Radar or APRS messages are mixed in to the incomming AIS stream, by -using, for example a multiplexer. More on the following pages.
-
- DSC Station. Only the DSC message received. The position contains only degrees and minutes of Latitude and Longitude.
-
- DSC Station. DSC and - DSE messages received. The DSE message contains the missing decimals of - minutes of Latitude and Longitude. The result is a much more accurate -position.
-
- DSC Station transmitting a distress signal. Treat this as a "Mayday" call.
-
- GpsGate Buddy target.
-
- ARPA Target
-
- APRS Target
-
-
- Go to Table Of Contents
-

AIS SART

- The US FCC has recently approved -transmissions by AIS SART devices. These devices were originally -designed for SOLAS class ships as an alternative to radar SARTs for -carriage on life boats, but the efficiency of design has encouraged -applications down to man-over-board devices. (www.exactearth.com/media-centre/exactblog,May 3, 2012)
-
-Search And Rescue Transponders (SART) or PLB transmitting AIS messages -are now available on the market. In an emergency situation the position - will be displayed as an AIS target in OpenCPN. AIS SART can be a -device on a vessel, in a life raft or a personal Man Over Board (MOB) -device.
-
-If you and your crew have personal locator beacons, transmitting - AIS emergency messages, and the MMSI number of each device is entered -in Options->Ships->MMSI Properties->New, OpenCPN from version -4.0, will automatically work as a man overboard tracking device.
-Read more in Man Over Board .
-
-The common thing is that the icon below marks an emergency.
-
-

SART icon, distress target display. This is a "Mayday".
-
-On OpenCPN a distress signal sent by a SART, triggers an visual alert -and a warning sound, if this is activated in the ToolBox-->AIS Tab.
-
-

-
-Once the alert is "Acknowledged", the target behaves as any other AIS -target. In the picture below the cursor is over the target. The SART -target will persist on screen for 18 minutes after the last transmission - irrespective of other settings for AIS.
-SART alerts always have priority over DSC and CPA alerts.
-
-
-

-
-And here is an AIS target query.
-
-

-
-AIS SART messages and DSC distress calls are always found at the top of the AIS target list.
-
-

-
-Testing
-It is possible to test a SART, to make sure it works.
-
-

-
-

Icon displayed when testing an AIS-SART device.
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

AIS Area Messages

- To display the messages, tick the Options->Ships->AIS Targets->Show area notices(from AIS binary messages).
-
-Many countries around the maritime world are testing the AIS binary messages. Expect a lot of development in this area.
-
-In OpenCPN, this is very much a work in progress, the areas were only added April 2012 and the messages in December 2012.
-
-Areas and the messages included for each area, are available.
-In the US, Cape Cod is transmitting experimental Right Whale information. For testing, copy vislab-ccom.unh.edu/ais/notices.aivdm into a text file and point the VDR (Voyage Data Recording) plugin to this file.
-These messages are updated quite often.
-
-

-
-The area messages are found as the first entries in a normal object -query for vectorcharts. The easiest way to display this dialog is to -just double click in an area. The screen picture above shows that this -works for RNC:s (raster charts) as well as ENC:s (vector charts). The -first notice above is for the yellow tinted rectangular area while he -second notice is for one of the circles outlined in green.
-
-An overview of available massages compiled by IALA.
-IALA has agreed to maintain a collection of regional applications for -the AIS Application Specific Messages that are in use. The intent is to -provide an overview to all interested parties of what currently exists.
-The overview of available messages is available here.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

More About Target CPA

- OpenCPN displays warnings about -targets CPA & TCPA according to the setup in the AIS tab. But it's -also possible to show CPA & TCPA for any target, that is no -immediate danger, but where internal CPA calculation is still done, to -assist in the decision making.
-
-The AIS rollover window shows the CPA and TCPA of a target :
-
-

-
-But it doesn't tell us where we and the target are at CPA, and if the target passes in front of us or behind us (i.e. should we speed up or slow down ?).
-
-See the following (real) example:
-We are sailing hard on the wind, while a vessel is approaching us, more -or less from the wind direction. A CPA of 0.78 miles is normally safe, -but there is this island in our way, meaning we had to tack towards the -vessel, and it is still 14 minutes to go ...
-
-

-
-What will happen with our CPA after the tack ?
-Have we already passed each other or do we get closer when tacking just in front of the island ?
-The answer to these questions is a context sensitive menu for AIS targets. Move the
-mouse over the target, and when you see the CPA / TCPA info in the rollover window,
-
-

-
-you can right click and select “Show AIS Target CPA”.
-
-

-
-The function is only available when we have a “valid CPA”, i.e. when the rollover shows
-CPA and TCPA (it uses the internal CPA calculation).
-
-It simply shows the “CPA line” which is used in case of a CPA alert :
-
-

-
-Showing the CPA-line as in the screen-shot above, makes life much easier. Nothing to worry about ...
-
-At CPA ...
-• we will be just in front of the island, exactly at our tacking position and
-• she'll already be behind us (CPA line points backwards from our CPA position)
-The CPA line is constantly updated, so you can follow the situation.
-
-This is, what it looked like directly after our tack
-
-

-
-To get rid of the CPA line for a specific target, right-click on the target and select “Hide AIS Target CPA”.
-
-

-
-As already mentioned, the CPA line is shown only, when there is a valid CPA.
-A minute later, we don't have a CPA anymore for the target --> the CPA line isn't drawn anymore !.
-
-

-
-Another example :
-
-

-
-He'll pass behind us, so “full steam ahead !”
-
-Monitoring several targets
-You can also monitor more than one target in parallel. Simply right-click on a second target and “Show AIS target CPA line”
-Situation could be :
-What happens to a second target if I get out of the way of the first one ?
-
-

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-
-

Radar Targets

- 3.3 Beta feature.
-Some radars are able to create NMEA radar sentences from observed targets.
-The ARPA targets, except for the way the data is acquired, are treated exactly as if they were AIS, including timeouts.
-
-
-

-
-
-

Arpa Target
-
-

Arpa Target
-
-Implementation details: https://github.com/nohal/OpenCPN/wiki/ARPA-targets-tracking-implementation
-Discussion: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/radar-nmea-messages-104048.html#post1239386

DSC and Buddy via AIS.

- If DSC or GPSGate Buddy-messages are -available in an incoming NMEA 0183 data stream, OpenCPN will show them -with their own icons, and they will show in the "AIS Target list". They -are not a part of AIS, but are displayed the same way, for convenience.
-
-DSC is used on all new VHF set (or should be!). More on Wikipedia. To use this feature, check that your VHF set outputs NMEA 0183, in a way that can be connected to OpenCPN.
-
-GPSGate is a commercial GPS tracking and sharing service. GPSGate Buddy Tracking is part of that service.
-
-Make sure that Options--> AIS Targets -->"Play Sound on CPA/TCPA -Alerts" box is ticked, otherwise the alarm sound (see below) will not be - heard.
-
-If OpenCPN receives a DSC Distress call, an alarm will be triggered, both visually and by sound.
-
-
-

-
-A VHF/DSC distress call is treated in the same way as an AIS/SART call. Both should be treated as MAYDAY calls.
-
-Quick Reference.
-
-
-

DSC Station. Only the DSC message received. The position contains only degrees and minutes of Latitude and Longitude.
-
-

DSC Station. DSC and DSE - messages received. The DSE message contains the missing decimals of -minutes of Latitude and Longitude. The result is a much more accurate -position.
-
-

DSC Station transmitting a distress signal. This is a "Mayday".
-
-

GpsGate Buddy target.
-
-
-
-
-A normal DSC target, is someone using a dsc-capable VHF
-
-

-
-Distress message via DSC, Digital selective Calling, from an unidentified AIS target.
-
-

-
-A green Buddy target on an island.
-
-

-
-The AIS Target List View
-

-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Extended Marks

-For the basics of marks se this page: Marks and Routes
-
-The properties of Extended marks described on this page expands the use of marks.
-It is now possible, for example, to make a interactive Cruising Pilot.
-An extended mark is sometimes called a POI, a point of interest.
-
-The "Mark/WP Properties" looks like this for a default mark.
-
-

-
-The dialog is available by double-clicking the mark, in the right-click menu or through the Route Manager.
-
-The Basic tab.
-Name: Give the mark a suitable name. This will be visible on the chart, but can be hidden by un-ticking the Show Name box.
-Icon: Change the default icon for the mark. Only the "Name" will be displayed if selecting the "Empty" icon.
-The position of the mark: You can drag the mark with the mouse to the desired position or enter the correct Latitude and Longitude in these fields.
-Right clicking anywhere in the latitude or longitude display gives you -the sub dialog shown above. Latitude and longitude can be copied -separately or together. A copied lat/long will be available in the paste - buffer, and will be displayed if you activate the "Jump to position..." - dialog. It is also possible to paste a position. A Paste will try to be - smart about parsing the format, and accepts a lot of different -syntaxes. Even the GPX <wpt lat="0.00" long="0.00"> should work.
-Arrival Radius Read more in Setting Options , where the default is set. The arrival radius can also be set individually for each waypoint.
-Description: Enter anything about the mark. Long descriptions can be read easier by switching to the Description Tab. See examples below.
-
-

-
-

-
-Links: Marks can, as an option, have embedded links to -the Internet or the the local computer. These are either opened in the -default browser or through the default application, for example for -pictures or pdf files.
-For security reasons, the links does not work for launching other programs.
-
-Create a link by pressing Add. Give the link a good description in the new dialog.
-Enter an Internet address in URL or find a local file through the button Local File..
-
-

-
-The new link will appear under Links. Add more links as required.
-Edit links by pressing the "Edit" button. The -description will change from "Links are opened in the default browser." -to " Links are opened for editing" when the button is pressed. The color - of the "Edit" button gets a grayer shade when it is pressed down. Press - once more to release the button. Press once - the button is down. Press - again - the button is released and goes up.
-
-

-
-

-
-Right-click an existing link for a related action menu.
-
-

-
-In the illustrated case, the link was to a local JPG picture, that opens - in the default program associated with the jpg extension.
-
-

-
-If the mark belongs to a Layer, it can't be changed. A warning about this appears above the name of the mark
-
-
-

-
-The Description Tab
-This is simply an expanded view of the Description box in the Basic tab.
-
-The Extended Tab
-Show on Chart: Untick this box, and the mark will not -show on the chart. To make it visible again, use the Route Managers -Waypoint Tab. Click the "Icon" column, to the far left, on the line with - the waypoint.
-GUID is a unique identifier for the mark.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

The Route Manager and Gpx Data

Through the Route & Manager OpenCPN can save and load waypoints, routes, tracks and layers using the GPX transfer format.
This lets you save your routes and marks so you can have more than -the active ones - for example to do route planning, or archive existing -data.
GPX format is supported by a wide variety of programs.

- -

You can have as many saved files as you wish, there are no limits on the number of saved files.
Use this for passage planning by saving multiple possible routes for a passage.
Save routes and tracks for historical/log purposes.
Prepare layers as an aid to navigation en route.
All Navigation Objects on this page, except for "Temporary Layers", are persistent between sessions. More here:Navigation Data Backup
All objects visibility is toggled by clicking the "eye" , - or other icon, to the left of the route/track/waypoint/layers name, on -each line. A red X across the "eye" or icon (for marks) means that the -object is invisible.
All objects can be sorted by the header in the -columns in the Manager. By clicking "Route Name below, the routes will -be sorted alphabetically, pressing once again reverses the order. -Similar for the column "To", the destination.
Select multiple objects in the Routes, Tracks, or Waypoints tabs, individually by CTRL + leftclick, or in group by SHIFT + leftclick, for export or deletion.
Double-clicking on a Waypoint, Route or Track brings up the respective Properties dialog.
- -
Routes
-
-
Click the "eye" - to the far left on the line with the route to toggle if the route is -displayed or hidden on the chart. A small dialog let you choose, if -existing marks, included in a route, will also become invisible. When a -route is turned visible, all the shared waypoints are also made visible. - Once a route is deleted, such a mark will go back to be a "normal" -waypoint.
To Sort routes click "Route Name" or "To"
Properties:This button brings up a new dialog with settings that can be changed for each route.
Wpt 005 is right-clicked, and new dialog has popped up. The -waypoint properties can be reached and edited. For example, change the -default name, "005" in this case, to something more appropriate. Read -more in the Extended Marks -section. The waypoint can also be deleted. The last entry, "Copy all as -text" copies all Route Properties for pasting into a text or Spreadsheet - document.
Plan Speed The overall planned speed for the -route. The speed for each leg can be set by going to the waypoint -Properties->Description tab for the waypoint that starts the leg, and - write in the speed. For example " VMG=9.7". [Unfortunately this approach presently excludes writing descriptions for the waypoint. One or the other, be warned!] The Plan Speed value is persistent and will be used for further routes, unless changed. The default value is 6.0 knots.
Departure Time:With no departure time the ETE -(Estimated Time En route) is calculated. Enter a Departure Time and the -ETA will be calculated. Make sure to press "Enter/Return" after entering - a departure time. This guarantees that the entered time is used in -calculations.
- To enter the present time, enter ">" (meaning: "Now") in the departure time box. This works provided "Time shown as" -> Local@PC - is selected. Press "Enter" and all the times in the "ETA" column will -change. ">" differs from entering the same time manually, say -"5/23/2011 08:00":
- "5/23/2011 08:00" - calculates departure at 0800 on May 23rd 2011 from the first waypoint of the route
- - ">" - issued at 0800 on May 23rd 2011 - calculates departure Now -from the current boat position, including the distance to the first -waypoint of the route
Times shown as: UTC is a new name for GMT. LMT is a - local mean time based on the present longitude. For Local Zone Time one - can also enter the keyword "now".
Color: Set the displayed color of the track or keep the default.
Style: Solid, dashes, dots, a combination or keep the default.
Width: Set the width of the track or keep or keep the default.
Marking a line with the leg number and the destination Waypoint in - the Properties Dialog also marks the Waypoint on the chart with a blue -square.
The lower part of the Route properties dialog now has a Print Route button. It is possible to first select what features to print before being sent to the normal print routine.
Extend Route:Extending is possible only when it is - obvious, what should be joined with the current route (current = -visible in the Dialog). Eligible are all visible route points shared -with, or lying nearby to the current route's endpoint. If there is -exactly 1 such point, then it is considered obvious, and the Extend -button is enabled. If there are more, some should be hidden before -proceeding, until just 1 remains.
- Routes are extended forward, based on the geographic -location, next route point must be very near, as when mouse-extending -the route. If the next route point is to far away for extending, just -create the joining leg and extend twice.
Split Route:For splitting, the split point is -selected as the row in the listing. The point-of-split becomes part of -both new routes (shared) or tracks (cloned). Original route/track is -deleted.
Here is a basic example of first splitting then extending. The test route is shown below
"Split Test_A"
In the Route Managers property dialog for the route we have -selected a waypoint where we would like to split the route. The "Split -Test" Route now consists of two parts, that has been renamed.
Next we extend the first leg "Split Test_A" with the second leg -"Split Test_B". This extended route s now named "Split Test_B_plus.
Activate/Deactivate: Activates/Deactivates a route marked in the left part of the window.
Zoom to: Zooms in on a route marked in the left part of the window.
Reverse: Reverses a selected route. It's possble to cancel the reverse operation through a confirmation dialog.
Delete: Deletes selected route or track. Use the -Shift key to mark multiple routes for deletion. This also work in the -other Route manager tabs.
Export Route: Save the route on your computer for later use (import)
Send to GPS. Send the Route to your GPS. Pressing -the button activates a dialog were an output port is selected. This port - does not have to be listed in "Connections" as it is an independent -feature. This choice also appears in the right click menu for routes and - waypoints. For Garmin Users, make sure that the -ToolBox->GPS->"Use Garmin GRMN/GRMN(Host) mode for Waypoint and -Route uploads" box is ticked. The reason for this is that Garmin units -cannot accept route uploads via NMEA0183. This is a "design feature" of -all Garmin receivers.
Delete All. Be careful. If you know - you have saved the routes on your computer and are able to import the -again, this is a simple way to clear the screen from routes. Better be -safe than sorry, so save before deleting, if you want to be able to use -the routes again.
Import. Import one or more previously saved -Routes, or Routes from other gpx compatible applications. It is possible - to select and import multiple routes. The default waypoint icon bitmap -is a circle. This kicks in if the icon in the imported gpx-file is not -recognized.
Export All, now called "Export All Visible..." Saves all visible routes, waypoints and layers, in one gpx file. This is done through a normal file saving dialog.
If a Tidal Height Curve Dialog, for an individual tidal station is - shown on the screen, the tidal situation for this station will be -tabulated along all route points in the route properties dialog. It is -essential to enter a departure time and a planned speed. Once "Enter" is - pressed the tidal column will show the nearest High or Low water -considering the ETA at each waypoint.
-
-
If no tide dialog for any station is open and a waypoints name -contains the string @~~<name>, for example "@~~York Spit Light", -then the tide report for the closest station with matching name is shown - in the tide column for this waypoint. The most appropriate tidal -station for each waypoint can thus be selected.
When entering a departure time the ETA, Expected Time of Arrival will be shown, instead of ETE, Expected Time En-route.
The individual waypoints "Description" field can contain the -setting of planned speed specific just to the next route leg (e.g. -"VMG=4.5;") and/or the specification of Estimated Time of Departure from - this waypoint (e.g. " ETD=2/14/2011 12:00;"), allowing for planning -extended stopovers. Time can be specified as UT, LMT or local zone time -at the PC (default).
-

- -

-Tracks

-
-

- -

Make sure that you have read all about Automatic Daily tracks and track Highlighting in the Documentation for the Toolbox Settings
The visibility of tracks is controlled by clicking the "eye" on each line. Tracks can be sorted by clicking the column headers.
Tracks are extended backward, based on the time-stamp -sequence, a track is selected, which ends as the latest one before the -start of current track. Tracks are extended as a single segment if they -share the extending point. If they ha no common point a new "empty" -segment, with no visible track, is added. Joining two tracks (i.e. -extending a track) results in just track one remaining. It may look -like two tracks but the Route Manager treats it as a single track.
"Merge Selected Tracks" is an alternative to "Extend Track", where -tracks are joined. The difference is that Merged tracks are visibly -joined by straight track-lines. Read on for instructions on merging -tracks.
If you have ever hit the Track icon by mistake, or closed down -OpenCPN in the middle of a passage, you know that it's very frustrating -it is, to have a voyage split up in a number of different tracks that -does not come together.
This can be fixed. Just select any number of tracks in the Track -tab of the Route Manager window, right click the mouse to bring up the -context menu, and choose to Merge Selected Tracks. The selected tracks -will be merged in chronological order, with the track properties (name, -color etc) of the resulting track keeping those of the earliest track in - the selection.

- -

-
-
-

- -

"Copy as text" copies the track name, unless it's the default time stamp, and the track distance.

- -

The result of clicking the merge button.

- -

Reduce Track Data

- -

Do you have have massive amounts of tracks and finds them bogging down OpenCPN? This feature is for you!
It is available from the context menu in the Track Manager. Right click on an existing track, and then click "Reduce Data..." .

Pick one of the options, it reduces the amount of points in an -existing track while maintaining the specified maximum error between the - original track and the reduced track. Testing on an old OpenCPN track -or an imported track, with an error setting of 10 or 20 meters tracks, -will, in many cases, reduce the size to less than half and one can't -really see the difference.
Tracks made with the new intelligent dynamic tracking available in -OpenCPN will not reduce much, unless a large error is tolerated.

- -

Track Properties

-
-

-The track properties dialog is similar to the route properties dialog -above. There are some obvious differences as a track describes something - that took place in the past and a route is planning for the future. -Track properties also has an Advanced tab that works similar to the Extended Marks dialog.
- -

Waypoints

-
-
-

Control the visibility of each waypoint by clicking the waypoint -icon to the left on each line. Sort the waypoints by clicking the column - headers.
New. Create a new waypoint. This brings up the -waypoints properties dialog. The default position is set to the current -position of "Own Ship".
Properties. All about the dialog in Extended Marks
Zoom to centers the chart display on the waypoint.
Go To. Makes an instant route from present -position to the mark and activates the route. A similar instant route is - created by right clicking and selecting "Go To Here" without first -creating a mark. This instant route will be listed in the Route Tab.
Export Wpt and Send to GPS buttons behaves similar to corresponding buttons for Routes.
Delete All, does not delete any Man Over Board marks. All other marks are deleted.
Use the Shift key to mark multiple waypoints for deletion. This also work in the other Route manager tabs.

- -

Go to Table Of Contents

Layers

Layers are one or more routes, tracks or waypoints that have been -saved together in a gpx file. A layer is represented as a single gpx -file. A layer is persistent and protected from changes. A waypoint in a -gpx file for example, can be imported either as a "waypoint" or as a -layer. The difference is that when imported as a layer it cannot be -changed or deleted.

-
-

-The Route Managers Layer Tab
-
-

Layers are useful for many things. It can for example be used to -update charts with new navigation marks and dangers as per Notices to -Mariners, and to add Radio Call-In Points or to build a database of -lights and locations, that will be visible on chart regardless of -current scale. See the first picture above, where French and UK forecast - areas are good examples of Layers. In the second picture, a very good -celestial fix, plotted with a gpx script has been saved as a layer.
More advanced uses could for example be an interactive cruising -guide, using the possibility to embed links in waypoint descriptions.

- -

When is a feature a part of a Layer?

- -

Layers are immutable, nothing can be changed. This could make them -confusing, unless you are aware of the fact that they are .... layers!
To see if a waypoint, route or track, is a part of a layer, -right-click the object. If it is part of a layer, the context sensitive -menu will say so. Alternatively, open properties and check the top of -the dialog, if part of a layer, the layers name is printed. As -always,double clicking on a object, directly brings up the properties -dialog, -

-
- -

-

- -

A route belonging to a layer is also identified as such, by just hovering with the cursor above the route.
-
A Route belonging to a layer also has the option "Activate". It can - thus be used, but still, no changes can be made. A much more flexible -option, would be to import the route layer file as a normal gpx file.

- -

Handling Layers.

- -

Layers can be created in OpenCPN, and saved as a gpx file, or be created offline, manually or by scripts, for example.
Layers that are saved in a directory called "layers", in the same -place that holds your opencpn.ini(config) file, are automatically loaded - on start of OpenCPN. These layers will be listed in the Route Managers -Layers Tab on start up. The first time they will all be visible. Adjust -visibility by clicking on the "eye" in the first column. This setting -will be remembered. Have a look at the first picture on this page!
The easiest way to find this directory is to go to the - button in the ToolBar and look all the way down in the first tab (About).
- In Linux create the directory: /home/$USER/.opencpn/layers.
On Mac OS X, the location is "/Users/"user name"/Library/Preferences/User Icons". Note that "library" is a hidden directory in "Lion".
Any subdirectories in the layers directory, are also loaded.
Layers worth keeping, could be kept in the mentioned "layers" -directory and visibility during a session can be handled through "Hide -from Chart" or "Show on Chart" buttons. New layers, gpx files, can -easily be added in a subdirectory of it's own.
A few restrictions apply to layer marks. A layer mark cannot be -used to set anchor-watch on. If right-click-selecting co-located -objects, priority is given to non-layer objects.

- -

The Route Managers Layer Tab.

- -

Temporary layer: Any gpx file can be imported as a - layer. This can be used for developing layers, or for import from a -user defined directory with predefined layers, as necessary. Layers -imported this way will be saved when closing down the computer, they are - persistent. More permanent layers should be kept in the "layers" -directory, as described above.
Delete: Unloads the layer, but doesn't of course -touch the originally imported gpx file. A progress bar will appear when -deleting large layers. It is not possible to stop the deletion, once -started. For size restrictions, see below.
Hide from Chart or Show on Chart -Controls if the marked layer is visible. The same thing can be achieved -by clicking the "eye" to the left of the layers name. A red X across the - eye marks a hidden layer. See picture above. These settings are -persistent, they will be remembered after a restart.
Hide WPT Names Shows a visible layer without waypoint names. This helps to un-clutter layers, when zoomed out.
List contents or Delist Contents Listing is this context means showing the individual points in the layer as waypoints in the "Waypoints Tab"
Import GPX.. and Export All.. Warning - these buttons has nothing to do with Layers. They work as if you are in - an other tab. For import use "Import New Layers". For export, create -layers as described above.
Export All Visible.. exports all visible layers, -routes and waypoints to a gpx file. Use this button to create new -layers, for example. Just save the gpxfile in the right place, described - above. Note that "visible" in this context is the opposite to a layer, -route or waypoint being "hidden". This means that objects not visible on - the screen, may be included.
A progress bar will appear when exporting large layers. It is not -possible to stop the deletion, once started. For size restrictions, see -below.
If a layer includes extended marks, linked to pictures, for -example, the pictures will not be exported, only the links to the -pictures. To "export" the whole layer to another computer, copy all the -pictures separately. Adjust all the links in the gpx file, to the new -computer, by doing a "search and replace" in a text editor on the new -computer.

- -

Size Limits for the Layer feature.

- -

OpenCPN is not suited to handle very large permanent layer files. -Exporting and deleting such layers bogs down the program. With older -hardware or limited available memory, even these recommendations may be -to optimistic.
OpenCPN 4.0 has refined the track and layer logic to improve performance with large tracks. See next paragraph.
Newly developed static layers by argus.survice.com - shows that OpenCPN has problems with very large layers consisting of -waypoints named after the depth at the position. With 10,000 + -posistions it's necessary to consider some rules when using OpenCPN. If -you disregard these rules, expect bad performance.
Deactivating OpenGL may improve the performance somewhat.
Always load the files as a temporary layer, zoomed in on your local - area. Never load when zoomed out. Why? Zoomed out OpenCPN has to handle - all wpts at the same time when zooming/panning. Zoomed in it just a -handful of wpts at the same time.
An alternative is to load a file when zoomed in on an other area. -This goes quick. Then promptly make the layer invisible. Only make the -layer visible when zoomed in on the actual area.
Never zoom out with these files loaded, unless you make the layer -invisible first. There is no point in this anyway as all you will see is - a lot of black "smear".

- -

Where to find ready made Layers?

- -

A few samples are available in Download->Layers Library on the OpenCPN.org.

-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Great-circle Sailing

-
-Very few cruising boats needs to use Great-circles, but it's certainly -an important consideration for commercial vessels across the North -Atlantic and North Pacific.
-The advantage of a great circle is obvious, the shorter distance. The -disadvantages, depending on latitude, could be quite a few. Colder -weather, stronger winds, higher seas and perhaps even icebergs. The -great circle is just one factor in the decision making, when planning a - route, the weather is likely to be the deciding factor in most cases.
-
-OpenCPN has a builtin Great-circle tool as well as a Great-circle plugin.
-
-The built in Great-circle tool.
-The "Measure" tool in the right-click menu and the "Create Route" button - on the ToolBar switches seamlessly to a great circle mode when asked to - do long distance tasks. This mainly happens when using these tools in -some east-west direction and far away from the equator. The mode kicks -in when the difference between the normal, rhumb line and the great -circle becomes larger than two nautical miles. This will be some 0.2% to - 0.5% of the total distance, depending on latitude and direction. When -this happens a clear curve towards the pole will appear.
-
-

-The Measure Tool
-
-

-
-Testing the measure tool for Manila to San Francisco (approximately). -For a good illustration to Great-circles, find a second point that is -opposite the first, on the other side of the globe, and just move around - slightly.
-
-

-
-Once the first leg in measuring is done, it's plotted as a rhumb-line, -to keep things simple. The active leg is still displayed as a -Great-circle, if long enough. The distance displayed is the combined -Great-circle distances.
-
-

-
-The "Create Route" Tool
-
-

-
-If you answer no to the above question, OpenCPN will use a traditional -rhumb line for the leg. Answering yes, will kick the Great-circle option - into action and a number of intermediary waypoint points will be -created. There will be at least 3 waypoints. The exact number of -waypoints is calculated by OpenCPN and is appropriate for most cases.
-
-

-
-The created route is now available in the RouteManager dialog, as a normal route.
-
-

-
-As a real example let us looka at a route from Mossel Baai South Africa, - to the western entrance to Investigator Strait South Australia. The -Rhumbline is 5660 mautilcal miles, and the Great-circle, as approximated - by the created route is 5249 miles. The "real" Great-circle is som 15 -miles shorter.
-
-

-
-Composite Saling
-
-

-
-Composite sailing is a Great-circle sailing with a maximum allowed -latitude. OpenCPN has no such built option, but it's easy to create.
-Above is the same route as before designed for composite sailing, not going further south than 45° S latitude. Start a route at Mossel Baai extend it until 45° S becomes a tangent to the visible Great-circle. End the route.
-
-

-
-Do the same thing, starting with the destination and going backwards. Create a rhumbline route, using the two point along 45° S. The three routes together is the composite route. The total distance of the composite route is 5293 Nautical Miles.
-
-

Route Plugin

-
-"Salty Paws" route plugin handles much more than Great circles, introduced here.
-
-

-
-The plugin have a few features not present in the built-in tool. It can -calculate a composite route, and the distance between the waypoints can -be set by the user. The end result, however, is a "gpx" file that is -exported, and then imported into OpenCPN via the Route Manager.
-
-

-
-A Great-circle from Cook Strait to Cape Horn limited by 60° S
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-
-

Using Routes

To include existing waypoints in a route

-How to use split and extend - an example.
-
-

-
-Hm...a bit of a miss in the planning. An islet with a shallow bank -extending southward on our route. We put two marks north of the -obstruction and would like to include these in our route.
-
-

-
-The waypoint west of the islet is #2. We mark this in "Route -Properties", from the right-click menu. The Button "Split Route" is -highlighted, meaning it is available to use. This is exactly what we -want to do, so we click the button and split the route at wpt #2.
-
-
-

-
-Right click at #2 and choose "Append Waypoint",
-
-

-
-Move the cursor to the first triangle, and answer yes to "Use nearby waypoint?".
-Then move the cursor to the second triangle , and answer yes to "Use nearby waypoint?".
-Same thing for the original wpt to the east of the islet.
-
-

-
-Click "Activate Route" to see that this extension worked.
-
-

-
-Once again mark "Route Properties" in the right-click dialog. #3 is the - last wpt in our "new" temporary route. The "Extend Route" button is -highlighted, so we click it.
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-
-

-
-Open the Route Manager to view the result. Notice the naming of the -routes. _B_plus is active. What remains is to delete route _B and to -rename _B_plus to a suitable name, for example the name of your original - route.
-
-

-
-Deleting route _B.
-
-

-
-And here is the finally adjusted route.
-
-This was just an exercise.....in real life, it would be easier to just -move the existing waypoints in the route, to avoid the Islet.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-
-

Weather Routing

Users have the choice between using qtVlm or the Weather Routing Plugin. qtVlm is probably the more mature and stable choice and is described here.
-
-OpenCPN can import optimized routes from the Free and OpenSource QtVlm -program. Make yourself familiar with QtVlm if you intend to use it, as -many things are done differently from OpenCPN.

-QtVlm Documentation and Installation
-QtVlm Thread on OpenCpn Cruiser's Forum
-OpenCPN and QtVlm Summary of Route Transfer, see below
-
-
-Before going any further, make sure you really understand grib files, what they are and their limitations. A good place to start is Franks Singletons pages.
-
-Let's look at an example of importing an optimized route from QtVlm. -It's a situation most of us try to avoid. Going across the Bay of Biscay - with an active Atlantic Low just west of the British Isles.
-The busy, time constrained, delivery skipper intend to find the best -route from Lizard Point to Cape Finisterre. He has entered into QtVlm, -the constraint, to route away from more than 30 kts headwinds. Below is -the QtVlm optimized route based on the latest available grib file. Note -that QtVlm doesn't know anything about tidal streams, currents local -squalls nor about the state of the crew etc. These are more reasons why -the final route always is the responsibility of the skipper.
-
-

-
-Right-click on the route and export in the kml format.
-
-

-
-Open OpenCPN. Right-click and "Paste Route"
-
-

-
-This looks a bit ugly, and both the route and all waypoint have been exported.
-We want somthing better!
-
-

-
-One alternative is to let QtVlm (Edit Route) "Simplify" the route before copying.
-
-

-
- Another alternative is to first use the "Paste Track" option.
-
-*Note that this is no true track, it's just another way of exporting a -route, possible due to the KML format. A track describes where we have -been in the past, while routing is planning for the future. Importing -the track gives a "light-weight" overview of the suggested route. Read -more about the Grib Weather Plugin.
-
-

-
-Next open OpenCPNs Route Manager Track Tab and press "Route from Track".
-
-
-

-
-Much better. We now have a track with a route on top. Right-click and delete the track.
-Next, it is smart to display the same gribfile, used by QtVlm, in OpenCPN, using the Grib Plugin.
-
-All this looks impressive, but it's still based on a grib file. So it's -still based on a computer prognosis, with no human input. All other -reservations connected with gribs, still applies. An on board calibrated - barometer is a good way to check what confidence can put on a grib -forecast. Read more about the Grib Weather Plugin
-A reasonable polar diagram is essential as well. Producing one is -standard procedure on racing boats, but not that common on cruising -boats. Cruising specific factors, such as "comfort" also plays a part in - a cruisers true performance capabilities.
- -

Summary of Route transfer process.

-Using OpenCPN and qtVlm in "Real Boat Mode"
-QtVlm English Documentation and Download is here . - -

-Copy Routes

- -

OpenCPN to QtVlm

- -

OpenCPN Right click on the route, pick "Copy as KML", Pick "KML with extended waypoint data (qtVlm)"
QtVlm Right click on the Ocean, pick "Paste a Route" or Hit "CTRL-V"

- -

QtVlm to OpenCPN

- -

QtVlm Right click on the route, pick "Copy Route xxx"
OpenCPN Right click on the Ocean, pick "Paste Route"

- -

-Copy Tracks

- -

OpenCPN to QtVlm

- -

OpenCPN Right click on the Track, pick "Copy as KML" Open Text Editor, Paste into new txt, save as .KML .
QtVlm Pick "Routes- Imports Routes - In Ortho mode - browse to the directory, Pick the *.kml file.
Note If all of the Track (now route) does not show up, current Grib data is not long enough.
Note: Route Manager "Route from Track" selection, then simply copy the route.
Note: Route Manager also provides Export Track as Gpx, however qtVlm does not support *.gpx format.

- -

QtVlm to O

- -

QtVlm There are no tracks in qtVlm, just copy the route.

- -

Using GPS in OpenCPN and qtVLM at the same time

-Linux only:
-Connect to your Gps using GPSD in OpenCPN.
-Then issue this command:
-$gpspipe -r | socat - PTY,link=/tmp/gpsout,raw
-Now use "/tmp/gpsout" as the serial port name in QtVlm.
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Planning Data

The examples shown on this page are - all suitable for import as layers, as that will prevent any waypoint -from being moved by mistake.

Need to see some offshore weather observations?

-
-
-
-NOAAs NDBC site gives access to a lot of offshore observations from buoys and ships worldwide.
-To easy visualize all this data the "ShipWxRep" script transform a -limited set of all the available data into gpx waypoints. The format, as - seen above is "wind direction, wind speed, time for observation, and -air pressure". This can be helpful when evaluating the accuracy of grib -files, even though the best tool in this respect probably is a -calibrated digital barometer.
-
-

Plotting Miami Tropical Forecast Advisories.

-If you only have access to low bandwidth Internet, this script is a way -to quickly plot the contents of, for example an email, containing the -forecast advisory. In any case, it is a good idea to have the forecast -track of a tropical system available where you normally do your -navigation and planning.
-

-
-

-Download the gpx scripts here. The old great-circle script is included. For some help run each script without arguments.
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-
-

Navigation Data Backup

-Saving sessions

- -

The navobj.xml.[1..x] takes care of your session data backup. This -means that when you start OpenCPN it "remembers" the state of your last -session.
A rotating backup of navobejcts is automatically created on every -program run. OpenCPN keeps backups of the last 5 runs. This can be -changed.
In the opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file you can find a configuration - setting to control the number of backups kept, defaulting to KeepNavobjBackups=5. This value can be changed using a text editor.
The backups are then stored in files navobj.xml.[1..x] (in the same - directory as the ini file) where .1 is always the newest backup and the - oldest is removed on the next program run. The file that will be loaded - on next start is called navobj.xml.
The backups are only rotated if the navobj.xml - file has changed since the last backup was created. This prevents -overwriting good backups with a broken version, more than once.
Note that the navobj.xml files reside in a folder that is hidden by default by Windows. More information is available here.
To load an old backup, exit the program. Find the backup you want to use. Rename it navobj.xml. Start OpenCPN!
The navobj.xml.[1..x] files are gpx files and it is also possible -to directly import them back into OpenCPN. Press the "Import GPX" -button in the Route Manager.

-Upgrading OpenCPN - -

Navobjects are not lost during a normal upgrade to a newer version.

-
-If trouble strikes... - -

You have useful automatic rolling backups of navobj.xml, as described above.
Copy them somewhere safe before you run OpenCPN -again, as they are automatically rolled over, and you lose the oldest -one for each invocation of OpenCPN.
Rename the "best" one as navobj.xml, and the contents will be automatically used by OCPN.
The OpenCPN logfile also serves as a backup through the "LOGBOOK:" entries.
These can be used to reconstruct a GPX track. A windows utility for hat purpose ia available here: https://github.com/nohal/LogBookExtractor/downloads

- - -

Saving waypoints, routes, tracks and layers for future use.

- -

For a more permanent backup solution, to keep routes, waypoints and - tracks etc, that you may need in the future, consider saving the data -by using The Route Manager and Gpx Data or use Layers
Be organized. Create a dedicated directory, for -example GPX_Routes, to save files worth keeping. Be careful to name all -files in a manner so the content is obvious, without having to import -the file into OpenCPN.
Each tab in the Route Manager (except the Layer Tab) has a button -"Export......". Use this to export one Waypoint, one Route or one Track -at a time. Multiple selection is not possible in this version OpenCPN -but will be implemented in the next version.
Create a layer, a collection of waypoints, routes -and tracks by making the features to be included in the layer visible. -Everything else should be deleted or hidden. Every object that is -visible on the screen when maximum zoomed out, will be included, not -just what is visible on the screen for the moment. When you are ready, -use the "Export all visible" button to create the layer gpx file.
To Change an existing Layer, start with creating a - backup of the existing gpx file, containing the layer, by copying it to - a safe place. Make sure that no navigational objects are visible, that -you don't want in the new version of the layer. Then use the Route -Managers "Import GPX.." and load the layer to be edited. Do your changes - to the layer and press "Export All Visible...", and save. If you made a - backup, just overwrite the original file. Otherwise give the changed -Layer a new name.
Use your saved files by importing them back into -OpenCPN. Press the "Import GPX" button in the Route Manager. Layers can -be set up to load autmatically on starting OpenCPN. Read more in Layers

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-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Night Navigation

- -Use the F6 key for dimming and SHIFT + F6 to reverse the dimming.
-This is not connected to a chart feature, and dims the whole display, not just OpenCPN.
-"CTRL + G" cycles through (monochromatic) green, red and normal screen. The color change applies to the whole screen as well.
-"Ctrl + G" may not work on some Windows systems, depending upon the graphics driver implemented.
-
-When pressing F6 the word "MAX" appears on the screen in the NW part. -Press again and the screen gets a bit dimmer and "MAX" is replaced by a -"9" and so on.
-
-

-"Print Screen" refuses to catch the dimming!!
-
-Mac OS X users can easily adjust the screen brightness with the F1 and F2 keys.
-
-

Change Color Scheme

-
-This Button

- has 4 levels corresponding to standard US raster charts built in -levels. You can cycle through the levels also by pressing the F5 key.
-These represents the Default level, the Daylight level, the Dawn or Dusk - level and finally the Night level. Often there is no difference between - the Default level and the Daylight level.
-
-The way this button works differs between different category of charts.
-
-S57 Vector Charts and the CM93 ver2 charts.
-All charts display the Dawn/Dusk and Night levels. This means that there - is no change when the button is first pressed, but further pressing -brings up a Dusk and then a Night palette.
-US Raster Charts
-These are generally coded with all the levels. The Daylight level has slightly sharper colors for better daylight viewing.
-Other Raster Charts
-Most other raster charts just contains a standard palette, and pressing -the Button has no effect other than dimming part of OpenCPN, except for -the chart display.
-The Brazilian Raster Charts includes a dusk and night palette, but the colors displayed is not what one would expect.
-Charts converted with the help of tiff2bsb or imgkap, normally only contains the default color scheme.
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-

Go to Table Of Contents

Anchor Watch

-Anchor watch can be set on any mark that you have created with OpenCPN, -except for a mark that belongs to a layer, as long as the boat is within - 1 nautical mile of this mark. This means that the Anchor watch items, -on the right click menu, will only be visible if your boat is within 1 -nautical miles of a mark. If the boat is closer than 5 m to the mark the - anchor watch can't be set either.
- A maximum of two marks can have anchor watch set at the same time. Get - around the restriction with a mark in a layer, by creating a new mark -nearby. - -

-This feature can be used in other situations than just anchoring, but -keeping an eye on your anchor, and making sure it isn't dragging, is the - main purpose.
-
-Basic usage
-
-To learn how it works let's make a dry run to a nice trade wind anchorage.
- -

-
-After circling around and exploring the bay, we know where we want to drop our anchor.
-At the chosen spot we drop the anchor, at the same time we right click on the "Own Boat Icon" and press "drop Mark Here".
- -

-
-The wind, ENE at 15 kts let us drift back until we are satisfied with -our scope. A burst in reverse convinces us that the anchor is set, later - confirmed by a leisurely snorkeling over the anchor. Time to sort out -the anchor watch
- -

-
-Right click on the mark and press "Set Anchor Watch". The name of the -mark changes to 50, and a green circle appears with a radius of 50 -meters.
- -

-
-The anchor watch is now active, with a default max distance of 50m from -the mark, and an alarm will be set off if the boat for some reason exits - the circle. If "Play sound on CPA/TCPA Alerts" is set in the AIS -ToolBox Tab, the same audio alarm is activated together with the visual -alarm on the screen. To deactivate the anchor watch, right click on the -mark and select "Clear Anchor Watch".
-
-If you are more than 50 m from the anchor when activating the watch this happens..
-
- -

-
-Sort this out by open the Mark/WP Properties Dialog.
- -

-
-Change the name from "50 m" to a name that is relevant to the amount of -chain and/or rode that you use, for example "75". Change the icon to, if - you like. Pressing OK should stop the alarm.
-
-To get protection from the wind and a bit of northerly swell, we have -really anchored to close to the beach. To keep an eye on this potential -danger we set another mark on the beach.
- -

-
-This time we change the "Mark Name" to -150, this means that if the boat - comes within 150 meters of this mark, the alarm is set off. Green -circle, OK to be inside. Red circle OK to be outside.
- -

-
-An hour later, after a heavy squall passed, the wind goes light and -fluky. The boat drifts towards the beach and the anchor alarm sounds and - comes up on our computer screen.
-The alarm sound is the same as the AIS warning sound and is set in the ToolBox under the AIS tab.
-
-Alternatives and Settings
-A mark at the position of ownship, can also be created by hitting -"Enter" or "Spacebar". "Ctrl + M" creates a mark at the position of the -cursor. The anchor watch can now be set as demonstrated above with the -default alarm distance being applied.
-
-A way to easily drop a mark, exactly at your current position, is to hit - "Ctrl + Space". This is the "Man Over Board" shortcut. Right click and -go to properties. Change the name to a suitable alarm distance and pick a - different icon. Set the Anchor Watch.
- -

- -

-The picture is an illustration to what happens if you use the MOB -keystroke, and then just activate the Anchor Watch. As the mark is -already named, the default watch distance doesn't work. The green circle - is the 5 m default minimum distance. The alarm goes off, of course.
-

- -

The Anchor Watch only works with an active gps. If the gps signal is lost, the alarm will be set off.

-
-Both the default Anchor Watch Radius and Max distance from mark can be -changed by editing the configuration file, opencpn.ini on Windows and -opencpn.config on Linux.
-Close down OpenCPN and open the configuration file in a text editor.
-Find the section that starts with "[Settings] ".
-Create two new lines, looking, for example like this.
-AnchorWatchDefault=45 (default is 50 m)
-AnchorWatchMax=2500 (default is 1852 m)
-Enter your own preferences, 45 & 2500 are just for illustration.
-
- -

Go to Table Of Contents

Automatic Anchor Mark

-
-Automatic Anchor Mark. This is what it does:
-If the following are ALL true:
-1. In "Cruising" mode, meaning that speed has at some point exceeded 3.0 kts.
-2. Current speed is less than 0.5 kts.
-3. OpenCPN has been up at least 30 minutes
-4. OpenCPN is exiting normally
-5. There is no anchor watch set on an "anchor..." icon mark.
-6. Any "Anchorage - icon" waypoint within 0.25 NM of current GPS location is deleted.
-
-Then, OpenCPN will drop a waypoint at the current location, with the name - "Anchorage created on [Date Stamp]".
-
-Thus waypoints are automatically created for known good anchorages as you shut down the computer.
-The 0.25 NM condition prevents clogging up frequently visited anchorages with closely spaced waypoints.
-The other conditions help to prevent spurious waypoints.
-
-
-To use this feature find opencpn.conf or opencpn.ini as it is called in windows.
-Search for a line like this:
-AutoAnchorDrop=0
-and change the value from "0" to "1".
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents
-
-

CM93 Offsets

-
-Caveat lector
-There is absolutely no guarantee that a correction, based on one point, - as described below, will be valid for the whole chart cell. Be very -careful when using this feature.
-
-Starting with offsets. -

Go to single chart (i.e. non-quilted) mode, with cm93 charts displayed. Use F9 to flip quilting on and off
Zoom/Pan to the region of interest.
Right click and activate "CM93 Offset Dialog"

In the list of cells/MCOVR IDs, selected the one MCOVR of -interest. The coverage area for this MCOVR object will be outlined -with a heavy yellow border.

Some cells have built in corrections already applied. The values - wgsox and wgsoy, are offsets to bring the original chart cell to WGS84. - See the first and third cell in the picture above. The values are for -information only, and cannot be changed. These corrections are generally - correct, but not always. Sometimes the corrections are wrong and -sometimes there are no corrections where there ought to be. This is -where this manual offset feature comes in handy.

-
-In order to use this feature effectively, one needs a geographically -known reference point. As an example, say there is a NAVAID present on - the chart cell with known WGS84 lat & long, as from a light list. - In this case, one can drop a waypoint on the chart, edit the waypoint -properties to the known lat/lon, and then use the CM93 Offset Dialog to - slew the cell/MCOVR so that the dropped waypoint coincides with the -NAVAID feature on the cm93 cell (chart).
-
-You may also use a geographical feature such as a Cape or point whose -location is absolutely known, as by reference to observation, or by -rendering on another, more accurate chart such as a trusted scanned -raster chart or georeferenced photo chart.
-
-To see how this feature works, here is an example from the South Pacific.
-
-

-This is Tongareva, also called Penhryn atoll. A mark, with a triangle is dropped at the westernmost point of the Island.
-

Zooming - out to next smaller scale chart makes the triangle mark jump NNE. Time -for some corrections, as we, at least for the purpose of this example, -are confident that the larger scale chart is correct.
-

Quite large corrections brings the chart into reasonable agreement.
-

Use the spin controls on the right side of the dialog to adjust -the desired user offsets. It is also possible to write numbers directly. - Notice that positive corrections is towards North and East.
In some cases it is not clear exactly which M_COVR ID that -represents your position. A simple test will reveal if a mark reacts to -(large) corrections.
The offsets are automatically saved in the binary MCOVR cache files found in the program data directory as CM93/...

Go to Table Of Contents
-

The Command Line

- OpenCPN has a minimal command line interface (CLI).
-
-Usage: opencpn [-unit_test_1] [-p] [-no_opengl] [-fullscreen] [-rebuild_gl_raster_cache]
- -unit_test_1
- -p
- -no_opengl
- -fullscreen
- -rebuild_gl_raster_cache
-
-[-unit_test_1]
-This as a Beta test tool.
-This command test cycles through all possible charts in the currently -loaded chart database, adjusting the viewport to show the loaded chart -automatically. The value of this test is clear: it provide an unattended - stress test of OpenCPN, It is most fun to watch in quilt mode.....
-The test runs until all charts in the database have been visited once.
-A side-effect of this switch is that it can be used to process a set of -ENC charts into SENC files. The first, time consuming processing of ENC - charts, can this way be done unattended.
-
-[ -p ]
-The portable option is explained here -> Portable OpenCPN
-
-[-no_opengl]
-A total switch-off of OpenGL, in a more thorough way than in "Options". Read more in OpenGL .
-
-[ -fullscreen ]
-Starts OpenCPN in FullScreen mode.
-
-[-rebuild_gl_raster_cache]
-Read more in Setting Options
-
-For Windows
-When using a a .bat file to launch OpenCPN, you may type this MSDOS line :
-START /REALTIME C:"\Program Files"\OpenCPN/opencpn
-
-Where : START : MSDOS Command
- /REALTIME : gives the highest priority to the program
- C:"\program Files"\OpenCPN/opencpn : pathway where OpenCPN's Executable is dowloaded
- (specific to each windows version)
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

The Configuration File

-
-* Always exit OpenCPN before editing the configuration file.
-* Edit the file with a text editor, and save your changes.
-* Restart OpenCPN.
-
-Some of the user settings available through the config file.
-
-+++
-
-Setting the precision of the XTE - "Cross Track Error" when using an autopilot
-See more in Setting Options APB precision.
-[Settings]
-......
-NMEAAPBXTEPrecision=3
-.....
-This will give you X.XXX for the XTE field precision.
-
-Default is "2", or X.XX
-+++
-
-The Ais name caching can be turned off in the opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file by adding a line like this.
-[Settings]
-.....
-EnableAISNameCache=0
-.......
-+++
-
-Crash reporting for Windows ican be enabled by editing -the opencpn.ini file. Add the line below to enable the crash-report. -Sett the value to "0" to disable it.
-
-[Settings]
-.....
-EmailCrashReport=1
-.....
-
-+++
-
-Rotating the canvas, is unsupported but possible.....
-
-[Settings]
-EnableRotateKeys=1
-
-Enables
-[ Rotate chart left.
-] Rotate chart right.
-Alt + [ Rotate chart left in fine steps.
-Alt + ] Rotate chart right in fine steps.
-\ Reset rotation
-Some keyboards have to use AltGR + ], etc.
-
-+++
-
- If you have a lot of graphic memory, or very little, try to add the following to your config (ini on windows) file:
-"GPUMemorySize=nnn"
-where nnn is graphics card memory size, in MBytes.
-256 MBytes is the default.
-
-+++
-
-Application memory limit target. Try to limit the total memory used by OCPN to the specified value, approximately.
-Specify this mode by:
-......
-[Settings]
-MEMCacheLimit=xxx
-
-+++
-Open chart limit. This is the default mode under Linux, and the default value is 20 open charts at any one time.
-
-Modify this limit by the following:
-......
-[Settings]
-NCacheLimit=yy
-
-+++
-
-The width of the COG Predictor can be adjusted in the opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below and adjust the value.
-OwnshipCOGPredictorWidth=3
-
-+++
-
-For simple NMEA data stream debugging, add the following to your opencpn.ini file:Under [Settings] add a line
-DebugNMEA=1500
-This will provide up to 1500 debug messages pertaining to NMEA traffic to the
-opencpn.log.
-
-+++
-
-In the opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file you can find a configuration setting to control the number of backups kept, defaulting to KeepNavobjBackups=5. This value can be changed using a text editor.
-
-+++
-
-AnchorWatch
-
-Both the default Anchor Watch Radius and Max distance from mark can be changed by editing the configuration file
-"[Settings] "
-..
-AnchorWatchDefault=45
-AnchorWatchMax=2500
-..
-
-Enter your own preferences, 45 & 2500 are just for illustration, defaults are 50 and 1852 respectively.
-+++
-
-Automatic Anchor Mark
-Search for a line like this:
-[Settings]
-.....
-AutoAnchorDrop=0
-.....
-and change the value from "0" to "1".

Plugins

-
-About Plugins
-General Information about plugins.
- -

Plugins included in OpenCPN

-
-Dashboard Plugin
-Plugin to display navigation data. Included in the OpenCPN installation.
-
-Grib Weather Plugin.
-Plugin to display Grib weather data files. Included in the OpenCPN installation.
- -

Visit the Plugin Download Page to see ALL plugins that are regarded as stable.

- - -

A selection of plugins.

-
-The WMM Plugin
-A plugin to display the magnetic variation, based on the World Magnetic Model.
-
-Voyage Data Recorder Plugin
-Plugin to record and play NMEA data files. Allows simulation of AIS.
-
-S63 Vector Charts
-A plugin that makes it possible to display standard commercial charts.
-This plugin has a totally different display format and is integrated in the main program.
-
-Radar Overlay Plugins
-Overlay the Radar picture of Garmin or Navico on OpenCPN
-
-Weatherfax Plugin
-Read weather fax encoded data as audio or image and Overlay on top of charts.
-
-Weather Routing Plugin
-Establlish an estimate of optimal weather routing using Grib Plugin and Climatology.
-For additional information about weather routing see QtVLM page.
-
-Climatology Plugin
-Manage and view monthly gridded Climate data.
-
-Celestial Navigation Plugin
-Plugin to record Sextant Sights and show Circles of Position to obtain a Fix
-
-Calculator Plugin
-Plugin to carry out scientific calculations.
-
-Route Plugin
-A short introduction to to the Great circle part of the Route Plugin.
-
-Sailing Destinations Plugin
-Display thousands of great sailing destinations worldwide right on your chart.
-
-rtlsdr Plugin
-Use a low-cost USB DVB-T (digital TV) receiver to receive AIS messages from ships.

About Plugins

- The core OpenCPN tries to keep -features to a minimum so that it is lean, mean and easy to use. Features - can still be added through the plugin infrastructure.
-
-The number of plugins has increased considerably since the release of 3.2.2.
-All plugins are backward compatible meaning that new versions of OpenCPN - works with old plugins. New plugins, however, will probably not work -with old versions of OpenCPN.
-
-

- -

OpenCPN has two default plugins pre-installed:

- -

Grib Weather Plugin
Dashboard Plugin

-Many more plugins are available. See below.
- -

Download Plugins

-Go to the dedicated page for downloading plugins: PlugIns
-Currently there are about 20 different plugins available for download.
-For a complete list of plugins read the recent posts in this forum thread
- -

Plugin Versions

-OpenCPN plugin interface is regularly updated with new features. New -plugins are constantly developed and old plugins acquires new features.
-PlugIns are designed to be backward compatible; this -means that, any old PlugIn should (must) work correctly with any more -recent OpenCPN main program (not need to update your plugins when -updating OpenCPN to a new version); BUT using old versions of OpenCPN with a new or updated plugins, will not work.
-For example, don't expect Weather Routing, Climatology or WeatherFax to work with OpenCPN version 3.0.
- -

Blacklisted Plugins

-Plugins or versions of plugins known to be problematic can be Blacklisted.
-
-

-A dialog pops up for 5 seconds when starting OpenCPN, if a blacklisted -plugin is detected. This will happen even if the plugin is not enabled. A - number of plugins are blacklisted. They are, mainly, old problematic -versions of plugins. There is always a newer version of a blacklisted -plugin, or, in worst case scenario, one will soon be released.
-
-
- -

Installing a Plugin

-For Linux, place the downloaded "pluginxx.so" in -{prefix}/lib/opencpn, which means /usr/lib/opencpn for a standard -installation, using the provided packages. If you are compiling yourself - {prefix} may be "/usr/local" instead of "/usr". Check "opencpn.log" if -necessary.
-For Windows place the downloaded "pluginxx.dll" in a -"plugins" sub folder of your OpenCPN installation folder. A common -location is C:\Program Files\OpenCPN\plugins.
-Once the plugin is in the right directory, restart OpenCPN and proceed to enabling the plugin.
-For Mac right-click your app in Finder and open "Contents", and put your plugin in the "PlugIns" directory.
- -

Enabling a Plugin

-Plugins are made available by clicking on the plugin in the -Options->Plugin Tab. Once this is done, an "Enable" button appears. -Pressing this button activates the plugin icon in the ToolBar and -changes the the default "grayed out" text to black in the list. Not all -plugins have an icon when active. For most plugins there is a -"Preferences" Button for configuration.
-When a plugin is disabled in the Options->Plugin tab, the plugin Icon disappears from the ToolBar.
-The Plugin Icon works as a toggle switch for the plugin. Pressing the -Grib Icon, for example, activates the Grib plugin. Pressing one more -time, kills it.
-The WMM Icon uses a new feature, by displaying the magnetic variation, at the position of OwnShip in the button itself.
-
-
-

-
- -

Problems with Plugins

-If you run into problems with plugins, first check what the opencpn.log file say.
-For each plugin you will find lines similar to: - - - - - - -

08:59:25 CEST: PlugInManager searching for PlugIns in location /usr/lib/opencpn
- 08:59:25 CEST: PlugInManager: Loading PlugIn: /usr/lib/opencpn/libweather_routing_pi.so
- 08:59:25 CEST: /usr/lib/opencpn/libweather_routing_pi.so
- API Version detected: 110
- PlugIn Version detected: 101

-This example is from Linux. For Windows and Mac the locations of the files will be different.
-To find the "opencpn.log" on your system read
-"Location of Important Files. Log and config files."
-
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Dashboard Plugin

- The Dashboard pluging is able to show quite a few instruments.
-The Dashboard plugin is always distributed with OpenCPN, no separate download is required.
-
-If the data is available to OpenCPN in the NMEA0183 data stream the -different instruments will display relevant data; but the plugin don't -tell what is available. It is assumed that the user know what is -connected. It is of course possible to activate all instruments and see -what works.
-
-The Dashboard in action, two Dashboards, one vertical and one horizontal.
-Grab the top Caption bar with the cursor and drag the Dashboard as far -as possible to the right or left. Let go the cursor, and the Dashboard -will dock, the chart display will adjust, no part of the chart will be -hidden. Horizontal Dashboards can in a similar way be docked top or -bottom.
-This process is reversible. Just grab the Dashboard dialog bar with the -cursor, an pull towards the middle of the screen, and the Dashboard will - become floating.
-
-

-
-The same Dashboards docked left and bottom.
-
-

-
-There is a grab handle in the SE corner of each Dashboard. Use it to resize each dialog.
-The graphics will change size, but not the text, which is handled separately. See further down.
-
-

- -

The Dashboard Tab

-
-Once the Dashboard plugin is activated in the plugin tab, the Dashboard -Icon will be available in the ToolBar and will work as an on/off toggle. - The Preference button works exactly the same as described under -"Dashboard Settings" below.
-
-

-
-The "Enable" Button activates the plugin and shows the icon in the ToolBar.
-Once enabled, the "Disable" Button is displayed, as show above.
-If you press the "Preference" Button the Dashboard preferences dialog becomes available.
-
-Dashboard settings
-
-

-
-Right click anywhere in a Dashboard and a few options are displayed, in a small dialog.
-Above we have clicked on the vertical Dashboard. Make this Dashboard -horizontal by clicking the "Horizontal" radio button. Stop displaying it - by un-ticking the box in front of the first "Dashboard" line. Get it -back by right clicking on the other Dashboard and tick the same box -again.
-
-Preferences
-
-

-
-The Dashboard Tab
-The Icons in the narrow pane to the left, represents the available -instances. Click on an instance and the configured instruments shows in -the "Instruments" pane.
-
-"+" and "-" Add or delete a Dashboard instance. Note, -that an active Dashboard can not be deleted as the "-" will be grayed -out. Configure a new instance by "Add"-ing instruments in the -"Instrument" pane.
-
-Show this Dashboard If ticked just that Dashboard is shown. Toggling the icon displays all Dashboards.
-
-Caption changes the name of the DashBoard from the default "Dashboard" to the Caption value.
-Due to a wxWidgets bug, this change is not instant, and requires docking the Dashboard or restarting OpenCPN, to work.
-
-Orientation A dash board can be either Vertical or Horizontal.
-Vertical can be docked left or right, Horizontal can be docked top or bottom.
-
-The "Instruments" pane. Shows the Instruments that are -"active", that will show up in that particular Dashboard .The -instruments are selected with the buttons to the right.
-
-Add. This button brings up the "Add Instrument" dialog -where the available instruments can be highlighted and added to the -Instruments Window.
- -

- -

The available 40 instruments are:

- - -

Position (text)
-SOG (text) -Speed Over Ground
-Speedometer (dial)
-COG(text) - Course Over Ground
-GPS Compass(dial)
-STW(text) Speed Through Water
-True HDG(text) Heading
-Apparent WindAngle & Speed(dial)
-App. Wind speed(text)
-App. Wind speed(dial)
-True Wind Angle & Speed(dial)
-Depth(text)*

- Depth(dial)*
-Water Temp(text)
-VMG(text)- Velocity Made Good to a waypoint.
-VMG(dial)
-Rudder Angle(text)
-Rudder Angle(dial)
-GPS in view(text)- the number of satellites detected*
-GPS status(dial)**
-Cursor, shows the position of the cursor.
-Clock, showing UTC from the NMEA stream, in most cases this is the gps time.
-Sunrise/Sunset
-Moon phase
-Air Temp
-App. Wind angle
-True Wind angle
-True Wind direction
-True Wind Speed
-True Wind Direction and speed
-Magnetic Hdg
-True Compass
-Wind History
-Trip Log
-Sum Log
-Barometric Pressure (dial)
-Barometric Pressure (text)
-Barometric History
-From Ownship. Shows the vector from Ownship to the cursor.
-Magnetic COG
-
-*The DPT sentence is used, and transducer offset will be added to depth value, if available.
-**Linux note: GPS satellite info is not available if using gpsd.
-The same informations is however available through the "xgps" command.
- -

Delete. Highlight an entry in the Instrument Window to delete it.
-
-Up / Down. Highlight an entry in the Instrument Window and change the order between the selected instruments.
-This order will also be the order between the instruments in the Dashboard dialog.
-
-The Appearance Tab
-
-

-
-Use this tab to set fonts.
-
-These controls together enables the user to adjust the view of the dashboard to suit individual needs.
-
-

-
-Units Ranges and Formats
-Set the units to use, and the range of the speed dial.
-
-

-
-

- -

Wind History

-
-The Wind History Instrument needs some further explanations.
-
-The "wind history" instrument is meant to be run as a standalone (vertical) instrument.
-Just define a separate dashboard and add it as the only instrument.
-
-

-
-You can resize the Instrument it with the mouse.
-
-

-
-In real conditions, it monitors around 40 min of wind direction (red), -as well as wind speed (blue), showing a vertical time line every 5 min -(the example screen shot is a full-speed VDR replay).
-
-The text on the top shows the current values, as it is displayed in the -standard instruments (blue = wind speed data, TWS=True Wind Speed, red = - direction, TWD = True Wind Direction).
-
-Here is an explanation of the text line, left side (see screen shot):
-TWS 7.5 : true Wind Speed currently 7.5 kts
-Max 22.3 kts since 18:50 : this is the max Wind speed in the visible graphs, i.e. the last ~40 mins
-Overall 22.3 : the max wind speed since OpenCPN was started.
-
-Right side above :
-TWD 357° : True wind direction currently 357°
-
-The thin red/blue curves are the real direction/speed values, the -thicker curves are smoothed values. Makes it easier to see trends.
-
-There is some logic included :
-The instruments re-zoomes automatically as much as possible, always trying to show the whole visible curve;
-Wind speed curve:
-if your max (visible) wind speed is 10 kts, then your scale is from 0...11 kts (rounded upwards to the next full knot).
-In the screen shot we had a mx of 22.3kts --> scale is 0...23 kts.
-Wind direction :
-The instrument scale shows +/- 90° of the currently visible data values, but is limited to a total of 360°.
-If the wind is shifting through North (from 350, 355, 359, 002, 010, -...) we're shifting the curve as well, meaning that there is NO vertical - jump in the data from 360° --> 0°, and we do NOT loose all the -continuity in the smoothed curves !
-
-If you should happen to have more than a full 360° cycle of wind -direction in the recorded data (if you sail through a couple of dust -devils ), I limited the max scale to 360°, meaning that the curve will -run out of the visible area on bottom or on top of the instrument.
-
-Please note that you don't have to have the instrument "open" all the time.
-Once activated as initially described, you can close it, and simply -reopen it on demand. You don't loose the curves, the instrument -continues to collect the data.
-To make it visible again simply right click on an existing standard-dashboard, and click the "Wind History" Dashboard.
-
-

-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Grib Weather Plugin

-
-OpenCPN has a grib weather file viewer plugin, aimed at being useful while under way.
-The grib plugin is always distributed with OpenCPN, no separate download is required.
-
- -

What is a grib file?

- -

If you are not familiar with grib weather files, make sure you understand the basics, before you start to use them. It is essential to understand the limitations of weather forecasts that are distributed in the grib format. It is also worth pointing out that gribs are not reliable near tropical systems. Send a blank mail to GribWarning@saildocs.com. Read the mail you get back carefully.
To get started with gribs and to find sources for downloads, check Franks-Weather.
A very good, up to date book, is "Modern Marine Weather, second -edition" by David Burch, with a thorough treatment of the subject.
A few files including lectures on tropical weather and gribs are available here.

- - -

Get started

- -

To display grib files as an overlay on your normal charts you have to first activate the grib icon
Go to - find the plugin tab. Click on the Grib plugin, then the "Enable" -button. The "Preferences" Button brings up a small dialog. The settings -in this dialog rarely needs changing after the initial setup.

-
-

- -

Grib Preference

- -

Use High Definition Graphics. The setting only -concerns the barbed wind arrows.Tick the "Use High Definition Graphics" -box, unless you are on old hardware. Not ticking the "High Definition -Graphics" box can help to speed up the grib display, in such cases.
Use Gradual Colors. This setting applies to all -colored overlay maps. On many installations the difference in rendering -is very small. The overlay maps built in color variation plays a part.
Copy First Cumulative Missing Record. This is about rainfall and cloud cover records .

-As these records are "cumulative" , the first one does not exist in -files from zyGrib and Saildocs. With this parameter unchecked, there -will be neither rainfall and nor cloud cover displayed for the first -date/time of the file. Ticking the box fixes the problem.
- -

Copy Missing Wave Records. This only concerns wave - records from zyGrib delivers files from two models ; FNMOC (WW3-...) -for waves and GFS for all other parameters. These two forecast models -does not have the same time spacing. For some dates/times, the wave data - do not exist.This parameter allows this missing data to be -reconstructed and avoiding the overlay (if set) to flicker.

- -

Load File Options

- -

Load the More Recent File in Directory. Loads the newest file in the grib directory on start.
Load the Last Open File. Loads the grib file used last time.

- -

Start options

- -

Start at the first forecast in GRIB file
Start at the nearest forecast to current time
Authorize interpolation to start at current time.

- -

Time Options

- -

Local Time
UTC

-
-
- -

The Grib Display Controls

- - -

The Standard Display Control

-To start the Grib plugin press the

button in the tool-bar. The "GRIB Display Control" then pops up.
-
-
-
-This is a smart and compact dialog. For a quick start press the "Open -File" button and navigate to your grib file directory and press the file - to be displayed. -

Previous/Next Go to the previous or the next -record in the gribfile. This corresponds to the time "interval" chosen -when the grib file was downloaded.
Data valid at The time of validity for all grib data on screen.
Open Grib file The name of the grib file in use.
Now Displays the record, nearest in time to "now" -according to the Start option you have selected: ("Start at the nearest -forecast to current time" or "Authorize interpolation to start at -current time").
Zoom to Center This button will home in on the loaded area that the loaded grib file covers.
Play Goes through all records in turn, with the animation speed controlled in the "Grib Settings" dialog.
Progress Slider Just to the right of the "Play" button is a slider that is just another way of going through the grip records.
Open File Activates the operating systems standard - file selector dialog to select a grib file. The plugin remembers the -directory of this grib. This is used next time you start OpenCPN and -activates the Grib plugin. See settings in the "Grib Preferences" dialog - above.
Settings is where to control how the different grib data will be displayed. See more below.
Request Download grib files via email. More below.
GRIB Data at Cursor. This is where the "smart" part kicks in. Only entries for the data contained in the active grib file will be displayed. - For example, if there is no wave data in the current grib file, there -will be no signs of wave data at all. In the case above, where the the -wave data is N/A, the grib file includes wave data, but not for the area - where the cursor is. Compare with the picture below, where the grib -only contains current data. The tick boxes next to each data entry, are -used to activate the data-display on the screen. Exactly what will be -shown is controlled in the "Grib Settings" dialog, which is reached by -pressing the "Settings" button. Don't activate to many display features -at the same time. The display quickly becomes very cluttered.

-The "GRIB Display Control" loaded with a grib file only containing current data. - -

Advanced GRIB Data at Cursor. The display options -for all the data shown, can be reached by right.clicking on the little -squares where the "ticks" are shown. For the meaning of all these -options, read on.

-Right-clicking the "Air Temp" option square.
- -

The Advanced Display Control

-
-The plugin has an advanced mode were altitude data can be displayed. -This mode requires some more knowledge than plain gribs. A good start is - to read "Mariner’s Guide to the 500 – Millibar Chart".
-If a grib file includes altitude data, the control will automatically include more options. See below.
-
-

-If the dialog looks normal except for an extra selection box under "GRIB Data at Cursor", like this,
-

-then the grib file contains altitude data. Selecting one of the -altitudes, for example 500, changes the dialog to what you see above. -The advanced data are displayed against a yellow background.
-Wind. These are the wind data valid for the selected altitude level.
-Grib Data at 500 hPa. The values at the selected level.
- -

Weather Tables

-
-Once a grib file is loaded in the current session, the "Weather table" appears in the right click menu.
-
-

-
-Click the entry, and a Weather Table, valid at the cursor point, pops -up. All available data in the current grib file, for the whole time -span, are shown.
-
-

-
- -

Settings

-
-...controls how the grib files are displayed on the screen, and units -used in the Grib Display control. Thing like Overlay colors, animation -time interval and speed and much more.
-The basic dialog looks like this.
-
-

-Playback

-The Loop Mode controls what happens when "Play" is pressed in the Grib Display Control. - -

Loop Mode. Sets the "Play" function into a loop mode. Otherwise, playback will stop when reaching the end of the file.
Loop Start. Were to start the loop. The option "Current time forecast" makes sure that only data now or in the future are shown
Updates per Second. Controls the speed of "play".
Loop Start. The loop can start either at the start of the grib file or from the current time forecast.
Interpolate between gribs. If you select this -option, you will be able to choose your own time interval, but you have -to consider that it can decrease data accuracy. To remind you, this info - will pop up.

Time Interval. This is the time interval used for -interpolation. The entry is only visible if "Interpolate between gribs" -is ticked. This is connected tho the chosen time interval when -requesting a grib file.

- - -

Display

-The lower part of the Grib Settings Dialog, under the Display heading is - really 10 different controls. The controls are activated by the -choosing one of the items in the selection menu below.
-
-

-
-Many of the entries are repeated, so let's first have a closer look at -the the most important one, the Wind. Entries on the same line are -connected.
-
-

Units refers to the choice of units for the selected record.

-For wind speed the choices are.
-

Barbed Arrows. Display the traditional barbed arrows, showing wind direction and wind speed. Range refers to the distance between displayed arrows ( not working 3.3.1117). Default Color / Controlled Colors Default is dark brown while "Controled" varies from blue for very light winds to red for very strong winds

Always visible This option only exists for "Wind" -and "Pressure". When ticked the object is shown regardless of what is -ticked in the "Settings Control". The idea is to be able to Show wind -and/or pressure at the same time as other options. Use with Rainfall, -for example, to help identifying fronts.
Display Isotachs shows contour lines connectAlways visibleing points with the same wind speed. Spacing controls - which wind speed Isotachs will be shown. Use knots for units and 10 for - spacing and isotach contours will be shown at 10 kts, 20kts and so on.
OverlayMap Depending on your system capability,if - you use "Accelerated Graphics (OpenGL)" (see General -Options/Display/Advanced ), the overlay will be visible at all scales. -But if you don't, the overlay will only be visible at small scales. A -small yellow pop up at the bottom left of the screen will inform you. Zoom out to a scale of 1:13 millions, or smaller to see them.
Colors is another selection menu containing -pre-set color schemes. The idea is to use the scheme with the same name -as the control, but this is just a hint, nothing more.

- -

Numbers shows the wind speed in small square boxes. Minimum Spacing refers to the spacing between these boxes.
Particle Map is a kind of animation of the wind -field. It is created by letting "particles", or dots, move in the wind -direction and leave a trail. The trail is colored after the wind -strength, and each particle has a limited "life span". The Density slider - creates particle trails that are shorter but closer together with -increased value, which is the same as further to the right. The -particle Map below clearly shows a convergence zone with stronger winds -(red). Ths is probably a cold front. Performance Warning: - Note that high density Particle Maps on Low Powered Machines and Large -Files may slow your machine to a crawl. First test on small files.

- -

Overlay Transparency works as expected.

-
-All the controls for Wind Gust, Rainfall and Cloud Cover, have similar entries; only the units differs.
-
-

-
-The pressure display has no overlays, only the options of isobars and numbers.
-Overlay Transparency is redundant.
-
-

-
-Waves and Current have a more or less similar display. A Particle Map is - available for currents. See the ddescripion above for wind Particle -Maps. Once again different units.
-There is a choice between three different display arrows shown in two sizes.
-If wave height, direction and wave period is present in the grib file it will be displayed in the Display Control like this:
-
-

-
-

-
-Air Temperature and Sea Temperature looks the same.
-

-
-Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) has these settings
-

-
-Altitude and Relative Humidity have a simple one choice entry.
- -

The new Grib-file Request Button

- -

Grib files can be requested directly from the plugin. The request -is in the form of an email to SailDocs or ZyGrib. The requested grib -file is also delivered via email.
The area for which data is requested defaults to the area visible -on the screen, but the request area can be selected by other means as -well. More below.
It's possible to request gribs from 4 different Grib prediction -models when using Saildocs GFS, COAMPS, RTOFS and indirectly WW3. When -you request "Waves" in GFS, Saildocs merge wavedata from WW3 into the -delivered grib.
The ZyGrib option can only deliver GFS gribs, which is the "standard" model for gribs.
RTOFS gribs only contains current and water temperature data.
COAMPS delivers wind and pressure with a higher resolution than GFS
The minimum time between grib records are 3h for GFS and 6h for COAMPS & RTOFS.
GFS can be requested for 8 days ahead. An extended GFS request up to 16 days ahead is possible. This warning will pop up.

-
-

The same value for COAMPS is 3 days and RTOFS 6 days.

-
-There are two layouts of this dialog, depending on wether it is a -request to SaiDocs or to ZyGrib. Some alternatives are only available -from SailDocs, and some are only available from zyGrib. Alternatives not - available are grayed out.
-
-The SailDoc Request looks like this.
-
-

-Compose the request by picking parameters and data. Not all data are -available for all choices of parameters. For example, in the picture -above "Wind Gusts" and "Current" are grayed out, as the are not -available with GFS from SailDocs.
-
-When selecting "Moving Grib" the dialog expands and -makes i possible to choose a speed and course. The selected grib -forecast area will move, using these values, for each grib interval. The - idea behind this is to minimize the download while still covering a -longer passage.
-Moving grib files are incompatible with interpolation, so if a "moving -file" is detected a warning is displayed. Interpolation, if set is -deactivated, but only for moving file, the settings as such, are not -modified.
-
-The default geographical coverage of the requested grib file is the area - you can see on the screen. A manual Selection Mode is also available.
-When the Area Selection -> Manual Selection box is ticked the dialog expands
-
-

-
-Choose the limiting Latitude and Longitude for the grib-file manually or press "Start graphic Sel." button.
-
-

-Press the left mouse-button and draw a rectangle around the required area.
-
-When selecting "Pressure Altitude" and the GFS forecast - model, the dialog expands and makes i possible to choose forecasts for -different altitude levels. The SailDocs dialog only supports the 500 mb -altitude, while zyGrib suports all options.
-When you are ready press "Send".
-This message will show in the "Mail" window instead of the "send" request: - - - - - - -

Your request is ready. An email is prepared in your email environment.
- You have just to verify and send it...
- Save or Cancel to finish...or Continue...

-As stated, a mail is composed for you and ready to send with your normal mailing program.
-This is the standard way of getting a new grib in Windows and Linux. (Mac ??)
-
-There is an advanced alternative for Mac OSX, Linux (and BSD). Install and configure a mail server. Instructions on the Mail Servers page. This will enable automatic transmission of a grib request to SailDocs.
-After installing and configuring a mail server, there is one more step.
-Open "opencpn.conf" and ad the line below. As always, do not run OpenCPN when editing opencpn.conf.
- - - - - - - -

[PlugIns/GRIB]
- SendMailMethod=1

-Setting "SendMailMethod" to "0" restores the default.
-To get a grib, just press "send", and wait for a return mail.
-
-The zyGrib Request looks like this.
-
-

-
- -

More to know

- -

ZyGrib - is a free and open-source software (FOSS) dedicated grib viewer. Grib -files can be downloaded by ZyGrib and then opened in OpenCPN.
QtVlm a FOSS weather routing program, combines a grib file with boat polar data, and produces an optimized route. More here Weather Routing. This is a very good tool to use in routing decisions, but has the same limitations as all grib-data.

Go to Table Of Contents

Mail Servers

-Warning!

- -

This is an Advanced subject, that is not necessary for running the grib plugin.
-Do not try these setups unless you are familiar with your operating -system, comfortable with handling the command line interface and editing - configuration files.
-Do not expect these instructions to work without some customization.
-
-This page contains detailed instructions on how to set up mailservers to automatically send grib request mails to Sail Docs.
-"Ptizef" has compiled the instructions for Windows (XP or XP)/Thunderbird
-"Ptizef" has compiled the instructions for Linux/SSMTP.
-"Cagney" has compiled the instructions for Linux/Exim4.
-"CarCode" has compiled the instructions for Mac OS X/PostFix .
-

- -

WINDOWS

-
-1) Windows(Vista or XP and Thunderbird)
-
-- Outside OpenCPN there is nothing more to do except to - ensure that there is a mail system (mine is thunderbird) correctly -configured and set as "main" on the device.
-also verify if the mapi32.dll is present in c:/windows/system32 (or -equivalent for 64b) (otherwise an error message will be the result).
-
-- Inside OpenCPN, there is nothing to do; the sender -mail address can be entered, but will not be used. Just don't forget to -enter the zyGRIB login and password.
-
-When clicking on "send" button :
-if the "main" mail system is not open, OpenCPN opens it and the waiting messages are received.
-remark : if there are many waiting messages, it could take a while. That - is why it would be better to create a specific address for this -purpose.
-Then a new mail page is opened with all mail elements already written thus ready to be sent.
-
-
- -

Linux

- - -

Using SSMTP

- -

How to install and configure sSMTP:
-
-- 1) Install the ssmtp package.
-If another MTA is already installed, it could be requested to uninstall it before installing ssmtp
-
-once it's done you could test by typing this command:
-"whereis sendmail"
-
-the answer should be something like that :"/usr/sbin/sendmail"
-
-use this answer in the next command:
-"ls -la /usr/sbin/sendmail"
-
-If everything's OK you should get this answer: "/usr/sbin/sendmail → -ssmtp" showing that Sendmail function is now connected to ssmtp
-
-- 2) Now there are two files to set:
-
-the first file : /etc/ssmtp/ssmtp.conf ( with root rights )
-
-The typical setting should be:
-root=postmaster
-AuthUser=yourlogin to your ISP access
-AuthPass=yourpasseword to your ISP access
-mailhub=yourISPserveurname.yourdomain (for example smtp.orange.fr)
-rewriteDomain=yourdomain
-FromLineOverride=YES
-hostname= the full host-name ( normally automatically entered, but if not you can type the command : "hostname" to get it)
-
-For ISP requiring a TLS connection , it could be necessary to add the line UseTLS=YES or UseSTARTTLS=YES
-
-the second file : /etc/ssmtp/revaliases (with root rights)
-
-Enter this line.
-root:yourlogin@yourdomain:yourISPserveurname.yourd omainort
-
-the default port was 25 but now many ISP refuse it and use 587. If you -have a mail system, you will find the right value in it.sudo -dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config
-Sendmail/Postfix install for Mac
-- Inside OpenCPN :You must enter the sender address : your entire mail -address, the one you will use to send mails and receive answers
-
-When you click on the "send" button, the mail is directly sent. You can find the log here : /var/log/mail.log
-

- -

Using Exim4

-First install Exim4
-$sudo apt-get install exim4
-then configure it (again).
-$sudo dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config
-This is a very simple setup where exim is just used to forward mail to -the ISP:s smtp server. Local system mail is also available.
-
-

-It's important to use the choice above.
-
-

-I just use "localhost".
-
-

-We have no incoming connections.
-
-

-We are not using this.
-
-

-This is important. It must point to your Internet Service Providers SMTP server.
-
-

-Your choice!
-
-

-RTFM and make up your mind. Not a big deal for this simple setup.
-
-

-RTFM.
-
-

-Your Choice, but no point in splitting this simple setup.
-
-Edit /etc/exim4/passwd.client so it contains your username and password to your ISP:s mail server. - - - - - - -

# password file used when the local exim is authenticating to a remote
- # host as a client.
- #
- # see exim4_passwd_client(5) for more documentation
- #
- # Example:
- ### target.mail.server.example:login:password
- # for OpenCPN you can use *:login:password
- *:fakexyz123:madeupXYZ123

-(Re)start Exim4
-$ /etc/init.d/exim4 {start|stop|restart|reload|status|what|force-stop}
-Start testing
-
-
-
- -

Mac OS X

- - -

Using Sendmail/Postfix

-
-It is not so easy to install this on a Mac since you will need some -experience with terminal using. The example below uses an googlemail -account and nano as editor:
-
-Step 1
-Type in terminal these 6 lines one after another with return:
-sudo mkdir -p /Library/Server/Mail/Data/spool
-
-sudo gzip -/usr/share/man/man1/{postalias.1,postcat.1,postconf.1,postdrop.1,postf -ix.1,postkick.1,postlock.1,postlog.1,postmap.1,pos -tmulti.1,postqueue.1,postsuper.1,sendmail.1}
-
-sudo gzip -/usr/share/man/man5/{access.5,aliases.5,bounce.5,canonical.5,cidr_tabl -e.5,generic.5,header_checks.5,ldap_table.5,master. -5,mysql_table.5,nisplus_table.5,pcre_table.5,pgsql -_table.5,postconf.5,postfix-wrapper.5,regexp_table.5,relocated.5,tcp_table.5,t - ransport.5,virtual.5}
-
-sudo gzip -/usr/share/man/man8/{anvil.8,bounce.8,cleanup.8,discard.8,error.8,flus -h.8,local.8,master.8,oqmgr.8,pickup.8,pipe.8,proxy -map.8,qmgr.8,qmqpd.8,scache.8,showq.8,smtp.8,smtpd -.8,spawn.8,tlsmgr.8,trivial-rewrite.8,verify.8,virtual.8}
-
-sudo /usr/sbin/postfix set-permissions
-
-sudo chmod 700 /Library/Server/Mail/Data/mta
-
-Step 2
-Type in terminal another command to start the nano editor with this file:
-sudo nano /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
-
-Type into the nano editor:
-smtp.googlemail.com:587 YourAccountname@googlemail.com:YourPassword
-
-Substitute YourAccountname and YourPassword with your data.
-Save the file in nano with Ctrl-O and exit with Ctrl-X.
-
-Step 3
-Publicate the new file in terminal with this command:
-sudo postmap /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
-
-Step 4
-You have to edit the main config file and add at the end the following lines with
-this command in Terminal:
-sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf
-
-This to add:
-# Minimum Postfix-specific configurations.
-mydomain_fallback = localhost
-mail_owner = _postfix
-setgid_group = _postdrop
-relayhost=smtp.googlemail.com:587
-
-# Enable SASL authentication in the Postfix SMTP client.
-smtp_sasl_auth_enable=yes
-smtp_sasl_password_maps=hash:/etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
-smtp_sasl_security_options=
-
-# Enable Transport Layer Security (TLS), i.e. SSL.
-smtp_use_tls=yes
-smtp_tls_security_level=encrypt
-tls_random_source=dev:/dev/urandom
-
-Save the file and exit nano as in step 2.
-
-Step 5
-Now you can start postfix in terminal with:
-sudo postfix start
-
-If an error occurs correct main.cf and start again with:
-sudo postfix reload
-
-Step 6
-Now you can test your work in terminal with:
-date | mail -s test YourAccountname@googlemail.com
-
-
-Done.
-Supplemental
-If you want to have started sendmail/postfix each time you start you start
-your machine you can add these lines to the launch daemon:
-<key>RunAtLoad</key>
-<true/>
-
-Do this with this command in terminal:
-sudo nano /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/org.postfix.master.plist
-
-After that this file should look like this:
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
-<plist version="1.0">
-<dict>
-<key>Label<</key>
-<string>org.postfix.master</string>
-<key>Program</key>
-<string>/usr/libexec/postfix/master</string>
-<key>ProgramArguments</key>
-<array>
-<string>master</string>
-<string>-e</string>
-<string>60</string>
-</array>
-<key>QueueDirectories</key>
-<array>
-<string>/var/spool/postfix/maildrop</string>
-</array>
-<key>AbandonProcessGroup</key>
-<true/>
-<key>OnDemand/lt;/key>
-<true/>
-<key>RunAtLoad</key>
-<true/>
-</dict>
-</plist>
-
-Instead of googlemail in this example you may use any other mail server.
-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

The WMM Plugin

The "World Magnetic Model PlugIn for OpenCPN" implements the NOAA World Magnetic Model.
-More information: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/
-
-The bundled WMM2010 model expires on December 31, 2014.
-After then, if a new version of the plugin is not released in time, you -will have to get a new WMM.COF from NOAA and place it in the location -you can find in the OpenCPN logfile.

- -

-A Quick-Start Guide.

-
-This plugin is all about the value of the magnetic variation. The value -at your boat position, at the position of the cursor, and the rest of -the world.
-
-Download and install the plugin. Go to Options-->Plugins. Press the "Enable" button.
-
-

-
-Then press the Preference button, and copy the settings below.
-
-

-
-Press OK twice.
-The WMM icon will now be found in your ToolBar. The numbers in the button is the variation at your position.
-
-

-
-Press the Toolbar Button and the small dialog below will appear on the screen.
-The first value is the same as in the button, the variation at your boat (gps) position.
-The second value is the variation at the position of the cursor.
-
-

-That is all you need to know to get started, and for most of your daily use.
-Need more details? Read on!
- -

The Details

-World Magnetic Model Plotting allows users to cross reference the magnetic deviation values printed on many raster charts.
-Variation is the angle between true and magnetic north.
-Inclination is the vertical angle of the magnetic field.
-A compass is adjusted for the inclination in the intended sales region.
-If you buy a compass in Europe; it will not be level in Australia, for example.
-Field Strength is the magnetic field in nano tesla from 20000 to 66000.
-Currently the total field strength is shown, with no immediate practical - use. Hopefully this will change to show the horizontal component in the - future, that has an impact on whether the compass works or not, near -the magnetical poles.
-
-The plotted lines are similar to a topographic map. The space between -them can be adjusted; more space takes less time to calculate.
-
-The Step size and Pole accuracy sliders allow a trade off for speed vs computation time.
-
-

-
-With the extended Radio-button, this dialog will show on the screen
-
-

- - - - - - - -

F - Total Intensity of the geomagnetic field
- H - Horizontal Intensity of the geomagnetic field
- X - North Component of the geomagnetic field
- Y - East Component of the geomagnetic field
- Z - Vertical Component of the geomagnetic field
- I (DIP) - Geomagnetic Inclination
- D (DEC) - Geomagnetic Declination (Magnetic Variation)

-Click "Settings" and adjust the display of the graphical plot.
-
-

-Show variation only.
-
-

-
-Or all options together.
-
-

-......

Voyage Data Recorder Plugin

- Use VDR to record and play NMEA files.
-
-

Use VDR for AIS Simulation - Run VDR to play AIS NMEA files. Or... -use the VDR plugin to record your passages and replay them later! The -VDR is also great for testing NMEA sentences, the Dashboard and new -OpenCPN features. These are just a few examples, of how to use this -versatile plugin.

- -

When VDR is activated in ToolBar -> Options -> Plugins -> VDR, two Buttons appears in the ToolBar

- -

The left button is for recording, and leads to a "Choose file" dialog to select the file to record to. A file with a .txt file extension works well.
The right button is for playing an existing file, and also leads to a dialog where the file must be selected. Once selected VDR starts to play the file, the small dialog below shows on the screen.
You can control the speed with the upper slide. Far left is slow, natural speed, while moving the slide to the far right equals fast forwarding.
The lower part of the dialog shows the progress.
When recording, the VDR plugin includes all NMEA data available on the internal bus in OpenCPN. Even data not recognized or used by OpenCPN will be recorded. Everything (almost) in the ToolBar -> Connections -> "NMEA debug window" will be included.
In other words. The VDR records everything from all ports and does -not participate in the downstream multiplexer filter or priority scheme. - That way, a VDR recording may be played back, experimenting with -various filters and priorities if desired.
If you are playing a file with the VDR at the same time, even that data will be included. So it is possible to play and record at the same time!

- -

Want to play ?

- -

To get started, download this file. Un - 7-zip the file and change the .pdf extension to .txt. The file is now ready to play.
If you can't find the boat, have a look in the Adriatic or just press the "Auto Follow", or press F2. The view will now center on the action.

- -

The VDR shows up as "PlugIn Virtual" in the NMEA Debug Window.

- -

-
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Logbook Konni

- The Logbook Konni plugin is useful for creating and maintaining many types of logs for your boat.
-The Logbook Konni plugin can be downloaded from the Download tab.
-The wiki is a part of the download and is accessible from the plugin.
-
-The plugin is now maintained by Del, Konnibe has been unable to continue development due to ill health.

Installation

- Installing the plugin will vary depending on your OS platform. The latest version of the plugin can be downloaded from here: https://github.com/delatbabel/LogbookKonni-1.2/releases/tag/v1.2009
-
-Binaries are available for Linux, Windows and Mac. There are also 2 zip -files -- you will only need the Layouts zip file not the other one.
-
-After downloading and installing the plugin, you can install the initial layouts. -

Start OpenCPN
Select Options from the toolbar (spanner icon) and go to the Plugins tab.
Select the Logbook plugin
Click the Preferences button
In the dialog click "Install" below the label "Install Layouts"
In the file dialog select the file 'LogbookKonni_Layouts.zip'

-
-Note that the layouts are customisable by the user and can be -distributed to and shared with other OpenCPN logbook users. If you have - developed a useful custom layout for your logbook then please feel free - to send us details.

Preferences

- Setting preferences for the logbook is - done in the Logbook Preferences dialog. You can get to this from the -main OpenCPN Options window, go to the Plugins tab, select the Logbook -plugin and click "Preferences"
- -

Logging, Date and Time Behaviour

-
-This is on the Behavior tab. Here you can adjust the following items: -

Date format for logging -- either local format (may not work on all platforms), or select a format such as Day/Month/Year.
Time format -- 12 or 24 hour format with or without seconds.
Time zone -- either log in UTC timezone or choose the local -timezone. It's also possible to log in "GPS Auto" time zone where the -time zone is determined from the current longitude.

- - -

Water, Fuel and Battery Capacity

Climatology Plugin

- Climatology Plugin
-
-Intended to aid in planning sailing voyages, to help visualize weather -patterns, and to integrate with weather routing plugin to compute -optimal sailing routes. Weather_routing plugin will use Climatology to -make long voyaging routes. This plugin goes well beyond what a Pilot -chart provides.
-
-Manage and view monthly gridded Climate data compiled from various -sources. Satellite weather data from the last 30 years is averaged, then - represented using only useful bits, then compressed to produce a much -smaller database used by the plugin.
-
-Climatology provides monthly data for Wind, Currents, Sea Level -Pressure, Sea Temperature, Air Temperature, Cloud Cover, Precipitation, -Relative Humidity, Lightning, Sea Depth, and Cyclones.
-
-

-
-July Wind with Current overlay. (Click for enlarged view)
-
-

-
-Climatology Data Types with Display Options
-Climatology has a number of Data Types. The display characteristics of -each data type are controlled from the "Config" menu which first -requires selection of the particular data type from a dropbox. Amoungst -the display controls for each datatype are Enable/Disable, and to show -the data as a "Overlay" which requires that OpenGL be enabled under -Option > Display > Advanced. The display options have been -configured already for general use provided OpenGL is checked and should - require no special configuration effort to be useful, however as users -become familiar with the plugin, they may wish to change a setting for -their type of use (such as if they do not have OpenGL checked.)
-
-The table below shows four data types that are normally shown in vector -format and do not require that Overlay be checked, the other data types -can also be configured to not require that Overlay be checked if OpenGL -is not operational. Click for an englarged view.
-
-Normal Vector Data Types
-(Opengl not required) - Malaysia
-
-
- Wind December

-Wind - December
-
- Current - Decembeer

-Current - December
-
-

-Pressure - December
-
-

-Cyclones - December
-
-
- The table below shows data types which are normally shown with Overlay -checked and OpenGL turned on, however they can be configured to show -vector data when Opengl is off, by unchecking "Overlay" for each data -type and configuring a few of the display settings. Click for enlarged -view.
-
-Normal Overlay Data Types
-(requires Opengl) - Atlantic
-
- Climatology Sea Level Pressure

-Pressure
-
- Climatology Sea Level Temperature

-Sea Temperature
-
- Climatology Clouds

-Cloud Cover
-
- Climatology Precipitation

-Precipitation
-
- Climatology Relative Humidity

-Relative Humidity
-
-

-Sea Depth
-
-
-
-Note: The Data-Types in the table above can be configured by the user to - show data if Opengl is not turned on by selecting "Config", selecting -the appropriate data type from the Drop Down window, and unchecking -"Overlay" and then selecting "Numbers".
-
-Configuration
-
-Config > Standard Tab > Wind dropdown
-
-
-Config > Standard Tab > Current dropdown
-
-
-Config > Standard Tab > SeaSurfaceTemperature dropdown
-
-Config > Standard Tab > SeaLevelPressure dropdown
-
-
-Config > Wind Tab
-

-
-Config > Cyclones Tab
-

-
-Installation of the Plugin
-The plugin works with OpenCPN 3.2 and newer.
-
- 1. Windows: Download and run installer
- 2. Linux: dpkg -i <package_name>.deb or rpm -i -<package_name>.rpm or cd /usr; sudo tar xavf <package_name> -
-
-Warning about use of Data:
-Weather_routing is only as good as the data provided by the Grib plugin and the Climatology plugin. -

Climatology plugin: Depends on a separate set of -files that must be downloaded, extracted and placed in the proper -directory. Climatology data is generally averaged since the 1980's -depending on data type and sources available (for example, Wind data is -averaged 6 hr data since 1987). The entire source data set is over 180 -gb, however after averaging and compression it becomes about 7mb. -There are various macro factors which affect weather over a given season - which should be considered, including El Nino, Gulf stream, etc. -Climatology has averaged these effects.
These planning tools may be helpful, but should be taken with a -healthy "grain of salt" as any good sailor (who looks out to the -horizon) should know. -Rick Gleason

Weather Routing Plugin

Weather Routing

-This plugin creates optimized weather routes based on grib files and -performance data (polar data) for the boat, as well as conditions set -for time, where to start and where to finish. - -

When downloaded, without changing anything, except downloading a -recent grib file, defining two weather_routing waypoints (hover mouse at - location, right click pick weatherrouting position), create a new -Configuration under Weather_routing, select Edit Configuration and add -one of the waypoints to the start and the other to the end waypoint, -click Grib Time, close Configuration, and Compute the new configuration -and it will probably create isochrones and a new weather route.
Use the Grib Plugin and recently downloaded grib files for completing grib predictive routing (1-8 days).
Use the Climatology Plugin to find and plan long term cruising routes, (most useful in prevailing winds areas).
Use both grib and climatology data to get current data if the grib -does not contain it, or to use climatology to avoid areas of cyclones.
It is also possible to use both grib and climatology data, allowing - the grib's route to be extended past the time/range of the grib. This -builds on the assumption that the current general weather pattern is -"average", otherwise the result may be totally misleading. If you have -followed the weather for a while and know the current weather pattern, -through 500 mb patterns etc, this is more useful for actual routing than - just using a long term average like climatology alone.

-
-

-
-Create a New Route (Edit > New) - -

Start the plugin by clicking it's icon on the toolbar.
start and end points can be set by hovering cursor at a location, and right mouse click, select "Weather Route Position"
Start Grib (with fresh grib file) and/or Climatology Plugins, and set the time to the desired starting time.
Select Configuration -> New to create a new weather route configuration.
The Weather Routing Configuration Dialog should be shown. Set the -start and end positions and hit "grib time" to set the time. Be sure to - edit the boat to correctly configure it, see below.
Beginners should first try a simple route, with starting point and -end point, 5 degree steps, and possibly a 3 hour time interval until -they see it is working. The time interval depends on the speed of the -boat and distance traveled.
From the first Weather Routing Window, select Configuration -> Compute.

-
-

-
-Configuration Window (Edit > Configuration)
-Provides setup flexibility for various factors: -

Start location, date and time. End location.
Step duration for isochrones in hours and minutes (12 hours for long routes, 1 hour for shorter)
Degree Steps (5 degree steps is faster than 1 degree steps)
Boat Performance based on editing boat specifications or based on a polar data file.
Set constraints on various factors such as max wind, swell, waves, latitude, max diverted course etc...
Set data source Grib or Climatology, greys if not available.
Set options like detect land, currents, inverted regiions, anchoring.
Routes can be Edited (created, selected, renamed, reset and exported.)

-
-Grib or Climatology Data is Required
-Provided by use of the Grib_plugin and a fresh Grib file, or by the -Climatology_plugin with the separate Climatology data installed in the -proper directory.
-
-
-
-When the weather route is displayed, grib and climatology calculations -use different color schemes. In the route below, on the left, using -only climatology because we are outside the grib area. In the middle, -the computation is based on grib data, and toward the end of the -passage, the grib data does not cover this time so again climatology -data is used. If the transition from grib to climatology is not -uniform, then the climatology data is not as reliable in that situation.
-
-

-
-Route Manager
-The Route Manager can be used for listing the weather route. Right click a weather route and pick "Properties" Also weather routing can be exported.
-
-Warning about Data:
-Weather_routing is only as good as the data provided by the Grib plugin and the Climatology plugin. -

Grib plugin: Depends on recent download grib files - from Noaa and other sources. Downloaded Grib predicitions can change -significantly over several days. The longer the grib prediction is, the -less reliable the grib can be.
Climatology plugin: Can be used for analyzing long - crusing routes through various seasons and constraints, but does not -take into account the current weather conditions which often vary -significantly from the 30 year average, especially outside of prevailing - wind areas.
These planning tools may be helpful, but should be taken with a -healthy "grain of salt" as any good sailor (who looks out to the -horizon) should know.

-Warning about Weather Routes:
-The weather routes created may not consider or "see" normal navigation -considerations and issues, therefore every route should be checked very -carefully for navigation markers, shallow depths, bad currents, rocks, -land and other obstacles and hazards.
-
-Some other Examples:
-Nassau to Newport, showing other windows (Boat Performance window, -Routing window with Properties opened showing track waypoints)
-
-

- -

Polar Files

-
-Opencpn weather_routing_pi and the required polar format
-
-The weather_routing_pi plugin references several files located in c:/ProgramData/opencpn.
-
-To see where these files are set in the plugin, select a route or make a new one. Pick Configuration --> Edit.
-Then pick Boat "Edit" a tabbed dialogue box will open.
-
-"Plot Details" -Tab has Open, Save and Save as buttons. This is the pointer to the -<boat>.xml file which contains the boat characteristics, it is -initially set to "boat.xml". After you have gone through all the tabs -and set the boat's Lwl, Loa, Displacement, etc. you should "Save as" -using your boat's name. Then "open" that file each time weather_routing -needs those settings..
-
-Initially under <Configuration > Edit > Boat Edit > Plot Details [tab] the file referenced is "boat.xml".
-Make sure you have a file "boat.xml" in your opencpn data directory, if -you are having troubles, download a boat.xml file and "load" it.
-
-
-The second file - is under <Configuration > Edit > Boat Edit > Polar [tab] -and this is an optional polar file "<boat>.csv"
-"Polar File" Tab shows the path of the Polar file being used, if one -exists, otherwise the program has builtin VPP calculation using the -boats characteristics which have been entered, which is in effect when -the path shows as "<computed>".
-
-If you have prepared a polar file in the Opencpn format for your boat, -you can load it into the plugin from this tab, and after you "Save" from - the "Plot Details" tab, the pathname willl be remembered [note the -pathname in the sample <boat>.XML file below].
-
-
-Sometimes the plugin is picky about these files. If it is close the plugin and opencpn and reopen, to reset it. Then try again.
-The two sample files are shown below. They are paired. If you load the -XML file the referenced polar file will be loaded if it is in the path -and the correct format.
-
-Shannon38-opencpn-roundtrip.XML [This is the <boat>.XML file]
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
-<OCPNWeatherRoutingBoat version="0.9" creator="Opencpn Weather Routing plugin">
- <BoatCharacteristics displacement_tons="21" lwl_ft="34" loa_ft="38" beam_ft="11" />
- <BoatDrag frictional_drag="0.0170" wake_drag="0.9500" />
- <Plan Name="Initial Plan" computed="0" csvFileName="C:\ProgramData\opencpn\Shannon38-opencpn.CSV" />
-</OCPNWeatherRoutingBoat>
-
-Shannon38-opencpn.CSV [This is the <boat polar>.csv file.]
-twa/tws;6;8;10;12;14;16;20
-0;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00
-30;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00
-40;2.80;4.10;4.40;4.70;4.90;5.00;5.10
-45;4.00;4.90;5.20;5.50;5.70;5.80;5.90
-52;4.50;5.40;6.10;6.40;6.60;6.70;6.80
-60;5.00;6.00;6.50;6.70;6.80;6.90;7.00
-75;5.50;6.40;6.80;7.00;7.20;7.30;7.40
-90;5.70;6.60;7.00;7.30;7.50;7.60;7.70
-110;5.80;6.70;7.10;7.40;7.60;7.70;7.90
-120;5.50;6.50;7.00;7.30;7.60;7.90;8.20
-135;4.80;6.00;6.60;7.00;7.40;7.70;8.30
-150;4.00;5.00;5.90;6.50;6.90;7.30;7.90
-165;3.70;4.80;5.20;6.20;6.60;6.90;7.50
-180;3.30;4.20;4.70;5.90;6.30;6.60;7.20
-
-
-qtVLM Polar Format
-http://wiki.virtual-loup-de-mer.org/index.php/QtVlm_Polar_Diagram
- Extension of the file name. Csv
- Separator ';' (semicolon)
- Double-entry table
- The first cell always contains 'TWA \ TWS'
- The first line lists the wind forces. Vlm does not go beyond 60 knots of wind.
-
-Beginning of each line ** gives the look, then each value corresponding to the shape and strength of the wind (column heading)
-
- The digital data of the polar use a decimal point, 'that is the point.' An integer (no point ended) is valid.
- Whites are valid (value = 0.0) but discouraged. Thank you for being explicit
- Text file format is UNIX ie lines that are terminated by LF (Line -Feed) and not CR (Carriage Return) and LF. A good text editor windows -(PsPad or Notepad + +) knows rerecord this format.
-
-TWA\TWS;0;2;4;6;8;10;12;14;16;18;20;22;24;26;28;30;32;34;36;38;40;42;44;46;48;50;52;54;56;58;60
-0;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000
-5;0.000;0.210;0.420;0.630;0.800;0.860;0.920;0.940;0.950;0.970;0.980;0.980;0.990;0.950;0.880;0.810;0.740;0.670;0.600;0.530;0.460;0.370;0.280;0.190;0.090;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000
-
-=====
-
-Maxsea Polar Format (same as Adrena, or SailGrib WR)
-http://www.sailgrib.com/wr-user-guide
-
-The first row defines the True Wind Speed.
-The first column defines the True Wind Angle
-In the example, the theoretical hull speed for various wind velocities and wind angles is in the cells.
-Modify the True Wind Speed values in the first row. The example below uses 10 and 30 Kts.
-Enter these values in the first row and delete the other columns.
-
-In an Excel spreadsheet
-TWA 10 15 20 25
-30 2.0 5.4 7.2 7.9
-90 4.7 9.5 11.5 12.8
-150 2.9 7.4 10.5 13.0
-
-
-http://www.sailingperformance.com/Products.html
-Expedition http://www.expeditionmarine.com/index.html
-Isler http://www.islersailing.com/new_page_3.htm
-BLUR Boats and Polars http://www.blur.se/boats/
-
-
-Bluewater Racing, and Expedition Polar file format
-http://www.bluewaterracing.com/bluew...#_Toc343740589
- -

Quote:

-A polar file is a sequence of lines. Each line describes the curve for one windspeed, ws. - Optionally, the first line may begin with the string "pol", in which -case it is treated as a comment line. This klunky format is not my idea; - it is for compatibility with Expedition and other software tools, and because it loads easily into spreadsheet tools such as Excel.
-
-Each curve is described on one line of the text file -by a windspeed, followed by a sequence of pairs of True Wind Angle and -boatspeed. (TWA in degrees, BSP in knots)
-eg:
-
-10 30 0 45 6 90 8.1 160 7 180 5
-15 30 0 40 8 90 12 150 10 165 9 170 5
-
-This gives two curves, one for windspeed 10, one for -windspeed 15. Different curves may have different TWA points, and -different numbers of points. The line for windspeed 10 specifies a -boatspeed of zero knots at a true wind angle of 30 degrees, a boatspeed -of six knots at TWA 45, 8.1 knots at 90, seven knots at 160 degrees, and - five knots at 180 degrees.
-
-There can be a zero windspeed curve with non-zero boatspeed, i.e., “when the wind is gone, the motor's on.”
-
-Rules for the data in polar files:
-1) One windspeed curve per line.
-2) There must be a least 3 points per curve.
-3) There must be at least one non-zero windspeed curve.
-4) The minimum TWA is zero, and the maximum is 180.
-5) The 2nd smallest TWA in a - line is the best VMG upwind angle for that windspeed. The 2nd largest -TWA is the best VMG downwind angle for that windspeed
-6) The first TWA should be less than any 2nd TWA in any curve. Ideally, zero.
-7) The last TWA should be greater than any 2nd-to-last TWA in any curve. Ideally, 180
-
-If these rules are broken, the behavior of the program is undetermined.
-
-Example
-2 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 - 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 -152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-4 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 - 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 -152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-6 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 4.5 56 60 5 64 68 72 76 5.5 80 84 88 92 5.7 96 100 104 108 112 5.8 116 120 5.5 124 128 132 136 4.8 140 144 148 152 4 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-8 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 5.4 56 60 6 64 68 72 76 6.4 80 84 88 92 6.6 96 100 104 108 112 6.7 116 120 6.5 124 128 132 136 6 140 144 148 152 5 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-10 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.1 56 60 6.5 64 68 72 76 6.8 80 84 88 92 7 96 100 104 108 112 7.1 116 120 7 124 128 132 136 6.6 140 144 148 152 5.9 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-12 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.4 56 60 6.7 64 68 72 76 7 80 84 88 92 7.3 96 100 104 108 112 7.4 116 120 7.3 124 128 132 136 7 140 144 148 152 6.5 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-14 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.8 56 60 6.8 64 68 72 76 7.2 80 -84 88 92 7.5 96 100 104 108 112 7.6 116 120 7.6 124 128 132 -136 7.4 140 144 148 152 6.9 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-16 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.7 56 60 6.9 64 68 72 76 7.3 80 -84 88 92 7.6 96 100 104 108 112 7.7 116 120 7.9 124 128 132 -136 7.7 140 144 148 152 7.3 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-18 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.7 56 60 7 64 68 72 76 7.4 80 84 - 88 92 7.7 96 100 104 108 112 7.9 116 120 8.2 124 128 132 136 -8.3 140 144 148 152 7.9 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-22 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-24 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-26 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-28 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-30 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-32 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-34 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-36 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 -92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 - 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
-
-Other Information and Alternatives for Weather_Routing
-Refer to this link in the wiki http://opencpn.org/ocpn/weather_routing

Weatherfax Plugin

- Weatherfax
-Retrieves internet image files, reads image files or decodes audio and then Overlays the image on top of charts.
-
- Weatherfax Overlaid on Chart

-Preparation

-Install Weatherfax Plugin. Enable it in the Settings > Plugin Tab.
-Then open it and explore the top menus.
-
-With an internet connection it is quite easy to select the "HF Radio -Schedules" to select and set alarms for use with a reciever, or to -select the Internet Schedules and then retrieve Weatherfaxes via the -Internet and overlay on the chart. Audio Capture requires a connection.
-
-

-
- -

Retrieve Weatherfax Image files with an internet connection

-If you have an internet connection, first Retrieve > All > HF Radio Schedules.
-Then Retrieve > Internet > Select NOAA > Select Boston (for example) > Select 24hr 500mb Forecast
-The Weatherfax image file will download and be overlaid directly onto a chart.
-
-

-Lat 42 Long -70 --> Servers: Noaa ---> Regions: Atlantic ----> Select Contents ----> Retrieve
-
-

-Lat 42 Long -70 --> Servers: Passage ---> Regions: N. Atlantic ----> Select Contents ----> Retrieve
-
-
-The plugin data directory contains an WeatherFaxInternetRetrieval.xml -file that has database for meterological sites. The "Internet Retrieval" - Option uses this schedule. It is a wonderful planning tool for cruises -or passagemaking. There are several options, but first Select -"Internet" to retrieve HF Radio Schedules via the internet. Then Select -"NOAA" Under "Servers" you will see "Stations" fill up. Then select -"Boston" and the Internet Retrieval choices are automatically listed in -the menu area. Select several faxes and pick "Retrieve Scheduled" or -"Retrieve Selected".
-
-
- ___________________________________________________________________________
-
- Internet Retrieval Aircraft

-Aviation Americas Forecast retrieved via the internet.
-
- Inet Passage Atlantic 012 Wind

-Passage Weather Atlantic 012 Wind via internet.
-
- Ret Inet Bermuda 3 day

-Bernuda 3 day via internet.
-
- Inet Ret Noaa Atlantic 244hr 500mb

-Noaa Atlantic 24hr 500mb via internet.
-
- Inet Ret Noaa 24hr Surf

-Noaa Atlantic 24hr Surface via internet.
-
- Inet Ret Passage New England via internet.

-Passage Weather New England Wind 012
-
- Inet Ret Passage Nova Scotia

-Passage Weather Nova Scotia Wind 021
-
- ___________________________________________________________________________
-
-___________________________________________________________________________
-
-
- Weather Fax List

-List of Weatherfaxes downloaded. Highlighted one shows overlaid on charts.
-
-The weatherfax will be overlayed generally in the proper location -provided the weather service has not changed their fax formats. (The -user can modify the associated WeatherFaxInternetRetrieval.xml file -appropriately to add or modify the actions.) Users should please post -changes to this file to the Weatherfax Thread for the next release.
- -

HF Radio Weather Faxes

-The plugin has a builtin database (WeatherFaxSchedules.xml) for HF Radio - Weather Service Fax transmissions, which when used properly can -automatically alert the user and begin decoding these faxes.
-
-Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the Filter Tab.
-

-
-Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the 1 minute Alarm Tab.
-

-
-Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the Capture Options Tab.
-

-
-Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the Information Tab.
-

-
- -

Decoding Sound via SSB

- -

Select Retrieve -> Audio Capture (Ctrl+A)
-
-A line from the ssb radio to the audio input of the sound card should be - attached, and the radio tuned to the appropriate frequency (1.9khz -below listed frequency and SSB mode) The SSB BFO must be adjusted -correctly.

- - -

Retrieve > Audio Capture shown while recieving

-
-

-
-The images decoded can then be calibrated and overlayed on charts. The -resulting image can be exported to a chart, so the plugin also works as a - general purpose conversion tool to make charts from images. -

- -

-
-Working with Files

- -

The plugin can read and open numerous common image files, and audio - files, and can save Kap files. The next step in development is to have -it read Kap for ease of use with respect to coordinates being recorded -and reused.
-

- -

Working with Weatherfax Image files

- -

Here are some examples of the gif, png, tif weatherfax files that can be used:
-NOAA Marine Radio Forecast Charts
-NOAA Boston Radio Forecast -Atlantic
-12Z Surface Analysis Atlantic -Part 1
-12Z Surface Analysis Atlantic -Part 2
-48 hr Surface Analysis Atlantic
-96 hr Surface Analysis Atlantic
-24 hr Wind Wave Atlantic
-24 hr 500mb Atlantic
-NOAA Ocean Prediction Center -Atlantic
-UK Atlantic Forecasts
-Northwood N.Atlantic Latest Data
-
-Place these files in a new directory on your hard drive same directory as your Charts. I called the directory FaxWx.
-
-Open the Plugin
-Then from the main screen select the Weatherfax Icon, a window pops up. -Select Open and browse the FaxWx directory and select a fax file.

- -

-Mercator Projections

- -

If the fax is a Mercator projection (orthogonal, not polar), click -through the next screen that comes up and at the second screen set the -coordinates and lat/long properly. (Screenshots will be added later) -and click on through to see the fax overlaid on the charts. Note:
-It is very difficult to test for poor coordinate and lat/long input, so -it is best to have your lat long correct, otherwise strange things may -happen with the overlay in Opencpn.
-I first use a separate image viewer with the selected fax image, to zoom - in and to write down the Lat/long and coordinates that I will be using. - If you plan to export to a chart file then you should select "Get -Aspect Ratio"
-
- Weatherfax-Polar-NewTry-2.jpg Size 385.9 KBID 57071

Weatherfax-Polar-NewTry-2.jpg Size 385.9 KBID 57071

- -

-Polar Projections

- -

There are other techniques used to modify a Polar fax onto a -Mercator projection chart which are reviewed on the forum and will be -more fully described later. Review the posts following this one in the Forums.
-

Weatherfax-Polar-NewTry-1.jpg; 1600 x 900 (@70%)

-Coordinate 1 (Red) -Select a high latitude which must also lie on the vertical meridian running through the pole (N or S)
-Coordinate 2 (Blue) - Select an opposing corner (either side) with lower latitude.
-Then hit Get Map, the Blue circles should follow the latitudes of -respective coords. Adjust the left/right location with the PoleX value -and adjust the circle radius with the PoleY value. Set the True Width -Ratio value to 1.0.
-
-From here, it should be possible to click "get mapping"
-
-True width Ratio - Adjusts the width of the blue circles - (a fraction like .8 makes the circles wider, and 1.2 makes them -narrower). Adjust the true width ratio such that the blue circles align -with the associated latitude lines, otherwise the "Apply" transformation - will not render straight lat/long lines or will fail.
-Pole X - Moves the center of the blue circles left and -right. The blue circles should be centered on the vertical meridian -which goes through the pole.
-Pole Y - Moves the center of the blue circles up and -down. The blue circles should be centered on the pole. Hit get mapping -to see how this is working, because the blue rings change in width, and -sometime the ring closest to the pole flips if the value is too far out -of whack.
-Equator Y - This does not appear to do much when you change the value, more about this value later.
-
-If you are starting fresh with a Polar, and the blue rings are too wide -after hitting Get Mapping, first check the lat/long entered and reset -coords to be sure they are hit, then Hit 'get mapping again' then adjust - the "True width ration" so the blue rings align with the latitude -lines. Once that is done don't hit "Get Mapping" again, hit "Apply" the -lines should be straight and orthogonal.
-
-Here is an example of a WxFax overlay in Opencpn
-
- image.jpg 24Size 301.6 KBID 57110

- -

-

- -

Future Improvements

- -

Image files that are downloaded and overlaid onto charts with -specific coordinates, can now be saved as Kap files that save long/lat -and coordinates with the file. The next step is to have the plugin read - Kap files so they can be automatically overlaid on charts without -having to use the Fax Translation Wizard.
-
-Thanks to Sean for a great Plugin!
-
-

Radar Overlay Plugins

- Following the introduction of the Garmin Radar Overlay Plugin, there are a few more versions brewing for other makes. -

Garmin Radar Plugin
Navico Broadband Radar Plugin

-
-

Garmin Radar Plugin

- The GRadar plugin works with modern Garmin (Ethernet capable) radar scanners only.
-
-The chart plotter is a combination of a Gps and electronic charts. If -Gps works as expected and, a bigger if, the chart is correct, then -everything is fine. Add a radar to the mix, with an independent picture -of targets, including land, buoys and other vessels, and compare the -two. That is what this plugin does. It overlays the radar-picture on the - chart plotter. If both agrees, the navigator can be more confident that - his navigation is correct. On the other hand, if the pictures -disagrees, there is one more thing to sort out.
-
-To use this plugin the user must be familiar with both OpenCPN and radars. Without a sound knowledge in radar picture interpretation, the plugin will seem a bit confusing.
-
-

- -

Hardware

-The Garmin Radar PlugIn for OpenCPN requires a specific hardware -interface in order to allow the OpenCPN application to access the -Ethernet data captured and broadcast by the radar scanner.
-
-There are three interconnect scenarios possible, depending upon whether -the installation includes an existing Garmin chartplotter, and the -operational mode desired.
-Interface Type 0: OpenCPN Slave Mode, using existing Garmin chartplotter.
-Interface Type 1: OpenCPN Master Mode, using existing Garmin chartplotter.
-Interface Type 2: OpenCPN Master Mode, no chartplotter.
-Download and read the complete installation instructions: GRadarDoc.pdf
- -

Installing the plugin

-
-Follow the instructions on the About Plugins page.
- -

Enable GRadar plugin

-Once installed enable the plugin in Options->Plugins. The Preference button does not work. For GRadar Settings, read on.
-
- -

When enabled the GRadar icon appears in the toolbar. The icon is an -on/off switch and has two states indicting if the the plugin is working -or not:

- -

-Off On

- -

As soon as the plugin is enabled there will also be a separate log window. This is how it looks when no radar is connected.

- -

-
-Using GRadar

-Rightclick to get to the GRadar Settings.
-
-

-
-Operational Controll
-

-
-Describe all the options.
- -

Range Control

-
-

-
-Describe all the options.
- -

Noise Control

-
-

-
-Describe all the options.
- -

Dome Control

-
-

-Describe all the options.
- -

More ......

- - -

NMEA ARPA Radar Targets

-Certain radars transmits targets in NMEA sentences. OpenCPN can display -these targets in a similar fashion as normal AIS targets. Read more: Radar Targets
-Is this a good thing combined with GRadar or does it just clutter the display......??
-
-
-

Testing Multicast UDP for Radar with 2 Computers

- Multicast UDP reception is needed to run gradar.
-
-Step by step, simplifying the environment as much as possible ..
-OCPN 3.3.1303 now supports UDP Multicast of NMEA streams, thanks to Muttnik.
-
-To prove that your hardware is capable of multicast reception, do this: -

Two PCs, networked somehow (verify this please, by ping... ).
Master PC has a GPS, slave is the device we are interested in.
On master, set up a UDP output connection at address 224.0.0.8 (this is a well-known, benign and local-only multicast address).
On master, set up a connection to receive your GPS input, whatever that may be.
On master, open NMEA debug window and verify that you see BLUE UDP -output to the specified port. UDP is connection-less, so will transmit -without any receiver.
Leave master running.
On the second PC, which will be the Device Under Test (DUT), start -OCPN 3.3.1303 with one UDP receive connection at the address mentioned -above.
Open the NMEA debug window, and look for GREEN UDP accepted messages.

-If you don't see GREEN, then somehow the DUT cannot receive multicast....
-If you don't see GREEN, then we need Wireshark on the DUT to see what, if anthing, is coming over the wire.
-
-Windows 7 Details with a Garmin Radar and Gradar Plugin
-
-The "Home" and "Public" network settings and firewall can create a -situation where the Radar is broadcasting on the "Public" network and -Opencpn is on the "Home" network, isolating the Radar UDP Multicast so -that Opencpn will never "see" it. If you want to keep your computers -protected from attacks from the internet, it is best to make adjustments - in the firewall to make an opening for just the Radar. As Helsmatt -wrote: -

-
SOLUTION: One solution would be to turn off the Firewall for Public - Networks but this is not a good solution for PCs which will be used to -connect directly (not using routers with firewalls) to the Internet using Wifi in public places like marinas. - The best solution is to customize the Public Profile on the Windows -Firewall to disregard the network adaptor that is being used for the radar scanner
-
-

- These documents will assist, some comments follow: - -

-Comments following the success: - -

Forgot you wanted to connect to internet via wifi, but now I am -wondering why the Radar is on "Public".... I guess you can't log into it - and direct it to a "Home" setup.... maybe its expecting to see a server - or router with DNS rather than the more informal home network?
Garmin chose a (fixed) multicast address which is in the "public" -network space. Dunno why. So Win7 sees it as a public exposure.
I wish we could [log on to the Radar]. That was our first approach, - but even googling the issue, there was no solution to redirecting [the -radar] to 'home'. Possibly something in the registry, but we don't need -to do it that badly. We eschew messing with the registry. Anyway, we got - it working, drilling some small holes in the firewall for gradar to -peek through.....After all, I am a mechanical guy.....Every problem -looks like a nail when the only tool you have is a hammer.....
On both PCs we only had to plugin an active LA N connection, in -this case, the Garmin radar cable (with associated hardware to control -the scanner as described on OCPN. The PC sees activity and turns on the -ethernet port. Can't do anything unless you have the radar attached and -fired up, otherwise "network cable unplugged". In hindsight it was -simple and fairly automatic once the firewalls were properly modified.

Navico Broadband Radar Plugin

-
-The Navico broadband plugin will work with a Simrad, Lowrance or B&G - broadband scanner. All three models -- BR24, 3G and 4G -- are -supported.
-
-The latest version available is 1.1, released on December 26, 2014.
-
-Binary releases are available at: http://opencpn-navico-radar-plugin.github.io/
-Source code available here: https://github.com/canboat/BR24radar_pi
- -

Requirements

- -

The plugin requires API 1.10 and OpenCPN 3.3.
-
-The plugin requires OpenGL mode. It does not work without OpenGL, and never will. This means that a computer with good and fast OpenGL drivers is recommended.

- -

-Hardware installation

- -

The Navico radars communicate with the chartplotters using UDP -multicast. This means that they do not require any IP address. As long -as there is a wired Ethernet path between the radar and the computer -running OpenCPN it should work fine. A wireless connection is almost -useless for two reasons: most wireless routers do not bridge multicast -traffic, and if they do this is at the 802.11b base transmission rate of - 1 MB/s, resulting in loss of parts of the radar picture, making it -unusable. One way around this would be to only enable faster 802.11 -versions.
-

- -

Software installation

-
-There are installation packages that can be run using the installation tool for your platform.
-
-Once you have installed and restarted OpenCPN it should be available in the "Plugins" list in the configuration dialog.
-
-

-
-Click the enable button, then close the options dialog. Unless you want -to switch to kilometers or want to rotate the radar image there should -be no need to access the preferences.
-
-Once you have enabled the plugin a new button appears on the button bar, looking like this:
-
-

-
-The light will be red, yellow or green. Red means that the radar is not -transmitting and that this is the desired state. Yellow means that the -button has been pressed to switch the radar on but no data has yet been -received. Green means that data has been received from the radar.
-
-Click on the button to open the radar control dialog and start the radar.
-
-The radar controls dialog is intended to be a small dialog that can be -kept on-screen at all times. If you have a small screen you can close -the dialog and open it again either by pressing the radar button twice -(switch off, switch on) or by using the context menu (right mouse click --> Radar control.)
-
-If not all conditions are met to show an overlay it will show the following:
-
-

-The OpenGL mode must be enabled. Go to Options > Display > Advanced > Graphics to enable this.
-
-As you can see the overlay requires boat position (normally via GPS) and - heading (via a compass). Heading via COG (when moving) is not -recommended. You must set up NMEA connections either via a serial -connection or a TCP or UDP or GPSD server.
-
-The radar will be searched automatically on all ethernet devices in -turn. In the image above you see that the plugin is attempting to find -it on a device with IP address 10.37.129.2. It will keep scanning at a -rate of one per 2 seconds until it finds it. When it does it will update - the control to show the radar IP address.
-
-Once the conditions are met and the radar is transmitting the radar -control dialog allows you to change the settings of the radar (as shown -on Windows XP):
-
-

-
-You can access settings that should be needed less often by clicking Advanced (as shown on OS X with a BR24 or 3G):
-
-

- -

Controlling the radar picture

-
-Whereas an AIS requires little help, a radar may need some tweaking to -get the best picture. Not only that, the radar plugin can also be -finetuned for specific circumstances. -

Range. Starts off as "Auto", which means that it shrinks and grows -with chart scale. You can go from 50m to 48km or 1/20 NM to 36 NM with a - 4G radar and one step less with a BR24 or 3G.
Gain. How much the return is amplified. Auto works quite well.
Sea. Change this in a rough sea if the Auto setting shows too much noise.
Rain. Change this in order to "see through" rain or to have dense rain show up.
Advanced. See the next list.
Guard zones. See the next chapter.

- -

Advanced controls

- -

Transparency. Use this to change how much of the underlying chart -is visible through the radar image on overlay. It is not possible to -change the 'z order' of the image with vector charts, so AIS images are -always on top, then the radar, followed by the chart.
Interference rejection. Increase this if you see spurious hard -'spokes' of radar data in the direction of another ship that has a radar - that 'jams' the picture. Keep low or off otherwise.
Target boost. Increase to have small returns show up more prominently.
Noise rejection (4G only). Controls the amount of noise filtering -applied by the radar. Target sensitivity is increased at longer ranges -when this control is set to Low or High, but does cause some loss of -target discrimination. To get maximum range performance from 4G, set -Noise rejection to High. You may need to lower noise rejection in areas -of high interference.
Target separation (4G only). Advanced technology in the radar -enhances the definition of returns, especially at mid range. Suggested -value: high.
Scan speed (4G only). Increases the speed at which the radar turns -to 36 rpm. If Noise rejection is set to Low or High, for ranges 1nm or -higher, speed is limited to 24 rpm.
Downsample. Generating the radar image may cause a lot of CPU if -you have a weak OpenGL graphics card as every rotation contains 2048 -lines of radar data. By downsampling (ignoring a part of the data) -fewer blobs are created, but the image becomes blockier. Suggested -values are 1 to 4. 5 to 8 are there for tests.
Scan age. If you have very weak hardware you may need to keep radar - data onscreen for longer than the normal period. Increase beyond the -default value of 4 if you have missing data and don't mind seeing older -returns.

- -

Guard zones

-
-You can enable two guard zones. Enter values in the Guard Zone dialog to - configure the distance and angle from the bow that you want scanned for - 'bogeys'. Once an echo is detected the alarm will sound every ten -seconds until you press the Confirm button. Once you do the -alarm will be silent until the guard zone is empty and a new echo -arrives in the guard zone. As of 1.1 you can set up which alarm sound -you want to use in the preferences dialog (Options > Plugin > BR24radar > Preferences).

Navico Broadband Radar Debugging

What to do if it does not work

- -

Of course you updated to the newest version first?
-Recent versions show this message dialog if not all conditions to show a radar image are met:

- -

No boat position

-
-Check your GPS interface and/or NMEA inputs.
- -

No heading

-
-No compass data found. Check the NMEA inputs for HDT, HDM or HDG -sentences. HDT is preferred. If none are available COG is used if the -boat is travelling, but this is very bad for the overlay. Get a compass!
- -

No radar present

-
-Is the system connected to the radar, either directly or via switch? -Does the IP address of the network device show up in the "ZeroConf" -line?
-
-If the radar does not transmit radar data but it is detected then the -"Radar present" line will get a checkmark and the text will change to -"Radar IP <ip-addr>". Check that this is the correct IP address.
-
-If the radar transmits data the dialog will change to the controls -dialog, but the log file will still show the information such as IP -address.
- -

Everything looks OK but still no picture

-
-If you get the normal radar control dialog and the little 'light' in the - radar button shows green, but you still do not get a picture, you can -use the radar emulator.
-
-The emulator was created for debugging during development, but it can be - used to check that your OpenGL driver is compatible and whether your -system performs well enough. It uses (almost) the same code path as the -normal UDP reception of radar data, but 'invents' an artificial radar -image in 'standalone' mode.
-
-In the preferences dialog (Options > Plugins > BR24Radar > Preferences) choose Display Option for Radar display as Emulator - and close the preferences and options dialogs. You should now see a -picture like this, even if you have fulfilled none of the overlay -requirements:
-
-

It still doesn't show a picture

-
-Rats. Use the following to increase the amount of logging to the opencpn.log file: -

Click on the question mark in the button bar and note where the ini file (and log file) are kept.
Stop OpenCPN.
Edit the ini file and change the VerboseLog in the -[Plugins/BR24radar] section to a number higher than 0. Values from 1 to 4 - are different. At level 4 your file will grow very quickly!
Start OpenCPN.

- -

Check for the following if your emulator picture stays blank (at VerboseLog=2 or higher):

- -

18:58:35 CET: BR24radar_pi: 1415818715610 drawn 128 skipped 0 spokes with 14496 blobs maxAge=1487

- -

That line consists of a timestamp (milliseconds since epoch), the -number of drawn lines (should be 128-2048 depending on Downsample -setting), skipped (should be zero), number of "blobs" drawn and the -maximum age of any radar data in milliseconds. If "drawn" is higher than - zero, there is hardly anything that can be 'wrong' in the plugin source - code.
-
-
-
-

Sailing Destinations Plugin

Find thousands of destinations right in your Opencpn chart

- -

sQuiddio makes its global -user-sourced and user-maintained repository of sailing destinations -(marinas, anchorages, yacht clubs, docks, fuel stations etc.) available -as waypoints in OpenCPN* through a plugin.

- -

The waypoint Properties box shows basic information about the -Destination, such as the Destination's average user rating, address and -phone number (where available) and a link to the Destination's page on -sQuddio.

- -

* version 3.3 or greater required

- -

Share your seafaring knowledge with others

- -

By following the link in the waypoint, registered sQuidd.io users can - post comments about the Destination, as well as rate the Destination on - attributes such as beauty, service and quality of wi-fi access (where -applicable).

- -

Can't find your favorite anchorage or marina? Report new destinations not yet available in the database.

- -

Use of the plugin is free of charge. (Free registration is required for certain functions).

- - -

Installing the plugin

- -

Look for the sQuidd.io icon in the Plugins for OpenCPN 3.3 and later section of the plugins download page.
Select the architecture and platform of your choice, download and install the relevant installation package.
After successful installation, the plug in should be available in the Plugins tab of your OpenCpn Options dialog box.

- - -

Using the plugin:

- -

In OpenCPN, go to the Options -> Plugins and enable the sQuiddio plugin (no settings are required).
To view destinations in an area: -
- Right-click on the area of the chart for which you want to view available Destinations.
- Select Download local sQuiddio destinations from the contextual menu.
-
To view additional information about the Destination, and a link to - the sQuiddio Destination page, right click on Destination's waypoint, -and select Properties.
The waypoint dialog box includes a link to the Destination page on -sQuidd.io. If you have an Internet connection, click the link and your -browser should soon display the Destination's page on sQuidd.io.
-
-
-
You can hide all Destinations for an area from the charts by right-clicking on the chart and selecting Hide local sQuiddio Destinations from the contextual menu. You can make the destinations visible again (without downloading them anew) by selecting the Show sQiddio destinations.
To submit a new destination, position your cursor on the new -Destination's exact location in the OpenCPN chart, right-click and -select Report a Destination at this location from the contextual menu. (Note: you must have a free user account to report new Destinations.)

- -

About sQuidd.io

- -

sQuidd.io is a service designed and developed by boaters for boaters.

- -

We love the sea and believe that the best way to enjoy and protect -this wonderful gift of Mother Nature is to facilitate the sharing of -information among boaters. This is why most of the content you find on -our site is generated by other users. We encourage you to contribute -your seafaring knowledge to sQuidd.io by creating destinations, rating -your favorite ones and by providing information and feedback. Thanks to -users like you, squidd.io is quickly becoming the most complete, -comprehensive and up-to date source of cruising information in the -world.

Route Plugin

-
-"Salty Paws" route plugin handles much more than Great circles, introduced here.
-
-

-
-A Great-circle from Cook Strait to Cape Horn limited by 60° S
-
-

Go to Table Of Contents

Celestial Navigation PlugIn

Plugin to record Sextant Sights and show Circles of Position to obtain a Fix

-
-Celestial navigation support makes it possible to establish your -position when other means are not available. Also, users may find this -plugin, which is still under development, useful for cross checking -their position fixes obtained in other ways, or to to better visualize a - celestial fix. You find the forum thread here: Cruisersforum thread: celestial navigation plugin
-
- Four Circles of position

- - -

Types of Observations

-Currently 3 types of observations are, more or less, supported: - -

Altitude (sextant measurement) -- Measure the -angle between the horizon and a heavenly body, and enter the required -data in the plugin. Each measurement results in a Circle of Position on -the sphere (COP, or Circle of Equal Altitude). Two or more observations -result in intersecting COP's from which a position fix can be obtained.
Azimuth (compass measurement) -- Measure the -azimuth (bearing) of a heavenly body. This method is hopelessly -inaccurate, especially on a small boat in high seas. However, it is -interesting for demonstration purposes, and possibly - with accurate -digital compasses - it may be a viable navigation method in the future.
Lunar distance (sextant measurement) -- Measure -the angle between two heavenly bodies. The computer then attempts to -determine clock error from this measurement, and the system time may be -corrected.

- - -

Process

- - -

1. Obtaining Sights with Sextant

-Standard practice in navy and merchant navy with regard to celestial -positioning is as follows (assuming no artificial horizon is available -on the sextant): - -

During morning nautical twilight (about 15 minutes): if possible take 6 star/planet observations.
In the morning at about 09:00LT: take a Sun's observation (later to be shifted to noon-time).
At local noon: take a Sun's observation (traditionally only direct -latitude calculation from sun at meridian passage). Construct a fix for -noon from both sun observations.
During evening nautical twilight (about 15 minutes): if possible take 6 star/planet observations.
Use the Moon for an observation in above practice when situation permits.

-Many books have been written about the art and science of celestial positioning (see below).
-
-This is the document containing the test data used for the example below: Example worksheet (4 star observations).
-
- -

2. Sight Properties - Sight Tab - Enter Star Data

-Enter Type (Altitiude, Azimuth, Lunar), Celestial Body, Limb, -Measurement and Degrees of Certainty. Degrees of Certainty is the -accuracy the navigator assumes for the observation. A larger value -results in a larger line width for the Circle of Position on the chart.
-
- Sight 1 Degrees Minutes Degrees Uncertainty

Sight 1 Degrees Minutes Degrees Uncertainty

-
-3. Sight Properties - Date and Time Tab

-Enter Date, Time, Certainty and Shift. Note that entering a shift -removes the calculated numerical fix. This is due to the computation -method used, which presently does not allow to shift COP's. However, a -position fix can be established by visualy observing the COP's (which -are graphically shifted) on the chart.
-
- Sight 2 - Data Time and Certainty

-
- -

4. Sight Properties - Config Tab - Display Characteristics

-Enter Transparency and Color you wish to use for the COP.
-
- Sight 3 - Configuration

-
- -

5. Sight Properties - Parameters Tab

-Enter Eye Height, Temperature, Pressure and Index Error.
-
- Sight 4 Parameters

-
- -

6. Sight Properties - Calculations Tab

-Showing the input figures and some calculated results for the -observation. Together with the calculated numerical position fix showed -in the main window of the plugin, this can be used for comparison with -results that are obtained by other calculation methods (traditional -manual method using logarithms, traditional or direct compution methods -as mentioned in Nautical Almanac, shortened methods using e.g. US Pub. -229 or US Pub. 249, other computer applications).
-
- Sights 5 Calculations

- -A Circle of Position (COP) indicates all the positions on earth where a -navigator may observe the same altitude of a heavenly body at a certain -time. Using traditional methods, only the part of a COP the navigator is - interested in is used, and replaced by a tangent line (LOP).
-
-

-
- -

8. Four Circles of Position (showing DR position as MOB and fix as Waypoint)

-The MOB icon shows the initial DR position entered. The red circle -indicates the intersection of the crossing red lines, the calculated -position fix. Hover cursor over the crossing, right click and place a -mark. If required, visually adjust this to get best latitude and -longitude of the fix. In Sight Properties - Sight Tab, Degrees Certainty - was set to 0.05.
-
- Four Circles of Position Entered

-
-Methodology

- -

-General Traditional Theory

-A general, but very clear text on celestial positioning is available in the PDF file on the web site of Henning Umland: - -

http://www.celnav.de/page2.htm

-Many thanks to Henning Umland for this concise text. Naturally, also the - information provided by the Nautical Almanac and Bowditch is of -interest (see 'Links').
-
- -

Plugin Computation Methods

-The plugin is still under development and the computation methods used -are innovative and based on vector, matrix and least squares methods. -The author, Sean d'Epagnier, uses this innovative method to directly -calculate a fix position. Only he knows the background and details.
-
-General information on direct computation methods can be found on pages -277 to 285 of the Nautical Almanac 1994 (see 'Links') and in the -following articles: -

-Presently, the plugin is not capable of advancing COP's to a common -time. When a shift is entered, the calculated numerical position on the -main window disappears. In this case, the fix can only be established by - visual examination of the graphics on the screen (see also 3. Sight -Properties - Date and Time Tab, and 8. Four Circles of Position) and a -fix time cannot be established.
-
- -

Accuracy of Data

- - -

Comparision of Plugin Astronomical Data and Nautical Almanac Data

-The data and formulae contained in the Nautical Almanac form a standard -in itself. The plugin utilises astronomical data from VOP87d (for the -planets and indirectly for the sun), ELP2000/82 (for the moon) and -contains Right Ascension (RA; star's SHA = 360° - star's RA) and -Declination (Dec) data for the selected stars.
-
-During development of the plugin, the calculated (intermediate) -correction values for dip, refraction, horizontal parallax, parallax in -altitude and semi diameter, as well as the calculated position fix, -should be compared to values that result from other computation methods.
-
-The astronomical data used in the plugin is more accurate than data -taken from the Nautical Almanac. However, for navigation purposes the -differences are generally not important. With regard to altitude -reductions, so far test data indicates that the differences found in -calculated observed altitude (Ho) are small. Measurement and reading -errors made by the navigator will be larger. Using the present version, -calculated fix positions can still differ from those calculated with -traditional methods.
- -

Accuracy of Plugin Astronomical Data

-The plugin astronomical data are from Jean Meeus' Astronomical Algorithms. - -

Planetary positions are based upon a truncated version of Bretagnon - and Francou's VSOP87 theory. The estimated maximum error in the -heliocentric longitude is several arc-seconds. Geocentric positions are -accurate to within a few arc-seconds.
Lunar positions are calculated using a truncated version of the -lunar theory ELP-2000/82 of Chapront-Touzé and Chapront. The estimated -maximum error in the geocentric longitude is about 10 arc-seconds.

- -

-Accuracy of Data in the Printed Nautical Almanac

-The largest error that can occur in GHA and declination of any body -other than the Sun or Moon is less than 0.2'; it may reach 0.25' for the - Sun and 0.3' for that of the Moon. In practice it may be expected that -only one third of the values of GHA and declination will have errors -larger than 0.05', and less than one tenth will have errors larger than -0.1'.
-
-The errors in the altitude corrections are nominally in the same order -(but the actual values of dip and refraction at low altitudes may differ - considerably in extreme atmospheric conditions).
-
-Depending on the type of sextant, the reading accuracy of the sextant -can be 0.2', 0.1' or 10". Measurement and reading errors made by the -navigator will be larger.
-
- -

Abbreviations

-
-Some abbreviations of terms are given in the list hereunder. Not all of these abbreviations conform to a standard.
-DR Dead Reckoning Position
-AP Assumed Position
-MPP Most Probable Position
-COP Circle of Position (Circle of Equal Altitude)
-LOP Line of Position
-HA Hour Angle
-GHA Greenwich Hour Angle
-LHA Local Hour Angle
-SHA Siderial Hour Angle
-RA Right Ascension (star's SHA = 360^o - star's RA)
-Dec Declination
-GP Geographical Position (of heavenly body; Lat = Dec, W_Lon = GHA or E_Lon = 360° - GHA)
-ic Index Correction (= - Index Error of sextant)
-Dip Dip of the Horizon (function of eye height)
-R Refraction (function of Ha, temperature and pressure)
-HP Horizontal Parallax
-PA Parallax in Altitude (function of HP and Ha)
-SD Semi Diameter
-Hs Sextant Altitude
-Ha Apparent Altitude
-Ho Observed Altitude
-Hc Computed Altitude
-Z Azimuth
-Int Intercept (= Ho - Hc)
-
- -

Resources

- - - -by Ming-Cheng Tsou, Ph.D., National Kaohsiung Marine University, Taiwan
-POLISH MARITIME RESEARCH 3(75) 2012 Vol 19; pp. 53-59 10.2478/v10012-012-0031-5 -

122939.celnavalg tsau.pdf

-ABSTRACT
-In this work, we employ a genetic algorithm, from the field of -artificial intelligence, due to its superior search ability that mimics -the natural process of biological evolution. Unique encodings and -genetic operators designed in this study, in combination with the fix -principle of celestial circles of equal altitude in celestial -navigation, allow the rapid and direct attainment of accurate optimum -vessel position. Test results indicate that this method has more -flexibility, and avoids tedious and complicated computation and -graphical procedures.
- -

Article: The Direct Fix of Latitude and Longitude from Two Observed Altitudes

-by Stanley W. Gery
-Neptune Power Squadron, Huntington, New York, Received April 1996, Revised December 1996 -

v44n1-2.pdf

-ABSTRACT
-This work presents a direct method for obtaining the latitude and -longitude of an observer from the observed altitudes of two celestial -bodies. No assumed position or dead-reckoned position or plotting is -required. Starting with the Greenwich hour angles, declinations, and -observed altitudes of each pair, the latitude and longitude of the two -points from which the observations must have been made are directly -computed. The algorithm is presented in the paper, along with its -derivation. Two different, inexpensive, programmable pocket electronic -calculators were programmed to execute the algorithm, and they do it in -under 30 s. The algorithm was also programmed to run on a personal -computer to examine the effect of the precision of the calculations on -the error in the results. The findings show that the use of eight -decimal places in the trigonometric computations provides acceptable -results.
- -

Article: New Computational Methods for Solving Problems of the Astronomical Vessel Position

-by Tien-Pen Hsu (1), Chih-Li Chen (2) and Jiang-Ren Chang (3) - -

(1) Institute of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University
-(2) Institute of Merchant Marine, National Taiwan Ocean University
-(3) Institute of Systems Engineering and Naval Architecture, National Taiwan Ocean University; E-mail: cjr@mail.ntou.edu.tw

-THE JOURNAL OF NAVIGATION (2005), 58, 315–335. The Royal Institute of -Navigation, doi: 10.1017/S0373463305003188, Printed in the United -Kingdom - -

JON 58(2) 315-335.pdf

-ABSTRACT
-In this paper, a simplified and direct computation method formulated by -the fixed coordinate system and relative meridian concept in conjunction - with vector algebra is developed to deal with the classical problems of - celestial navigation. It is found that the proposed approach, the -Simultaneous Equal-altitude Equation Method (SEEM), can directly -calculate the Astronomical Vessel Position (AVP) without an additional -graphical procedure. The SEEM is not only simpler than the matrix method - but is also more straightforward than the Spherical Triangle Method -(STM). Due to tedious computation procedures existing in the commonly -used methods for determining the AVP, a set of optimal computation -procedures for the STM is also suggested. In addition, aimed at -drawbacks of the intercept method, an improved approach with a new -computation procedure is also presented to plot the celestial line of -position without the intercept. The improved approach with iteration -scheme is used to solve the AVP and validate the SEEM successfully. -Methods of solving AVP problems are also discussed in detail. Finally, a - benchmark example is included to demonstrate these proposed methods.
- -

Article: Use of Rotation Matrices to Plot a Circle of Equal Altitude

-by A. Ruiz
-Industrial engineer, Navigational Algorithms
-Journal of Maritime Research, Vol. VIII. No. 3, pp.51-58, 2011 -

Download RotationMatrices

-ABSTRACT
-A direct method for obtaining the points of a circle of equal altitude -using the vector analysis as an alternative to the spherical -trigonometry is presented, and a solution where celestial navigation and - Global Navigation Satellite Systems are complementary and coexist is -proposed.
- -

Article: Determining the Position and Motion of a Vessel from Celestial Observations

-by George H. Kaplan
-U.S. Naval Observatory -

PositionMotion.pdf

-ABSTRACT
-Although many mathematical approaches to the celestial fix problem have - been published, all of them fundamentally assume a stationary observer. - Since this situation seldom occurs in practice, methods have been -developed that effectively remove the observer's motion from the problem - before a fix is determined. As an alternative, this paper presents a -development of celestial navigation that incorporates a moving observer -as part of its basic construction. This development allows recovery of -the information on the vessel's course and speed contained in the -observations. Thus, it provides the means for determining, from a -suitable ensemble of celestial observations, the values of all four -parameters describing a vessel's rhumb-line track across the earth: -latitude and longitude at a specified time, course, and speed. In many -cases, this technique will result in better fixes than traditional -methods.
- - -Copyright © 1997-2011 Henning Umland; PDF file can be found on this page on his web site: - -

http://www.celnav.de/page2.htm

-Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document -under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or -any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no -Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy - of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free -Documentation License".
-Revised October 1st, 2011, First Published May 20th, 1997
- -

Book: The Sextant Handbook

-Copyright © 1986, 1992 Bruce A. Bauer
-International Marine
-ISBN 0-07-005219-0 -

Amazon web site: The Sextant Handbook, Adjustment, Repair, Use and History - 2nd Edition

-The Sextant Handbook is dedicated to the premise that electronic -navigation devices, while too convenient to disregard, are too -vulnerable to rely on exclusively. The book is designed to make beginner - and expert alike conversant with this most beautiful and and functional - of the navigator's tools.
- -

Examples of Test Data

- -

Example worksheet (observation of 4 stars for fix calculation)
Alternative worksheet (observation of Sun, Moon, Venus and Polaris for altitude reduction only)

-We should thank Sean who has advanced the work of others admirably, and -NAV for his technical review of the plugin, his knowledge, and his -generous assistance in preparing this documentation. Rick.

Calculator Plugin

- The calculator plugin allows -you to cary out all nautical calculations, without having to leave the -OpenCPN environment. The scientific calculator is capable of working -with, and retaining variables.
- -

When starting the plugin for the first time, go to to find the plugin tab. Click on the calculator plugin, then the "Enable" button.
Back in the OpenCPN menu the calculator icon brings up the calculator.
Tick the "Help" tickbox to bring up a comprehensive help screen. -Unticking the help button brings you back to the calculator only -interface and resizes the menu to the original size.
Enter calculations in the box and press enter or "Calculate" for -evaluation. Press the up or down button, to retrieve historic input and -results (max 30).
Examples of expression that work in the calculator are: (comments are in brackets, some results depend on other example calculations): -
- Hull speed: -
  - LWL=48 (water line lenght in feet)
  - vhull=1.34*LWL^(1/2) (hull speed in knots)
  -
- Conversions: -
  - ftm=0.3048 (feet to meters)
  - km_to_nm=0.539957 (Kilometers to nautical Mile)
  - ftm*LWL (waterline length in meters)
  -
- Distance to horizon -
  - R=6378.1*1000 (Radius of the earth in m)
  - H=2.5 (Height of the eye above sea-level in m)
  - d = R * acos(R/(R + h)) (Distance to horizon in m)
  - ans*km_to_nm (Distance to horizon in nm, km_to_nm was entered under conversions)
  -
- Distance to lighthouse -
  - H1=200 (height of lighthouse in m)
  - d1 = R*acos(R/(R + H1)) (Distance to horizon in m)
  - distance=d1+d (visibility range of lighthouse in m)
  -
-
Ans is the result of the previous calculation
Variables can be defined (e.g. myvariable=10/8*cos(dtr*90) or yourvariable=Ans)
Operators: -
- + plus
- - minus
- * multipliction
- / devision
- ^ power (use ^(1/2) for square root)
- % modulus - Divides the value of one expression by the value of another, and returns the remainder.
- ! factorial
-
Functions: -
- Abs Absolute
- Exp Exponential
- Sign Returns .-1 for negative numbers and 1 for positive numbers
- Sqrt Square root
- Log natural logarithm
- Log10 10 logarithm
- Trigonio (default entry is in radians use e.g. sin(dtr*90) to calculate in degree) : -
  - Sin
  - Cos
  - Tan
  - ASin
  - ACos
  - Atan
  -
- Factorial Variables: Pi, e
- dtr is the conversion factor from degrees to radians
-
Bitwise operators -
- || logical OR
- & logical AND
- |
- <<
- >>
- =
- <>
- <
- >
- <=
- >=
-

Go to Table Of Contents

rtlsdr Plugin

Use a low cost USB DVB-T (Digital TV) receiver for AIS messages from Ships

-
-Various dongles are supported, the r820-t works the best and is also the cheapest (typically $8 USD)
-
-

-
-Hardware Setup:
-
-You must use a proper vhf antenna, not the one included with the dongle. - I cut the antenna coax included with the dongle, and spliced it to the - vhf coax. You must solder both inner and outer (shield) connections.
-
-Software Setup: -

-Linux

-You must now compile rtl-sdr from source: - -

-git clone git://git.osmocom.org/rtl-sdr.git
-mkdir build
-cd build
-cmake ..
-sudo make install

-
-Next, you must have either aisdecoder, or gnuradio (with gr-ais).
-
-For aisdecoder: -

wget http://www.aishub.net/downloads/aisdecoder.tar.gz
-tar zxvf aisdecoder.tar.gz
-cd aisdecoder
-mkdir build
-cd build
-cmake ..
-sudo make install

-
-For gnuradio with gr-ais:
-<not completed> -

-Windows

-You must run the program zadig to install the driver available here http://zadig.akeo.ie/ The default settings should be fine.
-
-The receiver program (rtl_fm) and decoder (aisdecoder) are included as -pre-built binaries, so from here, install the plugin setup package. So -far I have no pre-built packages for gnuradio on windows, but this would - be useful if provided. If there are issues it may be helpful to -install the sdrsharp program to determine if the dongle is receiving -data at all. - -

-All Platforms

-
-It should be possible (from the preferences dialog) to calibrate the dongle with the Auto Calibrate button:
-
-

-
-From what I can tell so far, the error correction range is +- 128 (my -two dongles use values of 35 and 50) and must be within 5 for -aisdecoder and 15-20 for gnuradio. When the value is more accurate, -more ais messages are received as well.
-
-From here, install the plugin package, or build from source and install. This works best in an area with a lot of ais traffic. Once calibrated, ships should appear on the chart.

FAQ

Where is my log file? Where is my config.ini file? Read this explanation - Installing OpenCPN
I can't find all those files you are talking about. - A big contributing factor to this problem is that Windows default -settings hides system files, and also by default, don't show file -extensions. These settings can be changed however. In XP go to My -Computer ->Tools -> Folder Options -View. Mark "Show hidden files -and folders" and untick the box "Hide extensions for known file types". -Other versions of Windows are similar, but may not be exactly like this. - Now you should find the files we talked about in the previous -paragraph.
I have a problem so I reinstalled - but that did not help. Try this approach instead - Installing OpenCPN
My charts used to show up just fine in OpenCPN, but using 3.0.2 and later, they no longer work. - OpenCPN used to display charts with an unknown projection as a Mercator - chart. The same thing applies to an "UNKNOWN" or not recognized -geodetic datum, where OpenCPN used to default to WGS84. This is no -longer the case. If OpenCPN don't recognize the chart projection, it -will not be displayed. Potentially serious errors are thus avoided. The -event is logged in the opencpn.log. Users may run into problems if a -chart projection is stated as "UNKNOWN" even though it really is a -prefect Mercator chart. Unfortunately, some conversion tools take a -shortcut and don't enter the "PR" tag in the kap-chart-header correctly. - The projection of a chart can always be found, and the "PR=UNKNOWN" -should always be avoided. Official charts that OpenCPN really can't -display, with a latitude < 70 degrees north/south, are very few -indeed. Really only a handful of legacy, Gnomonic, large scale charts. -Charts with "UNKNOWN" or blank geodetic datum are best avoided, they may - be dangerously inaccurate.
I get a lot of error messages when starting OpenCPN from the Linux command line.
- Messages like -
ALSA lib pcm.c:2217:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM -cards.pcm.side ALSA lib audio/pcm_bluetooth.c:1614:(audioservice_expect) - BT_GET_CAPABILITIES failed : Input/output error(5)
- or - -
(opencpn:8979): Gdk-CRITICAL **: IA__gdk_drawable_get_size: assertion `GDK_IS_DRAWABLE (drawable)' failed
- (opencpn:8979): Gdk-CRITICAL **: IA__gdk_drawable_get_depth: assertion `GDK_IS_DRAWABLE (drawable)' failed
- Error opening coefficient file
- (opencpn:8979): Gdk-CRITICAL **: IA__gdk_window_get_origin: assertion `GDK_IS_WINDOW (window)' failed
- are quite normal and have nothing to do with OpenCPN. Just ignore them!
Why doesn't the plugin work? See http://opencpn.org/ocpn/node/233
When will OpenCPN be ported to Android?
- Once OpenCPN 4.0 is launched, expect some development in this area with - the next beta series. A proof of concept using wxQT already exists.
Why does it take so long time to load vector charts?
- The behavior you see is expected for ENC charts. ENCs must be converted - to internal SENC format before use for navigation. This takes a little -bit of time, depending on your system capabilities. But it only has to -be done once, and the converted SENCs are stored on your system for -later use.
- All ECS systems must convert ENCs to SENCs. Some take longer, (like -OpenCPN), so that subsequent access is faster. Some convert faster, -leaving more work to do at the time of actual chart display. Its a -design decision. OpenCPN is optimized for speed in real use, not for -speed in conversion.

- -

What are all those 'U' things all over my chart?

- -

The feature being rendered is S57 Text relating to 'M_QUAL'.

- -

This is a meta-object describing the quality of data shown. The -Attribute of interest is CATZOC, or "Category of Zone of Confidence". -The value on most US ENC's is "6", or "un-assessed". Thus, the 'U'.

- -

You can turn this symbol off in OpenCPN by de-selecting the box next -to M_QUAL in 'Tool Box' / 'Vector Charts' tab 'Mariners Standard' -selection list box.
-Unticking the box "Meta Objects" also hides the "U" symbols.

- -

To learn the acronyms used in this application search the S57 'Object and Attribute' catalog at: http://www.s-57.com/

- -

I have routes and way points in Sea Clear and I would like to import them into OpenCPN. Can I do it?

- -

Yes. I had originally created and maintained all my routes and -waypoints in SeaClear, exported them, loaded them into GPSUtility (for -Windows) and saved them as text files.

- -

To import into OpenCPN I opened all my text files (routes and -waypoints) with GPSUtility, saved that out as one big gpx file, and -loaded it into OpenCPN. Works like a champ.

- -

I've edited them and saved them back out as GPX files with no trouble.

- -

Individual routes can be edited and saved in appropriately named GPX files.

- -

Whenever I try to open a particular chart OpenCPN crashes. What's going on?

- -

Chances are the chart file is corrupted. Note the name and number of -the suspect chart and replace it with a fresh download. Read the log -file that may contain relevant information regarding the chart. -Sometimes the bad chart blocks OpenCPN from restarting. Follow these -instructions instead - Installing OpenCPN

- -

-
I'm using Linux/Ubuntu and I hear no sound
-

-Upgrade to 3.2. The sound problem was solved in Beta 3.1.1224, and should just work.
-The PortAudio sound libraries are included i OpenCPN and provides full ALSA support.
-Sound on Windows and Mac are not changed.
-
-Background
-The earlier implementation of Linux sounds is described below. It was a mess.
-OpenCPN uses a simple sound feature available in wxWidgets, wxSound, -that uses OSS (Open Sound System) to play sounds. If OSS is not -available, SDL (Simple Direct Media Layer) will be used instead. It has -no support for ALSA!
-With version 11.04, Ubuntu dropped the OSS support and the OpenCPN "sound problem", started
-OSS is replaced with ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) on newer -Linux distributions, and Ubunt. This is for good reasons. AlSA replaced -OSS about 10 years ago!
-Similarly the libwxgtk2.8-0, that OpenCPN relies on, is not compiled -with support for SDL in the Ubuntu version. The same applies to many -other Linux distributions. This is the core of the sound problem, when -using OpenCPN on Linux.
-
-How to get sound to work?
-There are a few options available. Starting with the easiest......
-
-1. "aoss" is a "wrapper program" that catches OSS sound and -"translates" it to the default ALSA sound system. Ubuntu does not -install "aoss" by default, but can be added using "sudo apt-get install -alsa-oss".
-To use "aoss" just start OpenCPN from the command line like this:
-$aoss opencpn
-To make it easier, write a shell script containing the single line -above, and make it executable. Change the link (icon) where you normally - start OpenCPN, to point to the new script.
-
-2 "padsp" works similar to "aoss", using the "pulseaudio server". It's -available when the "pulseaudio-utils" package is installed. To get sound - in OpenCPN start this way from the command line:
-$padsp opencpn
-Of course, this can be scripted as well, as for "aoss".
-
-3. Install a version of libwxgtk that includes support for SDL. Such versions are available from http://apt.wxwidgets.org. OpenCPN 3.0.x requires the minimum version of ibwxgtk2.8-0 to be minimum. 2.8.12, for all features to work as expected.
-Download the correct package for your version of Debian or Ubuntu. -Unfortunately the latest Ubuntu versions are not included, but -"squeeze"(strictly a Debian package) is a good candidates. Goto apt.wxwidgets.org/dists/squeeze-wx/main/, and select 32 or 64 bits version. For example, the latest 64 bits package is apt.wxwidgets.org/dists/squeeze-wx/main/binary-amd64/libwxgtk2.8-0_2.8.12.1-0_amd64.deb
-Download and then
-$sudo dpkg -i ibwxgtk2.8XXXXXX (the proper name of the downloaded version), to install from the command line.
-Alternatively, simply clicking on the package is enough on many Linuxes.
-In both cases you may have to force "upgrade" to a lower version than the existing package, depending on your installation.
-
-Once you have installed wxgtk with support for SDL, as described above, -open Synaptic, find the installed package. Mark it an then goto -"Package" and tick the "Lock Version" box. This is to prevent that your -newly installed wxgtk will be replaced by a version with a higher -version, that lacks support for SDL.
-Do not try to update your system from the command-line, as "apt-get" will not respect the "Lock".
-
-4. You can also recompile libwxgtk and include support for SDL. Not for the faint of heart.
-
-5. It is possible to compile your own kernel and include support for -OSS, but this solution is not for the faint of heart either.
-
- -

OpenCPN and Great Circle Navigation

- -

Raster charts display bearings and headings as straight, measurable -lines on the chart. Similarly, Vector ENC's are rendered as Mercator -projections in OpenCPN and most other ECS's for the same reason.

- -

For typical coastal navigation, errors which occur using rhumb line -instead of great circle calculations are small for the distances usually - covered by one chart.

- -

Mercator Charts and Mercator navigation is the standard for most -navigational purposes. Other terms used instead of "Mercator Sailing" is - "Loxodrome Sailing" or "Rhumb Line Sailing".

- -

As of OpenCPN 3.2.0 Great Circles are handled directly, Great Circle Routes can be used as explained on Planning Data page in the wiki. There is also a plugin available as well as some Supplementary Software to handle great Circles.

- -

License and Authors

OpenCPN is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) V2.
-
- David S Register
- OpenCPN Lead Developer
-
- Pavel Kalian
- S52 Rasterization Improvements
-
- Sean D'Epagnier
- OpenGL Architecture
-
- Caesar Schinas
- User Interface and OS X improvements
-
- Jesper Weissglas
- Vector Chart Rendering
-
- Jean-Eudes Onfray
- Dashboard and Dialog enhancements
-
- Kathleen Boswell
- Icon design
-
- Flavius Bindea
- CM93 Offset and AIS enhancements
-
- Gunther Pilz
- Windows Installer enhancements
-
- Alan Bleasby
- Garmin jeeps module
-
- Piotr Carlson
- General usability enhancements
-
- Anders Lund
- RouteManagerDialog
-
- Gordon Mau
- OpenCPN Documentation
-
- Tim Francis
- OpenCPN Documentation
-
- Mark A Sikes
- OpenCPN CoDeveloper
-
- Thomas Haller
- GPX Import/Export Implementation
-
- Will Kamp
- Toolbar Icon design
-
- Richard Smith
- OpenCPN CoDeveloper, MacOSX
-
- David Herring
- OpenCPN CoDeveloper, MacOSX
-
- Philip Lange
- OpenCPN Documentation
-
- Ron Kuris
- wxWidgets Support
-
- Julian Smart, Robert Roebling et al
- wxWidgets Authors
-
- Sylvain Duclos
- S52 Presentation Library code
-
- Manish P. Pagey
- Serial Port Library
-
- David Flater
- XTIDE tide and current code
-
- Frank Warmerdam
- GDAL Class Library
-
- Mike Higgins
- BSB Chart Format Detail
-
- Samuel R. Blackburn
- NMEA0183 Class Library
-
- Atul Narkhede
- Polygon Graphics utilities
-
- Jan C. Depner
- WVS Chart Library
-
- Stuart Cunningham, et al
- BSB Chart Georeferencing Algorithms
-
- John F. Waers
- UTM Conversion Algorithms
-
- Carsten Tschach
- UTM Conversion Algorithms
-
- Ed Williams
- Great Circle Formulary
-
- Philippe Bekaert
- CIE->RGB Color Conversion Matrix
-
- Robert Lipe
- Garmin USB GPS Interface
-
-

-
-

GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE

- Version 2, June 1991
-
-Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
-51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA
-
-Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies
-of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
-
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-
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-
-When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price. -Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you have the -freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for this -service if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you -want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new -free programs; and that you know you can do these things.
-
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-If any portion of this section is held invalid or unenforceable under -any particular circumstance, the balance of the section is intended to -apply and the section as a whole is intended to apply in other -circumstances.
-
-It is not the purpose of this section to induce you to infringe any -patents or other property right claims or to contest validity of any -such claims; this section has the sole purpose of protecting the -integrity of the free software distribution system, which is implemented - by public license practices. Many people have made generous -contributions to the wide range of software distributed through that -system in reliance on consistent application of that system; it is up to - the author/donor to decide if he or she is willing to distribute -software through any other system and a licensee cannot impose that -choice.
-
-This section is intended to make thoroughly clear what is believed to be a consequence of the rest of this License.
-
-8. If the distribution and/or use of the Program is restricted in -certain countries either by patents or by copyrighted interfaces, the -original copyright holder who places the Program under this License may -add an explicit geographical distribution limitation excluding those -countries, so that distribution is permitted only in or among countries -not thus excluded. In such case, this License incorporates the -limitation as if written in the body of this License.
-
-9. The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions -of the General Public License from time to time. Such new versions will -be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to - address new problems or concerns.
-
-Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program -specifies a version number of this License which applies to it and "any -later version", you have the option of following the terms and -conditions either of that version or of any later version published by -the Free Software Foundation. If the Program does not specify a version -number of this License, you may choose any version ever published by the - Free Software Foundation.
-
-10. If you wish to incorporate parts of the Program into other free -programs whose distribution conditions are different, write to the -author to ask for permission. For software which is copyrighted by the -Free Software Foundation, write to the Free Software Foundation; we -sometimes make exceptions for this. Our decision will be guided by the -two goals of preserving the free status of all derivatives of our free -software and of promoting the sharing and reuse of software generally.
-
-NO WARRANTY
-
-11. BECAUSE THE PROGRAM IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY - FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN - OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES -PROVIDE THE PROGRAM "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER -EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE -ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH -YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL -NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
-
-12. IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN -WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MAY MODIFY -AND/OR REDISTRIBUTE THE PROGRAM AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR - DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL -DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM -(INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED -INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF -THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR -OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
-END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
-How to Apply These Terms to Your New Programs
-
-If you develop a new program, and you want it to be of the greatest -possible use to the public, the best way to achieve this is to make it -free software which everyone can redistribute and change under these -terms.
-
-To do so, attach the following notices to the program. It is safest to -attach them to the start of each source file to most effectively convey -the exclusion of warranty; and each file should have at least the -"copyright" line and a pointer to where the full notice is found.
-
-one line to give the program's name and an idea of what it does.
-Copyright (C) yyyy name of author
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
-modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
-as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2
-of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
-Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA.
-
-Also add information on how to contact you by electronic and paper mail.
-
-If the program is interactive, make it output a short notice like this when it starts in an interactive mode:
-
-Gnomovision version 69, Copyright (C) year name of author
-Gnomovision comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details
-type `show w'. This is free software, and you are welcome
-to redistribute it under certain conditions; type `show c'
-for details.
-
-The hypothetical commands `show w' and `show c' should show the -appropriate parts of the General Public License. Of course, the commands - you use may be called something other than `show w' and `show c'; they -could even be mouse-clicks or menu items--whatever suits your program.
-
-You should also get your employer (if you work as a programmer) or your -school, if any, to sign a "copyright disclaimer" for the program, if -necessary. Here is a sample; alter the names:
-
-Yoyodyne, Inc., hereby disclaims all copyright
-interest in the program `Gnomovision'
-(which makes passes at compilers) written
-by James Hacker.
-
-signature of Ty Coon, 1 April 1989
-Ty Coon, President of Vice
-
-This General Public License does not permit incorporating your program -into proprietary programs. If your program is a subroutine library, you -may consider it more useful to permit linking proprietary applications -with the library. If this is what you want to do, use the GNU Lesser -General Public License instead of this License.

OpenCPN +User Manual

+Table Of Contents + +. +

License and Authors

+OpenCPN is licensed under the GNU General Public +License +(GPL) V2.
+

David S Register - Follow us on Twitter
+OpenCPN Lead Developer

+
+Pavel Kalian
+S52 Rasterization Improvements
+
+Sean D'Epagnier
+OpenGL Architecture
+
+J.P. Joubert
+GRIB PlugIn enhancements
+
+Thomas Höckne
+Documentation and Wiki support
+
+Didier Gautheron
+App debgging and optimization
+
+Caesar Schinas
+User Interface and OS X improvements
+
+Jesper Weissglas
+Vector Chart Rendering
+
+Jean-Eudes Onfray
+Dashboard and Dialog enhancements
+
+Kathleen Boswell
+Icon design
+
+Flavius Bindea
+CM93 Offset and AIS enhancements
+
+Gunther Pilz
+Windows Installer enhancements
+
+Alan Bleasby
+Garmin jeeps module
+
+Piotr Carlson
+General usability enhancements
+
+Anders Lund
+RouteManagerDialog
+
+Gordon Mau
+OpenCPN Documentation
+
+Tim Francis
+OpenCPN Documentation
+
+Mark A Sikes
+OpenCPN CoDeveloper
+
+Thomas Haller
+GPX Import/Export Implementation
+
+Will Kamp
+Toolbar Icon design
+
+Richard Smith
+OpenCPN CoDeveloper, MacOSX
+
+David Herring
+OpenCPN CoDeveloper, MacOSX
+
+Philip Lange
+OpenCPN Documentation
+
+Ron Kuris
+wxWidgets Support
+
+Julian Smart, Robert Roebling et al
+wxWidgets Authors
+
+Sylvain Duclos
+S52 Presentation Library code
+
+Manish P. Pagey
+Serial Port Library
+
+David Flater
+XTIDE tide and current code
+
+Frank Warmerdam
+GDAL Class Library
+
+Mike Higgins
+BSB Chart Format Detail
+
+Samuel R. Blackburn
+NMEA0183 Class Library
+
+Atul Narkhede
+Polygon Graphics utilities
+
+Jan C. Depner
+WVS Chart Library
+
+Stuart Cunningham, et al
+BSB Chart Georeferencing Algorithms
+
+John F. Waers
+UTM Conversion Algorithms
+
+Carsten Tschach
+UTM Conversion Algorithms
+
+Ed Williams
+Great Circle Formulary
+
+Philippe Bekaert
+CIE->RGB Color Conversion Matrix
+
+Robert Lipe
+Garmin USB GPS Interface
+
+

+. +

GNU +General +Public License

+Version 2, June 1991
+
+Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
+51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA
+
+Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies
+of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
+
+Preamble
+
+The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom +to share and change it. By contrast, the GNU General Public License is +intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free +software--to make sure the software is free for all its users. This +General Public +License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation's software and +to any other program whose authors commit to using it. (Some other Free +Software Foundation software is covered by the GNU Lesser General +Public License instead.) You can apply it to your programs, too.
+
+When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price. +Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you have the +freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for this +service if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you +want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new +free programs; and that you know you can do these things.
+
+To protect your rights, we need to make restrictions that forbid anyone +to deny you these rights or to ask you to surrender the rights. These +restrictions translate to certain responsibilities for you if you +distribute copies of the software, or if you modify it.
+
+For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether gratis +or for a fee, you must give the recipients all the rights that you +have. You must make sure that they, too, receive or can get the source +code. +And you must show them these terms so they know their rights.
+
+We protect your rights with two steps: (1) copyright the software, and +(2) offer you this license which gives you legal permission to copy, +distribute and/or modify the software.
+
+Also, for each author's protection and ours, we want to make certain +that everyone understands that there is no warranty for this free +software. If the software is modified by someone else and passed on, we +want its recipients to know that what they have is not the original, so +that any problems introduced by others will not reflect on the original +authors' reputations.
+
+Finally, any free program is threatened constantly by software patents. +We wish to avoid the danger that redistributors of a free program will +individually obtain patent licenses, in effect making the program +proprietary. To prevent this, we have made it clear that any patent +must be licensed for everyone's free use or not licensed at all.
+
+The precise terms and conditions for copying, distribution and +modification follow.
+TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COPYING, DISTRIBUTION AND MODIFICATION
+
+0. This License applies to any program or other work which contains a +notice placed by the copyright holder saying it may be distributed +under the terms of this General Public License. The "Program", below, +refers +to any such program or work, and a "work based on the Program" means +either the Program or any derivative work under copyright law: that is +to say, a work containing the Program or a portion of it, either +verbatim or with modifications and/or translated into another language. +(Hereinafter, translation is included without limitation in the term +"modification".) Each licensee is addressed as "you".
+
+Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not +covered by this License; they are outside its scope. The act of running +the Program is not restricted, and the output from the Program is +covered only if its contents constitute a work based on the Program +(independent of having been made by running the Program). Whether that +is true depends on what the Program does.
+
+1. You may copy and distribute verbatim copies of the Program's source +code as you receive it, in any medium, provided that you conspicuously +and appropriately publish on each copy an appropriate copyright notice +and disclaimer of warranty; keep intact all the notices that refer to +this License and to the absence of any warranty; and give any other +recipients of the Program a copy of this License along with the Program.
+
+You may charge a fee for the physical act of transferring a copy, and +you may at your option offer warranty protection in exchange for a fee.
+
+2. You may modify your copy or copies of the Program or any portion of +it, thus forming a work based on the Program, and copy and distribute +such modifications or work under the terms of Section 1 above, provided +that you also meet all of these conditions:
+
+a) You must cause the modified files to carry prominent notices stating +that you changed the files and the date of any change.
+b) You must cause any work that you distribute or publish, that in +whole or in part contains or is derived from the Program or any part +thereof, to be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third parties +under the +terms of this License.
+c) If the modified program normally reads commands interactively when +run, you must cause it, when started running for such interactive use +in the most ordinary way, to print or display an announcement including +an appropriate copyright notice and a notice that there is no warranty +(or else, saying that you provide a warranty) and that users may +redistribute the program under these conditions, and telling the user +how to view a copy of this License. (Exception: if the Program itself +is interactive but does not normally print such an announcement, your +work based on the Program is not required to print an announcement.)
+
+These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If +identifiable sections of that work are not derived from the Program, +and can be reasonably considered independent and separate works in +themselves, then this License, and its terms, do not apply to those +sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you +distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based +on the Program, the distribution of the whole must be on the terms of +this License, whose permissions for other licensees extend to the +entire +whole, and thus to each and every part regardless of who wrote it.
+
+Thus, it is not the intent of this section to claim rights or contest +your rights to work written entirely by you; rather, the intent is to +exercise the right to control the distribution of derivative or +collective works based on the Program.
+
+In addition, mere aggregation of another work not based on the Program +with the Program (or with a work based on the Program) on a volume of a +storage or distribution medium does not bring the other work under the +scope of this License.
+
+3. You may copy and distribute the Program (or a work based on it, +under Section 2) in object code or executable form under the terms of +Sections 1 and 2 above provided that you also do one of the following:
+
+a) Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable source +code, which must be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 +above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or,
+b) Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three years, +to give any third party, for a charge no more than your cost of +physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable +copy of the corresponding source code, to be distributed under the +terms of +Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software +interchange; or,
+c) Accompany it with the information you received as to the offer to +distribute corresponding source code. (This alternative is allowed only +for noncommercial distribution and only if you received the program in +object code or executable form with such an offer, in accord with +Subsection b above.)
+
+The source code for a work means the preferred form of the work for +making modifications to it. For an executable work, complete source +code means all the source code for all modules it contains, plus any +associated interface definition files, plus the scripts used to control +compilation and installation of the executable. However, as a special +exception, the source code distributed need not include anything that +is normally distributed (in either source or binary form) with the +major +components (compiler, kernel, and so on) of the operating system on +which the executable runs, unless that component itself accompanies the +executable.
+
+If distribution of executable or object code is made by offering access +to copy from a designated place, then offering equivalent access to +copy the source code from the same place counts as distribution of the +source code, even though third parties are not compelled to copy the +source along with the object code.
+
+4. You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Program +except as expressly provided under this License. Any attempt otherwise +to copy, modify, sublicense or distribute the Program is void, and will +automatically terminate your rights under this License. However, +parties who have received copies, or rights, from you under this +License will +not have their licenses terminated so long as such parties remain in +full compliance.
+
+5. You are not required to accept this License, since you have not +signed it. However, nothing else grants you permission to modify or +distribute the Program or its derivative works. These actions are +prohibited by law if you do not accept this License. Therefore, by +modifying or distributing the Program (or any work based on the +Program), you indicate your acceptance of this License to do so, and +all its terms and conditions for copying, distributing or modifying the +Program or works based on it.
+
+6. Each time you redistribute the Program (or any work based on the +Program), the recipient automatically receives a license from the +original licensor to copy, distribute or modify the Program subject to +these terms and conditions. You may not impose any further restrictions +on the recipients' exercise of the rights granted herein. You are not +responsible for enforcing compliance by third parties to this License.
+
+7. If, as a consequence of a court judgment or allegation of patent +infringement or for any other reason (not limited to patent issues), +conditions are imposed on you (whether by court order, agreement or +otherwise) that contradict the conditions of this License, they do not +excuse you from the conditions of this License. If you cannot +distribute so as to satisfy simultaneously your obligations under this +License and any other pertinent obligations, then as a consequence you +may not +distribute the Program at all. For example, if a patent license would +not permit royalty-free redistribution of the Program by all those who +receive copies directly or indirectly through you, then the only way +you could satisfy both it and this License would be to refrain entirely +from distribution of the Program.
+
+If any portion of this section is held invalid or unenforceable under +any particular circumstance, the balance of the section is intended to +apply and the section as a whole is intended to apply in other +circumstances.
+
+It is not the purpose of this section to induce you to infringe any +patents or other property right claims or to contest validity of any +such claims; this section has the sole purpose of protecting the +integrity of the free software distribution system, which is +implemented by public license practices. Many people have made generous +contributions to the wide range of software distributed through that +system in reliance on consistent application of that system; it is up +to the author/donor to decide if he or she is willing to distribute +software through any other system and a licensee cannot impose that +choice.
+
+This section is intended to make thoroughly clear what is believed to +be a consequence of the rest of this License.
+
+8. If the distribution and/or use of the Program is restricted in +certain countries either by patents or by copyrighted interfaces, the +original copyright holder who places the Program under this License may +add an explicit geographical distribution limitation excluding those +countries, so that distribution is permitted only in or among countries +not thus excluded. In such case, this License incorporates the +limitation as if written in the body of this License.
+
+9. The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions +of the General Public License from time to time. Such new versions will +be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail +to address new problems or concerns.
+
+Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program +specifies a version number of this License which applies to it and "any +later version", you have the option of following the terms and +conditions either of that version or of any later version published by +the Free Software Foundation. If the Program does not specify a version +number of this License, you may choose any version ever published by +the Free Software Foundation.
+
+10. If you wish to incorporate parts of the Program into other free +programs whose distribution conditions are different, write to the +author to ask for permission. For software which is copyrighted by the +Free Software Foundation, write to the Free Software Foundation; we +sometimes make exceptions for this. Our decision will be guided by the +two goals of preserving the free status of all derivatives of our free +software and of promoting the sharing and reuse of software generally.
+
+NO WARRANTY
+
+11. BECAUSE THE PROGRAM IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO +WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. +EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR +OTHER PARTIES +PROVIDE THE PROGRAM "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER +EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE +ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH +YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL +NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
+
+12. IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN +WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MAY MODIFY +AND/OR REDISTRIBUTE THE PROGRAM AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE LIABLE TO YOU +FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR +CONSEQUENTIAL +DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM +(INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED +INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF +THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR +OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
+END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
+How to Apply These Terms to Your New Programs
+
+If you develop a new program, and you want it to be of the greatest +possible use to the public, the best way to achieve this is to make it +free software which everyone can redistribute and change under these +terms.
+
+To do so, attach the following notices to the program. It is safest to +attach them to the start of each source file to most effectively convey +the exclusion of warranty; and each file should have at least the +"copyright" line and a pointer to where the full notice is found.
+
+One line to give the program's name and an idea of what it does.
+Copyright (C) yyyy name of author
+
+This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
+modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
+as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2
+of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
+
+This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
+GNU General Public License for more details.
+
+You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
+Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA +02110-1301, USA.
+
+Also add information on how to contact you by electronic and paper mail.
+
+If the program is interactive, make it output a short notice like this +when it starts in an interactive mode:
+
+Gnomovision version 69, Copyright (C) year name of author
+Gnomovision comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details
+type `show w'. This is free software, and you are welcome
+to redistribute it under certain conditions; type `show c'
+for details.
+
+The hypothetical commands `show w' and `show c' should show the +appropriate parts of the General Public License. Of course, the +commands you use may be called something other than `show w' and `show +c'; they +could even be mouse-clicks or menu items--whatever suits your program.
+
+You should also get your employer (if you work as a programmer) or your +school, if any, to sign a "copyright disclaimer" for the program, if +necessary. Here is a sample; alter the names:
+
+Yoyodyne, Inc., hereby disclaims all copyright
+interest in the program `Gnomovision'
+(which makes passes at compilers) written
+by James Hacker.
+
+signature of Ty Coon, 1 April 1989
+Ty Coon, President of Vice
+
+This General Public License does not permit incorporating your program +into proprietary programs. If your program is a subroutine library, you +may consider it more useful to permit linking proprietary applications +with the library. If this is what you want to do, use the GNU Lesser +General Public License instead of this License.. +

Getting +Started
+

OpenCPN +Forum, +are, in most cases, already answered in this document. If you are going +to use this program for actual navigation, you need to read through +this document to fully understand the scope of the program, as well as +all the details.
+
+If you have difficulties finding a particular subject, please use your +browser's built-in search ability, often called just "Find". This works +best using the stable release which is all on one web page.
+
+Press +and then the +Help Tab to access the built-in version of +this +document. Links in italic are +internal to this +document, except for the table of contents. Other links +will +be Bold or in the "http://" format and +need an +Internet connection.
+
+
+NOTE Buttons Above!

Copy +Settings File to Clipboard and Copy Log +File to +Clipboard

+If you encounter difficulties in using OpenCPN you may be asked to +submit your Settings File and/or your Log File. This data will help the +developers to diagnose your problem. The locations of these files on +your system are displayed when you click on the "About" tab. +

The installed documentation will open in your default browser.
+To download a current snapshot of this wiki as one huge web page, click here +(only works if you are online).
+
+As you can see above, +also documents the people contributing to OpenCPN and a copy of the +license OpenCPN uses, GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2.
+
+The About tab also tells you where important settings and the log are +located on your system and makes it easy to copy them.
+
+First before using OpenCPN, here is the note that all users have to +approve when installing the program.

OpenCPN is distributed +in the hope that it +will be useful,
+but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied
+warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
+PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
+See the GNU General Public License for more details.
+
+OpenCPN must only be used in conjunction with approved
+paper charts and traditional methods of navigation.
+
+DO NOT rely upon OpenCPN for safety of life or property.

+
+This is not a text on general navigation. We assume that you are +familiar with nautical navigation. Reading this text and using OpenCPN +will not in itself make you a "navigator".
+

IMPORTANT +NEXT STEPS
+

+Getting started using +OpenCPN consists of 4 basic steps:

OpenCPN +Installation +will lead you through installing OpenCPN on your particular OS and +computer.
Chart +Installation +of Charts to be read by OpenCPN (OpenCPN does not include charts)
Charts Basic +Features - Main +Source for using charts
GPS Setup +to communicate +with your computer and OpenCPN (Optional, but very useful)

+Completing these 4 steps will get you started and allow you to check +out the program.
+
+If you still have questions or would just like to get in touch with +other OpenCPN users, there is also a fairly large community behind +OpenCPN. You can find us in this Cruisers +Forum.
+
+* For advanced users we recommend the Developers +Manual.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

OpenCPN +Installation

+
+Download your version of OpenCPN here. +

Use a "stable", official release for actual navigation. The +latest +stable release is always available at the top of the download page or +from Source Forge.
Beta releases are snapshots of the development process, and +may +contain errors or temporarily be unstable. Show stoppers are normally +fixed very quickly however. This is where the latest features first are +seen. Most of the time the beta releases are quite stable and the +OpenCPN team appreciate it if more experienced users test the releases +and report back.
The place to report bugs and suggest features is the Tracker. +To +reach the +Tracker +from the OpenCPN Web pages click on the "Tracker" tab at the upper +right (above the blue bar). The sticky thread "Tracker/Flyspray - How +and When to use it" (tab Forum) gives some hints.
+
To see what version you are using +either look in +?->about or at the top of your display. A lot of information is +also +available in the log file. See below.
+
+

Location of Important Files. Log and config files.

+It is important to know the location of the log +file +and the configuration file, opencpn.conf +(Linux) or opencpn.ini +(Windows), on your +computer. If you ask questions on the forum, there +is a fair chance that you will be asked about the content in these +files. Once you get familiar with OpenCPN, have a look at the files.

Through +out this documentation there will be many +references to +the configuration file, as it often is possible to change the default +settings. This is an advanced subject once you are familiar with +OpenCPN. All editing in the config files must be done with a +text-editor, such as "notepad" in Windows.

The +configuration file is where all data, that needs to +be +persistent between sessions, are stored. The logfile keeps tab of +what's going on in the current session.

To +find the locations of the files go to the ToolBar +click on +"About OpenCPN", the button looks like a blue book with a "?" on the +cover. Look at the bottom of the "About" Tab, highlighted below. The +illustration below is from a Win XP. A quick way to view the logfile is +to copy the full file path and then paste this into the address field +in a web browser.
+
+

For +quick copying of the opencpn.ini and Log files use +the two +"Copy" buttons. This is useful for publishing on the forum if asked to +do so. Please use the Forum "Code" button before pasting, as this +guarantees an exact copy.

On +Linux the "opencpn.log" is in your +home +directory.
+The "opencpn.conf" is in a hidden directory, called "opencpn", also in +your home directory.
+For a quick way to view the files you can try these commands.
+$gedit `echo $HOME/opencpn.log`
+$gedit `echo $HOME/.opencpn/opencpn.conf`
+Of course you can swap "gedit" for your favorite editor.

On +Windows 8, Windows +7, Windows 2000, XP and Vista the two +files are +more difficult to find, so use the "About" dialog as +described above. On many windows installs the folder containing the +logfile will also be hidden, so you need +to change +your systems "Folder Options" to show it.

For +example, the C:\ProgramData +folder is by +default hidden in Windows 7. Here's how to get to it:
+
+To access it you need to un-hide it by doing the following:
+
+1. Go to Control Panel > Folder Options
+2. Switch to View tab
+3. Select "Show hidden files, folders and drives".
+4. Unselect "Hide extensions for know +file +types" to get this state:
+

Now you +will be able to find your logfile.

On Mac OS +X, +the logfile, "opencpn.log", +is in /Users/"user +name"/Library/Logs/ +and the "opencpn.ini" is in the /Users/"user +name"/Library/Preferences/opencpn/ directory.

+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

Windows

+Windows XP +SP3/Vista/7/8 +(except W8 RT) +

Download the installation package for Windows from Download OpenCPN.
Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you +just +started using OpenCPN.
Exit all other programs, including your anti virus program +- +known +to create problems in some cases. Unplug your network cable, to be on +the safe side.
Run the downloaded installer. Re-start your anti-virus. +Re-connect the network
If upgrading from a previous version of OpenCPN, there is +no need +to un-install the old version. Simply install the new version and it +will upgrade OpenCPN, saving all your existing configuration and +preferences.
If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon +and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings. +It is highly recommended that you use the Chart Downloader Tab to setup +directories and download charts.
If your installation goes well, but OpenCPN does not start +as +expected, try to download and install these +runtime components.
Not Supported Windows versions:
+Win 8 RT is not supported.
+Win CE is not supported.
+Win XP SP 2 or 1 are not supported. +The last +OpenCPN version that included support was 2.6.1624.
+Win 2000 is not supported. The last +OpenCPN +version that included support was 2.5.0.
+Win 98/ME are not supported. The last +OpenCPN +version that included support was 2.1.0.
Old +versions of OpenCPN are +available on SourceForge.

Ubuntu PPA
+

How to add +the OpenCPN PPA into an Ubuntu system

You have two options to add the PPA to your system, either +using the +command line Terminal or the GUI provided by the system, chose one that +suites you better, not both.
+If you are using a non-standard variant of Ubuntu or a +newer/older/whatever version than the one used while creating this +guide, the GUI may be slightly different, try to use common sense +before you start to be furious that the guide bellow does not work - it +does. +If it still does not for you, ask in the support forum, providing exact +steps you performed and exact error output you get.

From +the command line
+

+Open a Terminal and enter the following +commands: +

sudo apt-get install software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:opencpn/opencpn
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install opencpn

Using the graphical +configuration tools
+

+Start the Ubuntu +Software Center
+

+
+From the Edit menu, select Software +Sources...
+

+
+On the Other tab, click on Add... +button
+

+
+In the dialog shown, fill in ppa:opencpn/opencpn +and +click on the Add Source button
+

+
+Wait until Ubuntu Downloads the necessary information and the progress +indicator disappears
+

+
+From now on you are able to install OpenCPN as any other software. You +will also get new stable versions automatically while updating your +system.
+

. +

Linux

32/64 bit Ubuntu/Debian +Distributions

32/64 bit Fedora / Cent OS
+

+If you are installing OpenCPN for the first time on a computer with +Ubuntu, or any other Linux flavor, you have to go through a few steps +to make sure that all dependencies are met. Ubuntu uses "deb" packages +and Fedora uses the "rpm" packages. +

For Debian based Linuxes: Make sure that you +belong to +the "dialout" group. To find out, run the "$groups" +command. +If you're not in "dialout", add yourself with the command "$sudo +usermod -a -G dialout $USER". Check this straight away, +it +will save you from frustration later on. +If there is a problem connecting the GPS to a physical port, such as +/dev/ttyS0, the reason is probably that you don't belong to "dialout".
For other Linux distributions, replace "dialout" above, +with the +result of this command: $stat -c %G /dev/ttyS0
It is recommended that you install the +"xcalib" program, +that is necessary to dim the screen for night time usage. +Use +your favorite package manager or just issue $sudo apt-get +install +xcalib from the command line (for debian based distros).
It is recommended that you install the +"xdg-utils" +program, that helps the grib plugin compose a SailDoc grib-request-mail. +Use your favorite package manager or just issue $sudo +apt-get +install xdg-utils from the command line (for debian based +distros).
On Ubuntu, start +"System->Administration->Synaptic". In +Synaptic go to "Settings->Repositories" and tick the box +"Community-maintained Open Source software (universe)". Close Synaptic.
Download the correct .deb or .rpm from Download OpenCPN.
For Ubuntu, only use the download with an Ubuntu version +number +if you have exactly that version. Otherwise use the link "Download +OpenCPN +3.X.X for all other *Ubuntu's".
Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you +just +started using OpenCPN.
Click on the downloaded package. An installation manager +will +guide you on most Linux distributions. All dependencies should +automatically +be installed. For most Linux installations, this is all +you +have to do. Consult the following 3 paragraphs if you +run into +trouble.
If you have problems with dependencies, run the recommended +command line in the next paragraph. First check that you really have +downloaded the correct version of OpenCPN. see above.
sudo gdebi <downloaded_opencpn_file.deb>. +The +command "gdebi" will automatically install the dependencies for you.
It is also possible to install the package via dpkg or rpm, +on +the +condition that all dependencies are met.To make sure that this is the +case on Ubuntu, open a terminal window to get a command line, +(Applications->Accessories->Terminal) and copy and paste +the +following line: "sudo apt-get install libwxgtk2.8-0 +libwxbase2.8-0 +wx-common libglu1-mesa libgl1-mesa-glx zlib1g bzip2 gpsd gpsd-clients xcalib +xdg-utils libportaudio2 libkml0 +libtinyxml2.6.2 +liburiparser1 zlib1g libexpat1". Then proceed with the +commands +below +
- +
  For Ubuntu: $ sudo dpkg -i +<downloaded_file.deb>
  +For Fedora: # sudo yum install --nogpgcheck +<downloaded_file.rpm>
  +
- The binary will be installed to /usr/bin/opencpn +and the static data used by the program will be in /usr/share/opencpn +
+
If this is a new installation, click on the Options icon +and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings.
If there is a problem with sound, +make sure that +you, as a user, belongs to the "audio" group. To find out, run the +"$groups" command. If you're not in "audio", add yourself with "$sudo +usermod -a -G audio $USER"
If you are running Debian Squeeze and want to install +OpenCPN +from +the distributions .deb package, you will need to install with something +like this in order to satisfy install dependencies related to +libtinyxml:
+$sudo dpkg -i --force-depends opencpn_3.1.1327-1_i386.deb

Using +Linux repositories, an easier way to install and update.

Installing in a different, easy way.

Installing on Ubuntu

Add the OpenCPN ppa +repository as explained in configuring Ubuntu PPA
+

+- If you are using Synaptic, add the repository, reload the software +sources as it suggests, search for and install opencpn
+- No need to install anything manually

Other +32, 64bits, the armhf architecture, Linux Distributions and the BSD +operating systems

Currently other distributions requires compiling the +source. This +will involve resolving various dependencies and is for folks +comfortable with developing on Linux.
Download the source from sourceforge.net +or directly from the Git server. The SourceForge link for +this +project is sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/. +More about compiling on Linux here Compiling - +Linux.
Interested in maintaining a package for your favorite Linux +distribution? Follow the SourceForge link above.
This also includes the different BSD distributions. Report +your +experiences back to the forum.

Fedora
+

Using +Linux repositories, an easier way to install and update.

Installing in a different, easy way. RPM

+Installing on Fedora
+A full repo is now available +and can be used to install and update opencpn.
+To install the repo, please run this as root:
+
+yum install h ttp://je.onfray.fr/repo/fedora/18/x86_64/jeo-release-1.0-1.fc18.noarch.rpm +

+Install above RPM

+You can install the above rpm, no matter +if you're +using i386 or x86_64, be it Fedora 16, Fedora 17 or Fedora 18, it'll +work on all these (you should be able to install it right from your +browser clicking the above link and then install)
+By default, only the stable repo is enabled ; you can install +opencpn-4.0 from your favorite package manager (yum, Gnome package kit +or KDE package kit). +

I've created two separate packages:

"opencpn" with the program and the +two default +plugins and
+"opencpn-doc" with the whole html doc to browse it offline.

When a new stable is released, you'll be automatically +notified and +able to update... so easy!
+
+Security/Trust: all packages are signed with Key ID: +7e53dbe19add462d

Mac OS X

+Mac OS X +

OpenCPN is distributed as a Mac ".dmg" file.

Download the .dmg file.
Open the dmg file by double-clicking on it - this will +mount the +dmg as a virtual device and create a mount on your desktop.
Drag the OpenCPN.app application from the dmg image to your +Applications folder in a finder window. This may require the +administrator password.
Unmount the dmg by right-clicking on the desktop icon and +selecting "Eject"

You can have a look at this +tutorial How to Install and Remove Apps for general +instructions on +installing Mac OS X applications.
If you have a message that installations are only accepted +for +programs from qualified developers, go to System Settings / Security, +first Tab, and switch to "No Constraints".
+After installation switch back, to prevent installation of malware.
To save +a previously installed +version rename rename the app in the Applications directory before +installing the new version.

Dedicated Marine OS

XINUTOP +

+Another +way to +run OpenCPN or test it without install +on your +current system is to use a +specialized marine OS, +which also include essential marine +applications. Xinutop is a free an opensource +Linux-Ubuntu based +solution and can operate on a large variety of x86 processors compliant. +It can run as a live system on USB key or can be installed on a HDD, as +primary or secondary OS.
+
+Info and download at http://marinux.tuxfamily.org
+See also in Supplementary +Software
+

Openplotter +for Raspberry Pi Boards

+For people who want it to run out of the box. +Linux installation which includes SignalK.
+Forum
+
+OpenPlotter Project for RPI Boards
+http://www.sailoog.com/en/openplotter
+
+The way OpenCPN +is now installed on OpenPlotter but little +variations:Code:
+

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

+add:
+deb Index of /opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu +trusty main
+deb-src Index of /opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu +trusty main
+
+Code:
+

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys C865EB40 
sudo apt-get update 
sudo apt-get install opencpn

+Point 6: $sudo apt-get install libgl1-mesa-swx11 not tested yet.
+
+

RaspberryPI +RPI2

Installing +OpenCPN on RaspberryPi 2 (RPI2)
+

+It may help to review King Tide Sailing "How To Install OpenCPN on a +Raspberry Pi"
+with additional helpful step by step installing NOOBS.
+http://kingtidesailing.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-to-install-opencpn-on-ra...
+
+Part I: Setting Up the Raspberry Pi for OpenCPN
+Part II: Installing OpenCPN
+
+NOOBS ( stands for New Out of the Box Software) is an easy operating +system installer which contains Raspbian. Raspbian is the official +supported operating system. It also provides a selection of alternative +operating systems which are then downloaded from the internet and +installed, we are interest in Raspian Jessie.
+

Part I: +Setting Up the Raspberry Pi for OpenCPN
+

+Download NOOBS (Jessie) https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/noobs/
+Getting Started https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/noobs-setup/
+Install NOOBS (an easy operating system install manager) on a formatted +SD Card. Follow the instructions for First Boot and Logging in.
+
+Then follow instructions for installing Raspbian Jessie. +https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/ +

Part +II: Install OpenCPN from Launchpad without compilation

Install +OpenCPN on a Raspberry Pi 2 running Raspian Jessie from a Launchpad +repository without compilation.

+Add some +repositories. To do this, you may: +

Use Synaptic +http://www.nongnu.org/synaptic/ +OR
Edit the package sources file (/etc/apt/sources.list)directly +as desired.

+For more information +and tutorial, see: http://linuxappfinder.com/addrepo
+
+We need +the following repos:
+1. deb ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/ +jessie main
+2. deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/nohal/opencpn/ubuntu/ +trusty main
+3. We +also need to get a PGP key compatible with repo(2) above.
+ $sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com +--recv-keys 9C18FD9F
+4. Update the +repositories. $sudo apt-get update
+5. Install +opencpn $sudo apt-get install opencpn
+
+Optional. $sudo +apt-get install libgl1-mesa-swx11
+
+This gives you OpenGL support with a Software +rasterizer.
+There is not much speed improvement in OpenCPN with the rasterizer.
+ +

Notes +from Sailoog: Editing the source.list to add to the install.

+Dave's procedure and mine are the same. The difference is the sources.
+
+The usual way (new and advanced users) of adding sources to Raspbian is +editing manually this file: /etc/apt/sources.list
+
+You can do this typing:
+ +

+
+
Code:
+
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list
+
+
The file will open and there you have to add and and save +this text:
+
+
Code:
+
deb ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/ jessie main
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/nohal/opencpn/ubuntu/ trusty main
+
+
or
+
+
Code:
+
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu trusty main 
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/opencpn/opencpn/ubuntu trusty main
+
+
(I can confirm the second option)
+then you have to type in the terminal again:
+
+
Code:
+
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 9C18FD9F
+
+
or
+
+
Code:
+
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys C865EB40
+
+
(I can confirm the second option)
+At last you can either type this to install:
+
+
Code:
+
sudo apt-get update 
sudo apt-get install opencpn
+
+

Or use the GUI package manager included in Raspbian +(Menu->Preferences->Add / Remove Software)
+
+Synaptic is not installed by default. This procedure will work not only +on OpenPlotter, on fresh Raspbian too.

+Alternative to Part II: Requires Compiling OpenCPN

Install +the list from OpenCPN for compiling linux.

+OpenCPN must be compiled for installation. +

+
sudo apt-get install build-essential cmake gettext git-core +gpsd gpsd-clients libgps-dev wx-common libwxgtk3.0-dev libglu1-mesa-dev +libgtk2.0-dev wx3.0-headers libbz2-dev libtinyxml-dev libportaudio2 +portaudio19-dev libcurl4-openssl-dev libexpat1-dev libcairo2-dev
+

+Then .. +

git clone http://github.com/seandepagnier/OpenCPN +-b rpi_fixes
+cd OpenCPN
+sudo mkdir build
+cd build
+sudo cmake ..
+sudo make
+sudo make install

+
+It should compile and run. OpenGL mode is just a white screen, no +charts and no frame rate displayed.
+With Opengl turned off it seems the same as 4.0.
+
+Conachair advises: +

+
When compiling using -j can force use of all the cores, ie. make +-j5 will use 4 cores to compile. Except it crashed the Pi! +or seemed to, it hung for ever before I rebooted it. make -j3 +seemed to speed things up a bit without crashing, though I never did +get it to finish without at least 1 crash. At least it picks up where +it left off so you don't have to start again.
+I still haven't managed to get Sean's fix for using the hardware +acceleration which would be great. This possible improvement in the +launcher repos and Openplotter the Pi will be within reach of many +sailors less inclined to get into command line.
+

Current Raspberry Pi +Hardware
+

+Pi 2 Model B, the second generation of the Raspberry Pi. The Pi 2 has +four USB ports, 40 GPIO pins, and an Ethernet port, uses a 900MHz +quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU and has 1GB RAM. The Pi 2 is completely +compatible with first generation boards. RAM on the Model 2B is on a +separate chip on the bottom of the PCB, but 1GB is the maximum RAM that +the SoC used by the Model 2B can support.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

Troubleshoot Installation

+If +something goes wrong +

If you have installed OpenCPN +successfully and later run into +trouble there is generally no point in reinstalling. It is a very +common reaction among users, but achieves very little.
If OpenCPN refuses to start, +or hangs after the introduction +dialog and you have Intel integrated +graphics on your +computer, try to start the +program from the command-line with -> "opencpn -no_opengl"
Still no luck? Proceed by +checking your opencpn.log +(OpenCPN +Installation) file +and +try to find a hint there.
Next step is to close down OpenCPN, if it's still running. +Then save any possibly valuable data. Read about Navigation +Data Backup
Proceed by renaming the configuration file - opencpn.ini +(OpenCPN Installation) +to , for +example, opencpn_OLD.ini. When you start OpenCPN again it +will be like a new install, no chart directories and all settings are +default.
If you still have problems, and especially if your +opencpn.log +file complains about navobj.xml (Navigation +Data Backup), close down OpenCPN and move all navobj.xml +files to +another directory. +Rename the opencpn.ini file again, and then restart as before. If +successful, close down again, and try to move, first the navobj.xml.1 +back to the original directory renaming it navobj.xml. If not +successful, try navobj.xml.2 etc This last step is only necessary if +you have valuable data that's not saved elsewhere.
Next step is to close down OpenCPN, if it's still running. +Then save any possibly valuable data. Read about Navigation +Data Backup
If this is successful, please post your old config file and +your +original navobj.xml file, together with full information of what +happened, and your system, on the Cruisers Forum. To do this, first +rename the file by adding ".doc" to the end of the file name.
This will help the OpenCPN developers to understand what's +going on.
+Still having trouble? There is a lot of info available on the +forum. Use the search function to see if your problem is already solved.

No luck? Post a question to the Forum. +Please include +as much info as possible, as this will speed up the +process and help other users to help you. Include the following:

Your Hardware and operating system, including versions.
Which version of OpenCPN, or plugin version.
A full description of your problem.
If possible, also include the opencpn.log +(OpenCPN Installation) +and screen +dumps showing your problem.

Go to Table +Of Contents

Release History

+1.2.0 2007-04-20
+ Opencpn was built with the following +objectives in +mind.
+
+i. Intended use as primary navigation interface for vessels
+with full-time helm-visible navigational suites.
+Other tools may be better for offline route planning, tide
+and current prediction, online logging, etc.
+ii. Quick startup and shutdown.
+iii. Those and only those toolbar buttons really needed for
+daily operation.
+iv. Portability, thus wxWidgets core components. Currently
+tested and in production use on W98, XP, and Linux.
+v. Conventional ( i.e. popular and modern ) chart format
+support. In the real world, this means BSB format raster
+charts, and S57ENC format vector charts.
+
+1.2.2 2008-01-02
+Improved AIS symbology and diagnostics, including RateOfTurn indication.
+Improved toolbar icon symbology, supporting day/dusk/dark color schemes.
+Rationalized home directory selection for Windows, allowing program +installation in
+arbitrary directory/folder.
+Improved accuracy of Great Circle distance/bearing calculations.
+Optional Depth Units displayable on chart as embossed character image.
+Ownship position indicator on thumbnail charts accurately follow true +GPS position.
+
+1.2.4 2008-04-20
+Configure/build modifications for Unicode systems, especially Ubuntu.
+Added Route and Mark property sheets.
+Improved S57 ENC symbology
+
+1.2.6 2008-08-31
+This is a maintenance and feature update release,
+containing some S57 ENC symbology improvements,
+greater compliance with IHO S52 standards, and various enhancements and
+bug fixes. Especially interesting are the DUSK and NIGHT display modes,
+for which user feedback is highly desired....
+
+1.2.8 2008-12-25
+Mac OS X Support, including installable application bundle +(OpenCPN.dmg), GNU/gcc compatible system build files, and XCode project +files.
+Garmin USB GPS device support for Windows platforms.
+Miscellaneous bug fixes and user optimizations.
+
+1.3.0 2009-05-09
+1. CM93 worldwide vector chart support, with automatic chart scaling.
+2. Improved AIS target tracking with configurable CPA/collision warning +options.
+3. GPX compatible waypoint and route exporting tools.
+4. Configurable range rings centered on ownship position.
+5. And, as usual, miscellaneous bug fixes and user optimizations.
+
+1.3.2 2009-07-11
+1. Improved AIS target depiction and collision detection alerts.
+2. Hot keys and scroll mouse support.
+3. Help File.
+4. Various display speed and quality optimizations, especially for CM93 +charts.
+
+1.3.4 2009-10-01
+1. Ship's position tracking function, with GPX export and import.
+2. Enhanced icons and screen graphics, for improved visibility.
+3. Import and export of Routes using GPX interface protocol.
+4. Implement CM93 vector chart detail control slider.
+5. Assorted usability and reliability improvements.
+
+1.3.6 2010-01-07
+1. Add basic GRIB file decoding and chart overlay display.
+2. Improve and expand NMEA message type support.
+3. Improved documentation.
+4. Add modular international language support.
+5. Assorted usability and reliability improvements.
+
+2.1.0 2010-06-26
+-BSBv3 raster and S57 ENC chart support.
+-CM93 vector chart support.
+-IHO S52 compliant display of S57 vector charts.
+-Single-chart and Quilted display modes.
+-North-up and Course-up display modes.
+-Moving-map display mode.
+-Route navigation with ship tracking functions.
+-Waypoint navigation.
+-NMEA 0183 GPS interface at selectable baud rate.
+-gpsd library support.
+-Autopilot output support.
+-AIS input with full target tracking and collision alerting.
+-Anchor watch/alarm functions.
+-GRIB file input and display for weather forecasting.
+-GPX Waypoint and Route input and output file support.
+-Tide and Current prediction and display by location.
+-Multi-language support.
+-linux and Windows compatible.
+
+2.3.0 2010-12-18
+1. Integrated PlugIn architecture, allowing third-party development and +deployment of auxiliary features.
+2. Two useful Plugins available immediately:
+ Graphical overlay of GRIB (weather)file data
+ Dashboard for configurable on-screen display of +ship's NMEA data.
+3. Enhanced Route, Track, and Waypoint management functions by +selectable dialog.
+4. Many new languages added to basic package, including:
+ Portuguese, Estonian, Greek, Turkish, Finnish, +Norwegian, etc.
+5. Support Garmin Host mode Route and Waypoint interchange and upload +to remote GPS receivers.
+6. Advanced internationalized Windows Program Installer.
+7. Full support for North-up and Course-Up display of all chart types.
+8. Expanded AIS target message decoding to include European Inland AIS +specifications.
+9. AIS Target List Dialog, allowing easy selection and monitoring of +all active AIS targets.
+10. Many, many improvements in the basic User Interface, while +maintaining the ease-of-use that
+
+2.3.1 2010-12-31
+1. Correct logic regarding ownship AIS messages (AIVDO)
+2. Correct fault closing AIStarget list with target query dialog open +(FS#310)
+3. Correct occasional geolocation problem with routes on BSB chart +switch.
+4. Improve Toolbar refresh logic.
+5. Increase maximum chart stack size from 20 to 30. (FS#316)
+6. Correct GoTo waypoint and subsequent route delete logic. (FS#244)
+7. Various language file updates.
+8. Correct Depth unit display for quilted charts, with non-English +language setting.
+9. Correct Win7 Garmin USB Device interface reset in User Mode.
+10. Correct Windows vc redistributable installation command in NSIS +script.
+
+2.5.0 2011-07-26
+1. Per-Cell offset adjustment for cm93 charts
+2. Transverse Mercator chart quilting.
+3. Selectable full screen quilting option.
+4. Configurable lat/lon gid lines.
+5. Variable screen dimmer function.
+6. Improved Tide/Current information window.
+7. Configurable "Layers" function, enabling selectable display of fixed +objects.
+8. Improved and extended AIS functions, including
+a. Euro Inland support
+b. Base Stations and ATONs
+9. Selectable FullScreen display mode.
+10. Integrated Route Planner function, with Tide table support.
+11. Enhanced GUI functions, with floating transparent Toolbar.
+12. Several new language options.
+13. Improved internal memory management.
+14. Improved Autopilot output support.
+15. New Multi-leg Measurement tool.
+16. Improved Vector chart symbology.
+17. Improved integrated Tide/Current data accuracy.
+18. Improved Route definition interface, including selectable Route +colors.
+19. Full conformance for all platforms, especially including Macintosh +OS X.
+20. Greatly improved stability on all platforms, as a result of extended +Beta testing.
+21. Many, many improvements in the basic User Interface, while +maintaining the ease-of-use that OpenCPN is widely known for.
+
+3.0.0 2012-06-05
+New and Enhanced Features for OpenCPN Version 3.0
+1. OpenGL support, for enhanced graphics performance and functionality.
+2. Improved ENC object Query interface
+3. Portable execution option, allowing easy migration to new systems.
+4. Upgrade to wxWidgets 2.8.12.
+5. Support ENC Overlay cells.
+6. Upgrade gpsd support to Version 2.96
+7. Implement enhanced PlugIn system, enabling a wide variety of PlugIn +types.
+8. Implement DSC and GPS_Gate Buddy tracking.
+9. Implement user defined Chart Groups.
+10. Implement AIS SART transponder display and tracking.
+11. Improved ENC object rendering and display.
+12. Implement user definable Tide/Current datasets.
+13. Full conformance for all platforms, especially including Macintosh +OS X.
+14. Greatly improved stability on all platforms, as a result of +extended Beta testing.
+15. Many, many improvements in the basic User Interface, while +maintaining the ease-of-use that OpenCPN is widely known for.
+
+3.0.2 2012-07-07
+This Service Release corrects several small bugs found in the recent +3.0.0 field release.
+It incorporates no new features.
+
+3.2.0 2013-02-27
+1. Complete update of user Options dialogs and context menus, +incorporating modern graphics and uniform styles.
+2. Significantly enhanced navigation instrument input and output +options, including extensive network connection capabilities supporting +TCP, UDP, and GPSD data sources.
+3. New User Interface theme support, with OpenCPN traditional as well +as two new low profile themes.
+4. Enhanced clipboard support, including interfaces to external KML +data sources.
+5. Enhanced Tide and Current dataset support, including modern fully +binary datasets.
+6. Various improvements in the display and tracking of AIS +data targets.
+7. Automatic Great Circle route generation options.
+8. Significant enhancement of the Dashboard PlugIn, including new user +interface options and a variety of stylish, new instruments.
+9. Improved sound system support for linux hosts.
+10. Major update to embedded Users Manual.
+11. Measurably improved performance and reliability over all supported +platforms.
+
+3.2.2 2013-05-08
+This Service Release corrects several small bugs found in the recent +3.2.0 field release.
+It incorporates a command line switch to turn off OpenGL completely.
+
+4.0.0 2015-01-08
+A major release.
+Increased performance in all modes, particularly when using OpenGL +graphics acceleration.
+- Additional network interface methods, including TCP/IP client/server +and UDP broadcast.
+- Support for multiple data source instances, including
+- Filtering and prioritization of messages
+- Output of NMEA data streams for real-time integration into ship +systems
+- Improved support for Mac OS X systems, including 64 bit native +support.
+- Integrated Tablet/Touch screen support.
+- AIS Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) configuration and tracking.
+- Enhanced AIS target tracking modes.
+- GRIB PlugIn feature additions.
+- Graphical GRIB email request generation.
+- Moving particle wind overlay.
+- Enhanced GRIB data type support.
+- Dashboard PlugIn feature additions.
+- More selectable instruments.
+- Several new and updated Plug-ins, including
+- Digital Radar overlay for popular radar scanners
+- World Magnetic Model variation compensator
+- Climatology analysis
+- Dynamic route planning
+- Integrated logbook
+- Realtime datastream capture, record and +playback
+- Google Earth integration
+- Weatherfax overlay
+- Vector chart object and feature search tool
+- S63 Encrypted vector chart support
+- Major update to embedded Users Manual.
+- Measurably improved performance and reliability +over all +supported platforms.
+- And much more.

OpenCPN First Use

+Here is what happens once OpenCPN is +installed and you start the program for the first time.
+
+First this message greets you. Please remember what you agrees to when +clicking OK.
+
+

+
+Next OpenCPN prompts you to install charts.
+
+

+
+And sends you to "Options" to do so. Click on the Charts tab, to +install charts. Read all about installing charts in Installing Charts
+If you're not quite ready to install yet just click "OK" in the Options +dialog.
+
+

+
+The worldwide background Map will greet you.
+From here explore the different features in OpenCPN by clicking around, +or read on...
+
+

+IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS
+

+Getting started using OpenCPN consists of 3 basic steps:

Chart +Installation +of Charts to be read by OpenCPN (OpenCPN does not include charts)
Charts +Basic Features - Main +Source for using charts
GPS Setup +to communicate +with your computer and OpenCPN (Optional, but very useful)

+ Completing these 3 steps will get +you started and +allow you to check out the program.
+
+If you still have questions or would just like to get in touch with +other OpenCPN users, there is also a fairly large community behind +OpenCPN. You can find us in this Cruisers Forum.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Chart Installation

+Several +steps suggested to obtain & setup charts.
+
+For first time users we suggest you use +the Chart +Downloader Plugin which +helps to find and download free charts and is included +with the installation of OpenCPN 4.2. If you choose to manually load +charts please pay close attention to the following: +

Know the path to the the "Chart" directory. Please make +note of +the path you selected for the Charts Folder.
If you choose to manually download charts, be sure +uncompress and +install them in your Charts directory
Please read Installing Charts + +(Chart +Files Tab) which is Under +the Main "Charts" section.

Charts +Overview

OpenCPN itself does not come with charts.
+Charts are a complex subject. Having accurate and current charts is +important for safe navigation.
+There are a number of resources on this website and others to obtain +charts.
+However thee USA provides free NOAA Charts and many other countries do +as well. See Chart Sources below.

Chart Files Tab +OpenCPN +does not come with charts. Description of how to Install Charts.
Charts +Main resource for +Charts.
Chart Downloader +Plugin Chart Downloader provides an easy way to download and +install free NOAA and RNC and ENC charts around the world. It is the +easiest way to get +started with charts. Download a few charts in your area and use them to +learn, then later add more as needed. NOTE: Free charts are not assured +everywhere.
Chart Sources +(Extensive +list of free charts available, mostly covered by Chart Downloader +Plugin)
Chart Formats +(You will +see why this is a complex subject)
Background Map (GSHHS Low Res) - The initial rough +background map +that OpenCPN uses.
High Resolution Background Map (GSHHS 230 mb) here +We suggest this should be used if Watchdog Landfall +alarms are being used.
Links with Chart +Information

Setting Options

+Options contains user configurable settings.
+

+Read more here: Options +Setting

+OpenCPN uses some basic settings or limitations. +

Courses are by default true, not magnetic. +Change this in Options -> Display -> Units.
All distances and routes are calculated using +Mercator +Sailing. Great Circle Sailing is an option in route +creating.
For Windows: only one instance +of OpenCPN is +allowed. Use the portable option if more instances are needed.

Do not edit the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) +file when +OpenCPN is running.

GPS Setup

+Below we describe only the basics of +getting a gps up and running.
+For a full description of all options read Options +Setting
+
+Make sure your GPS is set to output positions using the +WGS 84 +Geodetic Datum.
+This is less of an issue nowadays, compared +to, say 10 - 15 years ago.
+Some units can't be changed, and is permanently set to WGS 84. The +BU-353 is one of those.
+

Windows XP/Vista/7/8
+

+Note that the extensive use of the cheap gps mouse BU-353 as an example +below, should only be seen as an illustration.
+

To use OpenCPN with a GPS, a GPS receiver is needed.

There are a variety of possible choices for a GPS receiver:

A computer, such as a Sony Vaio P has a built in GPS +receiver
A NMEA Expander to amplify a nmea stream to multiple +listeners
A hand-held GPS receiver
A dedicated GPS receiver

The remainder of this section describes using OpenCPN with a +dedicated GPS receiver, however, the instructions for a dedicated +receiver will be similar for any serial/USB connected NMEA data stream.

A Dedicated GPS Receiver

There are several companies making dedicated GPS receivers. +The +Supplementary Hardware section for GPS devices lists several +manufacturers.

NMEA has traditionally been implemented as a serial protocol +and +therefore, even if a USB connection is used, there needs to be a USB to +Serial Port conversion. The specific driver for the each GPS receiver +will handle this conversion.
+

An Example - +Configuring BU-353

It is not necessary to use the installation disk to setup the +BU-353. Following the steps listed below will result in the latest +driver being installed.

Download the latest driver +from Prolific
Unzip and install the driver
Plug in the BU-353.
Start -> (Right Click) My Computer -> +Properties -> +Hardware ->Device Manager
+or Start->Run devmgmt.msc
Expand Ports
Look for the “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port” and note +the com +port number (e.g., COM4)

Right click on the “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port”. +Choose +Driver
Select 4800 bits per second, 8 data bits, None parity, 1 +stop +bit, and None for Flow Control

Start OpenCPN
Click on the Options Icon
Select "Connections", and "Add Connection" and "Serial"
Under "Data Port" select the Com port noted in #6
Choose OK
Select Auto Follow to center the map over your GPS location

Troubleshooting

+There is a small LED located on the BU-353. If the LED is off there +is no power being received. Check the connection. +

If the LED is solid it indicates the BU-353 is searching for a +GPS +signal. Try moving the GPS receiver to a clear location.

If the LED is flashing it indicates the BU-353 has a position +fix +and is transmitting data.

Try viewing the NMEA data stream in OpenCPN. Choose +Options->Connections->Show NMEA Debug Window
Alternatively, a diagnostic program is included on the +installation CD called GPSInfo.exe. Launch this program to install the +diagnostic +utility.

If it appears that the NMEA data stream is being received, the +most +likely issue is that OpenCPN is not centered over your location. Click +AutoFollow to center the map at your GPS location.

Known Issues

+If you change the USB port for the GPS receiver Prolific will +reassign the COM port number. This will require repeating steps 4-12 +above. +

On some computer / GPS receiver combinations when the computer +resumes from Stand By the GPS receiver will no longer transmit its NMEA +data stream, and only garbage instead of ASCII characters will be +visible in the NMEA Data Stream Window. The red indicator led will not +work.
+
+To change back to NMEA mode search for and download SIRFDemo.exe.
+Unpack and start. Set correct Baud rate and and com port as above.
+Click connect to data source button. Action -> Switch to NMEA +protocol, then exit.
+There are many more settings available in SIRFDemo.exe

An alternative workaround for this issue is provided by using +a COM +port splitter such as XPort http://www.curioustech.net/xport.html

Download XPort.
Unzip it to a folder of your choice
Double Click XPort.exe
Set the Baud Rate to 4800
Under Enable Ports add an entry for COM10
Click “Find GPS”. The port returned should match the port +identified in Step #6 in the Configuring BU-353 Section
Select Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port in the check box +section
Return to OpenCPN
Click on the ToolBox Icon
Select GPS

+Under NMEA Data Source change the Com port to COM10 +

Linux

To proceed, the "user" you use on your computer must belong to +a +group that is allowed to open serial connections. This group is +normally "dialout" on Debian based Linuxes, including Ubuntu, and +"uucp" on Red +Hat based distributions. Read more in Connections.
+Check your status by writing "groups" on a command line. The response +will be all groups that the user belongs to. Make sure that "dialout" +or "uucp" is included. If not, you have to add your user to this group. +There are many ways to do this, one is to issue this command:
+"sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER". Logout of your current session for +group changes to take effect.
+This applies to many Debian based distributions, for other distros just +drop the sudo and do the command as root, using "su".
+All major Linux distribution includes a graphical user settings dialog, +where adding a user to a group, could be fixed.

Two +methods are available, direct connection or through gpsd.
+

+We start with gpsd.

Install the gpsd and gpsd-clients packages +
- $ sudo apt-get install gpsd gpsd-clients
+
Go to Options-> Connections-> Add Connection +and select +"Network" plus the GPSD radio button. Address should be "localhost" +and DataPorts should be set to 2947.
On Ubuntu 10.04 and later, that is really all you have to +do. +When you plug in your gps this will trigger gpsd to start.
"xgps" is client that comes with the gpsd-clients package, +and is +useful for testing that the gps and gpsd is working properly. If xgps +isn't working, it's a gps or gpsd problem, not an OpenCPN problem

Direct connection.

Make sure that gpsd isn't running then connect your gps +and +start +OpenCPN. On Ubuntu 12.04 the easiest way to achieve this is to uninstall +gpsd.
In the Options->Connections -> Add Connection, +select +"Serial".Set "dataPort to the port where you plugged in your gps. If +you plugged in BU 353 this will probably be /dev/ttyUSB0.
Choose 4800 baud, unless you know that the gps is set to +something else.
The gps should now work....if not, check the NMEA data +stream +window. If only binary garbage is visible, the gps has to be reset to +NMEA mode, see more about this above in windows section. An alternative +is to use gpsd, that will work with the gps in Sirf mode.
To do this in Linux for BU 353 as well as many other +gps:es, make +sure that gpsd is running and that the package "gpsd-clients" is +installed. On Ubuntu 12.04 gpsd needs to be temporarily installed. Make +sure to kill any instances of gpsd with the command "sudo killall gpsd"
The command $gpsctl -n will put the GPS into NMEA mode.
If that doesn't work, try $ gpsctl -f -n /dev/ttyUSB0 .This +will +force a low-level access, bypassing gpsd. For more information: $man +gpsctl
More information is as always available through "man +gpsctl" +Close down OpenCPN before running gpsctl.
+
+None of this is normally noticed when using gpsd, as this program reads +both NMEA and SIRF binary sentences.

+
+

More Linux Hints
+

If you can't connect to a physical port, such as +/dev/ttyUSBO, +indicated by a line in the opencpn.log file. Check that you, as a user, +belongs to the group "dialout". To see which groups you belong to, run +the command "groups". Not all Linux distributions add the user to this +group by default. To add your self to the dialout group -> "sudo +usermod -a -G dialout $USER"
Check if gpsd is working:
+$ ps aux | grep gpsd
+nobody 12338 0.3 0.1 4124 1448 ? S<s 18:31 0:00 gpsd -F +/var/run/gpsd.sock
+you 12356 0.0 0.0 3036 800 pts/3 S+ 18:32 0:00 grep --color=tty -d skip +gpsd
+This or similar responses indicate that gpsd is running. If you only +have something like the second line, ....it is not running.
Run the command "$ls -lrtd /dev/*|tail -10", and see the 10 +latest +created device files. Run this just after plugin in your gps to see +which device was created.
+
Determine which device your GPS is on your linux system by +checking the startup. Look for a line that says something about GPS and +/dev/ttyUSB# in the command "dmesg"

Or even better, after connecting a gps mouse, BU-353, we +look for +a dmesg by running this command. +

$ dmesg | grep tty
and get this response back.
[13616.095305] usb 2-3: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0

Add a script to start gpsd, if this is not done by your +distribution. I saved mine as startgps and set the executable +attribute. Edit line 3 to match your device, ie /dev/ttyUSB0 +
- +
```
#!/bin/sh
 sudo killall gpsd
 sudo gpsd -n -D 2 /dev/ttyUSB0
 
```
  +
+
Run the script: +
- +
```
$ ./startgps
```
  +
+

+If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon Toolbox Settings

+and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings. +

Other +Distributions

Install gpsd from source. More information is available +here: http://catb.org/gpsd/ +

Udev Rules

If you have problem with, for example gps, connecting to +different ports each time you restart udev is your friend.
udev supports persistent device naming, which does not +depend on, +for example, the order in which the devices are plugged into the +system. The default udev setup provides persistent names for storage +devices.
There is a lot about udev on the Internet. For OpenCPN +specifics, +read this post:Udev +in 2.5

Bluetooth GPS

+More user experience of setting up bluetooth GPS are welcome, as the +notes below just reflects a few users experience. Please use the Forum. +

Ubuntu 10.10 and older.

+If you have a bluetooth GPS you will need to first configure it through +the standard Ubuntu Bluetooth "set up new device " procedure. Once you +have done that you will need to find what the address of the GPS is. To +do that you run this command:
+
+"sudo hcitool scan"
+
+It will then start looking for the Bluetooth GPS and hopefully find +your GPS. You should see something similar to:
+
+Scanning ...
+00:1C:88:10:D3:4D iBT-GPS
+
+In this case i have a IBT-GPS at address 00:1C:88:10:D3:4D (Your GPS +address will be different)
+
+Next we have to bind the GPS address to a "virtual" device OpenCPN +understands in this case rfcomm0. We do this with the following command:
+
+sudo rfcomm bind /dev/rfcomm0 00:1C:88:10:D3:4D Note put your GPS +address in this line
+
+You should not have to run these commands each time your linux is +restarted as it will remember your GPS address.
+
+Now all you need to do is go into OpenCPN Toolbox and select GPS. Now +in the NMEA Data Source options select from the pulldown menu: +"/dev/rfcomm0", or write it in the box, if not present as an +alternative.
+
+Thats it - you should now have a Bluetooth GPS Connected.
+
+

Ubuntu 12.04

+-Pair GPS with bluetooth icon
+-break connection with bluetooth icon
+-get device id: sudo hcitool scan
+-get channel for gps: sdptool records 00:02:78:0A:4E:E9 (put your +actual number here)
+-sudo gedit /etc/bluetooth/rfcomm.conf #edit rfcomm input file. Text +should be: +

	#
	# RFCOMM configuration file.
	#
	# $Id: rfcomm.conf,v 1.1 2002/10/07 05:58:18 maxk Exp $
	#

	rfcomm0 {
	# Automatically bind the device at startup
	bind yes;

	# Bluetooth address of the device
	device xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx;

	# RFCOMM channel for the connection
	channel 1;#use channel number as provided by sdptool 
          records XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

	# Description of the connection
	comment "Your GPS Device Here";
	}

+- sudo rfcomm release 0 (not strictly necessary)
+- sudo rfcomm connect 0 (you only need to to this once, not required if +you reboot at this point)
+...connected /dev/rfcomm0 to 00:00:00:00:00:00 (whatever)
+...Press CTRL-C for hangup
+in a separate terminal, you can test the connection with rfcomm show +/dev/rfcomm0
+...rfcomm0: 00:08:1B:14:18:B6 channel 1 connected [tty-attached]
+your bluetooth GPS should now be working in OpenCPN. run sudo opencpn +to check that it works (/dev/rfcomm0 under GPS NMEA data source).
+if it works, try running opencpn without sudo, chances are that you +cannot see the gps. if this is the case, use the following fix: sudo +usermod -a -G dialout $USER
+

Fedora

+Run "hcitool scan" to get the ID of your bluetooth gps device
+Make a file "rfcomm.config" and put it in /etc/bluetooth.
+This file is already present in Ubuntu, but needs editing for +persistent connection.
+
+# RFCOMM configuration file.
+#
+# $Id: rfcomm.conf,v 1.1 2002/10/07 05:58:18 maxk Exp $
+#
+rfcomm0 {
+# Automatically bind the device at startup
+bind yes;
+# Bluetooth address of the device
+device XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX;
+# RFCOMM channel for the connection
+channel 1;
+# Description of the connection
+comment "Your GPS Device Here";
+}
+
+Change XX:XX:XX.... to your device ID
+
+Open Opencpn and write /dev/rfcomm0 as GPS NMEA device. Note that you +can add it yourself by writing directly into the scroll down box.
+Permissions for /dev/rfcomm0 are for group "dialout". Make sure you +belong to that group.
+The command "groups" will show all the groups you belong to.
+Make sure that "gpsd" isn't running, issuing "killall gpsd" as root.
+

Mac +OSX
+

+Attaching a GPS device to a Mac is done via one of the USB ports. +Whether using a device with its own USB lead or via a serial-USB +adapter lead or an NMEA multiplexer with USB port, the appropriate OS X +driver +needs to be installed. Nearly all hardware uses one of just two chip +makes: those from FTDI or Prolific. Both those companies make OS X +drivers available on their web sites, but manufacturers of GPS devices +usually package the driver with device.
+
+When the driver is installed and the device connected, start OpenCPN, +select the Toolbox and click the GPS tab. Open the "NMEA Data Source" +menu & select the the device from the list. It is not always +obvious which is the correct one, but in general the device will have a +name +starting: "/dev/cu." or "/dev/tty.". Some manufacturers make it +obvious, like "/dev/cu.MiniPlex-99000125", but others may be more +generic, like: "/dev/cu.usbserial". Set the "NMEA Baud Rate" to 4800 +and click "OK". +If the correct selection has been made, you should see the GPS status +icon change from red to green. +

+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Touch +Screen Tablets

+
+It is no wonder that iPads and Android tablets have become so popular. +They offer superior ergonomics vs. laptops in many settings, including +areas with limited space and power such as boat cabins and cockpits. +Tablets usually offer superior battery life, lower power consumption, +and are easier to waterproof via inexpensive pouches.
+
+With the recent release of OpenCPN +for Android on the Google Play Store, a huge selection of +phones +and tablets are now able to run OpenCPN very easily.
+
+OpenCPN can also run very nicely on Windows 8 tablets, many of which +are available at very low cost. Here are some suggestions for running +on +Windows tablets:
+
+

Running OpenCPN on a +Windows 8 tablet
+

+Although Windows 8 tablets are not as common as iPads or Android, they +have the advantage of running on the exact same Windows platform as PCs +and laptops. This means you can install OpenCPN onto a tablet using the +same installer that is used for Windows laptops and desktops. Just +download the installer and appropriate charts, run the installer, and +select the chart location just like you would on any PC.
+
+Because of differences in Windows 8 vs. prior Windows versions, and +configuration differences in the tablet hardware, your user experience +with OpenCPN on a Windows tablet may be enhanced by considering these +optional tips and tricks:
+
+1. Install the Classic +Shell +free software. This facilitates using the tablet with traditional +Windows desktop programs, and will make the Win8 environment more +familiar for those who are coming from XP, Vista, or Win7. You can +still bring up the Start Screen to use the newer "Metro" tablet apps, +but +Classic Shell restores the familiar Start menu that Windows users are +accustomed to having.
+
+

+
+2. Check Device Manager-Sensors to verify whether your tablet has a +GNSS Geolocation sensor. If so, your tablet has GPS capabilities +already +built in. (Some tablets have been discovered to have GPS even though +the specifications may not mention it.)
+
+

+However, the Windows 8 tablets initially are configured in a way that +only Metro apps can see the built-in GPS. In order to overcome this +limitation, try installing petrsimon's excellent GeolocationTCP +utility. Set this utility to launch at bootup so it's always +there +by putting a +shortcut in the Startup folder created by Classic Shell.
+
+

+
+Then you need to configure OpenCPN to receive the NMEA data +over the +appropriate TCP port.
+
+

+
+3. If you do not have an internal GPS and want one to interface with +your tablet, I recommend a Bluetooth GPS transmitter instead of a wired +dongle or puck. There are Android and iPhone apps that will transmit +from your smartphone, or you can purchase a freestanding Bluetooth GPS +made by GlobalSat or others. Transmitting GPS to the tablet via +Bluetooth also facilitates putting the tablet into a waterproof pouch. +Some have reported that hanging a USB connector off the side of the +tablet may weaken the microUSB plug over time.
+
+4. The excellent form factor of the tablet opens up some great +possibilities for use in the cockpit, if you select a tablet with a +sufficiently bright screen. A suggested tablet model and more +comprehensive list of tips can be found on this message thread.
+
+OpenCPN runs remarkably well on a tablet with practically no +modifications. Microsoft has emulated many mouse functions in their OS. +The right-click context menus are emulated by tap-hold. Zooming and +unzooming in OpenCPN is accomplished by pinching gesture, or using the +magnifying glass icons in the toolbar.
+
+Mouse hover (aka "rollover") is not generally supported on tablets, and +accidentally tapping the chart can lead to unexpected re-centering of +the chart. To address this and other tablet needs, OpenCPN adds some +some custom features available in the Options-User Interface menu:
+
+

+
+Activating "Enable Touchscreen Interface" alters the effect of +tapping/clicking on the chart in the following ways:
+
+-Suppresses re-centering of the chart by tapping (you need to tap-drag +to pan the chart)
+-Tapping waypoint selects it for subsequent dragging
+-Tapping Routes and AIS targets +shows popup info
+-Tapping tide/current icons shows appropriate dialog
+
+Here are some additional behaviors with "Enable Touchscreen Interface" +activated:
+
+-Optimize several common dialogs for screen rotation, i.e. landscape or +portrait
+-Route Create workflow: "Done" by clicking toolbar "Route" icon, or +normal context menu.
+-Toolbar navigation items (e.g. Zoom/Scale) are available during route +creation.
+-Chart drag (a.k.a. swipe) is available during route creation.
+-Routepoint/Waypoint edit by drag is supported.
+-Increase pixel select radius, to allow for finger tip selection of +routes/waypoints
+
+A second option, "Enable Tablet Scaled Graphics Interface" can improve +the display, especially on tablets with high pixel density. At present, +Windows tablets are generally lower pixel density than Android and +iPad, but this may change with future hardware. This option does the +following:
+
+-Increase toolbar icon size
+-Increase context menu text item size
+-Increase selectable item sizes for several common dialogs
+
+Tablet Scaled Graphics may enlarge the toolbar icons too much for some +tastes, especially on small tablets with limited screen space. As an +alternative, Microsoft provides a Magnifier utility that temporarily +zooms the view and allows for panning across the enlarged screen. It +can be found in Start-All Programs-Windows Ease of Access (if you have +Classis Shell installed), or by searching the Start Page in the Modern +interface. I recommend pinning a shortcut to the taskbar for quick +one-tap access. While zooming the OpenCPN menu can enlarge many chart +features, Magnifier can enlarge additional elements like the very small +depth soundings and the green-over-black status text displayed by the +Active Route:
+
+ Screenshot of Windows Magnifier utility

+* Read more about the XTE in Connections Add a Serial Connection, +"APB bearing precision"
+
+Following are Dave's comments on "Enable Tablet Scaled Graphics +Interface":
+- It is important that the screen width dimension be properly set for +this option to work.
+- Manual override of screen width can be done at +Options->Display->Advanced.
+- Dave found, on his W8.1 tablet, that the automatically calculated +size value was wrong, leading to extra large toolbar icons. Easy to +correct +with a physical measurement.
+
+In the "Tablet Scaled Graphics Interface", the toolbar icon target +minimum size is 9mm square.
+This is the generally accepted minimum button size for several mobile +platforms.
+
+Other Tablets and +Operating System details.
+
+OpenCPN for Windows also runs successfully on: +

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with Windows 8 and Globalstar +Bu-343 puck +gps.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with Windows 10 and Globalstar +Bu-343 S4 +puck gps.
Opencpn should run successfully on most Windows 10 +Computers.

+

Help Fix Bugs!

+If you experience a crash in +OpenCPN, the developers are very keen on knowing why. This is how you +can help making OpenCPN, even better. +

Windows

In OpenCPN ver 4.0 the semi-automatic Crash reporting for +Windows +is disabled by default.
+Crash Reports are saved in the OpenCPN config directory, i.e. where the +log file is stored now. End users may occasionally be asked privately +to send these reports to a designated recipient.
+
+The semi-automatic Crash reporting can be enabled by editing the +opencpn.ini file.
+
+[Settings]
+EmailCrashReport=1
+
+Here is what you will +see if OpenCPN causes a crash with the +crashreport enabled.
+
+

+
+Provide additional information, such as your email or forum name, so +the developers can contact you for more info, if necessary.
+
+

+
+This is what the report will contain. Use the "Export" button if you +don't have an Internet connection at the time of the crash. Mail the +report later.
+
+

+ + + + + + +

+Also, for fun, you may test this option by the keystroke +Alt-F12. This will induce a benign crash, and give you a chance to see +what it +will look like before the real thing happens.
+Please don't send this kind of report by pressing "Send report". Just +press "Close the program" when you are done. Restart OpenCPN.
+
+This feature is temporary and will not be available +in the Beta Release following 3.3.814.

+Linux

+In Linux there is an excellent tool, "ddd", the Data Display Debugger, +to help the developers pinpoint where an error, or bug, is located in +the source code. "ddd" is a graphical front-end to the text based +"gdb", the GNU debugger.
+
+Install ddd through Synaptic, Ubuntu Software Center or similar for +other Linux distributions.
+From a command line, in a Debian based Linux, such as Ubuntu, issue +this command:
+$sudo apt-get install ddd +

The "$" sign above, just marks that this is a command line +for a +normal user. Do not include it in the actual command. This is a Linux +convention used everywhere.

Start +ddd

+To start ddd, find a command-line and
+$ddd opencpn
+
+ddd starts and this is what you will see.
+
+

+
+Click "Run". If you don't get this small dialog, go to Program +-> +Run, or hit F2
+This will start OpenCPN. Just continue in OpenCPN and proceed to create +a crash.
+Then go back to the ddd window.
+This is how it will look like after a crash.
+
+

+
+Notice "Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault."
+This is programmers way of saying a "crash". Exactly what this means, +does not matter for a normal user. Interested anyway? Read more, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmentation_fault
+To actually help the developers we need a back trace from the crash. +This is the path that the program followed in the source code, leading +to the crash.
+
+

+
+Go to Status -> Backtrace.
+This is what comes up, from this particular crash.
+
+

+The crash happened at #0 and this very short back trace started at #9.
+Your job now is to take a screen-dump, similar to the picture above, +and send it on.
+Try to get as much of the back trace as possible, by expanding the Back +trace dialog.
+This is important, so the developers can see the trouble point in the +source code.
+Look at #3 above, ending in "....chart1.cpp:2367". "chart1.cpp" is a +part of the OpenCPN source code, and something on line 2367 was +involved, directly or indirectly in the crash.
+Lines ending in "......... .so.0" are external libraries used to run +OpenCPN.
+
+On the odd occasion, when the back trace is very long, the developers +may still complain that they need to see more.
+

Using gdb

+Gdb, the command line debugger, is the answer.
+Start like this
+$gdb opencpn
+Gdb starts and you get the gdb command prompt (gdb).
+Just type "r", for run and hit Enter. Like this:
+(gdb) r
+
+OpenCPN will now start, once again, make it crash.
+The console will look similar to below.
+
+

+All the lines before the "Segmentation fault" line, are just "chatter" +from PortAudio and Gdk, and are not directly related to OpenCPN.
+
+To get a back trace, simply
+(gdb)bt
+That is type "bt", for back trace, and hit enter.
+
+

+
+You will now have access to the full back trace, with more details and +reverse order to "ddd".
+Copy the text, and send it on.
+Press "q" to exit gdb.
+
+Send it on to the +Programmers
+Tell the programmers about your findings through an entry in the +tracker http://willkamp.com/opencpn/flyspray/ +, or through posting on the forum http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134 +, if you have found a new bug.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

MenuBar

+The Menu Bar is a good aid to find +features and shortcuts, and works best if you already is a bit familiar +with OpenCPN. This page contains links that explains the different +features.
+
+The Menu Bar, when visible, is situated just under the Title Bar and +above the default position of the Tool Bar. See Below. It contains +access to features, as well as help with available shortcuts, also +called hot keys.
+

+The Menu Bar can be activated in two ways.
+It can be on all the time by ticking Options->User Interface +-> +Show Menu Bar.
+If this choice is not on, the Menu Bar can be shown temporarily by +using the hot-key "Alt".
+As soon as the screen is used, for example by panning or double +clicking for an Object Query, the Menu Bar disappears.
+
+

+As seen above the Menubar consists of five entries. +

Navigate +View AIS Tools Help

+When a menubar item is visible, the characters shown on the right of +the items are "hints" to remind user of the shortcut key to use when +the +menu is closed. While the menu is open, this key may be inactive. The +key to use is the first character of the item itself. This may be +platform dependent.
+
+Alt + underlined letter, opens the concerned sub-menu. Alt +N will open +"Navigate". The exact behavior is platform dependent. For example Alt + +A will open the Ais menu on Windows.
+Linux requires Alt and then Alt + +A.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Navigate

+
+Auto Follow Read more: Auto +Follow and Display Orientation
+Enable Tracking Read more: Ship +Track
+North Up Mode Read more: Auto +Follow and Display Orientation
+Course Up Mode Read more: Auto +Follow and Display Orientation
+Zoom In Read more: Zooming
+Zoom Out Read more: Zooming
+Larger Scale Chart Read more: Scaling Charts
+Smaller Scale Chart Read more: Scaling Charts
+Exit OpenCPN Shortcut Ctrl+Q.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

View

+
+Enable Chart Quilting Read more: Chart Quilting
+Show Chart Outlines Read more: Options Setting
+Show Chart Bar Read more: Chart Status Bar
+Show ENC Text Red more: Vector Display Tab
+Show ENC Lights Red more: Vector Display Tab
+Show ENC Soundings Red more: Vector Display Tab
+Show ENC Anchoring Info Red more: Vector Display Tab
+Show Tides Read more: Tides and Currents
+Show Currents Read more: Tides and Currents
+Change Color Scheme Read more in Night Navigation
+Enter Full Screen
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

AIS Menubar

+
+Read more about all AIS options: AIS
+Show AIS Targets Read more: ToolBox AIS Tab
+Hide Moored AIS Targets Read more: Suppress +anchored/moored targets
+Attenuate Less Critical Targets Read more: +Attenuation +of less critical targets
+Show AIS Target Tracks Read more: To track or not +to +track?
+Show CPA Alert Dialogs Read more: ToolBox AIS Tab
+Sound CPA Alarms Read more: ToolBox AIS Tab
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Tools

+
+Measure Distance Read more: Right Click Menu
+Route & Mark Manager Read more: Route Manager & Gpx
+Create Route Read more: Marks and Routes
+Drop Mark at Boat Read more: Marks and Routes
+Drop Mark at Cursor Read more: Marks and Routes
+Drop MOB Marker Read more: Man OverBoard
+Options Read more in Options +Setting
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Help

+
+About OpenCPN Read more: Getting +Started
+OpenCPN Help Read more: Getting +Started
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+ + +

The Toolbar is floating and can be placed anywhere on the +screen, +vertical or horizontal.
+Note the "grabber" symbol at the far right side of the toolbar. Use +this handle to drag the toolbar wherever you want it. The default +position +is horizontal and docked top left.
+It "snaps" to the edges. Right click on the grabber, and the toolbar +shifts to vertical format. On Windows (at least), unless in OpenGL +display mode, the toolbar dims down transparently until you roll over +it.
+
+There are three different styles of Toolbars to choose from. Go to the +ToolBox->"User interface"-> "Toolbar and Window Style" +and select +one of the following styles:
+
+Traditional
+
+Journeyman
+
+Journeyman Flat
+

+There are a lot of buttons available in the standard Toolbar, even +more, counting the many plugins. To control exactly which buttons to +display, hold the cursor over any button and right-click. This dialog +pops up.
+
+
+
+Only the buttons with a ticked box will be displayed. The available +shortcuts are also shown in parenthesis to the right of the button +description.
+The MOB button is special. If unticked, +you will get +these choices:
+
+
+
+#1: +The MOB button will still be there, but anyone +(crew?) may later hide it.
+
+#2: If +OpenCPN is used to handle a MOB situation, +choose this option. The MOB button will always be there. It is not +possible to change the state as long as OpenCPN is running. The MOB +button option will not even appear in the right-click menu.
+To reset this option open the opencpn.ini(config) file and change the +value below from
+"1" to "0". Restart and all the options are once again available.
+"[Settings]
+PermanentMOBIcon=1"
+
+#3: Use this option if a MOB situation is +handled by +other means, and OpenCPN is not a part of the standard operational MOB +procedure.
+
+If the MOB button is visible, it will always be the +button +furthest to the right. This way it's always easy to find in bad light +etc.
+
+The visibility of the plugin buttons is controlled in the +ToolBox->Plugins Tab, by pressing the Enable/Disable toggle +button.
+
+Note that the Toolbar must have at least one active button.
+
+
+
+
+When a toggle button is pressed, it changes and becomes darker, +Traditional style also adds a stronger outer frame. For example, +tracking off , +tracking on .
+
+A brief explanation of the use of each button is available by just +hovering with the cursor
+
+over a button.
+
+Traditional Style (from left to right) :
+(For translation to other styles, check the buttons just below the +Traditional in the above pictures.)

Zoom +In (Zooming)

Zoom +Out (Zooming)

Scale +Next Chart Down (Scaling Charts) +¹

Scale +Next Chart Up (Scaling Charts) +¹
+ Create +Route (Marks and Routes)

+Find/Follow Boat. Toggles on/off.(Auto +Follow and Display Orientation)

+Launch Toolbox (Options Setting)

+Show/Hide Text Labels on Vector Chart.(Vector +Display)

Show/Hide +AIS Targets² (AIS)

+Show/Hide Currents On Chart (Tides +and Currents)

+Show/Hide Tides On Chart (Tides +and Currents)

Print. +Prints your current view, using a simple dialog.

+Route/Track/Waypoints/Layer- Manager.(Route Manager & Gpx)

+Toggle Track On/Off(Ship +Track )

+About OpenCPN and Help File (Getting +Started)
+
+ Adjust +Screen Brightness for Dawn/Dusk and Night viewing.(Night Navigation)
+
+ +Show/Hide the Dashboard Plugin (Dashboard)
+
+ Show/Hide +the Grib Overlay Plugin(Grib +Weather)
+
+WMM Magnetic (WMM)
+
+Chart Downloader (Chart +Downloader)
+
+ Drop Man +Over Board marker (Man OverBoard) +Always the far right Button.
+

+More Buttons may be present if certain Plugins are activated. See the +Documentation for Install +and Enable +Plugins +

A +separate GPS status and Chart Orientation Status +is +normally in the upper right corner of the +display, unless +the floating ToolBar covers this position. Then the "Status-bar" will be +moved to the lower left corner, were it +will stay, +unless the main ToolBar is moved to cover this +position, in which case the "Status Bar" goes back to the default +position.

+Course Up/North Up ²(Display +Orientation)

GPS status⁺²(GPS Status)
+
+Note 1: These icons are "grayed out" when only CM93 +vector-charts are available, as the feature makes no sense.
+Note 2: These icons changes, depending on status.
+
+

Go +to Table +Of Contents +

+

Zooming

It is essential to understand what happens when both zooming +in and +zooming out in a chart view. Vector charts have their own issues, with +both over- and under- zooming. Both can be potentially dangerous, and +it's essential to understand what's going on.

How to Zoom in/out

+Zooming in makes the chart scale larger while zooming out makes the +scale smaller +

These +buttons allow you to zoom in and out on the chart currently being +displayed.
+

Will +zoom the chart in for more detail, larger scale.

+Will zoom the chart view out for more area, smaller +scale.
+

Alternatively, the + and - keys on your keyboard will zoom in +and +out. If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel, it can also be used to +quickly zoom in and out.
+
+Other alternatives for zooming includes:

Page Up for zooming in.
Page Down for zooming
Menu Bar->Navigate click Zoom In / Zoom Out

+For zooming in smaller steps try +

Alt + for fine scale zooming in.
Alt - for fine scale zooming out.
Alt + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps.

Some settings for zooming are available in the Options +-> +Display->General tab. Read more about "Smooth Panning/Zooming" +and +"Zoom to Cursor" in Options +Setting.
+
+Note that

Keyboard, Menubar, and Toolbar zooms always zoom to the +center of +the screen.
Wheel zoom behavior changes depending on "Zoom To Cursor" +and +"SmoothZoom" settings.

Overzooming

+Overzooming a raster chart.
+
+

+Overzooming a vector chart.
+
+If you zoom in enough there will appear a warning "OverZoom" +in the upper left part of the chart area.
+This means that you have zoomed in way to far, and is using the chart +at a scale that was never intended, and that is not supported by the +original survey. No new information will be seen, and +the +situation is potentially dangerous as it could give the +impression of increased distance between dangers.
+On a raster-chart pixelation will be seen, but on a vector chart it is +not so obvious when you have over zoomed. This is where the warning is +useful.
+Your first action when the warning appears should be to zoom out at +least one snap.
+Charts are generally based on surveys in twice the scale of the +released chart, so when zooming in beyond a factor of 2, there is no +support, +increased details etc, in the underlying survey. OpenCPN warns for +"OverZoom" when zooming with a factor of 4 or more. +

Overzooming settings are +explained in Options Setting. +In short OpenCPN, +by default, blurs vector-charts and expands the +text an lines, to imitate what happens with raster charts, when zooming +in beyond a factor 10.0 x .
+
+Unlimited zooming is available using the +background +Map. Just create an empty chartgroup and switch to this map at any +time. More in Chart +Groups Tab.

+Underzooming

+Underzooming is only a general problem with CM93 V2, in OpenCPN. The +reason is the very poor graphical representation in small scale charts, +of reefs, small islands and other dangers.
+The case with the Cargados Carajos Shoals in Indian Ocean is well known +since Team Vestas grounding in the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race.
+
+This is what you see. All pictures are in a scale of approximately +1:650.000.
+The "normal view. No indication at all of islands or reefs, even though +the name in it self indicates, to a seasoned navigator, that more +information should be sought elsewhere.
+Look upon a blue area as a warning sign. Zoom in to see if more +details are available.
+If no more details show up, even using a large scale view, it indicates +that the CM93 coverage is poor in the area. Once again, use alternative +sources.
+
+

+
+Switching to single mode view, and with chart outlines active, OpenCPN +shows that a larger scale chart is available. This will show on zooming +in further. The available chart does not cover the southern end of the +reef where Vestas ran aground. In some editions of CM93 more charts of +the area are available, including the southern part.
+
+

+
+Compare this to the well thought out representation in the raster chart +INT 702 in scale 1:3.500.000.
+
+

Using CM93 in OpenCPN

+It all starts with passage planning. The bottom line is: Don't trust +CM93. Always check with other reliable sources, meaning, for example, +Raster charts (paper charts) Pilot Books, or ENC charts, not +another +privately issued vector chart, with similar problems ( for example +Navionics).
+

Doing the +best you can with OpenCPN and only CM93 available.

+For passages including small scale CM93 charts (A or Z scale):
+Create a route that you plan to follow.
+Switch to Single chart mode. Short Key "Q".
+Avtivate chart outlines.Short Key "O".
+"Fly" along the route, making sure you are zoomed in to a factor of at +least 2.5 x.
+Available charts should now be outlined in magenta.
+Drop suitable marks documenting these charts, and the dangers they +represent, for later reference.
+
+Nigel Calder "How to +read a Nautical Chart, Second ed. 2012"
+Is recommended to all users who want to know more about charts, the +surveys they are based on, and their horizontal and vertical accuracy.
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Scaling Charts

These buttons will allow you to change the scale of chart you +are +using, unless only CM93 charts are +loaded, in which +case these buttons has no effect, and are grayed out. If just a yellow +bar is visible in the Chart +Selection Bar, above the Status Bar, then CM93 is the only available +chart for the area.
+

Shift +to larger scale chart. Will change to next chart of greater +detail, covering less area, if available, within the current view.

Shift +to smaller scale chart. Will change to the next chart of less +detail, covering a greater area, if available, within the current view.

The charts in the Chart Bar just above the Status Bar (The User Interface) +are +ordered according to scale. The leftmost chart, is the largest +scale chart available, and the rightmost chart is the smallest scale +chart.

+
+Above the largest scale chart is a raster chart ( blue ) on the far +left. To the far right is CM93 ( Yellow), and it will always be there, +if available. The green ENC vector chart, next to CM93, is the smallest +scale raster/ENC chart available at the center of the display.

The scale of the +displayed +chart.

The chart display indicates the true scale of a particular +chart at +the present zoom level. Look to the far right on the bar above: +"TrueScale 22600 Zoom 0.73x.
+There is also an always present quick reference visual indicator in the +SW part of the display.
+
+

When the indicator is gray and orange the total length is 1 +nautical +mile an each segment is 1 cable.
+When the indicator is gray and black the total length is 10 miles and +each segment is 2 miles.
+

Go +to Table +Of Contents

+

Marks and Routes

+Marks +are the basic points that is used for many things, such as creating +routes, marking fishing spots, good anchorages or anything of interest.
+
+Once a mark is created a focused right-click dialog becomes available, +when clicking on the mark.
+

Creating a mark

+There are a few ways to directly create marks. +

Pressing "Ctrl +O" creates a mark at the boats position.
"Ctrl + M" creates a mark at the cursor position.
Right-click and and press "Drop Mark" creates a mark, at +the +position of the cursor, when clicking.
Marks are created at the start of each leg in a route, and +one at +the end of the route. More about routes a bit further down this page.

+Marks created these ways will have a triangular icon, except for routes +that uses a diamond, but no name.
+
+The default icon, when creating a mark, is settable by changing the the +value "DefaultWPIcon" in the opencpn.ini(config) +file. Use the +name of any available icon in the properties dialog.
+
+ + + + + + +

More Details
+ In the [Settings/Others] +section set the option DefaultWPIcon to one of [empty, +airplane, anchorage, anchor, +boarding, boundary, bouy1, bouy2, +campfire, camping, coral, fishhaven, fishing, fish, floating, food, +fuel, greenlite, kelp, light, light1, litevessel, mooring, oilbouy, +platform, redgreenlite, redlite, rock1, rock2, sand, scuba, shoal, +snag, square, triangle, diamond, circle, wreck1, wreck2, xmblue, +xmblue_, +xmgreen, xmgreen_, xmred, xmred_, activepoint] +values +representing the default set of built-in icons or to a *filename +of any of your UserIcons, without the the path and .xpm extension*. +If you have a file called MyICON.xpm in the user icons folder, the +value will be simply MyICON +

You can move the mark by +left-click-dragging it +around.

You can delete a mark by +right-clicking its icon, +and selecting "Delete".
+There is an built in undo/redo buffer +for creating, +deleting or moving marks or waypoints. If you have just created, +deleted or moved a mark the right-click dialog will have relevant +entries. The +undo/redo, for moving or creating marks, follows a straight time-line +and is not tied to an individual mark.
+
+
+Above is a right-click menu just after moving a mark a few times and +undoing the last move, and one mark was deleted, and then the deletion +was undone. CTRL + Z and CTRL + Y works as hot-keys for undo/redo.
+
+All marks have properties that can be seen by right-clicking and +pressing "Properties", or even simpler just double click the mark.
+
+
+
+Read all about the +properties dialog in Extended Marks
+

Marks can be manipulated through the Route & Mark +Managers +Waypoints tab as well. Deleting a mark that is part of a route, will +also change +the route. Marks that are a part of a "layer" cannot be changed at all. +Marks can also be imported into OpenCPN in a number of ways. Hidden +waypoints are not offered as "Use nearby WPT" while creating a route.
+
+Read all about this in the Route +Manager & Gpx
+
+A general locking of all marks is available. Goto Options -> +Display +->Advanced
+
+and tick the box. This feature is handy, to prevent accidentally moving +a mark. Activate this feature when underway, deactivate it when +planning.
+
+The Man OverBoard +mark can be +activated through the icon +in the toolbar, or through +hitting Ctrl + Space-bar. The mark looks +like the button and is dropped on own boats present gps position. This +mark cannot be moved or deleted with the cursor or keyboard (by +mistake), but can still be deleted from the Route/Waypoint manager +dialog. More about Man +OverBoard +here.
+
+All the details of the Mark/WP Properties dialog are dealt with in Extended Marks
+

Use +your own Icons

+OpenCPN comes with a handful of different icons that can be assigned to +a mark. Right click or use the Route Manager and activate the +properties +dialog. The Mark Icon window in the dialog shows the available icons.
+
+A user can install his or her own icons to use with marks and "own +ship".
+
+1. Create a directory called "UserIcons" in the same place that holds +your opencpn.ini(config) file. Instructions to find the directory +(folder) location here:OpenCPN +Installation
+
+2. Add .jpg image files to this directory. The legacy .xpm format works +as well. The icons can be any size. The name of the file (without the +extension) becomes the name of the new waypoint icon. These new icons +will appear on the Waypoint Properties dialog, and can be assigned to +any waypoint. They can also be assigned in GPX Import files.
+
+3. The User +Icons +page contains links to a few sets of user contributed icons.
+
+4.To replace the default own ship icon

, +just put a file "ownship.jpg" or "ownship.xpm", containing the +ownship picture you prefer, in the UserIcons directory, described above.
+More about "ownship" icons and setting "ownship" size in Options Setting. +

+Routes

Press the +-button and start the creation of a route. +Hotkey "CTRL R" is an +alternative way to start a route and "Esc" ends the route. The cursor +changes to a +pencil. Left click along the desired route +you want to make. This +will leave sequential numbered waypoints as you click along, the +numbers will not be visible, but are available in the Route Properties +Dialog, +accessible through the right click menu or the Route Manager. The +running total distance of the whole route will be shown along the +"pencil" together with the course and distance from the last marked +waypoint. When creating routes, OpenCPN will ask if it should use a +nearby mark, when a route point is added that is close to an already +existing mark. If answering "yes", the existing mark is copied to the +route.
+
+
+
+For longer distances, specially on east.west courses on higher +latitudes, the Create Rout tool seamlessly switches to also offer a +great circles alternative, instead of Mercator rhumb-line route legs. +Read more Great-circle +Sailing.
+
+
+

Holding the cursor over the route brings up a roll-over info. +The name +of the route, if it is set in the properties dialog, the total length +of the route, the course and distance for the leg under the cursor and +distance run so far along the route, to the first waypoint in the +current leg.
+Looking at the four legged route above. The total distance is 8.8 NMi. +The third leg is 1.89 NMi i true direction 160° and the accumulated +distance in the first two legs is 4.76 NMi.
+
+If your desired route extends off the currently displayed chart, move +the route cursor in the desired direction and the display will +automatically pan to show the area. You can zoom in and out with the +mouse scroll wheel or keyboard +/- keys during route creating. You can +also right click and select 'MAX DETAIL HERE' or 'Scale Out' during +route creation. When finished right click and choose end route from the +context menu, alternatively just press the "Esc" key.
+You should now have an inactive (Blue) route. Active routes are Red, +inactivated routes are Blue.
+Right-clicking on a route brings up a focused menu.
+
+

+ + + + + + +

To prevent deleting a route by mistake, a confirmation +dialog +is activated when pressing "Delete..." if +the box +"Confirm deletion of tracks and routes" is ticked in +Options->User +Interface.
+If a waypoint is deleted, the rightclick menu will have
+"Undo Delete Waypoint" in the rightclick menu, with a hotkey Ctrl + Z.

+Multiple Routes

In OpenCPN multiple routes can be handled in a couple of +different +ways.
+Many routes can be created in a session or imported into a session.
+The visibility of every route is controlled in the Route Manager. There +is an "eye" to the far left on the line for each route. This works as a +toggle switch. A PLAIN Eye means that the route is visible, while an +eye with a red cross, means that it's hidden.
+This way only the route(s) of interest for the moment can be shown.
+
+Another way is to create and export routes, and later import them when +needed.
+To keep the chart clear of useful, but not needed routes follow these +steps:
+• Create a folder called, 'GPX_Routes', or another suitable name.
+• Create your route.
+• Use the Route Manager to export the route, with a descriptive file +name and save it in GPX_Routes.
+• Delete the route from the chart.
+• You can export all your routes as one big file or export and delete a +route as you create them
+• When needed, simply use the Route Managers "Import" Button to open +the route file.
+

To get rid of the way points left on the chart when a route +has been +imported and then deleted, which may happen depending on the imported +gpx file.

1. Open the Route Managers Waypoint tab and press the "Delete +All" +button
+2. Say 'Yes' to: 'Are you sure you want to delete <ALL> +waypoints?'

Saving and Loading +Routes +and Marks

Refer to Route +Manager +& Gpx to load and save data using the Route Manager

Activating and using routes

+Right clicking on the track, changes the color from blue to orange and +brings up a comprehensive menu.
+
+

+
+Clicking "Activate Route" or performing the same action through the +Route Manager, changes the route color to red and new, route +information window appears on the right side of the display. Once a +route is +activated, you are presented with the choice of "Deactivate Route" in +the different menus.
+
+There is one unique item in the route focused right-click menu above.
+
+Zero XTE Sets the present XTE (Cross Track +Error) to +zero. This comes in handy if you for some reason if off course +following a route and want the autopilot to follow the route, but +adjusted for +your current position rather than the position of the last route +waypoint.
+
+Right clicking on a waypoint in a route brings up a few options, +otherwise not available.
+

Properties. The dialog is the +same as for an +individual mark.
Activate - Gives the +direction to the chosen +waypoint instead of the first waypoint in the route, which is the +default. Useful when joining, for example, an imported route, at an +arbitrary waypoint.
Remove from Route, but don't +delete it.
Copy as kml, for use with +Qtvlm or Google Earth.
Delete Waypoint from Route.
Send to GPS is seen in the +rightclick menus for +routes and waypoints. If a port is not selected, the case in the +picture above, a dialog is shown to select an output port. To change +the +selected port, go to the route manager and select "Send to GPS".
Ctrl + N, a shortcut that +activates the next +waypoint in an active route.

+
+

+
+XTE Cross Track Error. How far off course your boat is. "L"=left, +"R"=right
+
+BRG Direction to next waypoint.
+
+VMG Velocity made good to next waypoint
+
+RNG Distance to next waypoint.
+
+TTG Time To Go to next waypoint.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Right clicking on "This Leg" above brings up this dialog
+
+

+
+Show just the current leg or the entire route. Show or hide the highway.
+

Autopilots and +Routes, the +basics.

+If an autopilot output port is defined in the +Options->Connections +tab, OpenCPN sends instructions to the A/P when a route is active. +OpenCPN creates and sends the NMEA RMC sentence to the A/P output port +when a route is activated. Read more in Options +Setting.
+OpenCPN automatically shifts to the next waypoint in the route using an +arrival radius of 0.05 miles (= 92.6 m) by default. This value can be +changed in Options->Ships->Own Ship. The arrival radius +can be +adjusted in each waypoint properties dialog as well.
+This works fine in the general case. The A/P is watching the RMB +strings. It sees a new destination lat/lon, and new heading to steer, +and then asks the user for confirmation to make the turn. +Raytheon/Autohelm work this way.
+Some advance options for Routes and AutoPilots are discussed in Options Setting.
+

Autopilots and +Routes, the +details.

+Please read Options Setting +OwnShip first. Here is a detailed discussion of the +Options->Ships->OwnShip->Advance +route waypoint on +arrival only.
+
+With an active route, the Dialog "This Leg" is visible near the upper +right corner of the screen in the dialog:
+

+RNG (actual range) Distance to the next +waypoint.
+NR (normal range) Distance from +destination waypoint +to a line orthogonal to or at right angles to the current route segment +which passes through ownship. When shown, NR is after RNG.
+

+There are two general conditions:
+1. RNG=NR On course with no cross track +error (XTE=0)
+2. RNG>NR Off course (sailing +perhaps) with cross +track error (XTE>0)
+When the difference is greater than 10% both values are shown in "RNG"
+
+

+The "normal" range is the second number shown. 1.88 in this case.
+

The four diagrams below +represent four different conditions:

+1. RNG = NR and XTE=0 (Boat is on the +route)
+2. RNG > NR and XTE>0 (Boat +is off the route), +which corresponds with the dialog shows both RNG and NR (When there is +a 10% difference between NR and RNG).
+Additionally Waypoint Advance (Default and Option) Alternatives:
+3. Waypoint Advance (Normal default).
+4. Advance Waypoint upon Arrival only. +(Option +checked)
+
+Waypoint Advance (Normal default)
+When following a Route OpenCPN normally decides to advance to the next +waypoint if at least one +of the following +two conditions apply. +

NR (normal range) is less than +the declared +arrival radius. OR
RNG (actual range) is +increasing for 2 seconds. +Ownship is moving away from the target waypoint, and has been for more +than two seconds.

+Waypoint Advance (Normal default) when Range (RNG) = Normal Range (NR) +and XTE=0 or near 0
+

+Waypoint Advance (Normal default) when Range (RNG) is 10% > +Normal +Range (NR) and XTE >0
+

+
+Option: Check Advance +route waypoint on +arrival only. With this activated., OpenCPN only +advances the route to the next waypoint, if condition 1 +above is true (NR<Arrival Radius). Condition 2 +is +ignored.
+
+Advance route waypoint on Arrival only (is checked) when Range (RNG) = +Normal Range (NR) and XTE=0 or close
+

+
+Advance route waypoint on Arrival only (is checked) when Range (RNG) is +10% > Normal Range (NR) and XTE>0
+[Editor's Note: Diagram needs correction. Boat B location Normal Range +should be shown at the arrival radius with boat staring turn.]
+

+
+Advance Waypoint upon arrival only +(option) is +useful when sailing and you can't lay the next mark and are forced to +tack to +reach it. It allows a ship to move away from waypoint without +automatically advancing to next waypoint.
+Note: Waypoint Advance (normal default) is dependent on NR < +Arrival +Radius OR RNG increasing more than 2 seconds, so what this option does +is overide that second condition.
+
+Advance Waypoint upon arrival only +(option) ensures +that the ~~next~~ current waypoint remains +active
+1. NR<Arrival Radius is reached OR
+2. A line just inside of the Arrival Radius which is also "normal" or +perpendicular to the marked route is reached. In this case there is a +cross track error.
+
+On the other hand...
+Waypoint Advance (normal default) helps +you if you +really want to cut a corner by a large distance, in such a way that the +"normal range" will never be less than (Arrival radius). The second +condition, RNG increases for > 2 seconds, will automatically +advance the route to the next waypoint in this case.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Chart Status Bar
+

+At the bottom of the display, is the Status Bar, activated from +"Options->User Interface->Show Status Bar".
+Just above the Status Bar is the 'Chart Selection Bar'. CTRL +B toggles +this bar on/off.
+It shows all the available chart for the present view, represented by +one colored segment for each chart. The order between the segments +represents the scale of the charts. Largest scale to the left, smallest +to the right. If CM93 is available, it is always furthest to the right.
+The segmented color bars in the Status Bar represent:

Blue for Raster
Green For ENC's
Brown/Yellow for CM93 charts
The current chart displays as a lighter shade of its color, +or if +quilting is active, the charts currently making up the quilt are +displayed in lighter shade.
The Chart bar below consisting of 12 segments shows a quilt +of +two +active charts. Five charts in the quilt are hidden, due to small scale. +CM93 is in it's place, to the right. Four charts of larger scale than +the present view are available. The largest scale chart is a Transverse +Mercator chart.

Limitation

+The Chart Bar handles a maximum of 100 charts. The largest scale charts +will be dropped first if more than 100 chart are available on a +position. It is unlikely that this will be much of a limitation, but +the possibility certainly exists if a lot of info charts, pilot charts +and +weather charts etc, are loaded. The symptom will be that large scale +charts becomes impossible to display.
+

When you hover the mouse pointer over the bar, and not in +quilting +mode, a thumbnail of the chart will appear under the Scaling Charts icons and +a +chart information box will pop up just above the button. If +quilting is on, instead of a thumbnail, the chart represented by the +button will be highlighted in a transparent reddish color. By clicking +on the appropriate bar, or using the appropriate Keyboard Shortcuts, +you will +switch to the chart shown in the thumbnail. This feature is +especially useful if you wish to view an ENC or a Raster chart of the +same area.

The bottom line starting from the left, a bar, that imitates a +paddle wheel, if a gps position is received, and the gps position. Then +follows SOG, COG, the position of the cursor, and course and distance +from the gps position to the cursor. To the far right there is true +Scale of the display and the Zoom Factor. The Zoom factor is the Scale +(as above) divided with the natural scale of the chart.
+
+The buttons, or colored segments, are displaying a lot more information +however.
+

+These +buttons shows that the two charts are Transverse Mercator, +and that single char mode is used as the corners of the segments are +not rounded.
+
+
+This +button indicates that the chart is a Polyconic +chart.
+
+This +button shows that the chart is Skewed, +meaning that +north is not up on the chart.
+

+This chart is excluded from quilting +because of user +action. Right click to include in quilting again. Notice the rounded +corners due to +quilt mode.
+
+
+The raster chart represented by this button don't participate in the +quilt because it is hidden by other, larger scale charts. Vector charts +are represented similar.
+
+To illustrate a lot of this, here is a screen shot in quilting mode.
+
+
+
+The screen is a quilt of two Polyconical charts. Hovering the mouse +pointer over the left chart-button highlights the lager scale chart for +Manitowoc. Two smaller scale charts that cover the area displayed on +the screen are included in the quilt, but are invisible as they are +covered by the larger scale charts. To view these charts, right-click +anywhere +on a chart in the quilt and select "Remove this chart from quilt", one +of these charts will now be shown in the quilt.
+The Brown right most button shows that CM93 version 2, charts are +available for the area, but not currently displayed.
+The information box shows relevant information about the chart.
+

To +Hide the Chart Bar

+Use these hotkeys:
+Ctrl + B hide/show the Chart Bar. +

Go +to Table +Of Contents

+

Chart Info

+http://opencpn.org/ocpn/chart_conversion_manual
+If you hover the cursor above one of the segments, representing a +chart, in the Chart
+Selection Bar, a chart information box pops up. The chart info refers +to the chart in the upper right corner, outlined in red and with +pink-ish +overlay.
+
+

+
+The information on a vector chart is similar.
+

+
+For CM93, switch to single chart mode, to see the information.
+If there seems to be a lot of information missing, it's because the +chart has not been viewed in the present session. Get the chart up on +the screen, the try again.
+The Chart Info Box can be inactivated by hiding the Chart Bar. Use Hot +keys
+Ctrl + B to hide/show the Chart Bar.
+

What does all the +information mean?

+ChartFile: The file on the local computer +where the +chart is.
+
+Name: The Name of the Chart. Not all +vector charts +have names, while raster charts always have names.
+
+Scale: The scale of the chart.
+
+ID: The chart number. For raster charts +this is the +same as the number of the paper chart. Vector chart cells have their +own numbering scheme.
+
+Depth Units: For raster charts this is the +units for +the printed soundings. For vector charts this is the sounding units set +in Options -> Display -> Units -> Depth.
+
+Soundings: The datum for soundings. It is +the level +that all printed depth figures refers to. Consult a text book on +Navigation for details.
+
+Datum: The geodetic datum. This will be +WGS 84 for all +new charts, compiled later than about 1993.
+If this value is unknown to OpenCPN, or stated as "UNKNOWN" or similar, +OpenCPN will load the chart using WGS84. If the value is missing, the +chart will not be loaded in version 4.0.0. This will change from the +first beta release in the 4.1.xxxx and onwards.
+This is a potential source of errors and far from ideal. The reason is +that a number of chart-agencies fails to state the correct GD value.
+See below for an example of this kind of chart.
+

If the +chart is not using WGS 84, but a named, recognized +datum, OpenCPN will automatically add necessary corrections.
+

+Projection: OpenCPN accepts Mercator, +Transverse +Mercator, UTM or Polyconical projections.
+
+Source Edition: The Chart Edition.
+
+Updated: The date when the chart was +released. Expect +the chart to be updated to this date, unless otherwise stated.
+
+

The +OpenCPN Logfile

+The file contains a wealth of information, and should be your first +stop if your chart(s) don't load or if there is an error message.
+

Chart +Accuracy

+First... make sure +your GPS is set to output positions using +the WGS 84 Geodetic Datum.
+If you see a warning like the one below:
+

+
+Be careful. The warning means that the +charts +geographic accuracy is bad. The position of Own Ship may +not +be correct.
+A visual warning is that Own Ship turns from Red to Yellow when +receiving a gps signal.
+
+

First is a real scale +vector +version and then the default OwnShip bitmap
+
+
+There is no quick fix for a bad chart, but try to switch to another +chart if using single mode chart display. If quilting is on, +right-click on the chart button in the chart-bar and select "Hide this +chart". +Both suggestions assumes that the bad chart can be replaced by other +charts, which of course isn't always possible.
+The chart will probably be OK for navigation with traditional methods. +Use bearings, vertical or horizontal sextant angles of conspicuous +landmarks to confirm your position, as well as soundings or any other +available resources.
+

Checking a chart for +accuracy

+A raster chart, using WGS 84, can easily be checked for the accuracy of +the chart grid. This does not necessarily guarantee the position of the +individual features on the chart. Refer to Calders book.
+Activate Options -> Display ->General -> Show +Grid. A Latitude +and Longitude grid will be displayed as a layer on top of the chart. +This grid is OpenCPN's view of how a proper WGS 84 should look like. For +raster charts this grid can be compared to the "printed" grid on the +chart picture. Chart errors are to complicated to be treated in a few +sentences. Refer to Nigel Calders book "How to Read a Nautical Chart" +for an in depth but still easy to read text.
+For a quick check, we are happy with a grid error that is in the region +of 1 mm at the chart scale. For a chart in 1:50.000 this means an error +of 50 m.
+
+Use OpenCPN's ability to grossly over-zoom a chart. Home in on a printed +lat/long crossing. Below is a test on a commercial BSB3 chart in +1:60.000. The width of the printed grid - thick black lines - is about +12 m. The thin gray lines is OpenCPN's grid layer. The accuracy of this +chart is very good.
+
+

+
+Another example. This time we are looking at a chart in 1:10.000. Very +accurate.
+
+

+This method cannot be used unless the chart is WGS84. For other +geodetic datums, expect a difference between the printed grid on a +raster chart +and OpenCPN's grid. To check for accuracy on this kind of chart find a +well known object with an established position, for example a major +Lighthouse, and compare this position with OpenCPN.
+

Adjusting charts to agree +with WGS 84.

+This is an advanced subject.
+For CM 93 read CM93 +Offsets.
+BSB/KAP chart can also be adjusted. For example the chart above can be +made to agree exactly with the grid. Read the Chart +Conversion Manual and make sure to understand imgkap and the kap +file format.
+The work flow to correct any kap chart is: +

Use imgkap to extract the chart picture
Copy the text header from the kap chart to a .txt file.
Adjust the DTM values in the .txt file
Use the imgkap with the picture and the .txt file to +produce a +new updated kap file.
Check for accuracy and go back to #3 if necessary.

No Projection +-> Chart +rejected.

+If the chart does not contain any information about the projection, +OpenCPN doesn't know how to display them. From Version 4.0, such a +chart will not be loaded, but a note about the problem will appear in +the log file.
+Missing a chart? Check your OpenCPN logfile.
+

No +Datum -> ---<<< Warning: Chart Datum may be +incorrect. +>>>---

+The message will be in the Chart Info Box.
+This is a warning that the chart probably is not accurate enough for +GPS navigation. It still should be OK with traditional methods. A +minimum +recommendation is to check the GPS position with traditional methods, a +couple of compass bearings, for example.
+
+One example, that unfortunately have lead to problems for a few yachts, +is DMA/NGA chart 28201, Puerto Morelos, in Mexico, from 1995. This +chart, based on a Mexican survey from 1905, has a Datum Note, similar +to this:
+
+

+
+

+
+Comparing 28201 with CM93 that is correct, in this particular case. +Note the substantial corrections applied in CM93,
+

+

GPS Setup and Status +

GPS +Setup

+Please refer to the "Getting Started" Section GPS +Setup
+

GPS +Status

+The default Ownship icon is rendered as grey

if +there is no valid gps +position fix available and like this when a gps fix is available

+
+The GPS status is also indicated all the way to the right along the top +of the screen, together with the North Up/ Course Up Indicator, unless +this position is covered by the floating ToolBar. The GPS status is +then found bottom left.
+
+This windows visibility is user settable in Options->User +Interface-> Show Compass/GPS Status Window. Short cut "Ctrl-I"
+The status icons should be interpreted as fallows:
+
+

+No GPS data at all, or position not available.
+
+

+GPS position available, and good for navigation
+
+

+Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 1 - 4 satellites, if available +from GPS receiver.
+
+

+Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 5 - 9 satellites, if available +from GPS receiver.
+
+

+Active/Valid GPS data + GPS reporting 10+ satellites, if available from +GPS receiver.
+
+In real life, various gps receivers may behave slightly different, +especially when starting up and finding satellites.
+
+The small dialog, containing the GPS indicator and the Course Up / +North Up indicator, can be toggled on/off with the "Ctrl+i" shortcut.
+
+The GPS status, including available satellites, is also available as an +instrument on the DashBoard.
+
+ +

GPS and low accuracy charts.

+OpenCPN is checking loaded charts for accuracy +as far as possible. If +there is a problem with a chart, the chart info box that becomes +visible when holding the cursor over the chart rectangle in the chart +bar, will say " Warning: Chart georef accuracy is poor."
+
+

+
+A visual warning is that Own Ship turns from Red to Yellow when +receiving a gps signal.
+
+

First is a real scale +vector +version and then. the default OwnShip bitmap
+
+There is no quick fix for a bad chart, but try to switch to another +chart if using single mode chart display. If quilting is on, +right-click on the chart button in the chart-bar and select "Hide this +chart". +Both suggestions assumes that the bad chart can be replaced by other +charts, which of course isn't always possible.
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Display Orientation

There are three main options for display orientation, +normally it +is North Up but Course Up +is an +alternative. With Course Up OpenCPN uses COG (Course Over +Ground). A head Up mode, is not available. The easiest way to change +between these two modes is through the "Right Click" menu. One +situation where course up might be considered is when navigating a +river or a +canal. The third orientation is when skew charts are displayed, they +are simply shown as "Chart Up", but an +optional +setting exist to show them as "North Up".
In the picture below the Course Up is active. COG is 41Deg. +Notice +how all text on the vector chart, is aligned correctly. This only works +in OpenGL mode. The red arrow, in the upper right corner, is always +pointing North.

If the option "Show skewed raster charts as +North-up" in +the Options->Display->Advanced tab, is not +ticked, the right-click toggle option "Course Up Mode/North Up Mode" +will be replaced by "Course Up Mode /Chart Up Mode", for skewed charts.
If an electronic compass is available in the NMEA stream +the own +ship icon will be orientated according to this heading. The difference +can be seen on the chart if there is a cross current, for example. The +boat below is heading WNW but is being set SW. An AIS CPA, Closest +Point of Approach is also visible.

This icon +(blue color) to the far right in the ToolBar +indicates that the display is in North Up mode. +It +may also indicate Chart Up mode for skewed charts, if chart up mode +instead of North up mode i selected. See above
The +red version of the icon indicates Course +Up mode. Clicking the icon toggles North Up / Course +up. +These settings +can also be toggled in the rightclick menu, as well as in Options +-> +Display ->General Tab. In the Options-Display->Advanced +Tab, the +update period for course up, can be set. This comes in handy, for +example, to prevent the display jerking around in a chop.
The Course Up/North Up icon share a small dialog with the +GPS +indicator. This dialog can be toggled on/of with the "Ctrl + i" +shortcut.
Note that both the red and the blue arrows are always +pointing North.
Look Ahead! To see more of the +chart in front of +the boat, activate Options -> Display -> Look Ahead Mode. +Your +own boat will no longer be in the center of the screen. Instead it will +be located away from the center, in the opposite direction to your +present gps course(COG).
Don't always Look Ahead! If +you are at anchor, +swinging on the hook produces random courses and low speeds.If Look +Ahead is on in this situation the chart rendering will constantly be +redrawn, with the boat in all possible lookahead positions as the +course changes. To prevent this kind of scenario OpenCPN works like +this:
+*If the boat speed is less than 1 kt, then lookahead is disabled.
+*If boat speed is greater than 3 kts, lookahead is enabled.
+*In between 1 and 3 kts, the lookahead "distance" is adjusted smoothly.
+*If the problems still there when doing more than 3 kts, consider +using "Options->Connections -> FilterNMEA Course and +Speed data" +to average out the "jumpiness".
Show skewed raster charts as North-up. +Skewed +charts are normally showed "chart up", as intended by design. If +ticking this box, these charts are shown North-Up. In both cases, +activating +course up, works as expected, the difference is when course up is not +on.
Full Screen. Enter Full Screen +Mode with the F11 +toggle. Toggling full scree is also possible through the Menu Bar +-> +View. Once in full screen mode the Right-Click-menu contains the item +"Toggle Full Screen".

+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Auto Follow

+Clicking the Auto Follow button

+will center the chart directly on your vessel's current location. This +is a toggle button that is slightly larger and greyer when on. If the +the gps is working own ship is red

+otherwise the icon is gray.

. +It's also possible that a +yellow own ship icon will appear. Read more: GPS Setup and Status. +Read If zoomed out to a scale that is smaller than 1:300.000 the icons +changes to

, when +receiving gps signals and

+otherwise. More about he OwnShip icon is available in Marks and Routes +

The default own ship icon can be replaced by putting a file +"ownship.jpg" in the User icons shared data directory. More about this +shared directory here: Marks +and +Routes
The Auto Follow button useful for two different situations:

When you have panned the map away from your current +location and +want to quickly move back to your vessel.
When underway, this will keep the display on the chart +around +your vessel, with the boat at the center of the chart.

Panning the chart will disable Auto Follow mode. Simply +click +again to turn Auto Follow mode back +on. Zooming in/out with the scrollwheel is OK as no panning +takes place unless Options->Display->"Zoom-to Cursor" is +ticked.

If the option "Show skewed raster charts as +North-up" in +the Options->Display->Advanced tab, is not +ticked, the right-click toggle option "Course Up Mode/North Up Mode" +will be replaced by "Course Up Mode /Chart Up Mode", for skewed charts.
If an electronic compass is available in the NMEA stream +the own +ship icon will be orientated according to this heading. The difference +can be seen on the chart if there is a cross current, for example. The +boat below is heading WNW but is being set SW. An AIS CPA, Closest +Point of Approach is also visible.

+
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents
+
+

+

Options +Setting

+ +

+icon to open the Options Dialog +which +has 6 tabs, as seen below.
+All Settings that are not context sensitive, are set in Options. +The Settings are persistent, meaning that settings entered in one +session will still be there on restart.
+ + +

The Display

+ +

General

+
+ +
+Navigation Mode
+North +Up /Course Up. +North +Up is the of course the +normal way charts are shown. Course Up makes the whole chart turn so +what you see in front of the boat in real life, is above the own ship +icon on the display.
+Lookahead +Mode: +The Own Ship icon will be offset +from the center of the screen so that +more of the chart are in front of Own Ship than behind. More in Auto Follow +and Display Orientation
+
+Chart +Display
+Enable +Chart Quilting: The +screen shows several charts seamlessly stitched together.
+More in Chart +Quilting.
+
+Preserve scale when switching +charts: Normally when +switching charts OpenCPN will open the new chart scaled close to it's +natural scale, the zoom factor stays the same. With this box ticked +OpenCPN will keep the scale from the last chart, when switching, not +exactly, but generally of the same magnitude. The zoom-factor will +increase as you switches to smaller scale charts.
+
+Controls
+Smooth Panning/Zooming: +This works best +together with OpenGL. Test to see how it works with your graphic card. +If you are using OpenGL, tick this box as well.
+
+Zoom to Cursor: +Normally when clicking on the screen, +the display centers on the clicked point. The wheel zooms in/out always +using the center of the display. With this box ticked, the zooming +happens at the point of the cursor. This means that as soon as you +start to zoom in the cursor stays in the same place on the screen and +on +approximately the same geographical position. The advantage is that the +zooming in position can be fine tuned just using the cursor.
+The "Zoom in" and "Zoom Out" buttons, as well as +the short cuts "+" and +"-", will still use the center of the display for zooming, even when +"Zoom to Cursor" is on.
+
+
+Zoom to Cursor Summary: +

Keyboard, Menubar, and Toolbar zooms always zoom to center +screen. Always.
Wheel zoom behavior changes depending on ZTC (Zoom to +Cursor) +and SmoothZoom settings.
ZTC (Zoom to Cursor) applies only to wheel zooms.

+Display Features
+Show Grid: Activate a +latitude and longitude +layer on the display. This feature only works if the display is in +North Up mode. The grid is handy on vector charts, that normally lacks +this +feature.
+
+Show +Chart Outlines: The borders of the available charts are +shown. Vector +charts are green, +raster charts are red, and on CM93 available larger scale charts are +purple. The CM93 chart outlines are not shown if using quilting mode. +As a safety precaution, the outlines of isolated dangers with large +scale +charts available, are shown in CM93 even if "Show Chart Outlines" is +off, provided that quilting is not used and the scale is large enough. +At a scale of 1:200.000 or larger these isolated Islands and dangers +will be shown. Hence it is recommended not to use +quilting with +CM93 when on a longer offshore passage. More on Installing Chart +Files Tab
+
+Show +Depth Units: +Shows the charts depth units on the screen in embossed letters in the +upper right corner. When in quilt mode, depth units are only shown if +all charts in the quilt has the same depth unit.
+
+ + +

Units

+Choose the units that suits your way of +navigating. These settings +apply to everything in the core program. The exception is Radar rings, +where +the units for distance between rings is selected separately.
+Plugins have their own settings for units.
+
+
+
+Distance
+The options are: Nautical +Miles, Statue miles, Kilometers and Meters.
+Short distances, less than 0.1 Nautical Mile or Kilometer are always +shown in meters. Short distances less than 0.1 Statue Miles are shown +in feet.
+Speed. The options are: Knots, Mph, km/h, +and m/s.
+Depth. The options are: Feet, Meters and +Fathoms.
+Lat/Long. The options are: Degrees + +Decimal Minutes, +Decimal Degrees and the traditional Degrees + Minutes + Seconds
+
+Bearings
+Show Magnetic bearings and headings: OpenCPN by default +uses +true courses and bearings etc. This box is for navigators who prefers +to work with magnetic courses and bearings, or want to test this +method. +Note that OpenCPN knows nothing about deviation.
+All courses and bearings will have a (M) post-fix, to show that they +are magnetic.
+
+The following +settings will be affected: Bearings and Courses in the +Route Properties dialog, route leg rollovers, and Active Route console +will be (M). COG displayed on the bottom status line will be COG(M). +AIS target reports will show target COG(M).
+Variation will be calculated at Own Ships position, if possible. AIS +targets however, will use the targets position for variation, if +possible.
+
+How does OpenCPN +know about the variation? + +

If +a GPS receiver that reports variation as part of RMC +sentence, +is available, this value will be used.

Otherwise, +if the WMM plugin is installed and +activated, it will +supply the variation.

Lacking +the above alternatives, the manually entered +"Assumed +Magnetic variation", will be used for all calculations. See below.

+Assumed Magnetic variation.
+This value will be used if variation is not available through the GPS +or the WMM plugin.
+The default value is 0°. As usual, positive values are also called +"easterly variation" , and negative values are also described as +"westerly variation".
+
+ + +

Advanced

+
+
+Chart Display
+Show skewed raster charts as North-up: +Skewed chart are normally shown as intended by the cartographer, "Chart +up". With this option they are rotated to show North-Up. If you are +looking for speed, don't tick this box. I slows down the screen +rendering . Skewed charts are a common along the US Inter-coastal +Waterway. More here: Auto +Follow +and Display Orientation
+
+Disable Full Screen Quilting:
+By +default all visible charts of an appropriate scale are used in the +quilt. With this box checked only charts that overlap the center of the +screen are used in the quilt. Checking this box is easier on the system +and may give a performance boost in certain circumstances.
+
+OpenCPN and +over-zooming
+It is very common that charts are based on surveys that are twice the +scale of the charts natural scale. For example a chart in 1:50.000 +would be based in a survey in 1:25.000.
+Once a vector chart is zoomed in to a factor 2, no more details can be +found. OpenCPN makes the navigator aware of this fact in a few +different ways.
+
+
+This screen-shot shows an +example how over-zooming warning is treated.
+
+Overzoom Warning (default)
+At a zoom factor of 4 the embossed OverZoom warnings will be displayed +in the NW part of the screen. From a factor 10 to 30 a blur or gentle +bluish fog will be overlaid on the chart. This applies to vector charts +and raster charts using the Mercator projection.
+
+Overzoom blur/fog effect (default)
+Overzoom blurring is performed only for those systems with modern and +fully capable OpenGL drivers/cards. Otherwise, a very gentle "fog" is +applied to extreme overzoom displays, as a visual clue to the user that +the chart is highly overzoomed.
+From a factor 10, lines and depth numbers on vector charts will be +scaled and appear bigger, to further indicate the imprecision of chart +feature geographical location at high over-zoom. This imitates what +happens with a raster chart, when the individual pixels gets bigger and +bigger.
+
+Options - Make sure you understand all the implications of the +following two options, before activating them.
+Suppress blur/fog effects on overzoom
+The blurring or bluish fog, will be turned off.
+Suppress scaled vector charts on over-zoom
+The scaling of lines and number will be turned off. Applies to vector +charts only.
+
+Note that the blurring effect and scaled +vector charts +does not apply to single chart mode, so an alternative to this option is +to toggle the "Q" hotkey.
+
+Below is how it looks like +with both the above options activated.
+
+
+Course-Up Mode Display Update +Period:
+ This relates to +how often the entire displayed chart is updated. The own-ship and AIS +icons are still updated every second. The default value is 15 seconds. +A "zero" value is allowed! The default mode is North-up. It's easy to +switch between the two modes through the right-click menu.
+
+Chart Zoom/Scale +Weighting
+This option has a short description, on screen. Here are some further +notes.
+The slider applies to zoom operation dynamics, not to static chart +selection.
+The option really asks you this question.
+"On zooming in, when do we switch to a smaller scale chart if +available?"
+Your answer may depend on your screen resolution and other preferences.
+The slider affects zoom-in operations most directly.
+-5...delay switching to smaller scale to improve performance and +visibility.
+0....As OCPN always was, default
++5...Switch sooner to a smaller scale chart, if you want more detail.
+
+It was not intended that a user exercise this control very often. Maybe +experiment, set it to your liking for average charts in your +area, and leave it set.
+
+

Controls

+Lock Waypoints.
+Unless a waypoint property dialog is +visible. Locks waypoints, and prevents accidental moving of them. This +box should normally be ticked when under way.
+
+Confirm deletion of +tracks and routes.
+A safeguard +against deleting important data by mistake.
+
+Physical Screen Width
+Auto
+This is the default were OpenCPN will use the size that the operating +system reports. Unfortunately this is not always correct, leading to an +incorrect scale on screen for the charts.
+The OpenCPN log will state what your operating system thinks about your +screen size. + + + + + + + +

19:03:44 CET: Detected display size: 338 mm

+
+Manual
+If the value in the logfile is differs from your screens real width, +activate this option.
+To calibrate your screen, measure and enter the width of your screen.
+The value shown is just from a sample 17" screen.
+
+Graphics
+Use Accelerated Graphics (OpenGL) +The net +effect of full OpenGL optimization on raster charts with compatible +hardware is nothing short of amazing, especially with low-spec, +low-power systems. Unfortunately the support for OpenGL on Windows is +sometimes problematic. Intel's OpenGL graphics drivers on Windows are +very buggy, for example.
+Read more on the OpenGL +page.
+If you have started OpenCPN without OpenGL support, this option will be +greyed out.
+
+Options
+The standard Option dialog looks like this
+
+
+An expert version is +available by adding a line to the opencpn.ini +(opencpn.conf) file.
+ + + + + + + +

[Settings]
+OpenGLExpert=1

+To turn the expert version off, change the value from "1" to "0", or +delete the line.
+
+Use +Accelerated Panning works if your graphics +card supports Frame Buffer Objects.
+
+Texture Compression greatly improves the +speed of +raster chart display. It works by treating raster charts as compressed +textures instead of bitmaps, and these textures are loaded and +displayed much more efficiently by the graphics hardware. They also +consume much +less GPU memory space.
+
+Texture Compression with Caching A further +improvement +to raster chart display loading and panning. This option uses the +system hard drive to store pre-calculated raster chart compressed +images in a +way that is optimized for direct loading into the graphics card. When +enabled, the texture cache is created dynamically, as charts are +visited in normal navigation. Depending on the OpenGL hardware +capabilities, +there may be some slight, but noticeable, delay as a chart is accessed +the very first time while the textures are created, compressed, and +written to disk. Once a particular chart section has been cached, +subsequent accesses are very fast. If the OpenGL hardware texture +buffer is capable, then rendering on-screen is virtually instantaneous.
+* The cache understands color scheme changes. Cache entries are +automatically created for each of the 4 possible BSB color +schemes, as they +are encountered in normal operation.
+* The cache understands chart Edition Dates. So, if one manually +updates a chart (thus changing the chart's Edition +Date), the old cache contents will be discarded, and a new cache will +be built automatically as the new chart(s) are visited.
+* Using compressed texture caching retains all the benefits described +earlier. It is very much faster on low spec hardware, at the expense of +more disk space usage.
+* There is a command line option which will build/update your +compressed texture cache. You may execute opencpn like this: opencpn +/rebuild_gl_raster_cache (-rebuild_gl_raster_cache on linux) + +

* +"Texture Compression" and "Texture compression caching" may +actually slow down some machines, depending on the capabilities of the +video system.
If you are using OpenGL on a low-spec machine, you will +have +better performance if you
+a) disable texture caching, or
+b) Pre-build the texture cache in a region of interest. That is, move +the boat to say Dover. Then do +Options->openGLOptions->Build +Texture Cache. You do not need to wait the entire time, which may be +hours for a large chart set. "Skip" out when the distance reported is +100 miles or so.
+Eventually, after steady use, your texture cache will be filled +automatically in the background, and performance Show FPSwill increase +steadily.

+The Size of the current "Texture Cache" appears +just +to the right of the button "Clear Texture Cache". In the picture above +this value is 101.8 MB.
+
+

Show +FPS FPS +stands for Frames Per Second, and is one way measure OpenGL +performance. The number appears in the lower right hand corner of the +display, to +the right of "Scale". Above you see "26 fps". If you report a graphical +problem, expect the developers to ask you about this figure.

Enable Transparent +Toolbar. +This option is greyed out in OpenGL mode, as the feature only works in +traditional mode. On Linux it is necessary to activate a window manager +compositing system, such as Compiz or GNOME Shell, to have a +transparent toolbar. +

+ +

The Chart

+ + +

Chart Files

+
+
+Add Directory In OpenCPN +charts are added by adding +the directory (folder) that contains the chart files. This +tab is +where charts are added and removed, read about the details in Installing +Chart Files Tab
+
+Remove Selected Mark the chart directories +that are no +longer needed, press the button an then "Apply" or "OK" .
+
+Scan Charts and Update Database Use this +option if +you +have made any changes to the contents of your chart directories, as for +example after downloading new charts from NOAA, etc. It need not be +checked if directories are added or subtracted, as the entire database +will be scanned and updated automatically in this case.
+
+Force Full Database Rebuild is mainly +aimed at users +converting or correcting existing charts, in a situation where changes +are made to the geo-referencing, outline of the chart, or other +attributes in the kap file header section.
+

The Connections +

+
+
+For a full explanation of this tab read Connections.
+
+ + +

The Ships

+ + +

Own Ship
+

+
+
+Display Options
+COG Predictor Length (min): +Shows a red +dashed line in front of your own boat, with present COG and ends in a +small square, which represents where you will be in the set number of +minutes, with the present speed. 6 minutes is a good starting value for +piloting. If your vessel has a SOG of 10 knots the dashed line will be +1 nautical mile long. 60 minutes makes sense on a coastal passage and +24 x 60 = 1440 minutes on longer blue water passages.
+Heading Predictor Length
+If a heading sensor is available and outputs an nmea data stream, this +is shown as a finer line with shorter dashes ending in an open small +circle. The length is set in Nautical miles.
+
+
+ + + + + + + + +
The width of the COG Predictor can +be adjusted +in the opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below and adjust +the value.
+OwnshipCOGPredictorWidth=3
+Warning: Don't edit to the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN +is running.
+
+Ship Icon Type: The +following options are available +for ownship
+
+
+
+Default: This will use +the icon that comes with +OpenCPN, unless you have installed
+your own icon, "ownship.jpg". More about installing your own icons in Marks and Routes .
+Real Scale Bitmap: This option will adjust +the size of +the default icon, depending on your settings. When using this setting, +the dialog expands and five more options related to the size of +"ownship" becomes available. See picture below
+
+
+
+Length +Over All (m)
+Width Over All (m)
+GPS Offset from Bow (m)
+These settings needs no further explanation as their names are clear.
+GPS Offset from Midship (m): Use a +positive value for +an offset to Starboard and a negative value for an offset to Port.
+Minimum Screen Size(mm): The size of the +ownship icon +on the screen. Default is set to 1mm.
+
+Real Scale Vector, works the same as the +previous +option with the exception that ownship is a somewhat boxy, computer +rendered ship. It's currently not possible to change the +vector-own-ship.
+
+ +The dot represents the +set location of the GPS.
+
+Show +radar rings: These show up as red rings centered +on your gps position, and can be useful in different circumstances, +such as keeping clear of dangers. The settings are, hopefully, +intuitive.
+
+Once +the number of radar rings are selected, and not equal to "None" +the dialog expands, and shows more settings. The Distance Unit for +Radar +rings is set here, and does not follow the the global settings in +Options->Display->Units. The choices are Nautical Miles +and +Kilometers
+
+
+ +

Tracks

+Automatic Daily Tracks.
+Automatic Daily Tracking ensures that the track-points collected +throughout a single day (midnight to midnight in local zone time) are +stored and managed as a single (possibly multi-segment) track.
+If the Automatic Daily Tracking check-box is selected, the "Toggle +Tracking" tool will - as before - turn tracking on and off. However, on +turning it off, the accumulated track will be extended with the +previous one, if it does not extend into yesterday. Disjoint segments +are kept +separate, time-adjacent segments are merged into a single segment.
+Disjointed track segments, can be joined through the right-click menu, +when they are selected in the Route Managers Tracks Tab.
+Every Midnight the tracking is turned off and on again automatically, +to ensure that the track does not span dates.
+If Automatic Daily Tracking is selected during the day, when some +tracks have already been created, only the last one will be merged with +future daily tracks.
+Assuming Automatic Daily Tracking is on, normally during tracking +periods there will be two tracks visible in the Route Manager: the +current track (red color track-points on the chart) and the previously +accumulated track for the day. After toggling tracking off there will +be just one track for this day.
+If the timezone needs to be changed, it is a good idea to close OpenCPN +application before..
+With the manual capability of splitting and extending, the daily tracks +can be easily managed at any time.
+The daily tracks will be automatically named with the date in the local +Time Zone, but can of course be changed manually.
+The Automatic Daily Tracks follows the settings in Tracking +Precision, see below.
+Without Automatic Daily Tracks selected, OpenCPN handles tracks as +before.
+
+Highlight Tracks shows a 7 to 10m wide +highlighting, +either side of the track. This is not selectable for individual tracks. +The idea of the highlighting is to remind us that following a previous +track exposes us to the inherent inaccuracy of GPS, and that the real +track followed is most likely within the highlight region, but not +necessarily in the middle. And this says nothing about the accuracy of +the underlying cartography. For many charts it is prudent to assume at +least 1.5 mm inaccuracy using the nominal scale of the chart. For a +chart in scale 1:20,000 this translates to 30m.
+
+
+
+ +

Tracking +Precision

+
+With +track button in the ToolBar activated this setting affects the +size of the data saved. It also affects the "smoothness" of the track, +though this is only visible when zoomed in to a very large scale.
+OpenCPN uses smart dynamic tracking, and only uses those track points +that actually contributes anything to the track. A straight line track +for example is only represented by it's endpoints. This is done by +analyzing the track just behind the boat. The process is visible in +real time, close to "ownship". The end result is good track accuracy +while +keeping the size small.
+Low: Good for offshore passages.
+Medium: Very good for all normal uses.
+High: Only necessary when very tight maneuvering needs documenting.
+ +

Routes

+Waypoint Arrival Circle Radius, gives an +answer to +this question.
+When following a Route, with the autopilot engaged, at what distance +from the upcoming waypoint should OpenCPN tell the autopilot to change +to the next waypoint?
+The default is 0.05 nautical miles. This is equal to about 93 meters or +300 feet.
+The default setting does not fit all circumstances. A number of factors +are involved, for example, the type of navigation, the waypoint +selected, own ships turning radii and speed. Find what setting(s) suits +your boat by testing.
+
+
+The +arrival radius can also be set individually for each waypoint in +the Waypoint Properties dialog.
+
+Advance +route waypoint on arrival only.
+Routes are explained in +. With an active route, the Dialog +"This Leg" is visible near the upper right corner of the screen.
+This dialog contains "RNG", the "actual range", +or +distance to the next waypoint.
+The "normal range" is different. It is +the distance +from ownship to a line which passes through the destination waypoint +and is at right angles to the current route segment.
+The actual range is always equal to or greater than the normal range. +When the difference is greater than 10% both values are shown in "RNG"
+
+The +"normal" range is the second number shown. 1.88 in this case.
+
+When following a Route OpenCPN normally decides to advance to the next +waypoint if at least one of the following two conditions apply. +

The "normal range" is less than the declared arrival radius.
Ownship is moving away from the target waypoint, and has +been for +more than two seconds.

+With +Advance route waypoint on arrival only +activated, +OpenCPN only advances the route to the +next waypoint, +if condition 1 above is true. Condition 2 +is ignored.
+
+This feature is useful when sailing and you can't lay the next mark and +are forced to tack a few times to reach it. It allows a ship to move +away from waypoint without automatically advancing to next waypoint.
+This ensures that the next waypoint stays active until you either reach +it, or you reach a line through it, which is perpendicular from the +marked route. In the latter case you have a cross track error greater +than the arrival radius.
+
+On the other hand...
+Option 2 helps you if you really want to cut a corner by a large +distance, in such a way that the "normal range" will never be less than +{arrival radius}. We want to automatically advance the route in this +case.
+
+ + +

AIS Targets
+

+
+
+
+Read more about AIS.
+
+ + +

MMSI +Properties
+

+Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a +number identifying a +ship in communication. MMSI consists of nine digits. All VHF units +using +Digital Selective Call (DSC), are programmed with the vessels MMSI. The +same applies for AIS and EPIRBs.
+
+MMSI numbers, individual targets, can be handled in a few, preset ways.
+Below we have set 970000099 as an MMSI that should be tracked as a MOB.
+The number could for example belong to a crew members Personal Locater +Beacon.
+Several MMSI IDs below are set to never show there tracks. This can +used on frequently targets in your neighborhood, like ferries etc.
+The MMSI 219000368 is set to never be shown. Be aware that this target +nor its track will then never be seen on your screen.
+The MMSI 219010183 is set as “Follower”. This is a buddy and no AIS +Alert is shown
+The "MMSI Properties" popup becomes available when right-clicking. +Double clicking on the MMSI bypasses the popup an takes you directly to +Properties edit dialog.
+
+
+ +

Add a +new target +to track
+

+
+
+MMSI: Enter the MMSI number that the new action should +apply to.
+
+Note: A MMSI Id use to be nine digits. A warning message will be shown +if the entry is more or less.
+
+ +
+
+If you for some reason, wish to save a non nine digit number click – +OK, otherwise “Cancel” will take you back to edit the number.
+
+ +

Tracking

+Default tracking: +This is the normal tracking +controlled by Options->Ships "OwnShip" and "AIS TArgets" tabs.
+Always track and Never track: The MMSI +Properties +dialog allows one to preset the tracking behavior of a particular MMSI +target, even if the target is not presently visible. Always track a +friend or a ship you are interested in. Ignore that ferry that just +clutters your screen. Just a few examples.
+
+Ignore this MMSI: The target will not show +at all on +the screen
+
+Handle this MMSI as SART/PLB MOB.
+With this setting a MOB from your ownship will be signaled immediately.
+Special Search and Rescue Transponders, SARTs, are now available, using +the AIS system. Personal Locater Beacons transmitting on the AIS +frequencies are also available.These are sometimes called Personal AIS +MOB Devices. Don't confuse these with the more common personal EPIRB, +that cannot be tracked by OpenCPN.
+Entering the the MMSI number makes it possible to use these devices as +an onboard emergency MOB tracking system. Setting off a device, alarms +all vessels that can receive the signal, but it tells you that this +emergency is directly related to your vessel.
+OpenCPN will now treat this MMSI as a standard MOB. Read more Man OverBoard
+The alarm is entered in Options -> Ships-> AIS Targets +->"Play +Sound on CPA/TCPA and DSC/SART emergencies."
+Have +a look at AIS SART to see how +OpenCPN reacts +to an alarm.
+
+Convert AIVDM to +AIVDO for this MMSI
+AIVDM NMEA 0183 sentence -> AIS position reports from other +vessels
+AIVDO NMEA 0183 sentence -> AIS position reports from own vessel
+
+The setting is intended for at least the following very specific +scenario:
+1. You have an AIS transponder, not connected to your computer.
+2. You have a separate AIS receiver, used to monitor your own AIS +signal, as well as all other traffic.
+3. You desire not to collide with yourself, virtually. So you instruct +O to convert the AIVDM
+for your MMSI coming in via your AIS receiver into AIVDO, or "ownship". +Thus, no collision. O may, however, also use this converted AIVDO for +ownship position if enabled in the connections dialog.
+There may be other uses for this VDM->VDO conversion.
+
+This MMSI is my +follower – No CPA Alert
+When this option is active no AIS Alert will be shown for that target. +This can be used for a buddy sailing close to you and you don't wont a +CPA alert message for that target but still for other ships coming to +close.
+
+Ships name
+The Ship name connected to a MMSI ID will be added to the list once the +new ID is saved or edited.
+The ship name is automatically printed provided that the actual ship is +present on screen or has previously been and was saved in the AIS ship +name file. In either case the ship name will be added first time the +boat is present in OpenCPN.
+
+ + + +

The User Interface
+

+
+
+Languages: The following languages are available in +OpenCPN :
+Brazilian Portuguese
+Catalan
+Chinese, Traditional
+Czech
+Danish
+Dutch
+English
+Estonian
+Finnish
+French
+Galician
+German
+Greek
+Hungarian
+Italian
+Norwegian Bokmaal
+Polish
+Portuguese
+Russian
+Spanish
+Swedish
+Turkish
+Choose your language here. Make sure your selected language has the +support files installed on your computer (Linux). Default language is +US English.
+
+Remark: Changing the +language will reset the font +settings.
+
+Toolbar and Window Style Menubar. The +alternatives are +described in Toolbar +Buttons and +Windows/Mac style MenuBar
+
+Fonts. On a new installation OpenCPN uses +the +operating systems default fonts. This can be changed to suit the user +through +this dialog. Fonts can be selected for many elements on the display. +Selecting the right size of font can have a dramatic impact on how +values are presented. It's well worth playing around with these +settings if you think that something is difficult to read for example. +Note that even the text displayed on vector-charts, can be adjusted.
+
+
+
+
+
+The +result of adjusting the "Console Value" font size.
+ + + + + + +

There is a side effect of the Font +management module, +which is worth noting.
+One must actually display something in a particular Font List +category (ChartText, Console Legend, Console Value, etc.) in order for +the item to appear in the list for the first time. Thereafter, the item +should stay in the list and be available for editing.
+For Example: You may not see the Font List entry for "AIS Rollover" +unless you have actually displayed an AIS +Rollover message +at least once.
+Of course, if you re-install OpenCPN, or +start with a new +config file, there may be limited entries in the FontList.

Change Font Color to suit your +taste.

+Show +Status Bar. The status bar at +the bottom of the display contains a lot of navigation +information. If you have this info available elsewhere, turning this +setting off increases the available space for the chart.
+
+Show Menu Bar. Show /Hide the Menu Bar. +More about MenuBar
+Short Cut: "Alt"
+
+Show Chart Bar. Show /Hide the Chart Bar. +More info +available on the Chart +Status Bar +page.
+Short Cut: "Ctrl + B"
+
+Show Compass/GPS Status Window. Show /Hide +the +Compass/GPS Status Window. More info on the GPS +Status page.
+Short Cut: "Ctrl + I"
+
+Enable Toolbar Auto Hide. Enter number of +seconds for +the Toolbar to automatically hide.
+
+Play ship bells: Every half-hour the +traditional ship +bell will be heard. Refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship%27s_bell +if you are not familiar with them.
+

Graphical User +Interface

+
+Enable +Touchscreen/Tablet Interface: Read more at Touch Screen Tablets
+
+Enable Responsive graphics interface for +Touchscreens. +The option is intended for small (~8") tablets with high definition +displays. What it does is adjust the various graphic elements such as +menus, icons, etc. so that they meet the best-practice size standards +for Win8/Android system displays. This makes them "big enough" to +facilitate touching, dragging, etc with normal human fingers. You +should not see much difference when selecting this option for normal +desktop +or laptop systems +

+

+If either of the Graphical User Interface boxes are checked, the slider +"User Interface scale factor" changes the size of the Tool Bar, Chart +Bar and the GPS status icon.
+
+If the "Enable Tablet Scaled Graphics interface" is checked, the slider +"Chart Object scale factor" changes the size of chart objects +including: Marks, Routes, Buoys, Daybeacons, Wrecks, Rocks, and Depths.
+
+ + + +

The Plugins
+

+
+
+The Plugin tab is found on these pages
+Plugins
+Install and +Enable +Plugin
+Dashboard Plugin
+Grib Weather Plugin
+WMM Plugin
+Chart Downloader +Plugin
+External Plugins Third Party
+
+
+
+
+ Go +to Table +Of Contents +

+

Vector Display

+

OpenCPN makes a serious effort to be compliant with IHO +standards for +ECDIS display of cartography.
+First, one very important setting for +vector charts is +handled directly from the main toolbar.

+This button toggles all text displayed on a vector chart On and Off.

The hotKey "T" is an alternative for toggling the text.
+In OpenGL mode, all text will always be horizontal when using the +"Course Up" option.
+
+Second, double clicking on a vector chart, +as long as +the cursor hasn't changed to a green arrow near the edges, brings up an +information dialog, displaying the available vector-chart information +at the selected point. Scroll down to see all the information. An +alternative to double clicking is right-clicking an select "Object +Query".
+Note that a single normal (left) click will center the chart at that +point.
+
+
+
+The example is taken from double-clicking on a lighthouse in a busy +area.
+Exactly what is shown in this dialog depend on the settings described +below in "Display Categories".
+
+Third, it is possible to select what font +is used for +the text on vector charts. There is an entry in +theToolBox->Languages/Fonts->Choose Fonts tab, called ChartTexts. +Here you select what font-face to use, and a template size. Weight and +final size of the displayed texts depends on the charts you are using, +but if the charts contain various weights and sizes, they will all +scale together depending on what size you select.

The Options-Charts-Vector Charts Tab is where +everything else +is handled.
+If the S63 chart plugin is active, there will also be a "S63 Charts" +tab. Read more about S63 Vector Charts,when +you have +read this page.. +

+

AIS
+

+For +a general introduction to AIS, Wikipedia +is a good place to start.

AIS +Operating Controls
+AIS Target Query
+Aids to +Navigation AtoN
+AIS Target List
+AIS +Transponder and Ownship
+AIS data port
+
+ToolBox AIS Tab
+To track or +not to track?
+Suppress +anchored/moored targets
+Attenuation +of less critical targets
+Toolbox MMSI Tab
+When +exactly is an alarm activated?

The screen-dump below gives you a first feel for how AIS +targets are +presented and used in OpenCPN.
+
+
+
+The +Lookahead mode is activated here and our own vessel is +proceeding 352 deg at 13.8 kts, leaving an activated track behind, and +projecting a dashed line ahead representing the course. This ends in a +dot, that represents where we will be in 6 minutes, or 1.38 nautical +miles ahead. We are meeting a vessel, steaming in the opposite +direction following the traffic separation. This target also has a line +and a dot in-front of it representing course and where it will be in 6 +minutes(user configurable), and a track behind it.. The two blue dots +with a red/yellow line between them, represents where the vessels will +be at CPA - closest point of approach, or when the are nearest each +other, with present courses and speeds. The meeting vessel is +red, as it is a potential danger to us. An AIS target alert +dialog has just popped up.
+
+There is a lot of information about the vessels that transmits AIS +signals.
+

The cursor is on top of the the meeting vessel on a SW course. +As +we have not yet received full information, this can take a while, we +don't get the name but an id number, the so called MMSI number, +instead. +Exactly what is shown in the yellow pop-up is configured in the AIS +tabs Rollover heading.
+

This vessel is identified by name, and +has a +green color, as it does not represent any danger to our navigation.
+

AIS +Operating Controls

The Menubar-AIS and Toolbar-AIS provide +useful operating +controls of +key AIS parameters which may need to be adjusted during use.
+

+ +

MenuBar +> AIS Dropdown

+
+
+(To turn on the Menubar use Options +> +User Interface > Show Menubar) + +

Show +AIS Targets

Hide +Moored AIS Targets

Attenuate +Less critical AIS Targets

Show +AIS Target Tracks

Show +CPA Alert Dialogs

Sound +CPA Alarms

+These controls appear to work together and in +sync, as +expected:
+Menubar AIS: Show AIS Targets = Options > Ships > AIS +Targets +> Display: (Show AIS +is not shown. +-Should it be?)
+Menubar AIS: Hide Moored AIS Targets = Options > Ships > +AIS +Targets > Display: Suppress Anchored/Moored Targets...
+Menubar AIS: Attenuate Less.. [Exception, see below]
+Menubar AIS: Show AIS Target tracks = Options > Ships > +AIS +Targets > Display: Show Target Tracks Length (min)
+Menubar AIS: Show CPA Alerts = Options > Ships > AIS +Targets > +CPA/TCPA Alerts: Show CPA/TCPA Alert Dialogs
+Menubar AIS: Sound CPA Alarms = Options > Ships > AIS +Targets +> CPA/TCPA Alerts: Play sound to CPA/TCPA Alerts...
+
+Options > Ships > AIS Targets > +Display: "Allow attenuation of +less critical targets..." must be checked to enable
+Menubar AIS: "Attenuate Less Critical AIS Targets" so that it become +un-greyed and available.
+Also when unavailable, the Toolbar AIS Icon click rotation drops the +selection for "Attenuate all AIS targets".
+
+Toolbar > AIS
+
+
+Toolbar AIS Icon Message +(Clickable Rotation to change +settings. Read the pause message.) + +

+Attenuate Less Critical AIS Targets (if enabled under +Options +> Ships > AIS)

+Hide AIS Targets

+Show all AIS Targets

+Attenuate all AIS Targets (dropped in rotation if +unchecked +under Options > Ships > AIS Targets)

AIS +Target Query
+

+What is an MMSI number?
+Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a number identifying a +ship in communication. MMSI consists of nine digits. All VHF units +using +Digital Selective Call (DSC), are programmed with the vessels MMSI. The +same applies for AIS and EPIRBs.
+
+What is an IMO Number?
+International +Maritime +Organization (IMO) numbers are a unique reference +for ships and +for registered ship owners and +management companies. They were introduced under the SOLAS Convention +to improve maritime safety and security and to reduce maritime fraud. +For +ships, the IMO number remains linked to the hull for its lifetime, +regardless of a change in name, flag, or owner. ( from Wikipedia )
+ +

If we instead of just hovering the cursor on an object, double +click it, the dialog above pops up. A lot of relevant information is +displayed. CPA, "Closest Point of Approach", to ownship is 12.7 miles +in 12min 57s.
+More information about the target itself, is available on Internet +address: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi="MMSI +number here", in this case: +http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=233150000
+

Buttons in the +Target Query +Dialog

Create Waypoint drops a mark at +the targets +current position.
+
+Record Track/ Stop Recording
+Pressing the "Reckord Track" button brings up a new dialog
+
+
+
+The recently recorded track of the "Poseidon Leader" will appear in the +Route & Mark managers track tab on a line starting with "AIS +Poseidon Leader.....".
+If the "Yes" button is pressed, the Target Query Dialog button ""Record +Track" changes to "Stop Recording". All tracks recorded will behave +just like any other track.
+
+
+
+Right-clicking +a target brings up a dialog focused on AIS.
+

+ +

More and more aids to navigation are +equipped with an ais +transmitter, and shows up as a target in OpenCPN like this.
+
+Note the word "Real", that says that this is an +object that exists in +reality.
+
+
+Here we have an AIS transmitter on a floating W +Cardinal Mark.
+This is of course real and the buoy is on position. If the buoy is off +position, for some reason, the Aton icon becomes red.
+
+There are also Virtual AtoNs marked with their own +icon .
+Virtual AtoNs are used to quickly make mariners aware +of things like +new wrecks, uncharted hazards and floating debris. They are normally +used +for a short duration until replaced by real buoy, charted, removed or +dispersed.
+
+Virtual AtoNs are also used for information. An example...the position +of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center. Note the word +"Virtual" in the dialog.
+
+
+

+ + + + + + +

OpenCPN handles the situation where MMSI is set to 0 +(zero). +This can occur with an incorrectly configured Aton. Nevertheless, all +available information is shown.

AIS update rate

How often are the AIS information +updated from each target?
+The required update rates from an AIS target transmitter is shown below.

+ + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Update Rates
+	+	Class A	Class B
+	+	+	+
Static +Data	+	6min	6min
+	+	+	+
Dynamic +Data	< 3kn moored	3min	+
+	upto 2kn	10s	3min
+	> 2kn	+	30s
+	< 14kn (turning)	10s (3.33s)	+
+	< 23kn (turning)	6s (2s)	+
+	> 23kn	2s	+

AIS Target List
+

+
+Another way to present the AIS information. The AIS +target list is +available through the right click menu.
+
+Sorting targets
+Click on the header in a column to sort according to this criteria. For +example, clicking "Range" sorts the targets with the nearest target on +top. Click one more time to get the target, furthest away on top. There +is an "autosort" checkbox. When checked, auto sort is on. May be +unchecked/rechecked any time. The autosort checkbox is automatically +unchecked when target count exceeds 1000. However... It may be +rechecked directly by the user, even if the target count is exceeded, +and will +stay checked.
+Active Search And Rescue Target (SART) and +Digital +Selective Calling (DSC) distress targets, +will always +stay at the top of the list, even when sorting.
+
+AIS targets with Lat > +/-85 deg will show brg "unavailable". +OpenCPN is not suited for Polar Navigation.
+Target Info button: Click on a +target to highlight it and then click the button to display the +information dialog.
+Center View button: Highlight a target an +click this +button and the screen will center on the target.
+Create WPT. Drop a waypoint at the current +position of +the target.
+Hide All Tracks If tracking is on in +Options->Ships->Ais Targets, all tracks will disappear +from the +screen. Read more further down this page.
+Show All Tracks Will reverse the previous +option, and +show all available tracks. If Options->Ships->Ais Targets +is off, +tracking will start for all targets.
+Toggle Tracks
+
+Note the first column in the list "Trk". This indicates +the +current status of tracking for each target.
+
+AutoSort See "Sorting Targets" above, for +an +explanation of this box.
+Limit Range: The list will only show +targets with a +range less than, or equal to this value.
+Target Count: Total number of AIS targets.
+ + +

AIS +Transponder and +Ownship

OpenCPN does not show the ownship (i.e. +AIVDO message) +neither as an +AIS target, nor in the target list. AIVDO is processed only in the main +navigation thread.
+Earlier releases did show ownship, but this was a bug, simply an +illusion.
+The earlier presence of AIVDO (ownship) information in the data stream, +really only indicated that the transponder was turned on and received +GPS signals. The only true way to monitor +the output of a +transponder, is with a separate AIS receiver.

AIS data port

Select your AIS input port in the +Connection Tab. The AIS +button in +the ToolBar, appears different according to the following conditions.

AIS Alive. +The default AIS button. This icon appears as soon as an AIS +port is active in the tool-box. It is also the normal state with an AIS +receiver working and with no targets of interest.
+
+AIS +Alive and Activity, a small green circle will illuminate in the lower +right corner of the Ais button. If there is at least one AIS message +every 4 seconds, the light will remain illuminated.
+
+ +AIS Suppressed. This icon indicates only that target suppression is +activated in the AIS tab in the ToolBox. Referring to the picture above +there are two sort of suppression:
+* Suppress display of all moored/anchored targets, max speed specified +in dialog.
+* Suppress Alerts for moored/anchored targets.
+This icon will be over-ridden with the AIS alarm button if an alarm is, +or becomes, active according to the AIS tab alarms settings in the +toolbox.
+
+ AIS +Alarm. A target exist that raises the alarm as defined in the AIS +tab in the ToolBox. It is the three settings "CPA Calculations", that +rules if and when an alarm is raised.
+
+ AIS +Disabled. No targets, if available, are shown on the screen. This +button toggles with the other buttons. For example, if the AIS alarm +button is visible, click the button and it will change to the "AIS +Disabled" button, and all targets, alarms etc, disappears from the +display. Click again and the original button and AIS display comes back.
+
+

The +AIS toolbar tool cycles +with +each mouse click as follows: (hover for next control action)

AIS show all targets (normal, default)

AIS Scale non-critical targets. +(Provided it has +been enabled under Options > Ships > AIS Tab)

AIS Hide all targets

...and back to AIS Show All targets.

Also please +refer to AIS +Operating Controls +above, under Toolbar > AIS Icon +which shows how to change key AIS settings by pausing the mouse on the +AIS Icon to view the popup message indicating how the AIS controls will +change with the next click on the icon. These controls rotate or cycle +with each click.
+

ToolBox AIS Tab

+This tab controls the behavior of many thing in the +AIS display. There +are no "best" settings. It all depend on where you are, what kind of +navigation you are into and what kind of vessel you are on. It is your +responsibility to evaluate this.
+
+CPA calculation: Rules for when the +Closest Point of +Approach- CPA (when two vessels are nearest each other) and the Time +For Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) is calculated, and when warnings +are +activated.
+There are three tick boxes, which can be activated with user set values.
+
+No CPA Calculation if target range is greater than (NMi)
+If the vessel is far away it is less interesting to calculate CPA. In a +busy waterway this could cut down on clutter and processing speed if a +reasonable value is set.

Warn +if CPA is less than(NMI)
+Similar arguments to No 1. This controls when a warning for minimum CPA +distance is given. A warning can be both on the screen and a sound. The +CPA is shown on the screen when a warning is active.

...and +TCPA is less than (min)
+This Box can only be activated if the previous box is +active. If the +minimum CPA is far in the future, it's not so interesting. If it's +hours away, both vessels have probably changed speed and course in the +meantime. Set TCPA to a reasonable value value depending on +circumstances. A lower value if negotiating a busy waterway. A higher +value when offshore. Many factors plays a role here. If you need to get +off watch crew up on deck for a maneuver, take this into account, for +example. Do you find that you get to many useless alarms? Consider +lowering this value and/or the CPA value.
+
+If a target is within the distance set in #1 and without an active +warning, the CPA can be shown anyway through right-clicking on the +target.
+
+
+
+"Show Target CPA" toggles with "Hide Target CPA"
+
+Target CPA +Details, +a +few more tricks are available.

Lost Targets: +Rules for how lost +targets should be handled on the display.
+
+Mark Target as lost after (min)
+Target is regarded as lost if no transmission are received for the +number of minutes set here, the target will change on the display and +have a black bar across.
+Remove lost targets after (min)
+The lost target will be removed from the display after the number of +minutes set here.
+
+Display: If and how a vessels course and +speed should +be displayed and if stationary vessels should be on the screen.
+
+Show target COG predictor arrow, length (min)
+An arrow will be shown in front of the vessel representing it's COG +(Course Over Ground). The length of this arrow and the dot at the end +of it represents the calculated position in the number of minutes set +here. Set easily calculated values. If a vessel approaches you doing 15 +kts and the time is set to 6 minutes, the dot will be 1.5 nautical +miles ahead of the vessel.

+ + + + + + +

The width of the "Target COG predictor +arrow" can +be adjusted in the opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below +and adjust the value.
+AISCOGPredictorWidth=3
+Warning: Don't edit to the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN +is running.

To +track or not to track?

This choice +below boils down to two basic +scenarios.

All targets will be tracked, with the +option of +turning off tracks for selected targets.

No targets will be tracked, with the +option of +starting to track selected targets

There are more +about tracks in the +section "AIS +Target List" above.
+Note the first column in the Target list -> "Trk". +This +indicates the current status of tracking for each target.

Show +target tracks, length (min)
+This is the basic setting that can be refined in the "AIS Target list". +With this box ticked targets are tracked even if they are not +displayed. Start out with this option ticked, if you hesitate. Come +back and +fine tune the settings later on, if necessary.

A track will be +shown behind a target. +This helps to +judge the target vessels intentions.
+
+
+When this option is ticked, the context sensitive AIS +menu changes to +include the toggle option "Hide Target Track" / "Show Target Track".
+
+
+
+When this option is not ticked, +the context +sensitive +AIS menu changes to include the toggle option "Show Target Track" / +"Hide Target Track". A big difference, in this case, is that OpenCPN +has no record of the track. The tracking will start from the moment +"Show +Target Track" is clicked.

Suppress +anchored/moored targets

Suppress +anchored/moored targets, +speed max +(kn)
+A target will +not be displayed if the speed is less +than the value set here. +There are two exceptions to this rule, Aids to Navigation (Aton) and +"Vessels Not Under Command". The rule is aimed at catching anchored or +moored vessels. The "Navigational Status" is set by the ships and may +not be correct.
+Be aware that the COG arrow will not be shown for any target with a COG +less than this value, hence it's important to enter a very low value.

Attenuation of less critical targets

Allow +attenuation of less critical +targets +if more than ...targets [number]
+If checked AND selected under Menubar-AIS +or Toolbar-AIS then at least [number] of targets will +be displayed normally. If +unchecked then all AIS targets are displayed normally and this option +is greyed out and unavailable.
+
+Note smaller attenuated green ship on lower left
+Attenuation of Less Critical Targets will declutter the display without +removing AIS targets from the display, by reducing the size of less +critical targets. Less critical targets are determined with a weighted +rules filter. The important targets remain unchanged, including display +of the ships name. Less critical targets are reduced in size and do not +display ship name, to reduce clutter on the chart.
+
+Details for Attenuation of Less Critical +Targets
+The "importance" of a +target depends on:
+Speed of the target. +Faster targets are more important (max speed +acknowledged is hard coded at 12 knots).
+CPA. The closer a +target will come the more important it is.
+TCPA. If the time to +'collision' is small the target is more important.
+Distance to the target. +Far away is less important.
+Size of target. Larger +targets are more important. Class B targets +don't transmit ships size and is set to 0(zero).
+For each parameter +above a factor is calculated. The highest value of +this factor depends on the value in the config file. All these values +are then added, which gives each target a 'weight'.
+
+From all AIS targets +the top [number, say 10] targets which are most +important, are displayed at full scale. Only [number, say 10] important +targets are displayed, depending of the value in Options > Ships +> AIS > Under Display: "Allow attenuation of less +critical +targets if more than ...targets [number]". The weighted importance is +frequently calculated and as long as a target remains in the top +[number, say 10], it will be displayed normally.
+
+The less critical +targets are still displayed, but at reduced size. The +size of the less critical targets can be adjusted with the +[AISScaledSizeMinimal=50] setting in the config file, where 50 stays +for 50%. Scaled down targets don't have names , no nav status symbols, +and no heading line.
+
+Show Area Notices(from AIS binary messages). More +about Area Messages +here.
+
+Show AIS targets real size. Zooming in on a target +will eventually show a rectangle using the real size , if available. +The +picture below also shows how differences in course and heading are +treated.

Show names with AIS targets at scale +greater +than 1:[select value]
+With this box activated.....this is what you get!
+
+

+ + + + + + +

Note that this setting also controls if a numerical +value will be displayed alongside a tidal current arrow.

+Treat WPL sentences as APRS position reports.
+APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is utilized by HAM radio +operators around the world.The NMEA WPL sentence is shorthand for for +"waypoint location". If this box is ticked, a WPL sentence will be +assumed to be an AIS-like APRS target.
+
+Rollover: Tick the boxes for the kind of information +shown when hovering with the cursor over a target. This is what you get +with all the settings ticked.

+CPA/TCPA Alerts and DSC/SART +Emergencies: +When an +alert is triggered, a jagged circle in red is drawn around the target +that +set off the alarm. Additional events can be set here, drawing more +attention to the alarm. For practical navigation, make sure your alarm +sound is set.
+
+Show CPA/TCPA Alert +Dialog
+Shows an alert dialog +on the screen with target information when an +alarm is triggered. This setting only applies to AIS CPA/TCPA alerts. A +DSC/SART emergency will always generate a dialog.
+Play Sound on +CPA/TCPA Alert Dialog and +DSC/SART emergencies
+Sounds an alarm when an +alarm is triggered.
+Suppress alerts for +anchored /moored targets
+Don't show alarms for +anchored and moored targets.
+
+Select Alert Sound. Select an alarm that suits +you, +instead of the installed default sound. This alarm will also be used if +an anchor watch is set. Due to copyright issues, only a few sound files +are included. The default location for these files are +"/usr/share/opencpn/sounds/" on Linux and typically C:\Program +Files\OpenCPN\sounds on Windows XP. Users can add their own generic +".wav" sound files. These files can be in any suitable place in the +file-system.
+
+Test Alert Sound. Test the selected sound and +make +sure this important feature is working
+
+Enable Target Alert +Acknowledge timeout. +Once a target +alert is acknowledged, wait the set number of minutes before the alert +comes up again (if still applicable).
+

Toolbox MMSI Tab
+

+ + +

Read all about this tab here MMSI +Properties

When +exactly is an alarm activated?

An alert is set off if your boat is +approaching the +CPA, the blue dot on the extension of the course line, and the +previously discussed set of conditions are met. Once the distance to +the CPA increases, this happens when the involved vessels has passed +each +other, the alarm stops, even if the other conditions still apply.
+

+ + + + + + +

One user noticed an alert every few seconds, yet the +target +was still green. The explanation is:
+Variation between alert status and ship icon color is due to rapid +changes in target course/speed. The target color can change from red to +green while the alert dialog is showing. This may happen so fast that +the red icon is not actually seen. OpenCPN does not automatically +cancel the alert dialog in this case, in order to not mask information.

Types of Transponders recognized +by OpenCPN
+Class A
+Class B
+APRS Automatic Packet Reporting System Targets
+ARPA Automatic Radar +Plotting Aid +Targets
+ATON Aid to Navigation, both "Virtual" and "Real".
+BASE Base Station
+DSC Digital Selective Calling Targets
+GPSG_BUDDY GpsGate Buddy Targets
+SAR Aircraft Aircraft participating in Search and Rescue.
+SART Search and Rescue Transponder Targets
+
+OpenCPN Remembers the Names of seen and fully +identified target. The names are cached internally and helps Identify +targets quicker on next start. Targets not yet fully identified, were +the name comes from the cache, are displayed lime green. See example +below.
+The AIS name caching can be turned off in the +opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file by adding a line like this
+

[Settings]
+EnableAISNameCache=0
+
+Vessel Names & Mmsi File (New in +Version 4.1.x ?)
+This file links vessel Names with MMSI numbers so that the vessel Names +can be displayed as soon as any data stream is picked up, rather than +wait for the vessel name data to be transmitted (requires a record that +you have viewed that vessel at some point in the past).
+
+The name of the file where the list of +previous +mmsi and ship names are stored is "mmsitoname.csv" in case you would +like to +clear it. This file is in the same folder as your +configuration +file (Click the ? icon in the +toolbar to see the location, it is platform dependent).
+
+

Quick +Reference for targets:

Note that AIS targets reporting +position unavailable will be rendered +in grey color.
+

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

AIS SART Symbols
+ +	An active AIS SART and is a distress +call +equal to a "Mayday" transmission. More +about AIS SART. +		The V-shape stern indicates a Class B target. Tugboats +and +pilot +boats very often carry Class B transponders. These are often designed +specifically for small commercial boats, fishing boats and pleasure +crafts.
	Icon displayed when testing +an AIS-SART +device.		Targets is complying with the Euro AIS +Inland specification.
	Aircraft participating in Search and Rescue.		This vessel has the "Inland Blue Flag" set, it's a part +of +the +European, Inland AIS standard. The "Blue Flag" signal, commonly seen on +inland waters, indicates that the vessel requests a "stbd-stbd" passage +or crossing. This Blue Signal is manually switched on/off, by the +target.
	Potential Danger.		Aton, Aid to Navigation, for example a Lighthouse or a +Buoy +with an AIS transmitter.
	No Danger. Not Identified (Voyage data not received)		Aton, Aid to Navigation, that is off it's supposed +position. +For example a buoy equipped with AIS that has come adrift.
	No Danger. Not Identified (Name from cached data)		Virtual Aton, Virtual Aid to Navigation, not a real +marker. +Can +be useful for a range of situations. A new wreck, is one example. Further +explanations.
	No Danger. Identified		Virtual Aton, off position. Actually seen in the wild, +but +may be a user config error.
	Lost Target		AIS Base Station
	Ship which has lost fix - position unavailable. +Displayed at +the last known position.	+	The following targets only displays if DSC messages, +GpsGate +messages, Radar or APRS messages are mixed in to the incoming AIS +stream, by using, for example a multiplexer. More on the following +pages.
	Vessel not under command.		DSC Station. Only the DSC message received. The +position +contains only degrees and minutes of Latitude and Longitude.
	Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver.		DSC Station. DSC and DSE +messages received. +The +DSE message contains the missing decimals of minutes of Latitude and +Longitude. The result is a much more accurate position.
	Vessel constrained by draft.		DSC Station transmitting a distress +signal. +Treat this as a "Mayday" call.
	Vessel aground.		GpsGate Buddy target.
	Vessel engaged in fishing.		ARPA Target
	High Speed- and Wing In Ground- crafts. This includes +Hydrofoils, Hovercrafts and low flying crafts utilizing the ground +effect.		APRS Target
	Anchored or moored. Displayed when the transmitted +"Navigation +status" is "at anchor" or "Moored". There is no guarantee that this +status is correct, as it is set manually on the transmitting ship...	+	+
	...illustrated by this ship. Note the black line on the +yellow +circle. This indicate that the vessel is turning to port (left), also +illustrated by the lag in the display update. ROT - Rate Of Turn is +available in the "Ais Target Query" dialog, through the right click +menu.	+	+

+
+
+

Go +to Table Of Contents +

+ +

+

SART

+The US FCC has recently approved +transmissions by AIS SART devices. These devices were originally +designed for SOLAS class ships as an alternative to radar SARTs for +carriage on life boats, but the efficiency of design has encouraged +applications down to man-over-board devices.
+
+Search And Rescue Transponders (SART) or PLB transmitting AIS messages +are now available on the market. In an emergency situation the position +will be displayed as an AIS target in OpenCPN. AIS SART can be a +device on a vessel, in a life raft or a personal Man Over Board (MOB) +device. MMSI always begins with 97.
+
+If you and your crew have PLB personal locater beacons, +transmitting AIS emergency messages, and the MMSI number of each device +is entered in Options->Ships->MMSI +Properties->New, OpenCPN +from version 4.0, will automatically work as a man overboard tracking +device.
+Read more in Man OverBoard +.
+
+The common thing is that the icon below marks an emergency.
+
+

+SART icon, distress target display. This is +a "Mayday".
+
+On OpenCPN a distress signal sent by a SART, triggers an visual alert +and a warning sound, if this is activated in the ToolBox-->AIS +Tab.
+
+
+
+Once +the alert is "Acknowledged", the target behaves as any other AIS +target. In the picture below the cursor is over the target. The SART +target will persist on screen for 18 minutes after the last +transmission irrespective of other settings for AIS.
+SART alerts always have priority over DSC and CPA alerts.
+
+
+
+And +here is an AIS target query.
+
+
+
+AIS +SART messages and DSC distress calls are always found at the top of +the AIS target list.
+
+
+
+Testing
+It is possible to test a SART, to make sure it works.
+
+
+

+Icon displayed when testing an AIS-SART device.
+
+
+
+ Go +to Table +Of Contents

+

Area Messages

+To display the messages, tick +the Options->Ships->AIS Targets->Show area +notices(from AIS +binary messages).
+
+Many countries around the maritime world are testing the AIS binary +messages. Expect a lot of development in this area.
+
+In OpenCPN, this is very much a work in progress, the areas were only +added April 2012 and the messages in December 2012.
+
+Areas and the messages included for each area, are available.
+In the US, Cape Cod is transmitting experimental Right Whale +information. For testing, copy vislab-ccom.unh.edu/ais/notices.aivdm +into a text file and point the VDR (Voyage Data Recording) plugin to +this file. These messages are updated quite often.
+
+
+The +area messages are found as the first entries in a normal object +query for vector charts. The easiest way to display this dialog is to +just double click in an area. The screen picture above shows that this +works for RNC:s (raster charts) as well as ENC:s (vector charts). The +first notice above is for the yellow tinted rectangular area while he +second notice is for one of the circles outlined in green.
+
+An overview of available massages compiled by IALA.
+IALA has agreed to maintain a collection of regional applications for +the AIS Application Specific Messages that are in use. The intent is to +provide an overview to all interested parties of what currently exists.
+The overview of +available +messages is available here.
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Radar Targets

+3.3 Beta feature.
+Some radars are able to create NMEA radar sentences from observed +targets.
+The ARPA targets, except for the way the data is acquired, are treated +exactly as if they were AIS, including timeouts.
+
+
+
+ +Arpa Target
+
+

Arpa Target
+
+

Arpa Target
+
+Implementation details: https://github.com/nohal/OpenCPN/wiki/ARPA-targets-tracking-implementation
+Discussion: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/radar-nmea-messages-104048.html#post1239386. +

+

Target CPA Details

+OpenCPN displays warnings about +targets CPA & TCPA according to the setup in the AIS tab. But +it's +also possible to show CPA & TCPA for any target, that is no +immediate danger, but where internal CPA calculation is still done, to +assist in the decision making.
+
+The AIS rollover window shows the CPA and TCPA of a target :
+
+
+
+But +it doesn't tell us where we and the target are at CPA, +and if the target passes in front of us or behind us (i.e. should we +speed up or slow down ?).
+
+See the following (real) example:
+We are sailing hard on the wind, while a vessel is approaching us, more +or less from the wind direction. A CPA of 0.78 miles is normally safe, +but there is this island in our way, meaning we had to tack towards the +vessel, and it is still 14 minutes to go ...
+
+
+What +will happen with our CPA after the tack ?
+Have we already passed each other or do we get closer when tacking just +in front of the island ?
+The answer to these questions is a context sensitive menu for AIS +targets. Move the
+mouse over the target, and when you see the CPA / TCPA info in the +rollover window,
+
+
+
+You can right click and select “Show AIS Target CPA”.
+
+
+
+The +function is only available when we have a “valid CPA”, i.e. when +the rollover shows
+CPA and TCPA (it uses the internal CPA calculation).
+
+It simply shows the “CPA line” which is used in case of a CPA alert :
+
+
+Showing +the CPA-line as in the screen-shot above, makes life much +easier. Nothing to worry about ...
+
+At CPA ...
+• we will be just in front of the island, exactly at our tacking +position and
+• she'll already be behind us (CPA line points backwards from our CPA +position)
+The CPA line is constantly updated, so you can follow the situation.
+
+This is, what it looked like directly after our tack
+
+
+
+To +get rid of the CPA line for a specific target, right-click on the +target and select “Hide AIS Target CPA”.
+
+
+
+As already mentioned, the CPA line is shown only, when there is a valid +CPA.
+A minute later, we don't have a CPA anymore for the target --> +the +CPA line isn't drawn anymore !
+
+
+
+Another +example :
+
+
+He'll +pass behind us, so “full steam ahead !”
+
+Monitoring several targets
+You can also monitor more than one target in parallel. Simply +right-click on a second target and “Show AIS target CPA line”
+Situation could be :
+What happens to a second target if I get out of the way of the first +one ?
+
+
+
+
+
+ Go +to Table +Of Contents +

+

DSC Buddy via AIS

+If DSC or GPSGate Buddy-messages are +available in an incoming NMEA 0183 data stream, OpenCPN will show them +with their own icons, and they will show in the "AIS Target list". They +are not a part of AIS, but are displayed the same way, for convenience.
+
+DSC is used on all new VHF set (or should be!). More on Wikipedia. +To use this feature, check that your VHF set outputs NMEA 0183, in a +way that can be connected to OpenCPN.
+
+GPSGate is a commercial GPS tracking and +sharing service. +GPSGate Buddy +Tracking is part +of that service.
+
+Make sure that Options--> AIS Targets -->"Play Sound on +CPA/TCPA +Alerts" box is ticked, otherwise the alarm sound (see below) will not +be heard.
+
+If OpenCPN receives a DSC Distress call, an alarm will be +triggered, both visually and by sound.
+
+
+
+A +VHF/DSC distress call is treated in the same way as an +AIS/SART call. Both should be treated as MAYDAY calls.
+
+Two different types of alerts.
+DSC Distress alert, coming from a specific vessel, presumably by crew +activating a switch on the transponder. These are occasionally seen as +false alerts, for testing. For the second type look under AIS SART +section. SART, which is a SearchAndRescueTransponder. The MMSI starts +with 97..... and will have Class: SART. This might be from a PLB (and PLB-AIS) on man +overboard, for +instance. PLB AIS devices are under the AIS SART type.
+
+Quick Reference
+
+
+ DSC +Station. Only the DSC message received. The position +contains only degrees and minutes of Latitude and Longitude.
+
+

DSC Station. +DSC and +DSE messages received. The DSE message contains the missing +decimals of +minutes of Latitude and Longitude. The result is a much more accurate +position.
+
+

DSC +Station transmitting a distress +signal. This is a "Mayday".
+
+

GpsGate +Buddy target.
+
+A +normal DSC target, is someone using a dsc-capable VHF
+
+
+Distress +message via DSC, Digital selective Calling, from an +unidentified AIS target.
+
+
+A +green Buddy target on an island.
+
+
+
+The +AIS Target List View
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

AtoN

+Aids +to Navigation +
+Shows +all possible AtoN's. From top, Real or Synthetic and Virtual
+

Real +or Synthetic AtoN

+
+ +

Virtual +AtoN

+ + +

AtoN in Practice
+

+
+
+ +

+

Tides and Currents

Notes

Tide +and Current predictions are not available for all areas.
OpenCPN comes with a built in tidal data file, but can use +any +legacy IDX or binary tcd file. Multiple tidal files can be used at the +same time. More about this further down this page.
As with all predictions, the displayed values are +calculated +using mathematical models and actual tides and currents will vary

Enable Tides and +Currents +Display

Click the toolbar button + to see tide stations.
Select to see current stations.
Important: +tide and currents will +not be displayed unless these toolbar buttons are selected.
+

Displaying Tides

+Available tide stations will show on the chart as green graphs +with a "T" logo: The "T" becomes a yellow and blue vertical bar when +the scale is +greater than 1:500.000 +

+ +

+
+

+The +vertical bar contains a lot +of information at a glance. The tidal rise is 2.5m above the +chart datum. The blue part is "water". The "V" inside he bar indicates +that the tide is decreasing towards +Low Water.
+
+

+Here, the tide is rising +towards High Water
+
+

+Low Water looks like this.
+
+

+High Water Looks like +this.Right click the middle of either icon to see the tidal graph:
+
+ + +

If +a waypoint, route or a track is, or passes, on top of a tidal +icon, a right-click will show a context menu for those features. To see +the tidal graph, press "Show Tide Information" at the bottom of the +menu.

+ + +

The +Tidal Dialog gives the name of the station as well as the the +name of the Data Source file. This is important when you have multiple +sources covering the same area. Time and height for HW and LW is +displayed in the upper right part.
The Yellow box, with the tidal rise and time, follows the +cursor +when hovering over the dialog. The time axis at the bottom displays the +time, in this case he timezone is "Z +01:00", which is the same as one +hour ahead (east) of UTC, that used to be called GMT.
In North America it is common to use a three or four letter +acronym for timezones.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ CODE +	+ UNITED STATES TIME ZONE CODES +	+ UTC OFFSET +
+ AST +	+ ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 4 +
+ EST +	+ EASTERN STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 5 +
+ EDT +	+ EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 4 +
+ CST +	+ CENTRAL STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 6 +
+ CDT +	+ CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 5 +
+ MST +	+ MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 7 +
+ MDT +	+ MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 6 +
+ PST +	+ PACIFIC STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 8 +
+ PDT +	+ PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 7 +
+ AKST +	+ ALASKA TIME +	+ UTC - 9 +
+ AKDT +	+ ALASKA DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 8 +
+ HAST +	+ HAWAII-ALEUTIAN STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 10 +
+ HADT +	+ HAWAII-ALEUTIAN DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 9 +
+ SST +	+ SAMOA STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC - 11 +
+ SDT +	+ SAMOA DAYLIGHT TIME +	+ UTC - 10 +
+ CHST +	+ CHAMORRO STANDARD TIME +	+ UTC +10 +

Displaying +Currents

Available +current stations will show on the chart as orange +diamonds, when zooming in arrows will appear pointing in the direction +of the set. Note that "current" here is short for "Tidal Current", and +is the same as the UK term "Tidal Stream".
Master current stations are shown like this in all +scales. No direction is associated with these stations but they +can be queried, trough a right click, for the magnitude of the current.

Arrow +indicates current direction and strength - the bigger the arrow, the +more current.
The size of the arrows can be customized by users in the +opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file.
+In the [Settings/Others] section you can set the +option CurrentArrowScale to a positive number +representing a percentage scaling factor +of the +current arrows. The values bellow 100 mean the arrows will be smaller +than now, the values above 100 will cause them to be bigger.

+ + +

A +numerical value can be displayed next to the arrow.
To do this go to Options->Ships->AIS Targets +and tick the +box "Show names with AIS targets at a scale grater than 1:", and set a +scale. When zoomed in to a scale greater than this, the current will +also be displayed with a number
Right click the orange box +to see current graph:

+ + +

If +a waypoint, route or a track is, or passes, on top of a +current +icon, a rightclick will show a context menu for those features. To see +the current graph, press "Show Current Information" at the bottom of +the menu.
The Yellow box, with time,speed and direction, follows the +cursor +when hovering over the dialog.
Note that OpenCPN can only display "Reversing Currents" +found in +restricted waterways, such as rivers and straits. The general case with +"Rotary Tidal Currents", can not be displayed with this interface, but +are available for some areas as Grib files. More here Grib Weather Plugin.

Using alternative data sets

OpenCPN supports two +tidal file formats. Xtides .tcd file format +as well as the default .IDX type. The latter consists of a pair of files +called HARMONIC and HARMONIC.IDX, in a directory.

The default, IDX dataset for tides and currents is limited, +mainly for copyright reasons.

Xtide, +a well known free +software tidal application (GPL license), maintains regularly updated +.tcd files for US. Updated files are normally published in December +each year. These are presently the only area with, up to date freely +available, tidal data. The latest updates are available from the Xtide +site, +http://www.flaterco.com +and ftp://ftp.flaterco.com/xtide/. +The "non-free" dataset, including UK and the Netherlands, is no longer +updated. The last update was published 2011.

Please note that OpenCPN differs from XTide results, in +very +small +amounts, usually a few minutes, regarding the times of slack water. +This is due to the older algorithm used in OpenCPN compared to the most +modern XTides implementation of subordinate station time offset +calculation

There is currently has a problem when multiple .tcd files +are +loaded. The reference station may be incorrectly identified. In +practical navigation only one .tcd file is needed at any given time, +depending on which side of the Atlantic you are navigating.

A number of different datasets are available on the +Internet, +with +vastly greater coverage. Some of these datasets are quite old, and they +also contains glitches and errors, many of which have been corrected in +the OpenCPN default dataset.

In many areas there are no free alternatives, and OpenCPN +makes +it +possible to switch between data sets and even using them at the same +time. If two stations are located on exactly the same position, only +one will be visible...

+
+ +

Go +to Options->Charts->Tides & Currents. Press "Add +Dataset.." to add another dataset.

+ +

Tidal +files can be located anywhere on your file system, but it +will pay off to be organized. The first entry above shows the default +location for the built in datafile on Linux. On windows a typical +location is "C:\Program Files\OpenCPN\tcdata".

+ Go +to Table +Of Contents +

+

Route Manager & +Gpx

+
+
+Through +the Route & Manager

+OpenCPN can save and load waypoints, routes, tracks and layers using +the GPX transfer format. This lets you save your routes and marks so +you can have more than the active ones - for example to do route +planning, +or archive existing data. + +

GPX +format is supported by a wide variety of programs.
You can have as many saved files as you wish, there are no +limits +on the number of saved files.
Use this for passage planning by saving multiple possible +routes +for a passage.
Save routes and tracks for historical/log purposes.
Prepare layers as an aid to navigation en route.

+All Navigation Objects on this page, except for +"Temporary Layers", are persistent between sessions. +More here:Navigation +Data Backup
+All objects visibility is toggled by clicking the +"eye"

, or other icon, to the +left of the route/track/waypoint/layers name, on +each line. A red X across the "eye" or icon (for marks) means that the +object is invisible.
+All objects can be sorted by the header in the columns +in the Manager. By clicking "Route Name below, the routes will be +sorted alphabetically, pressing once again reverses the order. Similar +for the column "To", the destination.
+Select multiple objects in the Routes, Tracks, or +Waypoints tabs, individually by CTRL + leftclick, or +in group by SHIFT + leftclick, for export or deletion.
+Double-clicking on a Waypoint, Route +or Track brings up the respective Properties dialog.
+ +

Routes

+The route points have exactly the same properties as the isolated +waypoints, but does not show in the waypoint tab, to avoid clutter. To +create a route that uses real waypoints, create them first and join +them with the route tool. +

+ +

+ +

Click +the "eye" to the far +left on the line with the route to toggle if the route is +displayed or hidden on the chart. A small dialog let you choose, if +existing marks, included in a route, will also become invisible. When a +route is turned visible, all the shared waypoints are also made +visible. Once a route is deleted, such a mark will go back to be a +"normal" +waypoint.
To Sort routes click "Route Name" or "To"
Properties:This button brings up a new dialog +with settings that can be changed for each route.

+ + +

Wpt +005 is right-clicked, and new dialog has popped up. The +waypoint properties can be reached and edited. For example, change the +default name, "005" in this case, to something more appropriate. Read +more in the Extended Marks +section. The waypoint can also be deleted. The last entry, "Copy all as +text" copies all Route Properties for pasting into a text or +Spreadsheet document.

+ + +

Plan +Speed The overall planned speed for the +route. The speed for each leg can be set by going to the waypoint +Properties->Description tab for the waypoint that starts the +leg, +and write in the speed. For example " VMG=9.7". [Unfortunately this +approach presently excludes writing descriptions for the waypoint. One +or the other, be warned!] The Plan Speed value is persistent and +will be used for further routes, unless changed. The default value is +6.0 knots.
Departure Time:With no departure time the ETE +(Estimated Time En route) is calculated. Enter a Departure Time and the +ETA will be calculated. Make sure to press "Enter/Return" after +entering a departure time. This guarantees that the entered time is +used in +calculations.
+To enter the present time, enter ">" (meaning: "Now") in the +departure time box. This works provided "Time shown as" +-> +Local@PC is selected. Press "Enter" and all the times in the +"ETA" +column will +change. ">" differs from entering the same time manually, say +"5/23/2011 08:00":
- "5/23/2011 08:00" - calculates departure at 0800 on May +23rd +2011 from the first waypoint of the route
+- ">" - issued at 0800 on May 23rd 2011 - calculates departure +Now +from the current boat position, including the distance to the first +waypoint of the route
Times shown as: UTC is a new name for GMT. LMT +is a local mean time based on the present longitude. For Local Zone +Time one can also enter the keyword "now".
Color: Set the displayed color of the +track or keep the default.
Style: Solid, dashes, dots, a combination or +keep the default.
Width: Set the width of the track or keep or +keep the default.
Marking a line with the leg number and the destination +Waypoint +in the Properties Dialog also marks the Waypoint on the chart with a +blue +square.

+
+

Extend Route:Extending is possible only when it +is obvious, what should be joined with the current route (current = +visible in the Dialog). Eligible are all visible route points shared +with, or lying nearby to the current route's endpoint. If there is +exactly 1 such point, then it is considered obvious, and the Extend +button is enabled. If there are more, some should be hidden before +proceeding, until just 1 remains.
+Routes are extended forward, based on the geographic +location, next route point must be very near, as when mouse-extending +the route. If the next route point is to far away for extending, just +create the joining leg and extend twice.
Split Route:For splitting, the split point is +selected as the row in the listing. The point-of-split becomes part of +both new routes (shared) or tracks (cloned). Original route/track is +deleted.
Here is a basic example of first splitting then extending. +The +test route is shown below.

"Split +Test_A"
In the Route Managers property dialog for the route we have +selected a waypoint where we would like to split the route. The "Split +Test" Route now consists of two parts, that has been renamed.

+ + +

Next +we extend the first leg "Split Test_A" with the second leg +"Split Test_B". This extended route s now named "Split Test_B_plus.

+ + +

Activate/Deactivate: +Activates/Deactivates a +route marked in the left part of the window.
Zoom to: Zooms in on a route marked in the left +part of the window.
Reverse: Reverses a selected route. It's possible +to cancel the reverse operation through a confirmation dialog.
Delete: Deletes selected route or track. Use the +Shift key to mark multiple routes for deletion. This also work in the +other Route manager tabs.
Export Route: Save the route on your computer +for later use (import)
Send to GPS. Send the Route to your GPS. +Pressing +the button activates a dialog were an output port is selected. This +port does not have to be listed in "Connections" as it is an +independent +feature. This choice also appears in the right click menu for routes +and waypoints. For Garmin Users, make sure that the +ToolBox->GPS->"Use Garmin GRMN/GRMN(Host) mode for +Waypoint and +Route uploads" box is ticked. The reason for this is that Garmin units +cannot accept route uploads via NMEA0183. This is a "design feature" of +all Garmin receivers.

Delete All. Be careful. If you know +you have saved the routes on your computer and are able to import the +again, this is a simple way to clear the screen from routes. Better be +safe than sorry, so save before deleting, if you want to be able to use +the routes again.
Import. Import one or more previously saved +Routes, or Routes from other gpx compatible applications. It is +possible to select and import multiple routes. The default waypoint +icon bitmap +is a circle. This kicks in if the icon in the imported gpx-file is not +recognized.
Export All, now called "Export All +Visible..." +Saves all visible routes, waypoints and layers, in one gpx file. This +is done through a normal file saving dialog.

If +no tide dialog for any station is open and a waypoints name +contains the string @~~<name>, for example "@~~York Spit +Light", +then the tide report for the closest station with matching name is +shown in the tide column for this waypoint. The most appropriate tidal +station for each waypoint can thus be selected.

+
When entering a departure time the ETA, Expected Time of +Arrival +will be shown, instead of ETE, Expected Time En-route.
+

+Tracks
+

+
+ +

Make +sure that you have read all about Automatic Daily tracks and +track Highlighting in the Documentation on the Own +Ship
The visibility of tracks is controlled by clicking the +"eye" on +each line. Tracks can be sorted by clicking the column headers.
Tracks are extended backward, based on the time-stamp +sequence, a track is selected, which ends as the latest one before the +start of current track. Tracks are extended as a single segment if they +share the extending point. If they ha no common point a new "empty" +segment, with no visible track, is added. Joining two tracks (i.e. +extending a track) results in just track one remaining. It may look +like two tracks but the Route Manager treats it as a single track.
"Merge Selected Tracks" is an alternative to "Extend +Track", +where +tracks are joined. The difference is that Merged tracks are visibly +joined by straight track-lines. Read on for instructions on merging +tracks.
If you have ever hit the Track icon by mistake, or closed +down +OpenCPN in the middle of a passage, you know that it's very frustrating +it is, to have a voyage split up in a number of different tracks that +does not come together.
This can be fixed. Just select any number of tracks in the +Track +tab of the Route Manager window, right click the mouse to bring up the +context menu, and choose to Merge Selected Tracks. The selected tracks +will be merged in chronological order, with the track properties (name, +color etc) of the resulting track keeping those of the earliest track +in the selection.
+

+
+
+

"Copy +as text" copies the track name, unless it's the default +time stamp, and the track distance.

The result of clicking the merge button.

Reduce +Track Data

Do +you have have massive amounts of tracks and finds them bogging +down OpenCPN? This feature is for you!
It is available from the context menu in the Track Manager. +Right +click on an existing track, and then click "Reduce Data..." .

+ + +

Pick +one of the options, it reduces the amount of points in an +existing track while maintaining the specified maximum error between +the original track and the reduced track. Testing on an old OpenCPN +track +or an imported track, with an error setting of 10 or 20 meters tracks, +will, in many cases, reduce the size to less than half and one can't +really see the difference.
Tracks made with the new intelligent dynamic tracking +available +in +OpenCPN will not reduce much, unless a large error is tolerated.

+
+ +

Track +Properties
+

+
+The +track properties dialog is similar to the route properties dialog +above. There are some obvious differences as a track describes +something that took place in the past and a route is planning for the +future. +Track properties also has an Advanced tab that works +similar to the Extended Marks +dialog.
+ +

Waypoints
+

+ + +

Control +the visibility of each waypoint by clicking the waypoint +icon to the left on each line. Sort the waypoints by clicking the +column headers.
New. Create a new waypoint. This brings up the +waypoints properties dialog. The default position is set to the current +position of "Own Ship".
Properties. All about the dialog in Extended Marks
Zoom to centers the chart display on the +waypoint.
Go To. Makes an instant route from present +position to the mark and activates the route. A similar instant route +is created by right clicking and selecting "Go To Here" without first +creating a mark. This instant route will be listed in the Route Tab.
Export Wpt and Send to GPS +buttons behaves similar to corresponding buttons for Routes.
Delete All, does not delete +any Man Over Board marks. All other marks are deleted.
Use the Shift key to mark multiple waypoints for deletion. +This +also work in the other Route manager tabs.

+

+ Go +to Table +Of Contents +

+

Using Routes

To include +existing +waypoints in a route

+How to use split and extend - an example.
+
+
+
+Hm...a +bit of a miss in the planning. An islet with a shallow bank +extending southward on our route. We put two marks north of the +obstruction and would like to include these in our route.
+
+
+
+The +waypoint west of the islet is #2. We mark this in "Route +Properties", from the right-click menu. The Button "Split Route" is +highlighted, meaning it is available to use. This is exactly what we +want to do, so we click the button and split the route at wpt #2.
+
+
+
+Right +click at #2 and choose "Append Waypoint"
+
+
+
+Move +the cursor to the first triangle, and answer yes to "Use nearby +waypoint?".
+Then move the cursor to the second triangle , and answer yes to "Use +nearby waypoint?".
+Same thing for the original wpt to the east of the islet.
+
+
+
+Click +"Activate Route" to see that this extension worked.
+
+
+
+Once +again mark "Route Properties" in the right-click dialog. #3 is the +last wpt in our "new" temporary route. The "Extend Route" button is +highlighted, so we click it.
+
+
+
+Open +the Route Manager to view the result. Notice the naming of the +routes. _B_plus is active. What remains is to delete route _B and to +rename _B_plus to a suitable name, for example the name of your +original route.
+
+
+
+Deleting +route _B.
+
+
+
+And +here is the finally adjusted route.
+
+This was just an exercise.....in real life, it would be easier to just +move the existing waypoints in the route, to avoid the Islet.
+
+
+ +Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Layers

+ +Layers +are one or more routes, tracks or waypoints that have been +saved together in a gpx file. A layer is represented as a single gpx +file. A layer is persistent and protected from changes. A waypoint in a +gpx file for example, can be imported either as a "waypoint" or as a +layer. The difference is that when imported as a layer it cannot be +changed or deleted. +

+
+The +Route Managers Layer Tab
+
+ + +

Layers +are useful for many things. It can for example be used to +update charts with new navigation marks and dangers as per Notices to +Mariners, and to add Radio Call-In Points or to build a database of +lights and locations, that will be visible on chart regardless of +current scale. See the first picture above, where French and UK +forecast areas are good examples of Layers. In the second picture, a +very good +celestial fix, plotted with a gpx script has been saved as a layer.
More advanced uses could for example be an interactive +cruising +guide, using the possibility to embed links in waypoint descriptions.

When is a feature +a part +of a Layer?

Layers are immutable, nothing +can be changed. This could make +them +confusing, unless you are aware of the fact that they are ...layers!

+ +
+ + + + +

A route belonging to a layer is +also identified as such, by just +hovering with the cursor above the route.
+
A Route belonging to a layer also has the option +"Activate". It +can thus be used, but still, no changes can be made. A much more +flexible +option, would be to import the route layer file as a normal gpx file.

Handling +Layers

Layers +can be created in OpenCPN, and saved as a gpx file, or be +created offline, manually or by scripts, for example.
Layers that are saved in a directory called "layers", in +the same +place that holds your opencpn.ini(config) file, are automatically +loaded on start of OpenCPN. These layers will be listed in the Route +Managers +Layers Tab on start up. The first time they will all be visible. Adjust +visibility by clicking on the "eye" in the first column. This setting +will be remembered. Have a look at the first picture on this page!
The easiest way to find this directory is to go to the +button in the ToolBar and look all the way down in the first tab +(About).
+In Linux create the directory: /home/$USER/.opencpn/layers.
On Mac +OS X, +the location is "/Users/"user name"/Library/Preferences/Layers". +Note that "library" +is a hidden +directory in "Lion".
Any subdirectories in the layers directory, are also loaded.
Layers worth keeping, could be kept in the mentioned +"layers" +directory and visibility during a session can be handled through "Hide +from Chart" or "Show on Chart" buttons. New layers, gpx files, can +easily be added in a subdirectory of it's own.
A few restrictions apply to layer marks. A layer mark +cannot be +used to set anchor-watch on. If right-click-selecting co-located +objects, priority is given to non-layer objects.

The Route Managers Layer +Tab

Temporary +layer: Any gpx file can be imported as +a layer. This can be used for developing layers, or for import from a +user defined directory with predefined layers, as necessary. Layers +imported this way will be saved when closing down the computer, they +are persistent. More permanent layers should be kept in the "layers" +directory, as described above.
Delete: Unloads the layer, but doesn't of +course +touch the originally imported gpx file. A progress bar will appear when +deleting large layers. It is not possible to stop the deletion, once +started. For size restrictions, see below.
Hide from Chart or Show on Chart +Controls if the marked layer is visible. The same thing can be achieved +by clicking the "eye" to the left of the layers name. A red X across +the eye marks a hidden layer. See picture above. These settings are +persistent, they will be remembered after a restart.
Hide WPT Names Shows a visible layer without +waypoint names. This helps to un-clutter layers, when zoomed out.
List contents or Delist Contents Listing +is this context means showing the individual points in the layer as +waypoints in the "Waypoints Tab"
Import GPX.. and Export All.. Warning +these buttons has nothing to do with Layers. They work as if you are in +an other tab. For import use "Import New Layers". For export, create +layers as described above.
Export All Visible.. exports all visible layers, +routes and waypoints to a gpx file. Use this button to create new +layers, for example. Just save the gpxfile in the right place, +described above. Note that "visible" in this context is the opposite to +a layer, +route or waypoint being "hidden". This means that objects not visible +on the screen, may be included.
A progress bar will appear when exporting large layers. It +is not +possible to stop the deletion, once started. For size restrictions, see +below.
If a layer includes extended marks, linked to pictures, for +example, the pictures will not be exported, only the links to the +pictures. To "export" the whole layer to another computer, copy all the +pictures separately. Adjust all the links in the gpx file, to the new +computer, by doing a "search and replace" in a text editor on the new +computer.

Size Limits for the +Layer +feature

OpenCPN +is not suited to handle very large permanent layer files. +Exporting and deleting such layers bogs down the program. With older +hardware or limited available memory, even these recommendations may be +to optimistic.
OpenCPN 4.0 has refined the track and layer logic to +improve +performance with large tracks. See next paragraph.
Newly developed static layers by argus.survice.com +shows that OpenCPN has problems with very large layers consisting of +waypoints named after the depth at the position. With 10,000 + +positions it's necessary to consider some rules when using OpenCPN. If +you disregard these rules, expect bad performance.
Deactivating OpenGL may improve the performance somewhat.
Always load the files as a temporary layer, zoomed in on +your +local area. Never load when zoomed out. Why? Zoomed out OpenCPN has to +handle all wpts at the same time when zooming/panning. Zoomed in it +just a +handful of wpts at the same time.
An alternative is to load a file when zoomed in on an other +area. +This goes quick. Then promptly make the layer invisible. Only make the +layer visible when zoomed in on the actual area.
Never zoom out with these files loaded, unless you make the +layer +invisible first. There is no point in this anyway as all you will see +is a lot of black "smear".

Where to find ready +made +Layers?

A +few samples are available in Download->Layers +Library on the OpenCPN.org.

+
+ Go +to Table +Of Contents

+

Great-circle Sailing

+Very few cruising boats needs to use Great-circles, but it's certainly +an important consideration for commercial vessels across the North +Atlantic and North Pacific.
+The advantage of a great circle is obvious, the shorter distance. The +disadvantages, depending on latitude, could be quite a few. Colder +weather, stronger winds, higher seas and perhaps even icebergs. The +great circle is just one factor in the decision making, when planning a +route, the weather is likely to be the deciding factor in most cases.
+
+OpenCPN has a built in Great-circle tool as well as a Great-circle +plugin.
+
+The built in Great-circle tool.
+The "Measure" tool in the right-click menu and the "Create Route" +button on the ToolBar switches seamlessly to a great circle mode when +asked to do long distance tasks. This mainly happens when using these +tools in +some east-west direction and far away from the equator. The mode kicks +in when the difference between the normal, rhumb line and the great +circle becomes larger than two nautical miles. This will be some 0.2% +to 0.5% of the total distance, depending on latitude and direction. +When +this happens a clear curve towards the pole will appear.
+
+

+
+The Measure Tool
+
+
+
+Testing +the measure tool for Manila to San Francisco (approximately). +For a good illustration to Great-circles, find a second point that is +opposite the first, on the other side of the globe, and just move +around slightly.
+
+
+
+Once +the first leg in measuring is done, it's plotted as a rhumb-line, +to keep things simple. The active leg is still displayed as a +Great-circle, if long enough. The distance displayed is the combined +Great-circle distances.
+
+
+
+The "Create Route" Tool
+
+
+
+If +you answer no to the above question, OpenCPN will use a traditional +rhumb line for the leg. Answering yes, will kick the Great-circle +option into action and a number of intermediary waypoint points will be +created. There will be at least 3 waypoints. The exact number of +waypoints is calculated by OpenCPN and is appropriate for most cases.
+
+
+
+The +created route is now available in the RouteManager dialog, as a +normal route.
+
+
+
+As +a real example let us look at a route from Mossel Baai South +Africa, to the western entrance to Investigator Strait South Australia. +The +Rhumbline is 5660 nautical miles, and the Great-circle, as +approximated by the created route is 5249 miles. The "real" +Great-circle is some 15 +miles shorter.
+
+
+
+Composite Sailing
+
+
+
+Composite +sailing is a Great-circle sailing with a maximum allowed +latitude. OpenCPN has no such built option, but it's easy to create.
+Above is the same route as before designed for composite sailing, not +going further south than 45° S latitude. +Start a route +at Mossel Baai extend it until 45° +S becomes a +tangent to the visible Great-circle.
+
+End the route.
+
+
+
+Do the same thing, starting with the destination +and going backwards. +Create a rhumbline route, using the two point along 45° S. The three routes together is +the composite +route. The total distance of the composite route is 5293 Nautical Miles.
+ + +

Route Plugin

+
+"Salty Paws" route plugin handles much more than Great circles, +introduced here.
+
+
+
+The plugin has a few features not present in the +built-in tool. It can +calculate a composite route, and the distance between the waypoints can +be set by the user. The end result, however, is a "gpx" file that is +exported, and then imported into OpenCPN via the Route Manager.
+
+A Great-circle from Cook Strait to Cape Horn +limited by 60° S
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

Weather-Routing

+Users have the choice between using qtVlm or the Weather Routing +Plugin.
+

It is recommended that you use the weather routing plugin as +it is now +stable and qtVlm is no longer free software (source code is not +available)
+
+Routing with an older version of qtVlm is described here.
+
+OpenCPN can import optimized routes from the Free and OpenSource QtVlm +program. Make yourself familiar with QtVlm if you intend to use it, as +many things are done differently from OpenCPN.

+QtVlm Documentation +and Installation
+QtVlm Thread +on OpenCpn Cruiser's Forum
+OpenCPN and QtVlm Summary of Route Transfer, see below
+
+Before going any further, make sure you really understand grib +files, what they are and their limitations. A good place to +start is Franks +Singletons pages.
+
+Let's look at an example of importing an optimized route from QtVlm. +It's a situation most of us try to avoid. Going across the Bay of +Biscay with an active Atlantic Low just west of the British Isles.
+The busy, time constrained, delivery skipper intend to find the best +route from Lizard Point to Cape Finisterre. He has entered into QtVlm, +the constraint, to route away from more than 30 kts headwinds. Below is +the QtVlm optimized route based on the latest available grib file. Note +that QtVlm doesn't know anything about tidal streams, currents local +squalls nor about the state of the crew etc. These are more reasons why +the final route always is the responsibility of the skipper.
+
+
+
+Right-click on the route and export in the kml format.
+
+
+
+Open +OpenCPN. Right-click and "Paste Route"
+
+
+
+This +looks a bit ugly, and both the route and all waypoint have been +exported.
+We want something better!
+
+
+
+One +alternative is to let QtVlm (Edit Route) "Simplify" the route +before copying.
+
+
+
+Another +alternative is to first use the "Paste Track" option.
+
+*Note that this is no true track, it's just another way of exporting a +route, possible due to the KML format. A track describes where we have +been in the past, while routing is planning for the future. Importing +the track gives a "light-weight" overview of the suggested route. Read +more about the Grib Weather +Plugin.
+
+
+
+Next +open OpenCPN's Route Manager Track Tab and press "Route from Track".
+
+
+
+Much +better. We now have a track with a route on top. Right-click and +delete the track.
+Next, it is smart to display the same gribfile, used by QtVlm, in +OpenCPN, using the Grib Plugin.
+
+All this looks impressive, but it's still based on a grib file. So it's +still based on a computer prognosis, with no human input. All other +reservations connected with gribs, still applies. An on board +calibrated barometer is a good way to check what confidence can put on +a grib +forecast. Read more about the Grib +Weather Plugin.
+A reasonable polar diagram is essential as well. Producing one is +standard procedure on racing boats, but not that common on cruising +boats. Cruising specific factors, such as "comfort" also plays a part +in a cruisers true performance capabilities.
+ +

Summary +of Route +transfer process.

+Using OpenCPN and qtVlm in +"Real Boat Mode"
+QtVlm English Documentation and Download is here +.

+Copy Routes

OpenCPN to QtVlm

OpenCPN Right click on the route, pick "Copy +as KML", Pick "KML with extended waypoint data (qtVlm)"
QtVlm Right click on the +Ocean, pick "Paste a +Route" or Hit "CTRL-V"

QtVlm to OpenCPN

QtVlm Right click on the route, pick "Copy +Route xxx"
OpenCPN Right click on the +Ocean, pick "Paste +Route"

+Copy Tracks

OpenCPN +to QtVlm

OpenCPN Right click +on the Track, pick "Copy as KML" Open Text Editor, Paste into new txt, save as +.KML .
QtVlm +Pick "Routes- Imports Routes - In Ortho +mode - browse to the directory, Pick the *.kml file.
Note +If all of the Track (now route) does not +show up, current Grib data is not long +enough.
Note: +Route Manager "Route from Track" +selection, then simply copy the route.
Note: +Route Manager also provides Export +Track as Gpx, however qtVlm does not +support *.gpx format.

QtVlm +to O

QtVlm There are no tracks +in qtVlm, just copy +the route.

Using +GPS in +OpenCPN and qtVLM at the same time

+Linux only:
+Connect to your Gps using GPSD in OpenCPN.
+Then issue this command:
+$gpspipe -r | socat - PTY,link=/tmp/gpsout,raw
+Now use "/tmp/gpsout" as the serial port name in QtVlm.
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

Planning +Data

+The examples shown on this page are all suitable for import as +layers, as that will prevent any waypoint +from being moved by mistake. +

Need +to see +some offshore weather observations?
+

+NOAAs NDBC site +gives access to a lot of offshore observations from buoys and ships +worldwide.
+To easy visualize all this data the "ShipWxRep" script transform a +limited set of all the available data into gpx waypoints. The format, +as seen above is "wind direction, wind speed, time for observation, and +air pressure". This can be helpful when evaluating the accuracy of grib +files, even though the best tool in this respect probably is a +calibrated digital barometer.
+

Plotting +Miami +Tropical Forecast Advisories.

+If you only have access to low bandwidth Internet, this script is a way +to quickly plot the contents of, for example an email, containing the +forecast advisory. In any case, it is a good idea to have the forecast +track of a tropical system available where you normally do your +navigation and planning.
+
+
+
+
+Download +the gpx scripts here. +The old great-circle script is included. For some help run each script +without arguments.
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents
+

Ship +Track

Toggling the track icon turns tracking on and off. +When tracking is on, the button becomes +slightly larger and darker (shown here). Tracking means that a record +is kept of the vessels position as it proceeds. A trail is left behind +the vessel.
+Tracking is persistent. If you shut down OpenCPN with tracking active, +tracking will be activated automatically next time you start. Note +however that tracking on start up is delayed until a GPS position is +available. This action avoids large nonsense jumps in the beginning of +the new track.
+The way the track is recorded can be set in Options -> Ships +-> +Ownship.
+A full explanation is available in Own +Ship
+
+
+
+Recorded tracks can be imported, exported and managed using the Route Manager & Gpx.
+
+When right clicking on a track you can select Track Properties from the +context menu, and a new dialog pops up. Normally it looks like this:
+
+
+
+But +if the track is a layer or part of a layer, you will see this +instead:
+
+A +layer cannot be changed easily, and a lot of what follows does not +apply to Layer Tracks. Read more about Layers.
+
+The properties dialog can also be reached through the Route Manager. A +record of all the track point will be listed. On the screen dump below +the tracking precision is set to "Medium". The Waypoints, track points +really, appears at irregular times, due to the smart tracking. Only +trackpoints that contributes to the track are recorded. In other words, +a change in the track occurs at every recorded trackpoint.
+Click anywhere on a line in the list of track points, to mark the line +and a blue square will mark the position on the track.
+
+
+
+From +the right click menu the Delete track option is available as well. +To prevent mistakes a confirmation dialog pops up.
+For more about Tracks read about the Route Managers Track Tab in Route Manager & Gpx.
+
+
+
+There +are many options for how a track will be shown and what time to +use.
+The Advanced tab, were you can document the track +and include links, works similar to Extended +Marks.
+
+As a backup, a logbook entry is made every half hour in the OpenCPN log +file. The format is similar to this:

14:30:00 CEST: LOGBOOK: 2011-06-28 12:30:00 UTC DR +Lat +44.43657 Lon -65.17280

+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents
+

+ +

Help?

+ + +

Please +Jump to the Getting Started +page where Help is located.

About OpenCPN
+Help with search
+How can I find the OpenCPN.Log File ?
+How can I find the Opencpn.ini File
+

Click on the link above.
+Please do not put any content on this page. Put it on Getting Started

+ +

+ + +
+
+Use the F6 key for dimming and SHIFT + F6 to reverse the dimming.
+This is not connected to a chart feature, and dims the whole display, +not just OpenCPN.
+"CTRL + G" cycles through (monochromatic) green, red and normal screen. +The color change applies to the whole screen as well.
+"Ctrl + G" may not work on some Windows systems, depending upon the +graphics driver implemented.
+
+When pressing F6 the word "MAX" appears on the screen in the NW part. +Press again and the screen gets a bit dimmer and "MAX" is replaced by a +"9" and so on.
+
+
+"Print +Screen" refuses to catch the dimming!!
+
+Mac +OS X users can +easily adjust +the screen +brightness with the +F1 +and F2 keys.
+
+ +

Change +Color Scheme

+This +Button

has 4 +levels corresponding to standard US +raster charts built in +levels. You can cycle through the levels also by pressing the F5 key.
+These represents the Default level, the Daylight level, the Dawn or +Dusk level and finally the Night level. Often there is no difference +between the Default level and the Daylight level.
+
+The way this button works differs between different category of charts.
+
+S57 Vector Charts and the CM93 ver2 charts.
+All charts display the Dawn/Dusk and Night levels. This means that +there is no change when the button is first pressed, but further +pressing +brings up a Dusk and then a Night palette.
+US Raster Charts
+These are generally coded with all the levels. The Daylight level has +slightly sharper colors for better daylight viewing.
+Other Raster Charts
+Most other raster charts just contains a standard palette, and pressing +the Button has no effect other than dimming part of OpenCPN, except for +the chart display.
+The Brazilian Raster Charts includes a dusk and night palette, but the +colors displayed is not what one would expect.
+Charts converted with the help of tiff2bsb or imgkap, normally only +contains the default color scheme.
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

Plugins
+

+
+Please select one of the following Pages:

Install +and Enable Plugins General +Information about plugins.

Included +Plugins in OpenCPN

External +Plugins not included in Standard +Installation (3rd Party)

Download Page +to see ALL plugins that are regarded as stable.

+Click on a link above.

Please do not put any content on this page (Other than the +Authors).

Plugin Authors Credit

+The diversity and range of the OpenCPN Plugins is quite remarkable. +Users should appreciate the time these authors spent to create this +resource. Plugins have been developed for some time now. There is a +very healthy collaboration, so that at times it is truly impossible to +determine "who's" plugin it is, and since this is one of the major +strengths of Open Source we will not attribute. However it should be +noted that there are a number of authors who are quite prolific. As the +authors come to mind they will be noted below. If you are one of the +authors and your name does not appear, please advise.
+
+Writers
+Pavel Kalin, Sean Depagnier, Dave Register, Jean Pierre Pitzef, Dave +Cowell, Dirk Smits, Jon Gough, Mike Rossiter, Salty Paws, Transmitter +Dan, Peter Tulp, Konni, Hakan, Wally Schulpen, Kees Verruijt, Douwe +Fokkema, Deave Dellear
+and there are more.
+
+Testers
+Many thanks to those who have helped the authors of these plugins.
+ +

Install +and Enable

+The core OpenCPN tries to keep +features to a minimum so that it is lean, mean and easy to use. +Features can still be added through the plugin infrastructure.
+
+The number of plugins has increased considerably since the release of +3.2.2.
+All plugins are backward compatible meaning that new versions of +OpenCPN works with old plugins. New plugins, however, will probably not +work +with old versions of OpenCPN.
+
+
+ +

OpenCPN +has +four default plugins pre-installed:

Grib Weather Plugin
Dashboard Plugin
WMM Plugin
Chart Downloader +Plugin

Download +Plugins

+Many more plugins are available. See below.
+Go to the dedicated page for downloading plugins: Plugins
+Currently there are about 20 different plugins available for download.
+For a complete list of plugins read the recent +posts in this forum thread
+ +

Plugin +Versions

+OpenCPN plugin interface is regularly updated with new features. New +plugins are constantly developed and old plugins acquires new features.
+Plugins are designed to be backward compatible; this +means that, any old PlugIn should (must) work correctly with any more +recent OpenCPN main program (not need to update your plugins when +updating OpenCPN to a new version); BUT using old versions of +OpenCPN with a new or updated plugins, will not work.
+For example, don't expect Weather Routing, Climatology or WeatherFax to +work with OpenCPN version 3.0.
+ +

Blacklisted +Plugins

+Plugins +or versions of plugins known to be problematic can be +Blacklisted.
+
+
+A +dialog pops up for 5 seconds when starting OpenCPN, if a blacklisted +plugin is detected. This will happen even if the plugin is not enabled. +A number of plugins are blacklisted. They are, mainly, old problematic +versions of plugins. There is always a newer version of a blacklisted +plugin, or, in worst case scenario, one will soon be released.
+
+ +

Installing +a Plugin

+For Linux, place the downloaded "pluginxx.so" in +{prefix}/lib/opencpn, which means /usr/lib/opencpn for a standard +installation, using the provided packages. If you are compiling +yourself {prefix} may be "/usr/local" instead of "/usr". Check +"opencpn.log" if +necessary.
+For Windows place the downloaded "pluginxx.dll" in a +"plugins" sub folder of your OpenCPN installation folder. A common +location is C:\Program Files\OpenCPN\plugins.
+Once the plugin is in the right directory, restart OpenCPN and proceed +to enabling the plugin.
+For Mac the plugin will come as a pkg file. +Double-click the pkg file and follow the install instructions.
+This will place the plugin files in the proper locations.
+ +

Enabling +a Plugin

+Plugins are made available by clicking on the plugin in the +Options->Plugins Tab. Once this is done, an "Enable" button +appears. +Pressing this button activates the plugin icon in the ToolBar and +changes the the default "grayed out" text to black in the list. Not all +plugins have an icon when active. For most plugins there is a +"Preferences" Button for configuration.
+When a plugin is disabled in the Options->Plugin tab, the plugin +Icon disappears from the ToolBar.
+The Plugin Icon works as a toggle switch for the plugin. Pressing the +Grib Icon, for example, activates the Grib plugin. Pressing one more +time, kills it.
+The WMM Icon uses a new feature, by displaying the magnetic variation, +at the position of OwnShip in the button itself.
+ +

Re-Enable +a +Plugin after a Plugin Update

Version 4.2 has implemented automatic reload of updated +Plugins by +visiting the Options > Plugins screen.
+Presumably the plugins are rescanned and loaded.
+Previously, after a plugin was Disabled, the program had to be shut +down and reopened for the full change of Opencpn status to occur. This +is no longer necessary, simply go to the Option>Plugins screen +and +all +plugins will be reloaded.

+
+

Problems +with Plugins

If you run into problems with plugins, first check what the +opencpn.log file say.
+For each plugin you will find lines similar to:

+ + + + + + +

08:59:25 CEST: PlugInManager searching for Plugins in +location +/usr/lib/opencpn
+08:59:25 CEST: PlugInManager: Loading PlugIn: +/usr/lib/opencpn/libweather_routing_pi.so
+08:59:25 CEST: /usr/lib/opencpn/libweather_routing_pi.so
+API Version detected: 110
+PlugIn Version detected: 101

This +example is from Linux.
+
+On Windows systems the location of the log file will be displayed when +you click "Help" (the ? mark icon) on the toolbar. Alternatively, to +find the "opencpn.log" on your system read OpenCPN Installation

+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents
+ +

Install +Linux +Plugins

+After +releasing OpenCPN 4.0, the +plugins are being migrated to the official OpenCPN PPA repository.
+ +

Ubuntu +/ Debian
+

+To configure the your system to use the official repository, follow the +instructions at Ubuntu PPA +

After adding the repository, you can use the Software Center +to +install the OpenCPN plugins as any other software package or use the +command line tools
+sudo apt-get update
+sudo apt-get install opencpn-plugin-<PLUGIN_NAME>
+where <PLUGIN_NAME> is the name of the plugin, for +example to +install the WMM plugin, the complete command will be:
+sudo apt-get install opencpn-plugin-wmm

Note +for the users who previously installed the plugin packages manually

+Unfortunately, the new packages conflict with the plugins downloaded +originally from opencpn.org. To resolve the conflict, either uninstall +the plugin before using the version from the PPA or open the Terminal +and use the following command to install a plugin: +

sudo apt-get -o Dpkg::Options::="--force-overwrite" install +opencpn-plugin-<PLUGIN_NAME>

+where <PLUGIN_NAME> is the name of the plugin, for +example to +install the WMM plugin, the complete command will be: +

sudo apt-get -o Dpkg::Options::="--force-overwrite" install +www-plugin-wmm

+Fedora / CentOS

yum install opencpn-plugin-<PLUGIN_NAME>

+ +

Included +Plugins

+These +are the Plugins included with the standard download.
+
+Install and Enable +Plugins
+General Information about plugins.
+

Plugins included in +OpenCPN

+Dashboard Plugin
+Plugin to display navigation data. Included in the OpenCPN installation.
+
+Grib Weather Plugin.
+Plugin to display Grib weather data files. Included in the OpenCPN +installation.
+
+WMM Plugin
+A plugin to display the magnetic variation, based on the World Magnetic +Model.
+
+Chart Downloader
+Manager for chart downloads.
+ +

Dashboard

+The Dashboard plugin is able to show +quite a few instruments.
+The Dashboard plugin is always distributed with OpenCPN, no +separate download is required.
+
+If the data is available to OpenCPN in the NMEA0183 data stream the +different instruments will display relevant data; but the plugin don't +tell what is available. It is assumed that the user know what is +connected. It is of course possible to activate all instruments and see +what works.
+
+The Dashboard in action, two Dashboards, one vertical and one +horizontal.
+Grab the top Caption bar with the cursor and drag the Dashboard as far +as possible to the right or left. Let go the cursor, and the Dashboard +will dock, the chart display will adjust, no part of the chart will be +hidden. Horizontal Dashboards can in a similar way be docked top or +bottom.
+This process is reversible. Just grab the Dashboard dialog bar with the +cursor, an pull towards the middle of the screen, and the Dashboard +will become floating.
+
+
+
+The same Dashboards docked left and bottom.
+
+
+
+There +is a grab handle in the SE corner of each Dashboard. Use it to +resize each dialog.
+The graphics will change size, but not the text, which is handled +separately. See further down.
+
+
+ +

The +Dashboard Tab
+

+Once the Dashboard plugin is activated in the plugin tab, the Dashboard +Icon will be available in the ToolBar and will work as an on/off +toggle. The Preference button works exactly the same as described under +"Dashboard Settings" below.
+
+
+
+The +"Enable" Button activates the plugin and shows the icon in the +ToolBar.
+Once enabled, the "Disable" Button is displayed, as show above.
+If you press the "Preference" Button the Dashboard preferences dialog +becomes available.
+
+Dashboard settings
+
+
+
+Right +click anywhere in a Dashboard and a few options are displayed, in +a small dialog.
+Above we have clicked on the vertical Dashboard. Make this Dashboard +horizontal by clicking the "Horizontal" radio button. Stop displaying +it by un-ticking the box in front of the first "Dashboard" line. Get it +back by right clicking on the other Dashboard and tick the same box +again.
+
+Preferences
+
+
+
+The Dashboard Tab
+The +Icons in the narrow pane to the left, represents the available +instances. Click on an instance and the configured instruments shows in +the "Instruments" pane.
+
+"+" and "-" Add or delete a Dashboard instance. Note, +that an active Dashboard can not be deleted as the "-" will be grayed +out. Configure a new instance by "Add"-ing instruments in the +"Instrument" pane.
+
+Show this Dashboard If ticked just that Dashboard is +shown. Toggling the icon displays all Dashboards.
+
+Caption changes the name of the DashBoard from the +default "Dashboard" to the Caption value.
+Due to a wxWidgets bug, this change is not instant, and requires +docking the Dashboard or restarting OpenCPN, to work.
+
+Orientation A dash board can be either Vertical or +Horizontal.
+Vertical can be docked left or right, Horizontal can be docked top or +bottom.
+
+The "Instruments" pane. Shows the Instruments that are +"active", that will show up in that particular Dashboard .The +instruments are selected with the buttons to the right.
+
+Add. This button brings up the "Add Instrument" dialog +where the available instruments can be highlighted and added to the +Instruments Window.
+ +

The +available 40 instruments are:

Position (text)
+SOG (text) -Speed Over Ground
+Speedometer (dial)
+COG(text) - Course Over Ground
+GPS Compass(dial)
+STW(text) Speed Through Water
+True HDG(text) Heading
+Apparent WindAngle & Speed(dial)
+App. Wind speed(text)
+App. Wind speed(dial)
+True Wind Angle & Speed(dial)
+Depth(text)*

+Depth(dial)*
+Water Temp(text)
+VMG(text)- Velocity Made Good to a waypoint.
+VMG(dial)
+Rudder Angle(text)
+Rudder Angle(dial)
+GPS in view(text)- the number of satellites detected*
+GPS status(dial)**
+Cursor, shows the position of the cursor.
+Clock, showing UTC from the NMEA stream, in most cases this is the gps +time.
+Sunrise/Sunset
+Moon phase
+Air Temp
+App. Wind angle
+True Wind angle
+True Wind direction
+True Wind Speed
+True Wind Direction and speed
+Magnetic Hdg
+True Compass
+Wind History
+Trip Log
+Sum Log
+Barometric Pressure (dial)
+Barometric Pressure (text)
+Barometric History
+From Ownship. Shows the vector from Ownship to the cursor.
+Magnetic COG
+
+*The DPT sentence is used, and transducer offset will be added to depth +value, if available.
+**Linux note: GPS satellite info is not available if using gpsd.
+The same informations is however available through the "xgps" command.
+

Delete. Highlight an entry in the +Instrument Window to delete it.
+
+Up +/ Down. Highlight an entry in the Instrument Window +and change the order between the selected instruments.
+This order will also be the order between the instruments in the +Dashboard dialog.
+
+The Appearance Tab
+
+
+
+Use +this tab to set fonts.
+
+These controls together enables the user to adjust the view of the +dashboard to suit individual needs.
+
+
+
+Units +Ranges and Formats
+Set the units to use, and the range of the speed dial.
+
+ +
+
+

Wind +History

+The Wind History Instrument needs some further explanations.
+
+The "wind history" instrument is meant to be run as a +standalone (vertical) instrument.
+Just define a separate dashboard and add it as the only instrument.
+
+
+
+You +can resize the Instrument it with the mouse.
+
+
+
+In real conditions, it monitors around 40 min of wind direction (red), +as well as wind speed (blue), showing a vertical time line every 5 min +(the example screen shot is a full-speed VDR replay).
+
+The text on the top shows the current values, as it is displayed in the +standard instruments (blue = wind speed data, TWS=True Wind Speed, red += direction, TWD = True Wind Direction).
+
+Here is an explanation of the text line, left side (see screen shot):
+TWS 7.5 : true Wind Speed currently 7.5 kts
+Max 22.3 kts since 18:50 : this is the max Wind speed in the visible +graphs, i.e. the last ~40 mins
+Overall 22.3 : the max wind speed since OpenCPN was started.
+
+Right side above :
+TWD 357° : True wind direction currently 357°
+
+The thin red/blue curves are the real direction/speed values, the +thicker curves are smoothed values. Makes it easier to see trends.
+
+There is some logic included :
+The instruments re-zooms automatically as much as possible, always +trying to show the whole visible curve;
+Wind speed curve:
+if your max (visible) wind speed is 10 kts, then your scale is from +0...11 kts (rounded upwards to the next full knot).
+In the screen shot we had a max of 22.3kts --> scale is 0...23 +kts.
+Wind direction :
+The instrument scale shows +/- 90° of the currently visible data +values, but is limited to a total of 360°.
+If the wind is shifting through North (from 350, 355, 359, 002, 010, +...) we're shifting the curve as well, meaning that there is NO +vertical jump in the data from 360° --> 0°, and we do NOT loose +all +the +continuity in the smoothed curves !
+
+If you should happen to have more than a full 360° cycle of wind +direction in the recorded data (if you sail through a couple of dust +devils ), I limited the max scale to 360°, meaning that the curve will +run out of the visible area on bottom or on top of the instrument.
+
+Please note that you don't have to have the instrument "open" all the +time.
+Once activated as initially described, you can close it, and simply +reopen it on demand. You don't loose the curves, the instrument +continues to collect the data.
+To make it visible again simply right click on an existing +standard-dashboard, and click the "Wind History" Dashboard.
+
+
+
+ +

Night +time Mode
+

+In Windows, Night, F5, mode. The title bar on the floating dashboard +window is a bit glaring (this mode is controlled by windows by way of a +theme and is not possible to change from an application) . Dock the +Dashboard into "docked mode" it will be less glaring. The best solution +is to simply "dock" the dashboard window at night, either left or +right. This brings the window decorations back under OCPN control, and +we recently added logic to dim it in this mode.
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

WMM

+The "World Magnetic Model PlugIn for +OpenCPN" +implements the NOAA World Magnetic Model.
+

More information: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/DoDWMM.shtml
+
+The bundled WMM2010 model expires on December 31, 2014.
+After then, if a new version of the plugin is not released in time, you +will have to get a new WMM.COF from NOAA and place it in the location +you can find in the OpenCPN logfile.

A Quick-Start Guide
+

+This plugin is all about the value of the magnetic variation. The value +at your boat position, at the position of the cursor, and the rest of +the world.
+
+Download and install the plugin. Go to Options-->Plugins. Press +the +"Enable" button.
+
+
+
+Then +press the Preference button, and copy the settings below.
+
+
+
+Press OK twice.
+The WMM icon will now be found in your ToolBar. The numbers in the +button is the variation at your position.
+
+
+
+Press the Toolbar Button and the small dialog below will appear on the +screen.
+The first value is the same as in the button, the variation at your +boat (gps) position.
+The second value is the variation at the position of the cursor.
+
+
+That +is all you need to know to get started, and for most of your daily +use.
+Need more details? Read on!
+ +

The +Details

+World Magnetic Model Plotting allows users to cross reference the +magnetic deviation values printed on many raster charts.
+Variation is the angle between true and magnetic north.
+Inclination is the vertical angle of the magnetic +field.
+A compass is adjusted for the inclination in the intended sales region.
+If you buy a compass in Europe; it will not be level in Australia, for +example.
+Field Strength is the magnetic field in nano tesla +from 20000 to 66000.
+Currently the total field strength is shown, with no immediate +practical use. Hopefully this will change to show the horizontal +component in the future, that has an impact on whether the compass +works or not, near +the magnetic poles.
+
+The plotted lines are similar to a topographic map. The space between +them can be adjusted; more space takes less time to calculate.
+
+The Step size and Pole accuracy sliders allow a trade off for speed vs +computation time.
+
+
+
+With +the extended Radio-button, this dialog will show on the screen
+
+
+ + + + + + + +

F - Total Intensity of the +geomagnetic field
+H - Horizontal Intensity of the +geomagnetic field
+X - North Component of the +geomagnetic field
+Y - East Component of the +geomagnetic field
+Z - Vertical Component of the +geomagnetic field
+I (DIP) - Geomagnetic Inclination
+D (DEC) - Geomagnetic Declination +(Magnetic +Variation)

+
+Click "Settings" and adjust the display of the graphical plot.
+
+
+
+Show +variation only.
+
+
+
+Or +all options together.
+
+

Grib +Weather

+OpenCPN +has a grib weather file viewer plugin, aimed at being useful +while under way.
+The grib plugin is always distributed with OpenCPN, no +separate +download is required. +

What +is a grib file?

If +you are not familiar with grib weather files, make sure you +understand the basics, before you start to use them. It is +essential to understand the limitations of weather forecasts that are +distributed in the grib format. It is also worth pointing out +that gribs are not reliable near tropical systems. +Send a blank mail to GribWarning@saildocs.com. +Read the mail you get back carefully.
To get started with gribs and to find sources for +downloads, +check Franks-Weather.
A very good, up to date book, is "Modern Marine Weather, +second +edition" by David Burch, with a thorough treatment of the subject.
A few files including lectures on tropical weather and +gribs are +available here.

Get +started

To +display grib files as an overlay on your normal charts you +have to first activate the grib icon
Go to find +the plugin tab. Click on the Grib +plugin, then the "Enable" +button. The "Preferences" Button brings up a small dialog. The settings +in this dialog rarely needs changing after the initial setup.

+
+ +

Grib +Preference

Use +High Definition Graphics. The setting only +concerns the barbed wind arrows.Tick the "Use High Definition Graphics" +box, unless you are on old hardware. Not ticking the "High Definition +Graphics" box can help to speed up the grib display, in such cases.
Use Gradual Colors. This setting applies to all +colored overlay maps. On many installations the difference in rendering +is very small. The overlay maps built in color variation plays a part.
Copy First Cumulative Missing Record. This is +about rainfall and cloud cover records .

+As these records are "cumulative" , the first one does not exist in +files from zyGrib and Saildocs. With this parameter unchecked, there +will be neither rainfall and nor cloud cover displayed for the first +date/time of the file. Ticking the box fixes the problem.
+

Copy Missing Wave Records. This only concerns +wave records from zyGrib delivers files from two models ; FNMOC +(WW3-...) +for waves and GFS for all other parameters. These two forecast models +does not have the same time spacing. For some dates/times, the wave +data do not exist.This parameter allows this missing data to be +reconstructed and avoiding the overlay (if set) to flicker.

Load +File Options

Load +the More Recent File in Directory. Loads +the newest file in the grib directory on start.
Load the Last Open File. Loads the grib file +used last time.

Start +options

Start +at the first forecast in GRIB file
Start at the nearest forecast to current time
Authorize interpolation to start at current time.

Time +Options

Local +Time
UTC

+
+ +

The +Grib Display Controls

The +Standard Display Control

+To start the Grib plugin press the +button in the tool-bar. The +"GRIB Display Control" then pops up.
+ +

+Hide Data at Cursor

+
+This is a smart and compact dialog. For a quick start press the "Open +File" button and navigate to your grib file directory and press the +file to be displayed. +

Previous/Next Go to the previous or the next +record in the gribfile. This corresponds to the time "interval" chosen +when the grib file was downloaded.
Data valid at The time of validity for all grib +data on screen.
Open Grib file The name of the grib file in use.
Now Displays the record, nearest in time to +"now" +according to the Start option you have selected: ("Start at the nearest +forecast to current time" or "Authorize interpolation to start at +current time").
Select Geopotential Height If grib data for +geopotential height is available, selection will be between Std, 500.
Zoom to Center This button will home in on the +loaded area that the loaded grib file covers.
Play Goes through all records in turn, with the +animation speed controlled in the "Grib Settings" dialog.
Hide Cursor Data Hides Grib which normally +appears in the data windows. Data windows are hidden.
Progress Slider Just to the right of the "Play" +button is a slider that is just another way of going through the grip +records.
Open File Activates the operating systems +standard file selector dialog to select a grib file. The plugin +remembers the +directory of this grib. This is used next time you start OpenCPN and +activates the Grib plugin. See settings in the "Grib Preferences" +dialog above.
Settings is where to control how the different +grib data will be displayed. See more below.
Request Download grib files via email. More +below.
GRIB Data at Cursor. This is where the "smart" +part kicks in. Only entries for the data contained in the +active grib file will be displayed. For example, if there is +no wave data in the current grib file, there +will be no signs of wave data at all. In the case above, where the the +wave data is N/A, the grib file includes wave data, but not for the +area where the cursor is. Compare with the picture below, where the +grib +only contains current data. The tick boxes next to each data entry, are +used to activate the data-display on the screen. Exactly what will be +shown is controlled in the "Grib Settings" dialog, which is reached by +pressing the "Settings" button. Don't activate to many display features +at the same time. The display quickly becomes very cluttered.

+
+The +"GRIB Display Control" loaded with a grib file only containing +current data.
+ +Advanced GRIB Data at Cursor. The display +options +for all the data shown, can be reached by right.clicking on the little +squares where the "ticks" are shown. For the meaning of all these +options, read on. + +
+Right-clicking +the "Air Temp" option square.
+
+ +

The +Advanced Display Control
+

+The plugin has an advanced mode were altitude data can be displayed. +This mode requires some more knowledge than plain gribs. A good start +is to read "Mariner’s +Guide to the 500 – Millibar Chart".
+If a grib file includes altitude data, the control will automatically +include more options. See below.
+
+
+If +the dialog looks normal except for an extra selection box under +"GRIB Data at Cursor", like this,
+

+then the grib file contains altitude data. Selecting one of the +altitudes, for example 500, changes the dialog to what you see above. +The advanced data are displayed against a yellow background.
+Wind. These are the wind data valid for the selected +altitude level.
+Grib Data at 500 hPa. The values at the selected level.
+ +

Weather +Tables
+

+Once a grib file is loaded in the current session, the "Weather table" +appears in the right click menu.
+
+
+
+Click the entry, and a Weather Table, valid at the cursor point, pops +up. All available data in the current grib file, for the whole time +span, are shown.
+
+
+ +

Settings
+

+Settings controls how the grib files are displayed on the screen, and +units +used in the Grib Display control. Thing like Overlay colors, animation +time interval and speed and much more.
+The basic dialog looks like this.
+
+Typical DATA TAB
+
+Note +the Fixed or Minimum Spacing (pixels) selection. This is a typical +setting.
+
+ Typical GUI TAB
+
+
+Typical PLAYBACK TAB
+ + +

+
+Playback

+The Loop Mode controls what happens when "Play" is pressed in the Grib +Display Control. +

Loop Mode. Sets the "Play" function into a loop +mode. Otherwise, playback will stop when reaching the end of the file.
Loop Start. Were to start the loop. The option +"Current time forecast" makes sure that only data now or in the future +are shown
Updates per Second. Controls the speed of "play".
Loop Start. The loop can start either at the +start of the grib file or from the current time forecast.
Interpolate between gribs. If you select this +option, you will be able to choose your own time interval, but you have +to consider that it can decrease data accuracy. To remind you, this +info will pop up.

+ + +

Time +Interval. This is the time interval used +for +interpolation. The entry is only visible if "Interpolate between gribs" +is ticked. This is connected tho the chosen time interval when +requesting a grib file.

Display

+The lower part of the Grib Settings Dialog, under the Display heading +is really 10 different controls. The controls are activated by the +choosing one of the items in the selection menu below.
+
+
+
+Many of the entries are repeated, so let's first have a closer look at +the the most important one, the Wind. Entries on the same line are +connected.
+
+
+ + +

Units +refers to the choice of units for the +selected record.

+For wind speed the choices are.
+
+ + +

Barbed +Arrows. Display the traditional barbed +arrows, showing wind direction and wind speed. Range +refers to the distance between displayed arrows ( not working +3.3.1117). Default Color / Controlled Colors Default is dark brown +while "Controlled" varies from blue for very light +winds to red for very strong winds

+ + +

Always +visible This option only exists for +"Wind" +and "Pressure". When ticked the object is shown regardless of what is +ticked in the "Settings Control". The idea is to be able to Show wind +and/or pressure at the same time as other options. Use with Rainfall, +for example, to help identifying fronts.
Display Isotachs shows contour +lines connecting points with the same wind speed. Spacing controls +which wind speed Isotachs will be shown. Use knots for units and 10 for +spacing and isotach contours will be shown at 10 kts, 20kts and so on.
OverlayMap Depending on your system +capability,if you use "Accelerated Graphics (OpenGL)" (see General +Options/Display/Advanced ), the overlay will be visible at all scales. +But if you don't, the overlay will only be visible at small scales. A +small yellow pop up at the bottom left of the screen +will inform you. +Zoom out to a scale of 1:13 millions, or smaller to see them.
Colors is another selection menu containing +pre-set color schemes. The idea is to use the scheme with the same name +as the control, but this is just a hint, nothing more.

+
+ +

Numbers +shows the wind speed in small square +boxes. Minimum Spacing refers to the spacing between +these boxes.
Particle Map is a kind of animation of the wind +field. It is created by letting "particles", or dots, move in the wind +direction and leave a trail. The trail is colored after the wind +strength, and each particle has a limited "life span". The +Density slider creates particle trails that are shorter but +closer together with +increased value, which is the same as further to the right. The +particle Map below clearly shows a convergence zone with stronger winds +(red). This is probably a cold front. Performance Warning: +Note that high density Particle Maps on Low Powered Machines and Large +Files may slow your machine to a crawl. First test on small files.
+

+
+ +

Overlay +Transparency works as expected.

+
+All the controls for Wind Gust, Rainfall and Cloud Cover, have similar +entries; only the units differs.
+
+
+
+
+The +pressure display has no overlays, only the options of isobars and +numbers.
+Overlay Transparency is redundant.
+
+
+
+
+Waves +and Current have a more or less similar display. A Particle Map +is available for currents. See the description above for wind +Particle +Maps. Once again different units.
+There is a choice between three different display arrows shown in two +sizes.
+If wave height, direction and wave period is present in the grib file +it will be displayed in the Display Control like this:
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Air +Temperature and Sea Temperature looks the same.
+
+
+
+
+Convective +Available Potential Energy (CAPE) has these settings
+
+
+
+Altitude +and Relative Humidity have a simple one choice entry.
+
+
+ +

The +new Grib-file Request +Button

Grib +files can be requested directly from the plugin. The request +is in the form of an email to SailDocs or ZyGrib. The requested grib +file is also delivered via email.
The area for which data is requested defaults to the area +visible +on the screen, but the request area can be selected by other means as +well. More below.
It's possible to request gribs from 4 different Grib +prediction +models when using Saildocs GFS, COAMPS, RTOFS and indirectly WW3. When +you request "Waves" in GFS, Saildocs merge wavedata from WW3 into the +delivered grib.
The ZyGrib option can only deliver GFS gribs, which is the +"standard" model for gribs.
RTOFS gribs only contains current and water temperature +data.
COAMPS delivers wind and pressure with a higher resolution +than +GFS
The minimum time between grib records are 3h for GFS and 6h +for +COAMPS & RTOFS.
GFS can be requested for 8 days ahead. An extended GFS +request up +to 16 days ahead is possible. This warning will pop up.

+
+ + +

The +same value for COAMPS is 3 days and RTOFS 6 days.

+
+There are two layouts of this dialog, depending on whether it is a +request to SaiDocs or to ZyGrib. Some alternatives are only available +from SailDocs, and some are only available from zyGrib. Alternatives +not available are grayed out.
+
+The SailDoc Request looks like this.
+
+
+
+Compose +the request by picking parameters and data. Not all data are +available for all choices of parameters. For example, in the picture +above "Wind Gusts" and "Current" are grayed out, as the are not +available with GFS from SailDocs.
+
+When selecting "Moving Grib" the dialog expands and +makes i possible to choose a speed and course. The selected grib +forecast area will move, using these values, for each grib interval. +The idea behind this is to minimize the download while still covering a +longer passage.
+Moving grib files are incompatible with interpolation, so if a "moving +file" is detected a warning is displayed. Interpolation, if set is +deactivated, but only for moving file, the settings as such, are not +modified.
+
+Resolution The choices are 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0. A recent +upgrade to gribs makes it possible to download even 0.25° resolution. +This is not yet an alternative in the plugin and requires editing the +email manually before sending. In the picture above ...|0.5,0.5|... +should instead look like ...|0.25,0.25|...
+
+The default geographical coverage of the requested grib file is the +area you can see on the screen. A manual Selection Mode is also +available.
+When the Area Selection -> Manual Selection box is +ticked the dialog expands
+
+
+
+Choose the limiting Latitude and Longitude for the grib-file manually +or press "Start graphic Sel." button.
+
+
+Press +the left mouse-button and draw a rectangle around the required +area.
+
+When selecting "Pressure Altitude" and the GFS +forecast model, the dialog expands and makes i possible to choose +forecasts for +different altitude levels. The SailDocs dialog only supports the 500 mb +altitude, while zyGrib supports all options.
+When you are ready press "Send".
+This message will show in the "Mail" window instead of the "send" +request:
+ + + + + + + +

Your request is ready. An email is prepared in your +email +environment.
+You have just to verify and send it...
+Save or Cancel to finish...or Continue...

+
+As stated, a mail is composed for you and ready to send with your +normal mailing program.
+This is the standard way of getting a new grib in Windows and Linux. +(Mac ??)
+
+There is an advanced alternative for Mac OSX, Linux +(and BSD). Install and configure a mail server. Instructions on the Mail Servers page. This +will enable +automatic transmission of a grib request to SailDocs.
+After installing and configuring a mail server, there is one more step.
+Open "opencpn.conf" and ad the line below. As always, do not run +OpenCPN when editing opencpn.conf.
+
+ + + + + + + +

[Plugins/GRIB]
+SendMailMethod=1

+
+Setting "SendMailMethod" to "0" restores the default.
+To get a grib, just press "send", and wait for a return mail.
+
+The zyGrib Request looks like this.
+
+
+ +

More +to know

ZyGrib +is a free and open-source software (FOSS) dedicated grib viewer. Grib +files can be downloaded by ZyGrib and then opened in OpenCPN.
QtVlm +a FOSS weather routing program, combines a grib file with boat polar +data, and produces an optimized route. More here Weather-Routing or the Weather Routing Plugin. +These are very +good tools to use in routing decisions, but has the same limitations as +all grib-data.

+ Go to Table +Of Contents + +

Mail +Servers

+Warning! +

This +is an Advanced subject, that is not necessary for +running the grib plugin.
+Do not try these setups unless you are familiar with your operating +system, comfortable with handling the command line interface and +editing configuration files.
+Do not expect these instructions to work without some customization.
+
+This page contains detailed instructions on how to set up mailservers +to automatically send grib request mails to Sail Docs.
+"Ptizef" has compiled the instructions for Windows (XP or +XP)/Thunderbird
+"Ptizef" has compiled the instructions for Linux/SSMTP.
+"Cagney" has compiled the instructions for Linux/Exim4.
+"CarCode" has compiled the instructions for Mac OS +X/PostFix .
+

WINDOWS

+1) Windows(Vista or XP and Thunderbird)
+
+- Outside OpenCPN there is nothing more to do except +to ensure that there is a mail system (mine is thunderbird) correctly +configured and set as "main" on the device.
+also verify if the mapi32.dll is present in c:/windows/system32 (or +equivalent for 64b) (otherwise an error message will be the result).
+
+- Inside OpenCPN, there is nothing to do; the sender +mail address can be entered, but will not be used. Just don't forget to +enter the zyGRIB login and password.
+
+When clicking on "send" button :
+if the "main" mail system is not open, OpenCPN opens it and the waiting +messages are received.
+remark : if there are many waiting messages, it could take a while. +That is why it would be better to create a specific address for this +purpose.
+Then a new mail page is opened with all mail elements already written +thus ready to be sent.
+
+
+ +

Linux

Using SSMTP

How +to install and configure sSMTP:
+
+- 1) Install the ssmtp package.
+If another MTA is already installed, it could be requested to uninstall +it before installing ssmtp
+
+once it's done you could test by typing this command:
+"whereis sendmail"
+
+the answer should be something like that :"/usr/sbin/sendmail"
+
+use this answer in the next command:
+"ls -la /usr/sbin/sendmail"
+
+If everything is OK you should get this answer: "/usr/sbin/sendmail → +ssmtp" showing that Sendmail function is now connected to ssmtp
+
+- 2) Now there are two files to set:
+
+the first file : /etc/ssmtp/ssmtp.conf ( with root rights )
+
+The typical setting should be:
+root=postmaster
+AuthUser=yourlogin to your ISP access
+AuthPass=yourpassword to your ISP access
+mailhub=yourISPserveurname.yourdomain (for example smtp.orange.fr)
+rewriteDomain=yourdomain
+FromLineOverride=YES
+hostname= the full host-name ( normally automatically entered, but if +not you can type the command : "hostname" to get it)
+
+For ISP requiring a TLS connection , it could be necessary to add the +line UseTLS=YES or UseSTARTTLS=YES
+
+the second file : /etc/ssmtp/revaliases (with root rights)
+
+Enter this line.
+root:yourlogin@yourdomain:yourISPserveurname.yourdomainport
+
+the default port was 25 but now many ISP refuse it and use 587. If you +have a mail system, you will find the right value in it.sudo +dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config
+Sendmail/Postfix install for Mac
+- Inside OpenCPN :You must enter the sender address : your entire mail +address, the one you will use to send mails and receive answers
+
+When you click on the "send" button, the mail is directly sent. You can +find the log here : /var/log/mail.log
+

Using +Exim4

+First install Exim4
+$sudo apt-get install exim4
+then configure it (again).
+$sudo dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config
+This is a very simple setup where exim is just used to forward mail to +the ISP:s smtp server. Local system mail is also available.
+
+
+It's +important to use the choice above.
+
+
+I +just use "localhost".
+
+
+We +have no incoming connections.
+
+
+We +are not using this.
+
+
+We +are not using this.
+
+
+This +is important. It must point to your Internet Service Providers +SMTP server.
+
+
+Your +choice!
+
+
+RTFM +and make up your mind. Not a big deal for this simple setup.
+
+
+RTFM.
+
+
+Your +Choice, but no point in splitting this simple setup.
+
+Edit +/etc/exim4/passwd.client so it contains your username and password +to your ISP:s mail server.
+ + + + + + + +

# password file used when the local exim is +authenticating to +a remote
+# host as a client.
+#
+# see exim4_passwd_client(5) for more documentation
+#
+# Example:
+### target.mail.server.example:login:password
+# for OpenCPN you can use *:login:password
+*:fakexyz123:madeupXYZ123

+
+(Re)start +Exim4
+$ /etc/init.d/exim4 {start|stop|restart|reload|status|what|force-stop}
+Start testing
+
+
+ +

Mac +OS X

Using +Sendmail/Postfix

+It is not so easy to install this on a Mac since you will need some +experience with terminal using. The example below uses an googlemail +account and nano as editor:
+
+Step 1
+Type in terminal these 6 lines one after another with return:
+sudo mkdir -p /Library/Server/Mail/Data/spool
+
+sudo gzip +/usr/share/man/man1/{postalias.1,postcat.1,postconf.1,postdrop.1,postf +ix.1,postkick.1,postlock.1,postlog.1,postmap.1,pos +tmulti.1,postqueue.1,postsuper.1,sendmail.1}
+
+sudo gzip +/usr/share/man/man5/{access.5,aliases.5,bounce.5,canonical.5,cidr_tabl +e.5,generic.5,header_checks.5,ldap_table.5,master. +5,mysql_table.5,nisplus_table.5,pcre_table.5,pgsql +_table.5,postconf.5,postfix-wrapper.5,regexp_table.5,relocated.5,tcp_table.5,t +ransport.5,virtual.5}
+
+sudo gzip +/usr/share/man/man8/{anvil.8,bounce.8,cleanup.8,discard.8,error.8,flus +h.8,local.8,master.8,oqmgr.8,pickup.8,pipe.8,proxy +map.8,qmgr.8,qmqpd.8,scache.8,showq.8,smtp.8,smtpd +.8,spawn.8,tlsmgr.8,trivial-rewrite.8,verify.8,virtual.8}
+
+sudo /usr/sbin/postfix set-permissions
+
+sudo chmod 700 /Library/Server/Mail/Data/mta
+
+Step 2
+Type in terminal another command to start the nano editor with this +file:
+sudo nano /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
+
+Type into the nano editor:
+smtp.googlemail.com:587 YourAccountname@googlemail.com:YourPassword
+
+Substitute YourAccountname and YourPassword with your data.
+Save the file in nano with Ctrl-O and exit with Ctrl-X.
+
+Step 3
+Publicate the new file in terminal with this command:
+sudo postmap /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
+
+Step 4
+You have to edit the main config file and add at the end the following +lines with
+this command in Terminal:
+sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf
+
+This to add:
+# Minimum Postfix-specific configurations.
+mydomain_fallback = localhost
+mail_owner = _postfix
+setgid_group = _postdrop
+relayhost=smtp.googlemail.com:587
+
+# Enable SASL authentication in the Postfix SMTP client.
+smtp_sasl_auth_enable=yes
+smtp_sasl_password_maps=hash:/etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
+smtp_sasl_security_options=
+
+# Enable Transport Layer Security (TLS), i.e. SSL.
+smtp_use_tls=yes
+smtp_tls_security_level=encrypt
+tls_random_source=dev:/dev/urandom
+
+Save the file and exit nano as in step 2.
+
+Step 5
+Now you can start postfix in terminal with:
+sudo postfix start
+
+If an error occurs correct main.cf and start again with:
+sudo postfix reload
+
+Step 6
+Now you can test your work in terminal with:
+date | mail -s test YourAccountname@googlemail.com
+
+
+Done.
+Supplemental
+If you want to have started sendmail/postfix each time you start you +start
+your machine you can add these lines to the launch daemon:
+<key>RunAtLoad</key>
+<true/>
+
+Do this with this command in terminal:
+sudo nano /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/org.postfix.master.plist
+
+After that this file should look like this:
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" +"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
+<plist version="1.0">
+<dict>
+<key>Label<</key>
+<string>org.postfix.master</string>
+<key>Program</key>
+<string>/usr/libexec/postfix/master</string>
+<key>ProgramArguments</key>
+<array>
+<string>master</string>
+<string>-e</string>
+<string>60</string>
+</array>
+<key>QueueDirectories</key>
+<array>
+<string>/var/spool/postfix/maildrop</string>
+</array>
+<key>AbandonProcessGroup</key>
+<true/>
+<key>OnDemand/lt;/key>
+<true/>
+<key>RunAtLoad</key>
+<true/>
+</dict>
+</plist>
+
+Instead of googlemail in this example you may use any other mail server.
+
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

Chart +Downloader

+Please go to the Chart Downloader documentation on this page: +

Chart +Download Tab

+
+Click on the link above.
+Please do not put any content on this page. Put it on Toolbar_Plugin +page. +

External +Plugins

+Also refer to
+Install and Enable +Plugins
+General Information about plugins.
+

External +Plugins not included in Standard Installation

Visit the Plugin Download Page +to see ALL plugins that are regarded as stable.

A selection of plugins. OpenCPN has over 30 Plugins.

List +of other useful 3rd Party Plugins Without dedicated +pages.

+Cruising Destinations +Plugins +

Display thousands of great sailing destinations worldwide +right on +your chart.

sQuiddio
+Global user-sourced and user-maintained repository of sailing +destinations (marinas, anchorages, yacht clubs, docks, fuel stations +etc.) available as waypoints in OpenCPN through a plugin.

GoodAnchorage
+GoodAnchorage links it's crowdsourced data via an OpenCPN plugin.
+Mariners can now have all the relevant Good Anchorage information +available, even offline.

+Radar Overlay +Plugins
+Overlay the Radar picture of Garmin or Navico on OpenCPN +

Garmin +Radar
+The GRadar plugin works with modern Garmin (Ethernet capable) radar +scanners only.

Navico Broadband Radar
+The Navico broadband plugin will work with a Simrad, Lowrance or +B&G broadband scanner. All three models -- BR24, 3G and 4G -- +are +supported.

+S63 Vector Charts
+A plugin that makes it possible to display standard commercial charts.
+This plugin has a totally different display format and is integrated in +the main program.
+
+BSB4 Charts
+A plugin which makes it possible to use MAPTEC encrypted BSB4 charts +for which encryption certificates have been purchased and registered on +the computer running OpenCPN.
+
+NV Charts
+The NVC charts are purchased +only from the +German publisher NV Verlag This plugin runs NVC Charts.
+
+ODraw
+Drawing tools, Boundaries, EBL & VRM, link to Watchdog for keep +in +& out alarms.
+
+Watchdog
+Alarms including AIS, links and communicates with ODraw.
+
+Weatherfax
+Read weather fax encoded data as audio or image and Overlay on top of +charts.
+
+Climatology
+Manage and view monthly gridded Climate data.
+
+Weather Routing
+Establish an estimate of optimal weather routing using Grib Plugin and +Climatology.
+For additional information about weather routing see QtVLM page.
+
+Polar
+Read, modify and export Polars
+
+oBabel
+Uses GPSBabel to transfer waypoints and routes to a Garmin chartplotter
+
+Logbook
+Plugin for creating and maintaining many types of logs for your boat.
+
+Find-It
+A stowage Manager
+
+DR Dead Reckoning
+Add DR positions to a GPX file exported from OpenCPN
+
+Route Great Circle
+A short introduction to to the Great circle part of the Route Plugin.
+
+Celestial Navigation
+Plugin to record Sextant Sights and show Circles of Position to obtain +a Fix
+
+SAR
+Creates Search and Rescue patterns with +desired +parameters. See the link please. No dedicated page.
+
+NMEA Converter
+Useful plugin to convert incoming NMEA Sentences
+
+VDR Voyage Data Recorder.
+Plugin to record and play NMEA data files. Allows simulation of AIS.
+
+Calculator
+Plugin to carry out scientific calculations.
+
+Rtlsdr USB
+Use a low-cost USB DVB-T (digital TV) receiver to receive AIS messages +from ships.
+
+oTCurrent
+Display tidal current arrows for times other than the present. + +

Cruising +Destinations

+There +are a number of plugins using +general available information and "crowd sourcing" to present +navigational and other information to Cruisers. Currently there are two +such programs with a plugin interface that works with OpenCPN.

sQuiddio
GoodAnchorage
+

sQuiddio

+Find +thousands of destinations right in your Opencpn chart +

sQuiddio.io +makes its global +user-sourced and user-maintained repository of sailing destinations +(marinas, anchorages, yacht clubs, docks, fuel stations etc.) available +as waypoints in OpenCPN* through a plugin.

The waypoint Properties box shows basic information about the +Destination, such as the Destination's average user rating, address and +phone number (where available) and a link to the Destination's page on +sQuddio.

* OpenCPN version 3.3 or greater required

+ +

By following the link in the waypoint, registered sQuidd.io +users +can post comments about the Destination, as well as rate the +Destination on attributes such as beauty, service and quality of wi-fi +access (where +applicable).

Can't find your favorite anchorage or marina? Report new +destinations not yet available in the database.

Follow +your +cruising friends on your OpenCPN Chart

(version 0.4 or greater)

Share your position, SOG and COG with boats in your sQuiddio follow +list , +and display their current position and heading on your OpenCPN charts

+ +

(version 0.5 or greater)

Plan your cruise ahead by locating AIS ATONs +along your +itinerary, before they come into your AIS range.

Use of the plugin is free of charge. (Free registration +is required +for certain functions).

Installing +the plugin

Look for the sQuidd.io icon in +the Plugins for OpenCPN 3.3 and later section of the plugins download +page.
Select the architecture and platform of your choice, +download and +install the relevant installation package.
After successful installation, the plug in should be +available in +the Plugins tab of your OpenCpn Options dialog box.

Using +the plugin:

In OpenCPN, go to the Options +-> Plugins and enable the +sQuiddio plugin (no settings are required).
To view destinations in +an area: +
- Right-click on the area of the chart for which you want +to +view available Destinations.
- Select Download local sQuiddio destinations from +the contextual menu.
+
To view additional +information about the Destination, and a link +to the sQuiddio Destination page, right click on Destination's +waypoint, +and select Properties.
The +waypoint dialog box includes a link to the Destination page +on +sQuidd.io. If you have an Internet connection, click the link and your +browser should soon display the Destination's page on sQuidd.io.
+
+

You can hide all +Destinations for an area from the +charts by +right-clicking on the chart and selecting Hide local sQuiddio +Destinations from the contextual menu. You can make the +destinations visible again (without downloading them anew) by selecting +the Show sQiddio destinations.

To submit a new +destination, position your cursor on +the new +Destination's exact location in the OpenCPN chart, right-click and +select Report a Destination at this location from the +contextual menu. (Note: you must have a free user account to report new +Destinations.)

About +sQuidd.io

sQuidd.io is a service designed and developed by boaters +for boaters.

We love the sea and believe that the best way to enjoy +and protect +this wonderful gift of Mother Nature is to facilitate the sharing of +information among boaters. This is why most of the content you find on +our site is generated by other users. We encourage you to contribute +your seafaring knowledge to sQuidd.io by creating destinations, rating +your favorite ones and by providing information and feedback. Thanks to +users like you, squidd.io is quickly becoming the most complete, +comprehensive and up-to date source of cruising information in the +world.

GoodAnchorage

+GoodAnchorage (www.GoodAnchorage.com) +crowdsources +anchorage data from all over the globe. The GoodAnchorage plugin makes +this data available to OpenCPN users as Way Points. Once +downloaded, the data is available offline.

+
+
+Documented +anchorages are indicated by the icon

. Every anchorage +that you see on +the screen is also stored locally. If you review anchorage details, +then those are stored as well.
+
+To use this plugin you will need to register on the website (free) and +get a user name and password to be entered in the plugin.
+To register go to: http://www.goodanchorage.com/
+
+To download the GoodAnchorage Plugin go to: +http://opencpn.org/ocpn/downloadplugins
+After successful download, click on the .exe file. The +plugin +will now be available in the Plugins tab of your OpenCpn Options dialog +box.
+
+Operational Description
+1. +Options > Plugins >GoodAnchorage> Enable.
+2. Click on GoodAnchorage icon Toolbar Off

to activate. The icon will turn from +blue to +green.
+3. Double left mouse click in area where you wish to view anchorages. +The icon will become a clock. When the database is loaded the icon will +return to a green anchor, and the anchor icons will appear on the +chart.
+4. Anchorages are stored as waypoints and will appear in the Route and +Mark Manager>waypoints.
+5. Right-click on an anchorage icon and select Waypoint> +Properties +to view the anchorage details.
+
+6. +To turn off Good Anchorages simply left click the Plugin Icon. The +waypoints will disappear from the screen and the waypoint list in the +Route and Marks manager. The anchorages are maintained in +a +separate file and may be restored by activating GoodAnchorage (left +click on the icon) and a double left click to the chart area..
+7. Later while offline, left click the Good Anchorages Icon, it will +turn green,
+8. Then double click in the area where you wish to view +anchorages. The anchorages will reappear.

There +are several methods to add an anchorage.

+The easiest way is to Add +and +Anchorage via Good Anchorage
+
+Another method is to email us all the data from your email address - +and little robots will add the anchorage for you and claim it under +your +username - simply email it to sailmail (at) goodanchorage.com
+
+If there is sufficient interest, it is possible that a future release +will allow anchorages to be added via the plugin.
+
+Additional Information

+Good +Anchorage OpenCPN Plugin | Good Anchorage will provide +additional +plugin information, for registered members of GoodAnchorage. It has +some screenshots, as well as FAQ.
+
+The GoodAnchorage site has lots of additional information as well as +the ability to submit your own anchorages.
+

Radar +Overlay

+Following +the introduction of the +Garmin Radar Overlay Plugin, there are a few more versions brewing for +other makes.
+

+
Garmin Radar +Plugin
+
Navico +Broadband Radar Plugin

+ + +
+

+ + +

Garmin +Radar

+The +GRadar plugin works with modern +Garmin (Ethernet capable) radar scanners only.
+
+The chart plotter is a combination of a Gps and electronic charts. If +Gps works as expected and, a bigger if, the chart is correct, then +everything is fine. Add a radar to the mix, with an independent picture +of targets, including land, buoys and other vessels, and compare the +two. That is what this plugin does. It overlays the radar-picture on +the chart plotter. If both agrees, the navigator can be more confident +that his navigation is correct. On the other hand, if the pictures +disagrees, there is one more thing to sort out.
+
+To use this plugin the user must be familiar with both OpenCPN +and radars. Without a sound knowledge in radar picture +interpretation, the plugin will seem a bit confusing.
+
+
+ +

Hardware

+The Garmin Radar PlugIn for OpenCPN requires a specific hardware +interface in order to allow the OpenCPN application to access the +Ethernet data captured and broadcast by the radar scanner.
+
+There are three interconnect scenarios possible, depending upon whether +the installation includes an existing Garmin chartplotter, and the +operational mode desired.
+Interface Type 0: OpenCPN Slave Mode, using existing Garmin +chartplotter.
+Interface Type 1: OpenCPN Master Mode, using existing Garmin +chartplotter.
+Interface Type 2: OpenCPN Master Mode, no chartplotter.
+Download and read the complete installation instructions: GRadarDoc.pdf
+ +

Installing +the plugin
+

+Follow the instructions on the Install +and Enable page.
+ +

Enable +GRadar plugin

+Once installed enable the plugin in Options->Plugins. The +Preference +button does not work. For GRadar Settings, read on.
+
+ + +

When enabled the GRadar icon appears in the toolbar. The icon +is an +on/off switch and has two states indicting if the the plugin is working +or not:

+
+Off On

As soon as the plugin is enabled there will also be a separate +log +window. This is how it looks when no radar is connected.

+ +

+
+Using GRadar

+Rightclick to get to the GRadar Settings.
+
+
+
+Operational Control
+
+ +

Range +Control

+
+ +

Noise +Control

+
+ +

Dome +Control

+
+More +... +

NMEA +ARPA Radar Targets

+Certain radars transmits targets in NMEA sentences. OpenCPN can display +these targets in a similar fashion as normal AIS targets. Read more: Radar Targets
+Is this a good thing combined with GRadar or does it just clutter the +display......??
+
+
+. + +

Test +Multicast
+

Testing Multicast UDP for Radar with 2 Computers

+Multicast UDP reception is needed to run gradar.
+
+Step by step, simplifying the environment as much as possible ..
+OCPN 3.3.1303 now supports UDP Multicast of NMEA streams, thanks to +Muttnik.
+
+To prove that your hardware is capable of multicast reception, do this: +

Two PCs, networked somehow (verify this please, by ping... +).
Master PC has a GPS, slave is the device we are interested +in.
On master, set up a UDP output connection at address +224.0.0.8 +(this is a well-known, benign and local-only multicast address).
On master, set up a connection to receive your GPS input, +whatever that may be.
On master, open NMEA debug window and verify that you see +BLUE +UDP +output to the specified port. UDP is connection-less, so will transmit +without any receiver.
Leave master running.
On the second PC, which will be the Device Under Test +(DUT), +start +OCPN 3.3.1303 with one UDP receive connection at the address mentioned +above.
Open the NMEA debug window, and look for GREEN UDP accepted +messages.

+If you don't see GREEN, then somehow the DUT cannot receive +multicast....
+If you don't see GREEN, then we need Wireshark on the DUT to see what, +if anything, is coming over the wire.
+
+Windows 7 Details with a Garmin Radar and Gradar Plugin
+
+The "Home" and "Public" network settings and firewall can create a +situation where the Radar is broadcasting on the "Public" network and +Opencpn is on the "Home" network, isolating the Radar UDP Multicast so +that Opencpn will never "see" it. If you want to keep your computers +protected from attacks from the internet, it is best to make +adjustments in the firewall to make an opening for just the Radar. As +Helsmatt +wrote: +

+
SOLUTION: One solution would be to turn off the Firewall +for +Public Networks but this is not a good solution for PCs which will be +used to +connect directly (not using routers with firewalls) to the Internet +using Wifi in +public places like marinas. +The best +solution is to customize the Public Profile on the Windows +Firewall to disregard the network adapter that is being used for the radar +scanner
+
+

+These +documents will assist, some comments follow: + +

+Comments +following the success: + +

Forgot you wanted to connect to +internet via wifi, but now I am +wondering why the Radar is on "Public".... I guess you can't log into +it and direct it to a "Home" setup.... maybe its expecting to see a +server or router with DNS rather than the more informal home network?
Garmin chose a (fixed) +multicast address which is in the "public" +network space. Dunno why. So Win7 sees it as a public exposure.
I wish we could [log on +to the Radar]. That was our first +approach, but even googling the issue, there was no solution to +redirecting [the +radar] to 'home'. Possibly something in the registry, but we don't need +to do it that badly. We eschew messing with the registry. Anyway, we +got it working, drilling some small holes in the firewall for gradar to +peek through...After all, I am a mechanical guy...Every problem +looks like a nail when the only tool you have is a hammer.

+
On both PCs +we only had to plugin an active LA N connection, in +this case, the Garmin radar cable (with associated hardware to control +the scanner as described on OCPN. The PC sees activity and turns on the +ethernet port. Can't do anything unless you have the radar attached and +fired up, otherwise "network cable unplugged". In hindsight it was +simple and fairly automatic once the firewalls were properly modified. +
+

+ +

Navico +Broadband
+

Navico +Broadband Radar
+

+The +Navico broadband plugin will work with a Simrad, Lowrance or +B&G broadband scanner. All three models -- BR24, 3G and 4G -- +are +supported.
+
+The latest version available is 1.1, released on December 26, 2014.
+
+Binary releases are available at: http://opencpn-navico-radar-plugin.github.io/
+Source code available here: +https://github.com/canboat/BR24radar_pi
+ +

Requirements

The plugin requires API 1.10 and OpenCPN 3.3.
+
+The plugin requires OpenGL mode. It does not work without OpenGL, +and never will. This means that a computer with good and fast +OpenGL drivers is recommended.

+Hardware installation

The Navico radars communicate with the chartplotters using UDP +multicast. This means that they do not require any IP address. As long +as there is a wired Ethernet path between the radar and the computer +running OpenCPN it should work fine. A wireless connection is almost +useless for two reasons: most wireless routers do not bridge multicast +traffic, and if they do this is at the 802.11b base transmission rate +of 1 MB/s, resulting in loss of parts of the radar picture, making it +unusable. One way around this would be to only enable faster 802.11 +versions.
+

Software +installations
+

+There are installation packages that can be run using the installation +tool for your platform.
+
+Once you have installed and restarted OpenCPN it should be available in +the "Plugins" list in the configuration dialog.
+
+
+
+Click the enable button, then close the options dialog. Unless you want +to switch to kilometers or want to rotate the radar image there should +be no need to access the preferences.
+
+Once you have enabled the plugin a new button appears on the button +bar, looking like this:
+
+
+
+The light will be red, yellow or green. Red means that the radar is not +transmitting and that this is the desired state. Yellow means that the +button has been pressed to switch the radar on but no data has yet been +received. Green means that data has been received from the radar.
+
+Click on the button to open the radar control dialog and start the +radar.
+
+The radar controls dialog is intended to be a small dialog that can be +kept on-screen at all times. If you have a small screen you can close +the dialog and open it again either by pressing the radar button twice +(switch off, switch on) or by using the context menu (right mouse click +-> Radar control.)
+
+If not all conditions are met to show an overlay it will show the +following:
+
+
+
The +OpenGL mode must be enabled. Go to Options > Display > +Advanced > Graphics to enable this.
+
+As you can see the overlay requires boat position (normally via GPS) +and heading (via a compass). Heading via COG (when moving) is not +recommended. You must set up NMEA connections either via a serial +connection or a TCP or UDP or GPSD server.
+
+The radar will be searched automatically on all ethernet devices in +turn. In the image above you see that the plugin is attempting to find +it on a device with IP address 10.37.129.2. It will keep scanning at a +rate of one per 2 seconds until it finds it. When it does it will +update the control to show the radar IP address.
+
+Once the conditions are met and the radar is transmitting the radar +control dialog allows you to change the settings of the radar (as shown +on Windows XP):
+
+
+
+You +can access settings that should be needed less often by clicking +Advanced (as shown on OS X with a BR24 or 3G):
+
+
+ +

Controlling +the radar picture

+Whereas an AIS requires little help, a radar may need some tweaking to +get the best picture. Not only that, the radar plugin can also be +fine tuned for specific circumstances. +

Range. Starts off as "Auto", which means that it shrinks +and +grows +with chart scale. You can go from 50m to 48km or 1/20 NM to 36 NM with +a 4G radar and one step less with a BR24 or 3G.
Gain. How much the return is amplified. Auto works quite +well.
Sea. Change this in a rough sea if the Auto setting shows +too +much noise.
Rain. Change this in order to "see through" rain or to have +dense +rain show up.
Advanced. See the next list.
Guard zones. See the next chapter.

Advanced +controls

Transparency. +Use this to change how much of the underlying chart +is visible through the radar image on overlay. It is not possible to +change the 'z order' of the image with vector charts, so AIS images are +always on top, then the radar, followed by the chart.
Interference rejection. Increase this if you see spurious +hard +'spokes' of radar data in the direction of another ship that has a +radar that 'jams' the picture. Keep low or off otherwise.
Target boost. Increase to have small returns show up more +prominently.
Noise rejection (4G only). Controls the amount of noise +filtering +applied by the radar. Target sensitivity is increased at longer ranges +when this control is set to Low or High, but does cause some loss of +target discrimination. To get maximum range performance from 4G, set +Noise rejection to High. You may need to lower noise rejection in areas +of high interference.
Target separation (4G only). Advanced technology in the +radar +enhances the definition of returns, especially at mid range. Suggested +value: high.
Scan speed (4G only). Increases the speed at which the +radar +turns +to 36 rpm. If Noise rejection is set to Low or High, for ranges 1nm or +higher, speed is limited to 24 rpm.
Downsample. Generating the radar image may cause a lot of +CPU if +you have a weak OpenGL graphics card as every rotation contains 2048 +lines of radar data. By downsampling (ignoring a part of the data) +fewer blobs are created, but the image becomes blockier. Suggested +values are 1 to 4. 5 to 8 are there for tests.
Scan age. If you have very weak hardware you may need to +keep +radar data onscreen for longer than the normal period. Increase beyond +the +default value of 4 if you have missing data and don't mind seeing older +returns.

Guard +zones
+

+You can enable two guard zones. Enter values in the Guard Zone dialog +to configure the distance and angle from the bow that you want scanned +for 'bogeys'. Once an echo is detected the alarm will sound every ten +seconds until you press the Confirm button. Once you do the +alarm will be silent until the guard zone is empty and a new echo +arrives in the guard zone. As of 1.1 you can set up which alarm sound +you want to use in the preferences dialog (Options > Plugin +> +BR24radar > Preferences).
+
+ +

Debugging
+

Navico +Broadband Radar Debugging
+
+What to do if it does not work

Of course you updated to the newest version first?
+Recent versions show this message dialog if not all conditions to show +a radar image are met:

No +boat position
+

+Check your GPS interface and/or NMEA inputs.
+ +

No +heading
+

+No compass data found. Check the NMEA inputs for HDT, HDM or HDG +sentences. HDT is preferred. If none are available COG is used if the +boat is traveling, but this is very bad for the overlay. Get a compass!
+ +

No +radar present
+

+Is the system connected to the radar, either directly or via switch? +Does the IP address of the network device show up in the "ZeroConf" +line?
+
+If the radar does not transmit radar data but it is detected then the +"Radar present" line will get a checkmark and the text will change to +"Radar IP <ip-addr>". Check that this is the correct IP +address.
+
+If the radar transmits data the dialog will change to the controls +dialog, but the log file will still show the information such as IP +address.
+ +

Everything +looks OK +but still no picture
+

+If you get the normal radar control dialog and the little 'light' in +the radar button shows green, but you still do not get a picture, you +can +use the radar emulator.
+
+The emulator was created for debugging during development, but it can +be used to check that your OpenGL driver is compatible and whether your +system performs well enough. It uses (almost) the same code path as the +normal UDP reception of radar data, but 'invents' an artificial radar +image in 'standalone' mode.
+
+In the preferences dialog (Options > Plugins > BR24Radar +> +Preferences) choose Display Option for Radar display +as Emulator and close the preferences and options dialogs. +You should now see a +picture like this, even if you have fulfilled none of the overlay +requirements:
+
+ + +

It +still doesn't show a picture
+

+Rats. Use the following to increase the amount of logging to the +opencpn.log file: +

Click on the question mark in the button bar and note where +the +ini file (and log file) are kept.
Stop OpenCPN.
Edit the ini file and change the VerboseLog in the +[Plugins/BR24radar] section to a number higher than 0. Values from 1 to +4 are different. At level 4 your file will grow very quickly!
Start OpenCPN.

Check for the following if your emulator picture stays blank +(at +VerboseLog=2 or higher):

18:58:35 CET: BR24radar_pi: 1415818715610 drawn 128 skipped 0 
spokes with 14496 blobs maxAge=1487

That line consists of a timestamp (milliseconds since epoch), +the +number of drawn lines (should be 128-2048 depending on Downsample +setting), skipped (should be zero), number of "blobs" drawn and the +maximum age of any radar data in milliseconds. If "drawn" is higher +than zero, there is hardly anything that can be 'wrong' in the plugin +source code.
+
+
+
+

+ +

BSB4 +Charts

+Provides +support of BSB Version 4 +Raster charts, a format used by many hydrographic authorities +throughout the world. BSB4 +charts are raster +charts, manufactured according to a standard +developed by MAPTEC. The BSB4 plug-in enables OpenCPN to open and read +the encrypted charts correctly provided that the charts have been +purchased, registered and the plugin is installed properly. +Supported charts must have been installed with appropriate encryption +certificates in place. This +plug-in only +works with Windows.
+
+There are several sources of +charts: +

Charts published by +the company MAPTEC,
Charts published by +the +Canadian Hydrographics +Service (CHS)
Legacy charts +produced by the Australian +Hydrographic Service.

+
+The chart installation procedure +is +independent of OpenCPN. At the time this plugin was first published the +creator of the plugin posted on www.cruisersforum as +follows: +

This plugin +supports Windows only.
The BSB4 +charts will be available only on the computer where they were +successfully +first installed and registered by the original end user.
The plug-in makes no attempt to understand or "crack" the +encryption algorithms. The DLL interface is treated as an opaque portal +to read the decrypted files. The plug-in acts as a "wrapper" to make +the charts visible.
The BSB4 PlugIn +won't be distributed as +open source. It +will be a +binary-only DLL, looking just like all other Plugins at run-time.
Please take +careful notes of the 2nd point above. +If a user somehow "acquires" a copy of an encrypted BSB4 chart folio, +it won't be usable with this plugin.

+In summary, the plug-in will only work for registered charts on +the computer where they were first installed and registered. The +plug-in is NOT a means to obtain free charts.
+
+The downloaded file is an +installer which +will place a DLL in the "plugins" folder of the OpenCPN installation. +The +installer will attempt to place it in the correct location but if your +directory structure is "non-standard" the plug-in may not end up in the +correct location. On a standard installation the plug-in folder will be +C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN\plugins\ If you have a non-standard +installation then it will be up to you to ensure that the BSB4 plug-in +(bsb4_pi.dll) appears in the correct folder - just copy it into the +right location if it doesn't get there by itself.
+
+Once the plug-in DLL is in the +correct +plug-ins folder it will appear in the options/plugins menu when you +start OpenCPN. You will need to navigate to Options (the wrench menu +item), select the plug-ins tab, find the BSB4 plug-in and click +"enable" in order to use the plug-in.
+
+
+
+
+
+With the plug-in successfully installed in the OpenCPN plug-ins +directory and enabled there is one further step necessary to view your +encrypted charts.
+
+
+
+From +the Options menu, select the Charts tab. Then add the appropriate +directory(ies) where your encryption certificates are located, followed +by the directory(ies) where the encrypted charts are located. The +screenshot above is from a successful installation. Your directory +structure will no doubt be completely different but the same principles +apply. In the example above, the non-encrypted charts are located on +Dropbox. Then there are two separate encryption directories followed by +the directory which contains the encrypted charts.
+
+To +recap the process, the following are the steps necessary to install +and use the BSB4 plug-in: +

Purchase and install encrypted BSB4 charts on the same +computer +that will run OpenCPN with the BSB4 plug-in
Download and run the BSB4 plug-in installer
Ensure that the plug-in DLL has in fact been created in the +appropriate plug-in folder. If not, copy the DLL to the required +location.
Start the OpenCPN software and enable the BSB4 plug-in
Add the appropriate encryption and chart directories to the +OpenCPN chart locater.

+
+Typically if you follow all the steps the charts will immediately be +visible at this point. On occasion however they will not immediately +appear and you may need to exit the OpenCPN software, closing it +completely and then reopening it. At that point the encrypted charts +should be visible.. +

S63 +Vector Charts

+
+ + +

Chart showing Part of Jamaica, from +the IHO S63 +test suit.

+
+This Plugin supports use of S63 encrypted Charts and dramatically +expands OpenCPN's range of charts available.
+These +charts are quite reasonably priced. S-63 is the encrypted +distribution format for S-57 vector charts. Today, hydrographical +offices all over the world are producing their official vector charts +in the S-57 format. Distribution is done under the S-63 standard.
+
+To use the encrypted charts, you must get a license for your particular +machine (called Permit), make sure to visit http://o-charts.org/ +for more +information and to get the permits.
+
+S63 is an encrypted version of S57 vector charts, and is the standard +format for almost all, officially published, vector charts in today’s +world. As a matter of fact, only NOAA and the East Asia Hydrographic +Commission (EAHC), publishes free unencrypted S57 charts nowadays.
+
+These, S57 and S63 charts, are the current state of the art charts. The +quality of the charts are the best vector charts available. They are +always kept up to date. No other vector chart are in the same league.
+There are, however also some drawbacks. Many popular cruising areas are +very poorly covered as the focus is on the needs for commercial +shipping. One example is he Bahamas area. Another problem is the +relatively high price.
+
+OpenCPN handles these commercial, non free, charts through an open +source plugin, that in the background connects to a "black box" helper +application. An external entity, o-charts.org, +handles the encrypted and commercial aspects of the S-63 plug-ins for +OpenCPN.
+ +

Get +Started

Download +the plugin for your operating system from http://o-charts.org/downloads.html. +On the same page download your fingerprint executable, that will be +needed later. Also download and read the informative Documentation.
Install the plugin the way you normally install programs on +your +operating system.
Go to Options->Charts-Plugins. Find the S63 plugin +and click +"Enable" and then "Apply" or "OK". The "Preferences" button is grayed +out, as there are nothing to set.
Check that your Options->Charts has a new "S 63 +Charts" tab, +as in the pictures below.
Now go to the O-charts shop to get your "User Permit" and +"Install Permit". Use these to buy your chart selection.
Detailed instructions are available on o-charts.org

Loading +the Charts
+

The +Keys/Permits tab.

+ + +

Certificate +Name This should already be present +after a successful plugin installation.
If it's missing press the "Import Certificate..." button +and +import the file IHO.PUB. To find the location of this, file press the +button in the toolbar. +Find the " Config file location" at the bottom +of the "About" tab. Go to the same directory as the config file, and +then s63->s63_certificates directory, where you will find +IHO.PUB.
UserPermit

+ + +

Enter +your new Userpermit from O-charts and test it. The permit +above is from IHO's test suit and is not valid in real life.
New InstallPermit

+ + +

Enter +your new Installpermit from O-charts and test it.
OpenCPN is now setup for S63 charts. Buy your charts or use +the +test set. See instructions below.
Download and uncompress your files.
Install Cell Permits by using the button "Import Cell +Permits..." +to find the file PERMIT.TXT.
Import the downloaded charts by pressing "Import +Charts/Updates.." and find the folder "ENC_ROOT"

+
+
+ +

This +dialog will pop up. I you answer "No", the SENC creation +will happen when you first try to use the chart.

+
+
+ +

Testing

+Download test charts
+You may exercise the S64 Test set using the following special permits:
+User Permit: 66B5CBFDF7E4139D5B6086C23130
+Install Permit: 38F99B50
+
+Perhaps the best to start with is:
+IHO S-64 [S-63 TDS v1.2]/8 Data Exchange Media/Test 8b/PERMIT.TXT.
+
+

NV +Charts

On your PC, the download and +installation plugin can be made before or after the installation of +the charts.

Get +charts from NV-Verlag:
+

+The NVC charts are purchased +only from the +German publisher NV Verlag. +

On this website: NV_Verlag +
- This website is +multilingual. +See, top right on the homepage of +the site, the icons to change the language.
+

+
+
The charts in this editor ribs cover the +following:
+ +
+

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

For +Europe area :	Other +areas:
the +North Sea,	Caraïbe
the +Baltic Sea	East +USA cost
the +English Channel,	+
Attantique +the coast	+
Balearic Islands	+

Editor's note: +
- In case of +malfunction, +particularly on +Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, do not hesitate to contact NV-Verlag, using +their website contact form. +Experience shows that this chart editor is responsive and helps resolve +many problems.
+

The installation +procedure of the +charts is independent of OpenCPN
It is possible to +install the charts on +two different computers,
Free software charts +display comes with +charts. But it is +"light" a product.

Nautical charts are +automatically +installed in a specific folder proposed by the installer. +
- But it is +possible to choose the +installation folder of charts as you wish.
- Other data, +OpenCPN does not +support, will install automatically in a prescribed folder.
+

You can buy a +"dongle" on which a +facility is possible. +
- In this case, by +moving the dongle, +it is possible to use the charts on other computers.
+

Installation +charts procedure:

For installation you +must: +
- or a CD-ROM, +provided by the +publisher, which contains: +
  - the +installation software
  - charts.
  +
- or having +proceeded to download: +
  - the +installation software,
  - charts.
  +
+
If you have a +dongle, install the +dongle into a USB port on your PC
Note +Well: +
- This dongle does +not appear in the +list of equipment on the PC when using the Windows Explorer.
- Since the dongle +can be used on +another PC, the location of the charts in your PC is not listed on the +dongle. +Therefore, the name of the +folder where the charts are placed does not matter.
- The charts will +not be installed on +the dongle.
- One of the two +work permits +nautical charts will be listed on the dongle.
+
If you do not have a +dongle, one of two +installation permissions will be written on your PC.
In any case, it is +best to have a good +internet connection to complete the installation.
In the absence of +internet access, +there is a special procedure for installing.

Run the installation software,
Follow the +instructions that appear on +the screen knowing that sometimes to be patient.

Download +and install the plugin:
+

+The latest version is available +here: +

http://opencpn.org/ocpn/downloadplugins

Save the file to +your PC.

+ + + +
+ + + + +
+ + +

This plug-in only works with windows +
- XP SP3/Vista/7/8.1/10
+
After downloading +the file, depending +on the settings selected on your PC, click or double click it.
For installation +steps. Allow the +installation to do.

+
+
+
+
+
+The installation will be done +automatically +in the "plugins" folder of the installation OpenCPN. +

Nota +Bene : +
- Once the +installation done, the +executable file which was used to carry, can be deleted from the PC.
+

Activation / De-activation of the plugin:

After +installing OpenCPN the icon +bar at the top of the screen, has no additional icon.
No +visual information makes +it impossible to know whether the plug-in "NVC-Chart" is on.

+ + +
+ + +

+Activation :
+ + +

Commissioning +Tool "NVC-Chart": +
+
Go to the "Toolbox", +"Plugins" tab,
+
Click the "NVC-Chart" icon,
+
Click the "Activate" button,
+
Confirm with "Ok" or "Apply".
+ + +
+ +
+

+Deactivate :
+
+Go to the "Toolbox", +"PluginsIns" tab, +

Click +the "NVC-Chart" icon,
Click +the "De-activate" button,
Confirm +with "Ok" or "Apply".

Manual

Cases where the charts were installed +directly on the computer with the access code. +
- OpenCPN +automatically recognizes +their presence
- The operating +procedure is the same +as with other charts. +Just declare +the directory charts in the "Maps" tab of the "Toolbox"
+
Cases where the +charts were installed +on the computer and where the access code is on a dongle. +
- You must insert +the dongle into a +USB port on the computer before launching OpenCPN.
- After that, the +operating procedure +is similar to that of other charts. +Just declare the directory charts in the "Charts" tab of the "Options".
- Each access to +the charts, the +dongle is red illuminated during the update of the database. + (see pictures below)
+

+
If you use a dongle and if the dongle +is removed, access to nautical charts is stopped. +
+
+
+
It is useless to put the dongle +to try to regain access to nautical charts.
+
We must restart the access +procedure: +
+
closing OpenCPN,
+
by returning the dongle,
+
OpenCPN restarting again.
+ + +
+ +
+ + +
+ +
+ + +
+ +
+

Retrieve Charts Previously Purchased.

To retrieve the charts I +purchased earlier +NVcharts and directed me to this website: NV-Chart Download
+
+Then you can find the charts you purchased and you want to download by +year of release.
+I found the Windward Islands kit but couldn't find the Leeward Islands +kit.
+
+Enter the charts you need to download and click on the download button. +The charts will be downloaded as an exe file. Run the exe file and +enter your serial numbers, name and email and then it will install the +charts. They recommend saving them in C:Chartkit/BSB. That's where I +installed and then pointed Opencpn to that subdirectory and everything +works well.
+

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+. +

ODraw
+

Summary
+

+The Ocpn_Draw Plugin (OD) is designed to allow users to place +objects/items on the OpenCPN interface and have these georeferenced. +This allows the objects/items to move with the chart and have a +defined Latitude and Longitude. There are two basic types of +object/item that can be used: +

Points
Paths

+Points are very similar to Waypoints and mark locations on the chart. +Paths joint two or more points together and draw a line between them. +Currently these Points exist: +

Boundary Point
Text Point
Electronic Brearing Line (EBL) Point
Dead Reckoning (DR) Point

+These Points are used to construct special types of Paths: +

Boundary
Electronic Bearing Line (EBL)
Dead Reckoning (DR)

+The example screen shot below shows an example of each type of Point +and Path.
+
+
+ +

WatchDog +Alarms

+Ocpn_Draw_pi (OD) is intended to be a Graphics companion with +Watchdog_pi (WD) Alarms.
+OD is used as a graphics tool to create Boundary Graphics and Boundary +Point Graphics.
+WD will then create "Boundary Alarms" using the Boundary Graphics +created by OD.
+The alarms that WD can create are (GPS proximity, GPS course & +time, Anchor, AIS) depending on the alarm type WD may require a +particular +Boundary GUID or the alarm may apply to all boundaries that are +displayed.
+The WD alarm types are separate and distinct from the OD graphics types +(inclusive, exclusive, neither).
+WD is "blind" to the OD graphics types, however we recommend that users +create OD graphics types that correspond to the type of WD alarm being +created, just for graphic clarity and understanding.
+ +

Installation

+This plugin requires the most current version of Opencpn 4.1.xxx
+Download the plugiin from the Plugin Downloads section of opencpn.org +

Settings
+

+
+Settings +> Plugin > Ocpn_Draw > Preferences
+Under Preferences the Tabs are General, Boundary, Boundary Point, Text +Point, Path, EBL, DR, DR Point and About where various settings are +selected. Generally the defaults should give a reasonable starting +point. However, all the defaults that are used can be changed from here.
+ +

General

+
+ +

Confirm Delete

+This setting determines whether a dialog box will be shown asking for +conformation about deleting any objects. With it checked you will be +asked to confirm all deletes, with it unchecked you will be able to +delete any object without being asked for confirmation.
+If you do delete an object by mistake and you have 'Nav Object Backups' +set to more than 0, you will be able to use one of these backups to +restore your objects. + +

Show Magnetic Bearings

+If this is checked and there is a magnetic variation available then +this will be applied to all angles that are used within the plugin. If +it is checked and there is no magnetic variation available it will +assume a +'0' variation. + +

Nav Object Backups

+This setting determines how many backups to keep of the navigation +objects file. The location of the files can be found in the opencpn.log +file. Each time OpenCPN stops a new copy of the navigation obj file +will be created. The latest file is called 'ODnavobj.xml'. + +

Edge Panning Sensitivity

+This is the percentage of the screen size distance from the edge that +will cause the screen to pan when using the drawing tools. The bigger +this number the further from the edge of the screen your pointer will +be when the screen starts panning. + +

Initial Edge Panning +Sensitivity

+This is the same as above, but is used after a drawing tool is picked +but before the first object is created. This is supplied so that the +screen does not start panning if you move your pointer off of the toll +bar near the edge of the screen. + +

Display Toolbar

+The plugin allows you to use two graphical methods of selecting the +tool you wish to draw with: +

The main Toolbar and the right mouse click
The Draw Toolbar

+This setting determines if the tool bar is display and has three +settings +

Never - the toolbar is not displayed
Whilst Drawing - the toolbar is displayed whilst a drawing +tool +is active
Always - the toolbar will display all the time +irrespective of +whether you are using the plugin.

Boundary

+
+ +

Active Line Color

+This is the color of an active Boundary Line
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. + +

Active Fill Color

+This is the default color to use for any active Boundary fill hash. +When selected a standard, platform Dependant, color picker will be +presented. This will allow the color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) +color that is supported by the platform. + +

Inactive Line Color

+This is the color of an inactive Boundary Line.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. + +

Inactive Fill Color

+This is the default color to use for any inactive Boundary fill hash. +When selected a standard, platform dependent, color picker will be +presented. This will allow the color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) +color that is supported by the platform. + +

Line Width

+This is the width of the Boundary Line in pixels. It can be a value +between 1 and 10 pixels. + +

Line Style

+This defines how the Boundary Line is drawn. It can be one of the +following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

+Some of these may not display well on your screen depending on the +resolution you are using. It is known that when using high resolution +screens, i.e. 3800x1900 the difference between the line types may be +difficult to see. + +

Fill Density

+This allows the setting of how transparent the fill hash is. A value of +0 means that it is fully transparent and a value of 255 is that it is +fully opaque. The term density is used as it seemed clearer, i.e. low +density - you can see through it, high density - you cannot see through +it. + +

Boundary Inclusion Size

+This defines, in pixels, how wide the hash is around the outside +Boundary Line when the Boundary is of type 'Inclusion'. + +

Boundary Type

+This radio button selection sets the default type for all Boundary. +Points. +

Exclusion - fill the inside of the Boundary with a hash.
Inclusion - surround the Boundary with a nominated size hash
Neither - just draw the Boundary Line with no hash

Boundary +Point

+
+ +

Arrival Radius

+This is not really relevant to a Boundary Point at the moment, but may +become useful if other items/capabilities are added + +

Show Name

+This is the default setting for showing the Boundary Point name. +Currently Boundary Points are created with the name empty/blank so +nothing displays. + +

Icon

+This is the default icon to use for all Boundary Points. There is a set +of OpenCPN icons that can be used as well as user defined icons. The +method of adding user defined icons is documented in the main OpenCPN +manual + +

Show Range Rings

+Boundary Points can have range rings associated with them. To show the +rings by default this setting needs to be checked. + +

Boundary Point Type

+This radio button selection sets the default type for all Boundary +Points. +

Exclusion - fill the inside range rings with a hash.
Inclusion - surround the largest range ring with a +nominated size +hash
Neither - just draw the range rings but there is no hash

Fill Density

Boundary Point Inclusion +Size

+This defines, in pixels, how wide the hash is around the outside +Boundary Point Range Ring when the Boundary Point is of type +'Inclusion'. + +

Number of Range Rings

+This defines the number of range rings to show if they are selected to +be shown. If Zero is selected, then there will be no range ring shown. + +

Distance Between Range +Rings

+This is the gap between successive range rings. The measurement this is +using is defined in the Distance Unit' setting + +

Distance Unit

+The unit of measurement to use for the range rings gap. It can be: +

Nautical Miles
Kilometers

Range Ring Colors

+This is the default color to use for any Boundary Point Range Ring. +When selected a standard, platform dependent, color picker will be +presented. This will allow the color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) +color that is supported by the platform. + +

Range Ring Line Width

+This is the width of the range rings when drawn in pixels. It can be a +value between 1 and 10 pixels. + +

Range Ring Line Style

+This defines how the Range Rings are drawn. It can be one of the +following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

Text +Point

Text Point Icon

+This is the default icon to use for all Text Points. There is a set of +OpenCPN icons that can be used as well as user defined icons. The +method of adding user defined icons is documented in the main OpenCPN +manual. + +

Text Position

+This selects where the text is positioned relative to the location of +the Text Point. If you show an Icon it will be easer to see and +interact with the text on the screen. If you do not use an Icon it may +be easier to use the Path Manager to get to the Text Point.
+There are 7 different locations: +

Top
Top Center
Bottom
Bottom Center
Center
Right
Left

Text Color

+This is the color that the default Display Text will have. Selection +is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the color to +be +any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the platform. + +

Background Color

+When a Text Point displays text it will have a colored background to +help it stand out from the underlying chart. This is the default color +of the background box. This will allow the color to be any RGB (Red, +Green, Blue) color that is supported by the platform. + +

Background Density

+This allows the setting of how transparent the background color. A +value of 0 means that it is fully transparent and a value of 255 is +that it is fully opaque. The term density is used as it seemed clearer, +i.e. low density - you can see through it, high density - you cannot +see +through it.
+The default density is 100. + +

Text Font

+This is the default font to be used for the 'Display Text'. The 'Fonts' +button will allow picking of any font that is installed on the system. +You can pick the Family, Style and Size of the font. This is presented +by a platform specific font picker.
+The current font that will be used is shown by the work 'Example' which +will be drawn using the font selected. + +

Show Display Text

+This is the default for when the Display Text of a Text Point is shown. +

Always - Display text is always shown
On Rollover Only - The text will be displayed when the +mouse +pointer rolls over the Text Point. This is to try and help declutter +the screen if there are many objects being concurrently displayed.
Never - The display text is not displayed

Path

+
+ +

Active Line Color

+This is the color of an active generic Path if there is no specific +type. Currently this is not used as there are no unspecified Path types +in use.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. +

Inactive Line Color

+This is the color of an inactive generic Path if there is no specific +type. Currently this is not used as there are no unspecified Path types +in use.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. +

Line Width

+This is the width of the Path Line in pixels. It can be a value between +1 and 10 pixels. +

Line Style

+This defines how the Path Line is drawn. It can be one of the +following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

Electronic Bearing Line +(EBL)

+
+ +

Start Point Icon

+This is the default icon to use for the start point of an EBL. There is +a set of OpenCPN icons that can be used as well as user defined icons. +The method of adding user defined icons is documented in the main +OpenCPN manual. +

End Point Icon

+This is the default icon to use for the end point of an EBL. There is a +set of OpenCPN icons that can be used as well as user defined icons. +The method of adding user defined icons is documented in the main +OpenCPN +manual. +

Active EBL Line Color

+This is the color of an active EBL.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. +

Inactive EBL Line Color

+This is the color of an inactive EBL.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. +

Line Width

+This is the width of the EBL in pixels. It can be a value between 1 and +10 pixels. +

Line Style

+This defines how the EBL is drawn. It can be one of the following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

EBL Fixed End Position

+This the default for all EBL's. This fixes the End Point of an EBL such +that when the boat moves the end point does not. If this is left +uncheck the end point of the EBL will move with the boat so the EBL +always has +the same length and bearing. +

Show EBL Direction Arrow

+This is the default for all EBL's. If checked a direction arrow will be +displayed on the EBL at or near the end point. This helps show the +direction of the EBL. +

EBL Persistence

+The EBL's that are created can be: +

Persistent - will persist over a restart of OpenCPN
Persistent over Crash - will not be persistent over a +normal +restart of OpenCPN, but will be persistent over a crash of OpenCPN
Never - the EBL will only be temporary and will not be +displayed +again when OpenCPN is restarted.

Show VRM

+This draws a Variable Range Marker (Ring) centered on the start point +and sized to go through the end point.
+

Dead +Reckoning (DR)

+
+ +

DR Point Icon

+This is the default icon to use for the all points of a Dead Reckoning +line. There is a set of OpenCPN icons that can be used as well as user +defined icons. The method of adding user defined icons is documented in +the main OpenCPN manual. +

Active DR Line Color

+This is the color of an active DR Line
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. +

Inactive DR Line Color

+This is the color of an inactive DR Line.
+Selection is by a platform specific color picker. This will allow the +color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color that is supported by the +platform. + +

Line Width

+This is the width of the DR line in pixels. It can be a value between 1 +and 10 pixels. +

Line Style

+This defines how the DR line is drawn. It can be one of the following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

Speed over Ground

+This is the default speed over the ground to use when calculating the +DR line. +

Course over Ground

+This is the default course over ground to use. The type, True or +Magnetic, is determined by the setting in the General tab. +

DR Path Length

+This is the default length of the DR line. +

DR Point Interval

+This is the default interval to place points along the DR path. +

Length Type

+This is the default length type to be used, either Time or Distance. +

Interval Type

+This is the default interval between placing points, either Time or +Distance. +

Distance Units

+This is the default distance units to use, either Kilometers or +Nautical Miles +

Time Units

+This is the default time units to use, one of Minutes, Hours or Days +

DR Persistence

+The DR lines that are created can be: +

Persistent - will persist over a restart of OpenCPN
Persistent over Crash - will not be persistent over a +normal +restart of OpenCPN, but will be persistent over a crash of OpenCPN
Never - the DR line will only be temporary and will not be +displayed again when OpenCPN is restarted.

Dead Reckoning Point (DR Point)
+

Show Range Rings

+Boundary Points can have range rings associated with them. To show the +rings by default this setting needs to be checked. +

Number of Range Rings

+This defines the number of range rings to show if they are selected to +be shown. If Zero is selected, then there will be no range ring shown. +

Distance Between Range +Rings

+This is the gap between successive range rings. The measurement this is +using is defined in the Distance Unit' setting +

Distance Unit

+The unit of measurement to use for the range rings gap. It can be: +

Nautical Miles
Kilometers

Range Ring Colors

+This is the default color to use for any DR Point Range Ring. When +selected a standard, platform dependent, color picker will be +presented. This will allow the color to be any RGB (Red, Green, Blue) +color that is supported by the platform. +

Range Ring Line Width

+This is the width of the range rings when drawn in pixels. It can be a +value between 1 and 10 pixels. +

Range Ring Line Style

+This defines how the Range Rings are drawn. It can be one of the +following: +

Solid
Dot
Long Dash
Short Dash
Dot Dash

Some of these may not display well on your screen depending on +the +resolution you are using. It is known that when using high resolution +screens, i.e. 3800x1900 the difference between the line types may be +difficult to see.

About

+
+This page provides useful information in the event you have problems +with the Plug In. Please provide the version number and the patch +number with any reported incident. You should also provide the version +number +of OpenCPN as this will help identify where the issue may be.
+ + +

Draw +Create (right icon)

+The plugin has an interesting interface with two icons as shown above +for Draw Manager and Draw Create.
+The right icon Draw Create is dynamic and +will show a different icon dependent on which drawing object type has +been selected. Click on the right icon and a floating Draw +Toolbar appears containing Draw Tools, +with the last one used selected as default (appears depressed). Select +the Drawing Tool needed.
+
+
+The +above Draw Tools are for Boundary, +then Boundary Points, Text points, EBL +and DR in that order.
+The Drawing Objects that are available are as follows: +

Boundary
Boundary points
Text points
Electronic Bearing Lines (EBL) & Variable Range +Marker (VRM)
Dead Reckoning

+Try drawing several of each type to learn how they work and what they +create.
+
+You can select the next tool in sequence by right clicking the mouse +prior to starting to draw. Once a left mouse click has been done the +right click will terminate the 'create' drawing. You can also stop the +'create' mode by hitting 'Esc', left mouse clicking the selected tool +in the main toolbar or by left mouse clicking on the close icon in the +'Draw Toolbar'. It sounds complicated, but you will find one of the +methods should meet your normal usage requirements.
+
+Each +tool has a cursor icon: +

Boundary: Pencil
Boundary Point: Red Cross
Text Point: 'I' icon
EBL: Red Cross and a line joining the cursor to the boat
DR: Red Cross

+The DR tool does not draw based on the current cursor position, it +brings up a dialog box that allows you to enter the DR information.
+

+When you left mouse click 'OK' the DR line will be drawn based on the +information you have entered. The information that is first displayed is +the default information entered into the properties panel or the +current information available to OpenCPN, i.e. SOG and COG.
+
+ + +

Draw +Manager (left icon)

+The left Icon is for the Draw Manager which +gives the user control over each of the Drawing objects that +have been created from the Draw Toolbar. From the Drawing +Manager menu Path & Point Manager +Tabs for Paths, Ocpn Points, Layers become available, and +selected Drawing Objects can be Shown, Hidden, Deactivated, +Centered, Deleted, Exported, Delete All, and Export All. Additionally +a drawing object's Properties can be +accessed and changed.
+

+First select one or more Drawing Objects +under a given Tab. Then select the desired Action +on the right.
+For example: Select all Drawing Objects +under Paths Tab, then select Delete. +This will remove all of the Drawing Objects +under Path Tab. Of course the quick +alternative is to select Delete All.
+Properties, Deactivate and Center View are +greyed out when more than one object is selected.
+
+Drawing Manager > Layers
+Drawing Objects imported into Layers are static and non editable. Use +Layers in the same way as the Route and +Waypoint manager +does, i.e. Temporary Layers. It will bring in +boundaries and points and show or hide them as required. You can load +more than one layer file into the same layer, just select more than one +file in the file manager popup and they will load into the same layer. +To use Layers and move Drawing Objects into a temporary user created +Layer, select them, Export Selected and then from the Layer Tab Import.
+
+Edit +Mode for Draw Objects
+First, to get out of the creative draw mode, click on the Draw Button +and hit escape.
+Then in the drawing hover over the object you wish to modify until a +square yellow descriptor appears, then right click. The popup menu's +first line will identify the type of drawing object you have selected. +Then there will be a action pick list, dependent on the object, such as +Properties, Move.., Insert.. Deactivate.. Delete. Some drawing objects +are made of several parts, (Boundary, Boundary Points, EBL & +VRM) +so it makes a difference where you hover and the condition of the +object.
+1. To select a Boundary, hover over the edges. To select a boundary +point hover over it.
+2. To select an EBL hover over the ends or the shaft, depending on +whether the EBL is centered on a boat or lat/long the right click +actions will be different. The popup menu list selections should be +self explanatory.
+When you have right clicked and selected an action, for example to move +a boundary, text point or boundary point, the point will be +highlighted +with a yellow dot. Complete the move by dragging and releasing.
+For editing any characteristics such as color, line thickness, font, +etc, use 'Properties', but if you just want to move a point select +'Move'. To move a point you will need to right click and select move.
+Having selected move you will then need to put the cursor over the +selected object, push and hold the left mouse button and drag the +object to where you want it. When you let go of the left mouse button +the +cursor (what ever it was showing before) should revert to the standard +pointer and the 'move' process is terminated. If you want to move the +object again, you will have to right click again to get the popup and +repeat the process.
+
+Edit +Mode for Draw Object Properties
+There are multiple ways to access an object's Properties. +

In Path & Point Manager double +click on a Drawing Object, Properties will +appear.
In the Drawing hover over the Drawing Object, right click +and +pick Properties.
In the Drawing hover over the Drawing Object, double left +click, Properties will appear.

+It is also possible to drill down into an object if it is multi-part, +i.e. get a Boundary properties dialog displayed then right click or +double click any line showing a Boundary point and the properties for +that point will be displayed.
+
+ +

Available +Drawing tools

+This +section will describe in more detail the drawing tools that are +available with this Plug In.
+ +

Boundary

+This allows drawing of +a closed path joining all points that of the +path. The smallest Boundary has two points, but normal Boundaries will +have three (triangle) or more points. There is no limit to the number +of points, or the size of the Boundary. When drawing points that have +already been placed will be connected together with the path line. A +rubber band line will be drawn that follows the cursor. The boundary +fill may appear incomplete or strange at this point. However, when the +final point is place and the create process is finished it will correct +itself and display the boundary fill correctly.
+
+If a point is placed in +the wrong location carry on laying the other +points. When you have finished the create process you can then edit the +boundary and 'Move', 'Delete' or 'Add' more points to the boundary. If +the whole boundary is in the wrong location it can be moved as a whole +from the right mouse click menu.
+
+The +types of boundary you can draw, which can be easily changed after +creation if it is wrong, are: +

Exclusion - The interior of the boundary will have a cross +hatch +pattern of the selected color. The type of boundary reported to other +plugins, such as Watchdog, will be of type 'Exclusion'.
Inclusion - A user defined width cross hatch pattern will +be +drawn +around the outside of the boundary in the selected color. The type of +boundary reported to other plugins, such as Watchdog, will be of type +'Inclusion'.
Neither - The boundary will be drawn as a line with no +interior +or +exterior fill. The type of boundary reported to other plugins, such as +Watchdog, will be of type 'Neither'.
Please Note that these Types (exclusion, inclusion, +neither) are +Graphical only, and WatchDog does not use them in setting its internal +alarms. We recommend that these graphic types be used appropriately to +conform with the type of alarm that will be set from within WatchDog, +however they will have NO EFFECT on the WD alarm type.

+The type of boundary may change what other plugins do with the +information, or how it is displayed. If using the Watchdog plugin and +you set the boundary anchor watch the alarm will go off if you move +outside of the boundary. If you are motoring/sailing and you have a +proximity boundary watch set then the alarm will go off if you get +closer than the specified distance. The first type of boundary should +be an 'Inclusion' boundary and the second should be an 'Exclusion' +boundary.
+
+Note: A Boundary is a line joining multiple, 2 or more, Boundary Points +together. As such, each Boundary Point can have the same capabilities +as individual Boundary Points.
+

Boundary +Point

+This allows the placing of individual points on the chart. They are +very similar to 'Marks' that can be dropped by OpenCPN. However, they +have +the capability of being 'Exclusion', 'Inclusion' and 'Neither' boundary +points. This is demonstrated when Range Rings are Displayed. +

Exclusion - The interior of the boundary point, from the +biggest +range ring, will have a cross hatch pattern of the selected color. The +type of boundary point reported to other plugins, such as Watchdog, +will be of type 'Exclusion'.
Inclusion - A user defined width cross hatch pattern will +be +drawn +around the outside of the largest range ring of the boundary point in +the selected color. The type of boundary point reported to other +plugins, such as Watchdog, will be of type 'Inclusion'.
Neither - The boundary range rings will be drawn as a line +with +no +interior or exterior fill. The type of boundary point reported to other +plugins, such as Watchdog, will be of type 'Neither'.
Please Note that these Types (exclusion, inclusion, +neither) are +Graphical only, and WatchDog does not use them in setting its internal +alarms. We recommend that these graphic types be used appropriately to +conform with the type of alarm that will be set from within WatchDog, +however they will have NO EFFECT on the WD alarm type.

+Boundary Points continue to be placed on the chart until the drawing +create mode is terminated. This allows the placing of as many points +with single mouse left clicks as the user wishes.
+
+ +

Text +Point

+This allows the placing of individual Text Points on the chart. They +appear very similar to Boundary Points, but they allow the displaying +of multi-line text in the desired font. They can have range rings, but +these cannot be filled.
+
+The text top left corner of the text is the reference point. There are +7 provided locations: +

Top - which puts the text over the top of the point aligned +to +the left edge of the icon with the bottom just clear of the icon
Top Center - which puts the text over the top of the point +with +the center of the text aligned to the center of the icon
Bottom - which puts the top edge just underneath the point +aligned +to the left edge of the icon. If you displace the point name the text +should drop enough to show it
Bottom Center - which puts the text underneath the point +with the +center of the text aligned to the center of the icon
Center - which puts the text horizontal and vertical center +over +the icon.
Right - which puts the top edge aligned with the top of the +icon, +the left hand edge of the text just clear of the right hand side of the +icon
Left - which puts the top edge aligned with the top of the +icon, +the text to the left of the icon with the right hand end of the text +box just clear of the icon

+The amount the box edge is offset is controlled by 8 settings in the opencpn +ini/conf file. +You will find them called:
+DefaultTextTopOffsetX, DefaultTextTopOffsetY
+DefaultTextBottomOffsetX, DefaultTextBottomOffsetY
+DefaultTextRightOffsetX, DefaultTextRightOffsetY
+DefaultTextLeftOffsetX, DefaultTextLeftOffsetY
+
+These are not in any dialog box as they are very unlikely to be +modified.
+
+Changing the font in the properties box does not apply the font until +the OK button is pressed on the properties box. The word 'Example' +should change to show you the font selected.
+I will look and see if I can make the background box a little bigger. +The information for the size of the box is obtained from the system +depending on the font used, so I may have to make that an attribute of +either the font (may be difficult) or of the point itself.
+Changing the font in the properties box does not apply the font until +the OK button is pressed on the properties box. The word 'Example' +should change to show you the font selected.
+
+When +a Text Point is created the 'natural' scale at which it is created +is stored. This is then used to determine what to show when scaling to +larger scales. Currently at twice the natural scale the text gets +hidden and at 8x the natural scale the text box gets hidden. This is +currently hard coded.
+
+To display text for the Text Point you will need to open the properties +for the Text Point and fill in the 'Display Text' tab. This is simple +text and does not allow individual formating of different parts of the +text. You can pick the font and the font metrics to use for all the +text associated with one text point.
+

EBL

+The EBL always starts attached to the boat with the far end of the line +being placed by left clicking the chart. The default action for the end +point is set in the main properties dialog. The end point can either be +fixed to a Latitude and Longitude or move along with the boat. This +allows the EBL to show the boat moving against a fixed point, i.e. +passing a reef, or to show other objects moving relative to the boat, +i.e. when the boat can tack to get around a bouy.
+
+The EBL can be detached from the boat to allow placing of the start +point where the user left clicks. The EBL can also then have the start +point centered on the boat but not move or re-attached to the boat.
+
+Variable Range Markers (VRM's) can be displayed as part of the EBL, by +checking a box on the EBL properties (or set the default on the OD +properties) and a range ring will be drawn based on the start point. If +the end point of the EBL is moved the range ring will move with that +point. This allows easily setting up of safety rings around a boat. The +plugin provides additional information when moving the end point of an +EBL/VRM
+
+End Points A & B of an EBL can be in several states:
+1. Associated with Boat position (boat lat long) - Moving with the boat.
+2. Associated with a fixed position (lat long) - Not Moving with the +boat.
+3. When offset Point B is associated with Boat position (lat long) it +moves relative to the boat position and stays at the same angle.
+
+Right click selections for EBL are
+1. When the EBL start point is attached to the boat... Pick a new start +point.
+2. When the EBL start point is not on the boat.. Center on moving boat +or Center on Lat/Lon (not fixed to the boat)
+This flexibility is useful for DR to have "Fixed" EBL markers.
+
+The default color is the same as for a 'Boundary Point' and it will +draw 1 range ring. If you want to change that then you will need to get +to the start point properties (double click the EBL and double click +the first point), or if the first point is clearly visible, just go to +its +properties (right click the point and select properties) and you can +change the number of rings, the colors (you cannot fill them at the +moment).
+
+The VRM color, by default is set to the same as the EBL, but once you +change the VRM color to be different from the EBL then it will stay +this way, unless you select the match option in the right click menu.
+
+There are two ways of changing the VRM color: +

Under properties for the EBL with the VRM showing. Change +the EBL +color and the VRM color will also change.
Under properties for the EBL with the VRM showing get the +properties of the 'boat'/'start' point and change the color.

+It may seem strange at first to use an EBL to give you the VRM, but it +makes the coding/logic easier and allowed building on the 'path/point' +concept that is at the heart of this plugin. From a user perspective it +should make selecting the VRM easier so that it can be dragged to the +size required as there is a well defined point that can be selected. +This is particularly true if you have many VRM's at one time.
+
+It is not necessary to loop through the preferences +to enable +the VRM for one EBL - the settings pop-up double clicking the EBL has +all the necessary entries.
+
+Reverse bearing has been added to the rollover popup for EBL's.
+
+The main properties dialog in the general tab sets whether to use +magnetic bearings or true. If magnetic is used then if you have the +World Magnetic Model installed the variation will be used from that +plugin. If not you will, currently, need to set 'UserMagVariation=0.00' +in the ocpn_draw_pi section of the config file (there is no setting in +the properties dialog for this yet). There is, currently, no way to get +at the value set in the opencpn +mainline +properties that will work on all platforms which may require +another plugin-api change to enable this to be made available.
+ +

DR

+This draws a Dead Reckoning line with multiple points along it starting +at the boats current location. As mentioned above, this tool does not +use the mouse click to draw on the chart, rather it uses it to display +a dialog box where the DR information can be entered. When the 'OK' +button is clicked the DR will be created and drawn on the chart. At +this point the line can be modified by changing the points that make it +up. +However, this may make the DR line not reflect what you expect as +neither the time/distance between points is maintained, nor is the +COG/SOG. So the DR line at that point becomes more of a line with +possibly little meaning in the context of DR.
+
+ +

Properties +dialogs

+All objects that have been drawn have a properties dialog associated +with them to allow changing of the objects attributes.
+

Boundary +Properties

+ +You can display the point properties by either double left mouse +clicking on the particular line you want in the Points list or by right +mouse clicking on the line, once it has been selected, and selecting +'Boundary Point Properties' from the popup menu.
+If you want to remove a +particular point then left click the line to +select it then right mouse click on the point and select 'Remove +Selected' from the popup menu.
+

Boundary Point Properties

Basic

+
+These +are the properties for the selected Boundary Point. Any changes +here will be made to the selected Boundary Point and, if the 'OK' +button is clicked, will be preserved over a restart.
+

Extended
+

+This allows you to stop displaying the Boundary Point on the screen and +change the GUID if you want. You will need to click 'OK' to save the +changes.
+

Text +Point Properties

Basic
+

+These are the properties for the selected Text Point. Any changes here +will be made to the selected Text Point and, if the 'OK' button is +clicked, will be preserved over a restart.
+

Display +Text

+This tab controls the text that is displayed for the Text Point. Any +changes here will be made to the selected Text Point and, if the 'OK' +button is clicked, will be preserved over a restart.
+

Extended

+This is the same as for a Boundary Point
+ +

EBL

+You can display the point properties by either double left mouse +clicking on the particular line you want in the Points list or by right +mouse clicking on the line, once it has been selected, and selecting +'EBL Point Properties' from the popup menu.
+If you want to remove a particular point then left click the line to +select it then right mouse click on the point and select 'Remove +Selected' from the popup menu.
+

EBL +Point

Basic
+

+These are the +properties for the selected EBL Point. Any changes here +will be made to the selected EBL Point and, if the 'OK' button is +clicked, will be preserved over a restart.
+ +

Extended

+This is the same as for +a Boundary Point
+ +

DR Properties
+

+You can display the point properties by either double left mouse +clicking on the particular line you want in the Points list or by right +mouse clicking on the line, once it has been selected, and selecting +'DR Point Properties' from the popup menu.
+If you want to remove a particular point then left click the line to +select it then right mouse click on the point and select 'Remove +Selected' from the popup menu.
+

DR +Point Properties

Basic
+

+These are the properties for the selected DR Point. Any changes here +will be made to the selected DR Point and, if the 'OK' button is +clicked, will be preserved over a restart.
+

Extended

+This is the same as for a Boundary Point
+ +

Possible Future +Improvements:
+

+Match
+It might be nice to have a way to "match" a text entity which is a way +of copying all the font, color, background color and transparency +information. To clone the properties of an object and not necessarily +the object itself. So, the idea is to copy some of the attributes, +color, text, icon from one point to another, but leaving the lat, lon, +GUID, name? remember the "the change all icons for boundaries" you have +implemented already.
+
+Copy and paste Lat/lon point
+Code for copying a point (text, boundary, etc.) exists already, there +just isn't a way to execute it, i.e. it needs new menu item to allow +the creating of a point based on the current point.
+
+

Watchdog

+
+Latest +update of this +documentation: (dd-mm-yyyy): 18-01-2016
+(and up to date with the following version of Watchdog-Plugin: 1.9024)
+ +

What +is Watchdog (WD) +Plugin?
+

+Watchdog Plugin is a plugin for OpenCPN. This plugin is developed by +Sean D'Epagnier and implements various configurable alarms alerting the +user about the changing conditions round the boat. Watchdog also +implements a Deadman-alarm and an improved anchor alarm. Watchdog +communicates with another very useful plug-in, called OpenCPN +ODraw Plugin”. +That plugin is a tool to draw geo-referenced points, lines and shapes +within OpenCPN. These points, lines and shapes can be used in +navigation, for instance to show specific points or areas (boundaries), +electronic bearing lines (EBL) and variable range markers (VRM).
+
+Watchdog will be referred to as +“WD-pi” or +“WD”.
+OpenCPN Draw Plugin will be referred to as +“Draw-pi” +or “OD”.
+
+Contents: +

Installation
What +does Watchdog do?
In +what situations can Watchdog warn me?
How +does Watchdog +alert me?
Standard +actions: Setting up a Watchdog Alarm
Landfall Alarm
Boundary Alarm +(Distance, Time, +Anchor & Guard Zone)
Anchor Alarm
Course Alarm
Speed Alarm
Deadman Alarm
NMEA Data Alarm +(GPS & AIS)
Email to yourself

Installation

+This plugin requires the most current version of Opencpn +4.1.xxx +or later.
+Download the plugin from the Plugin Downloads section of +opencpn.org

What +does Watchdog do?

+Watchdog warns you -in +a couple of specific situations- when you want +to be warned.
+ +

In what +situations can Watchdog warn me?

+Watchdog has (in the +version stated in the top of this document) the +following types of alarms:
+
+ Landfall Alarm
+ Boundary Alarm
+ Anchor +Alarm
+ Course +Alarm
+ Speed +Alarm
+ Deadman Alarm
+ NMEA +Data Alarm +

How +does Watchdog alert me? Does it bark?

Yes, that is possible. But maybe you want to choose +something else.
+
+You can set an alert in the form of a text-message that pops up on your +screen …
+

+A text-message is rather useless if you are not looking at your +display. As the Deadman alarm is supposed to prevent you from falling +asleep (or to wake you up if you did) the only logical kind of alert +for "Deadman" is some form of (loud and bloody annoying!) noise.
+
+So Watchdog also enables you to set an acoustic alarm.
+

+You +can use any sound you like, as long as it is a “.wav”-file.
+
+Examples:
+If you want to brush up on your Morse-code, you can set Morse-code YYY +(Yankee = "My anchor is dragging") as sound for anchorwatch-alarm and +Morse-code UUU (Uniform = "You are running into danger") as the sound +for Boundary and Land-fall-alarm. You can generate these sounds +yourself dead-simple on the website Morse +Code +Translator.
+Just type whatever you want, adjust pitch and speed to your liking and +save as .wav-files in /OpenCPN/sounds).
+
+If your only reaction to hearing the beeps of Morse code is “Ah, the +pizza in the microwave is ready!” then maybe a more direct approach +suits you better. Like for instance a computer that actually says +“Warning! +Boundary!” when the Boundary-alarm sounds and “Warning! +Anchor!” when your anchor is dragging.
+
+

+And +if you really want a Watchdog that barks, well….. then find +yourself a wav-file of a barking dog (not recommended though; if you +are +anchored in an idyllic harbour it might start every dog in the +surrounding to join in).
+
+Apart from pop-up screens and all kinds of sounds, you can also let +Watchdog execute a computer-command. That can be any +computer-command. To name just a few options: Start a +pdf-document with pre-defined messages in "Seaspeak" or any other +language you need to have a conversation with the skipper of that +monstrosity that is about to collide with you.
+
+Or imagine your boat anchored in the bay and you sitting ashore in the +pub.....
+
+And hey, on our mobile phone we receive an email from a loved-one!
+

+How this is done, is explained in "Email +to yourself" at the end of this manual.
+

Standard +actions: Setting up a Watchdog Alarm

Once you have Watchdog installed and in your OpenCPN +Toolbar, +follow these 4 initial steps to set up a new Watchdog Alarm:
+
+Step 1. Click "Watchdog" in the +OpenCPN Toolbar
+ +
+
+Step +2. The "Watchdog Window" opens. It will show all +the alarms you have set (in this example none is set yet). Click +"Configuration"
+ +
+
+Step +3. The "Watchdog Configuration Window" opens. +Click "New"
+ +
+Step +4. The "New Alarm Window" opens. It shows the +various types of alarms.
+
+(next steps involve clicking the desired alarm and clicking "OK")
+ +
+NOTE: +these 4 initial steps are for each +alarm +the same. In the rest of this tutorial these steps will not be repeated +but will be referred to as "set up a new Watchdog-alarm".
+
+First the various types of alarms are briefly explained. +After +that each type of alarm is explained (a bit) more extensive.
+ +

Landfall +Alarm

+Landfall Alarm is meant to alert you when you are nearing +land. +Not very usefully when you are only sailing withing a couple of miles +from your marina but more aimed at the bigger trips involving vast +stretches of water. Columbus would have liked it. The more extensive +description of the alarm is here: LANDFALL +ALARM.
+ +

Boundary +Alarm

+Boundary Alarm is meant to alert you when the position of a +ship +relative to a boundary (or to a boundary of a specific type) is not +what you want it to be. For instance when you are about to sail into a +so-called "restricted area". Boundary Alarm can be configured in +relation to your distance to a boundary (Boundary Distance) +or in relation to the time it will take you to get to a boundary +(Boundary Time). Boundary Alarm can also +be set up as Anchor Watch alarm or as Guard +Zone Alarm.
+
+A Boundary alarm of the type “Anchor Watch” +is meant to alert you when your own ship gets outside a specific +boundary. In other words, when your anchor drags. Anchor Watch is +related to the position of your own ship and is fed by the data from +your GPS-receiver.
+
+A Boundary alarm of the type “Guard Zone” +is meant to alert you when one or more other ships are inside a +specific boundary. “Guard Zone” is related to the position of other +ships and is fed by the data from your AIS-receiver.
+The difference with the "normal" AIS-alarm (warn me when a +ship +comes within a given distance from "own ship") is that the Watchdog +Boundary-Guard Zone alarm gets triggered when a ship enters a specific +area (like for instance the entrance to that secluded spot you thought +to have for just you and your spouse / friend / secretary /…).
+The more extensive description of the alarm is +here: +BOUNDARY ALARM. +

Anchor +Alarm

+Anchor Alarm is meant to alert you when your position +changes +more than a specific distance from a certain position (in short: when +your +anchor is dragging).
+The more extensive description of the alarm is here: ANCHOR ALARM.
+

Course +Alarm

+Course Alarm is (of course) meant to alert you when you get +off +course. The problem with getting off course is of course that you might +end up somewhere where you do not want to be (see "Boundary Alarm").
+The more extensive description of the alarm is here: COURSE ALARM.
+

Speed +Alarm

+Speed Alarm is meant to alert you when you are going slower +than +a certain set speed (“Underspeed”) or +when you are going faster than a certain set speed (“Overspeed”).
+If you go too slow, you might run out of beer before you +reach +your destination. If you go too fast, your lovely sailing trip might +end too soon in some lousy marina.
+The more extensive description of the alarm is here: SPEED ALARM.
+ +

Deadman +Alarm

+Deadman Alarm is meant to alert you (or your crew) when the +program suspects you to have fallen asleep, jumped overboard or simply +passed away. In other words: when after a given amount of time the +program still has not experienced any action whatsoever from whoever. +The object is of course to be sure there is still someone on board +keeping watch and able to take all the necessary actions. The Deadman +alarm stops as soon as any action is taken, for instance a movement of +the cursor (mouse).
+The more extensive description of the alarm is here: DEADMAN ALARM. +

NMEA +Data Alarm

+NMEA Data Alarm is meant to alert you when OpenCPN loses +NMEA-input. NMEA-data is information the program receives from various +instruments. Most well-known NMEA-data is from GPS-receivers and +AIS-receivers. NMEA Data Alarm is crucial if you want to rely on +anything that has something to do with either your position, course and +speed or the position, course and speed of other ships! In short: if +you lose your NMEA input, you lose a very important part of the CPN-bit +of +OpenCPN!
+The more extensive description of the alarm is here: NMEA DATA ALARM.

+ +
+ +

LANDFALL ALARM

+Landfall-alarm +is meant to alert you when you get within a set distance +from land.
+
+For most sailors the usefulness of such an alert is obvious.
+

“Hoorah and up she rises!” More info: go to “MAIB” +and search for “Lysblink Seaways”.
+
+Important: the alarm operates in relation to the +coastline as it is programmed into your vector charts!
+OpenCPN comes with a worldwide background map, displayed if no charts +are available for an area.
+
+Note: these two screenshots illustrate that the +coastline in that basic background map can be quite different from the +real thing!
+
+Looking at this basic coastline chart WD will assume we are not close +enough to the coastline to trigger the Landfall alarm. So, WD stays +quiet.
+

+When +he really should have barked!
+

+Therefore +it would be advisable to use the most detailed +GHSSH High Resolution Background Map which is 230 mb and found +here +under http://opencpn.org/ocpn/downloads/data/GshhsHiRes.zip.
+
+Now that's more like it! +
+

+Stay +on the save side and set landfall-alarm for a distance well +offshore. Landfall-alarm is not meant for close-quarters navigation.
+
+Setting the Landfall-alarm is explained step-by-step +by these screenshots.
+
+Set up a new Watchdog-alarm and pick "Landfall".
+

Click "OK". The "Edit Alarm" window pops up.
+In the Edit Alarm window you can choose between "GPS course crosses +land in less than ... minutes"
+or "GPS fix is less than .... nm from coastline".
+
+Here we've chosen "GPS fix is less than 5 nm from coastline". Tick the +rest of the boxes and click “OK”.
+

+The +Watchdog Configuration window shows the alarm.
+

+Now +your Landfall alarm is ready to be used.
+
+Just make sure the "Alarm On/Alarm Off" box is ticked (set).
+

BOUNDARY ALARM

+Watchdog +communicates with another very useful plug-in, called “OpenCPN +ODraw Plugin”. That plugin is a tool to draw geo-referenced +points, lines and shapes +within OpenCPN. These points, lines and shapes can be used in +navigation, for instance to show specific points or areas (Boundaries), +electronic bearing lines (EBL) and variable range markers (VRM).
+Watchdog will be referred to as “WD-pi” or +“WD”.
+OpenCPN Draw Plugin will be referred to as “Draw-pi” +or “OD”.
+
+To fully benefit from the capabilities of the WD Boundary Alarms, you +have to understand the “Boundaries” made by OD. Therefore, prior to +explaining the WD Boundary Alarms, we first give an explanation of +these Boundaries (for a full explanation, see the chapter +Plugins->External Plugins->ODraw +in this +manual).
+
+Boundary Shapes or Boundary Points
+You can create Boundaries by using OD. You can create Boundaries in OD +by drawing shapes (lines from point to point) but also by drawing just +one point (Boundary Point or BP) and then specify a certain radius +(range) around that point.
+
+

Boundary Types
+In the “Boundary Properties” tab you can assign a “Boundary Type” to +each Boundary or BP.
+You can choose “Exclusion”, “Inclusion” +or “Neither”
+

+Note: +in WD you can set the +alarm for every kind of boundary. So, you can set alarms +that get triggered when you get in (or too close to) a boundary of the +type "Exclusion" but you can also set alarms +that get +triggered when you get in (or too close to) a boundary +of the type "Inclusion" or a boundary that is of type "Neither".
+The most logical thing to do though, is to use as a rule +that each Boundary Type is meant to give you a specific type of message.
+We advise you to use "Inclusion" boundaries as "OK to get in", +"Exclusion" boundaries as "not OK to get in" and "Neither" boundaries +as boundaries that are just good to be aware of. The type of message +each +boundary type would send to you, would then be something like this: +
+
+Boundary Type Exclusion says: “Don’t you come +near me (and “inside me” is an absolute No No!)”.
+Boundary Type Inclusion says: “Stay with me, +please”.
+Boundary Type Neither says: “Hey, I don’t care +where you are, but I think you should know I exist”.
+
+Each Boundary Type is graphically represented in a specific way.
+Exclusion: a hatched pattern inside the +area.
+Inclusion: a hatched zone on the outside of +the boundary.
+Neither: no hatch (just a line).
+
+You +can give boundaries any shape, size and color you like, but +colorwise it might seem logical to use something reddish (“danger”) +for boundaries of the type “exclusion” and something greenish (“safe”) +for +boundaries of the type “inclusion”.
+
+In this screenshot we show you the different types of boundaries.
+Top row: two boundaries of the type “inclusion”
+Second row: three boundaries of the type “exclusion”
+Third row: two boundaries of the type “neither”
+Fourth row: three boundary points. From left to right, “inclusion”, +“exclusion”and “neither”.
+
+

+WD-Boundary +Alarms
+In WD you can set “Boundary”-alarms (choose “Boundary” in the “New +Alarm”-window).
+

+Boundary Alarm: “Distance” or “Time”
+In the “Edit Alarm”-window you can choose between:
+
+ trigger the alarm when my position (GPS-fix) is less than ... +nautical mile from the boundary.
+(GPS fix). This type of alarm is a “Boundary-Distance” +alarm.
+or
+ trigger the alarm when my present course and speed will bring me at +the boundary in less than … minutes (GPS course). This type of alarm +is a “Boundary-Time” alarm.
+
+If you choose “Boundary-Distance”, you can type how many nautical miles +you want as a margin from the boundary. 3.000000 means 3 nautical +miles, 0.01 means one hundredth of a nautical mile (= 0.01 x 1852 = +18,52 +meter) etc.
+In this screenshot “Boundary-Time” is ticked. You can set the time by +typing or by clicking the UP and DOWN buttons.
+
+

+Boundary +Alarm: “Boundary Type”
+You can set a WD boundary-alarm that gets triggered:
+- in relation to any boundary, no matter what the +type is (the alarm works for all boundaries).
+- in relation to all boundaries of the type Exclusion +(the alarm works for all “Exclusion” boundaries)
+- in relation to all boundaries of the type Inclusion +(the alarm works for all “Inclusion” boundaries)
+- in relation to all boundaries of the type Neither +(the alarm works for all “Neither” boundaries)
+
+

+If +you set a WD Boundary Distance-alarm for Any, the +alarm will be triggered as soon as you enter a boundary of the type +“Inclusion”, “Exclusion” or “Neither”.
+
+If you set a WD Boundary Distance-alarm for Exclusion, +the alarm will be triggered as soon as you enter a boundary of the type +“Exclusion”. The alarm will not be triggered when you enter a boundary +of the type “Inclusion” or “Neither”.
+
+If you set a WD Boundary Distance-alarm for Inclusion, +the alarm will be triggered as soon as you enter a boundary of the type +“Inclusion”. The alarm will not be triggered when you enter a boundary +of the type “Exclusion” or “Neither”.
+
+If you set a WD Boundary Distance-alarm for Neither, +the alarm will be triggered as soon as you enter a boundary of the type +“Neither” (but it does not work for Boundary Points +of type “Neither”, see note). The alarm will not be triggered when you +enter a boundary of the type “Inclusion” or +“Exclusion”.
+
+Note:
+BD alarm “Any”, “Exclusion” and “Inclusion” also work in relation to +Boundary Points (BP).
+BD alarm Neither does not work +for Boundary Points of type “Neither”. +
+
+Boundary Alarm: “Anchor Watch” or “Guard Zone”
+You can also set a boundary-alarm that gets triggered in relation to a +specific boundary (the alarm works only for that specific boundary). +That can be an alarm of the type “Anchor Watch” or an +alarm of the type “Guard Zone”.
+
+Anchor Watch
+

+Guard Zone
+

+A +Boundary alarm of the type “Anchor Watch” is meant +to alert you when your own ship gets outside a specific boundary. In +other words, when your anchor drags. Anchor Watch is related to the +position +of your own ship and is fed by the NMEA-data from +your GPS-receiver.
+
+A Boundary alarm of the type “Guard Zone” is meant to +alert you when one or more other ships are inside a specific boundary. +“Guard Zone” is related to the position of other ships +and is fed by the NMEA-data from your AIS-receiver. NOTE: +"other ships" are only ships that actually transmit AIS data and whose +AIS-data are actually received by your AIS-receiver! Ships that do not +transmit AIS-data (or AIS-data your AIS-receiver does not receive) are +not "seen" by WD!
+
+To let WD know what specific boundary it should watch, you have to +specify the “GUID”. GUID stands for “globally unique +identifier” and is a unique reference +number used as an identifier in computer software. GUIDs are displayed +as 32 hexadecimal digits with groups separated by hyphens.
+Example: 2a980000-5098-4787-ac4f-e05b47e7ffff
+
+To enter the GUID of a Boundary or BP in WD, you place your +mouse-cursor on a boundary and copy-paste in the field Boundary GUID or +Guard Zone +GUID.
+
+

+
+

+Alternatively, +when the “own ship” icon is within the boundary, you can +click “Get Boundary GUID”.
+Note: this method does not always work. In such cases: +use the “copy-paste” method.
+

+When +it comes to alarms in relation to boundaries, the most obvious +situations where you want an alarm are exclusion boundaries +and inclusion boundaries. In this documentation we'll +focus on these two types.
+
+Here you see four boundary-area's: two Inclusion (top row, greenish) +and two Exclusion (bottom row, reddish).
+The boat is not inside a boundary.
+
+

+SETTING +UP A WATCHDOG "BOUNDARY- DISTANCE" ALARM.
+As said before, you can set up a "Boundary-Distance" +alarm. That means "trigger the alarm when my +position +(GPS-fix) is less than …….. nautical mile from the boundary".
+
+You can can set the alarm to be triggered:
+A. as soon as you get within +a specific distance from a +boundary. That option +would result in the +alarm being triggered as soon as you get within +that distance of a boundary, so you will be warned even before you +enter that boundary.
+
+B. as soon as you get inside a +boundary.
+
+We will first give an example of type A and then give an example of +type B.
+
+A. Creating a Watchdog Boundary Distance alarm "you are to +close to a boundary" (nearer than .... nm").
+In this tutorial we will first set up a Watchdog Boundary Distance +Alarm alarm for when we get nearer than a defined distance from a +boundary. +In this example we will use a limit of 1 nm.
+
+Set up a new Watchdog-alarm and pick “Boundary”.
+

+Edit the alarm so that the alarm will be triggered when the +GPS-fix indicates that the boat is less than 1 nm to a +boundary +("GPS fix is < 1.0 nm from boundary). Here +we have chosen "Any" as the boundary type, so the alarm will get +triggered if we get within a distance of 1 nm from any boundary (no +matter what type of boundary).
+
+

+In +this example we have three boundaries. One is called "Boundary RED +SOLID", one is called "Boundary RED LONG DASH" and the third is called +"Boundary RED DOT". These names are just given as an example and to +make things easier to understand (and yes, the names indeed do +correspond +with the colors and types of the lines).
+
+The 4 range rings around the boat are each 0.25 nm, so the outer ring +represents a range of 1 nm. You can see that the boat is closer than 1 +nm to the boundary "RED SOLID". The other two boundaries are more than +1 nm from the boat.
+
+As soon as the alarm is activated, WD will trigger the alarm and draw a +red and grey flashing line to the boundary that is within 1 nm. In this +case the screenshot was taken at a moment when that red and grey +flashing line was in the "red" state.
+
+

+Note: +it is possible that there are situations when +there is more than one boundary within the specified range before the +alarm is enabled. Then, the moment you enable the alarm, WD will draw +the red and grey flashing line to one of these boundaries. That +can be any of them and is not necessarily the boundary closest to you!. +An example is given in the next screenshot.
+
+Here all three the boundaries are within the range of 1 nm. "RED SOLID" +is at a range of about 0.75 nm and closest to the boat. "RED LONG DASH" +is second at about 0.85 nm and RED DOT is third and just within the 1 +nm range. WD picks one of these three boundaries and in this case he +picked the boundary "RED DOT". But that is not the boundary closest to +you!
+
+ +
+
+B. Creating a Watchdog Boundary Distance alarm "you are inside +a boundary" (0.0 nm from a boundary).
+Now we will set up a Watchdog Boundary Distance Alarm alarm +for +when we get inside a boundary. And we want this +alarm to be triggered only when we enter a boundary of the type +"Exclusion".
+
+Edit the alarm so that the alarm will be triggered when the GPS-fix +indicates that the boat is inside a boundary of the type “Exclusion” ("GPS +fix is < 0.0 nm from boundary").
+
+

+The +alarm is related to GPS fix < 0.00 nm from boundary. Boundary +Type “Exclusion” is ticked. The result is that the alarm will be +triggered when the GPS-fix indicates that the boat is inside a boundary +of that type
+
+Click "OK".
+The WD Configuration window shows the alarm we just made. Click "OK".
+
+

+Make sure that in the WD window the alarm is ticked (enabled). As the +boat is not inside an Exclusion boundary, WD shows "Distance > +0.00 +nm" and the alarm is not triggered.
+Position is outside Exclusion boundary = O.K. = no Boundary Alarm
+
+

+Now +lets see if it works...
+Position the boat inside one of the Exclusion boundaries (in this case +bottom left).
+
+

+Position +is inside Exclusion boundary = not O.K. = Boundary Alarm. The +alarm is triggered and in the WD window the text turns from black to +red (meaning: alarm is triggered).
+Click "OK" in the Watchman window to acknowledge the alarm.
+If you position the boat outside an Exclusion boundary, the alarm will +not be triggered anymore and in the WD window the text will turn from +red back to black (meaning: alarm is not triggered).
+
+

+If +you change the position of the boat from outside the Exclusion +boundaries to inside one of the Exclusion boundaries (for instance the +Exclusion boundary bottom right), the alarm will be triggered again.
+
+

+More +than one boundary alarm
+You can set up more than one Boundary alarm.
+In the next screenshot you see that there are two Boundary Alarms +available, the top one is "Boundary-Distance". That is the alarm we +have just set up.
+The other alarm ("Boundary-GUID") is a Boundary alarm of the type +“Anchor Watch”. It is meant to alert you when you get outside a +specific boundary. In this case; the top left "green" boundary. In +short:
+Position is inside that green boundary = O.K. = alarm is not triggered
+Position is outside that green boundary = not O.K. = alarm is triggered
+
+The boat is outside that boundary but the alarm is not activated yet +(the box is not ticked).
+
+

+That +second alarm was set up by repeating the steps for setting up a +new Boundary alarm. But that second boundary alarm is configured as +explained in the next steps.
+
+Creating a Boundary GUID “Anchor Watch” alarm
+
+Configuration of the alarm:
+

+The +alarm is related to Anchor Watch Boundary with GUID +79caffff-0c22-4b5f-9d55-856f5e7effff (that is the GUID of the top left +green boundary, which is copied and pasted from the top left boundary. +See Boundary Alarm: “Anchor Watch” or “Guard Zone” for the procedure.
+
+Now let's test again:
+
+Tick the box "Boundary GUID"
+

+As +the position of the boat is outside the specified boundary, the +alarm will get triggered and the text in the WD window will turn from +black +to red.
+

+Now +position the boat in the specified "Anchor" area (the top left +green boundary).
+the alarm will not be triggered anymore and in the WD window the text +will turn from red back to black (meaning: alarm is not triggered).
+

+Creating +a Boundary Guard Zone Alarm
+A Boundary alarm of the type “Guard Zone” is meant to alert you when +one or more other ships are inside a specific +boundary. “Guard Zone” is related to the +position of other ships and is fed by the data from your AIS-receiver.
+
+Setting up a Guard Zone alarm is similar to setting up a Boundary GUID +Anchor Alarm. But instead of "Anchor Watch" you click "Guard Zone" and +you put the GUID of the "Guard Zone" Boundary in the field next to +"Guard Zone GUID".
+

+When +the feed from your AIS-receiver shows that a AIS-target (= +"another ship") enters the specified Guard Zone, the alarm gets +triggered.
+
+1. Ship not (yet) in Guard Zone: alarm not triggered.
+

+2. +Ship enters Guard Zone: Alarm is triggered (and shows ships name and +MMSI-number)
+

+3. +WD Window text turns red and says "AIS Target in zone"
+

+4. +Ship leaves Guard Zone: Alarm is not triggered anymore, WD Window +text turns black and says "No AIS targets found in zone"
+

+Combination +of Boundary Guard Zone Alarm and Boundary Anchor +Alarm.
+It is possible to assign a Boundary Guard Zone Alarm and a Boundary +Anchor Watch Alarm to one and the same boundary. That means that you +can let Watchdog alert you when another ship enters your "safe" +anchoring +area. To achieve this, you use in the Boundary Guard Zone Alarm the +same GUID as in the Boundary Anchor Watch Alarm.
+
+

ANCHOR ALARM

+This Anchor Alarm does not +belong to the category "Boundary" as it is +not related to a boundary. This Anchor Alarm is related to a specific +position.,
+
+The pictures are self-explaining (or at least supposed to be).
+
+Set up a new watchdog alarm and pick "Anchor"
+

+In +the "Edit Alarm" window, the latitude and longitude (Lat and Lon) of +your ship will be shown (or to be precise: the Lat and Lon of the "your +ship" cursor, so make sure you have a GPS-fix!).
+

Radius can be set to whatever you like but "0 meters" will +of course +result in an unwanted amount of alarms.
+In this example radius is set to 50 meters. Click "OK".
+Then the alarm is enabled and the boat is within the radius of 50 +meters from the specified position, the alarm is not triggered and the +circle +showing that radius has a green edge.
+

+Moving +the boat more than the pre-set radius (in this case 50 meters), +triggers the alarm. The green edge turns red. The text in the WD window +turns red and shows the distance from the specified position.
+

COURSE ALARM

Course Alarm is (of course) meant to alert you when you get +off course. +The problem with getting off course is that you might end up somewhere +where you do not want to be.
+
+Setting the Course-alarm is explained step-by-step by these +screenshots.
+
+Set up a new watchdog alarm and pick "Course"
+

You can set the alarm for, for "Port" only, for "Starboard" +only or for +"Port or Starboard".
+
+Choose "Port" if you only want to be alarmed when you go too far to +port.
+Choose "Starboard" if you only want to be alarmed when you go too far +to starboard.
+Choose "Port or Starboard" if you want to be alarmed when you go either +too far to port or too far to starboard.
+

+Choose +how many degrees you want as margin before the alarm is +triggered. You can specify the desired course either manually (enter +the desired course yourself) or by clicking "Current Course". In that +case +Watchdog enters your present COG, as received from your GPS.
+
+In this example Watchdog will start barking when you wander more than +20 degrees to port or more than 20 degrees to starboard from a course +of +135 degrees.
+
+After you are finished editing the alarm, click "OK".
+

+The +"Course Alarm" shows up in the Watchdog Configuration window. Click +"OK".
+

+
+Watchdog +shows your COG (in this example 168 degrees).
+

+Tick +the checkbox (if it isn't ticked yet).
+Watchdog "Course Alarm" is now activated and will alert you if your +course is not between 115 and 155 degrees (135 plus or minus 20 +degrees).
+
+In the screenshot below the course is somewhere around 005 degrees. As +that is (way) off course, the alarm is triggered.
+

SPEED +ALARM

+Speed-alarm +is meant to alert you when your SOG gets below (Underspeed) +or above (Overspeed) a specific speed. You can set a limit. That limit +is the speed, in knots, you don't want to get below or above.
+
+Setting the Speed-alarm is explained step-by-step by these +screenshots.
+
+Set up a new watchdog alarm and pick "Speed"
+

+In +this example the alarm is set for "Underspeed" and the limit is set +to 5 knots. In other words: you want to have an alarm as soon as your +speed drops below those 5 knots. But If you are riding bigger waves, +your speed can increase momentarily when you surf from the wavetop and +decrease momentarily when you have to go "uphill" again. In such cases +the Speed Alarm might get triggered with every wave. To prevent that, +you can set Watchdog to average your speed. You can +set a slider from 1 second to 120 seconds.
+
+In this example the slider is set to 60 seconds. Now Watchdog will only +trigger the alarm when your average speed, measured over a +period of 60 seconds, will be below 5 knots.
+

+In +this example the boat's average speed over 60 seconds was 0.6 knots +and the limit was set to 5.0 knots.
+Watchdog shows you "0.6 < 5.0" (0.6 is less than +5.0).
+

+Here +we have set two speed-alarms. One for Underspeed +and one for Overspeed.
+

+In this screenshot the limit was still 5.0 knots, but the boat's +average speed over 60 seconds was 0.3 knots.
+The "Underspeed" alarm was triggered and the text turned red.
+The "Overspeed" alarm did not get triggered and that text remained +black.
+

DEADMAN ALARM

+Deadman Alarm is meant to alert you (or your crew) when the program +suspects you to have fallen asleep, jumped overboard or simply passed +away. In other words: when after a given amount of time the program +still has not experienced any action whatsoever from whoever. The +object is of course to be sure there is still someone on board keeping +watch +and able to take all the necessary actions. The Deadman alarm stops as +soon as any action is taken, for instance a movement of the cursor +(mouse). As the Deadman alarm is supposed to prevent you from falling +asleep (or to wake you up if you did) the only logical kind of alert +for "Deadman" is some form of (loud and bloody annoying!) +noise.
+
+Setting the Deadman-alarm is explained step-by-step by these +screenshots.
+
+Set up a new watchdog alarm and pick "Deadman"
+

+Once +set, the clock starts ticking...
+

NMEA DATA +ALARM

+In +Watchdog you can set NMEA-data-alarms. NMEA stands for National +Marine Electronics Association.
+NMEA-data consists of sentences, the first word of which, called a data +type, defines the interpretation of the rest of the sentence. Each Data +type would have its own unique interpretation and is defined in the +NMEA standard.
+Examples of devices that communicate via NMEA-data with your computer +are your GPS-receiver and your AIS-receiver.
+
+In this picture there is a set-up with a GPS-receiver and a +AIS-receiver connected to OpenCPN.
+Here the GPS is on COM21 and the AIS on COM16.
+

+NMEA +and your position.
+For a chart-plotting-program like OpenCPN the most important type of +NMEA-data is the data defining your position on this globe. These data +are provided by your GPS-receiver. Without receiving these GPS-data, +the program won't know what your actual position is anymore (and there +is a fair chance you might not know it either). When, for +whatever +reason, the flow of NMEA-data from your GPS to OpenCPN stops, that will +have major effects on the whole idea of the CPN-bit +(chartplotting and navigation) of OpenCPN!. Your boat +might sail into a Boundary Area you want to stay out of, but +the boundary alarm won't be triggered. The same goes for Anchor Alarm. +If you drag your anchor but your GPS has gone on the blink, the alarm +won't be triggered. In short: it's important to know when you lose your +GPS fix.
+The GPS-data are received in a data-type beginning with "$" +and the letters "GP". The most important NMEA +sentences include the GGA which provides the +current Fix data, the RMC which provides the minimum gps sentences +information, and the GSA which provides the Satellite status data.
+
+So, if OpenCPN receives $GPGGA, that means it +receives a fix from your GPS.
+
+Setting up a Watchdog-NMEA-alarm (GPS)
+Let's set up a Watchdog-NMEA-alarm that warns us when for some reason +the GPS-fix is lost for more than 10 seconds.
+
+Set up a new watchdog alarm, choose "NMEA Data" and click "OK"
+

+Standard +"$GPGGA" is set.
+Set timer to "at least every 10 seconds" and tick the other boxes as +per the screenshot below.
+Click "OK"
+

+Now +you have your NMEA-alarm set. It will be triggered 10 seconds after +OpenCPN stops receiving GGA-sentences.
+

+NMEA +and the position of other ships
+NMEA-data can not only show you where you are, they can also show where +other ships are, what their name, callsign, SOG and COG are etc. Nice +to know if you want to meet up (a rendezvous) or if you are afraid one +of +them might get a bit too close for comfort (a collision). These kind +of data are received via an AIS-receiver.
+
+Multiple NMEA-alarms
+You can set a separate alarm for the loss of AIS data. It works the +same as the GPS-alarm but AIS data (from other ships) always begin with +!AIVDM (don't forget the exclamation-mark).
+
+Setting up a Watchdog-NMEA-alarm (GPS)
+You can add a new NMEA-alarm (see the previous steps) but now you fill +in !AIVDM
+

+The result is two NMEA Data-alarms (one for GPS fix and one for +AIS-data)
+

+The +upper NMEA Data alarm is the AIS-alarm
+The lower NMEA Data alarm is the GPS-alarm
+
+Each alarm can be switched on or off.
+

+
+EMAIL +TO YOURSELF
+

You can order Watchdog to +execute a computer-command. Let's say that we +want Watchdog to send us an email in case our anchor drags. We have +stored that command in a file we made and called AnchorAlarm.bat. +In this example that file is stored in the root of our computer (C:\) +but of course you can put in anywhere, as long as you tell Watchdog +where to find it.
+
+
+
+Sending emails from the command-prompt can be done with a small tool +called "Send-It-Quiet".
+More info: http://commandlinesendmail.blogspot.nl/
+
+Example of the file AnchorAlarm.bat
+(in this example Send-It-Quiet is installed in +E:\Tools\senditquiet\senditquiet)
+
+Lets say:
+1. You are Blackbeard
+2. Your emailadress is blackbeard@gmail.com
+3. Your Gmail username is blackbeard
+4. Your Gmail password is 1loveGold2.
+
+And you want the program to send an email to yourself with the subject +ANCHOR +ALARM and the message This is your ship. You stupid +fool, come back here! My anchor is dragging!
+
+The batchfile would then be:
+
+E:\Tools\senditquiet\senditquiet\senditquiet.exe -s smtp.gmail.com +-port 587 -u blackbeard@gmail.com -protocol ssl -p 1loveGold2 +-f blackbeard@gmail.com -t blackbeard@gmail.com +-subject "ANCHOR ALARM" -body "This is your +ship. You stupid fool, come back here! My anchor is dragging!"
+
+The result when the anchor alarm gets triggered...
+
+
+
+Note: +of course this only works when you can +actually email from the computer OpenCPN is installed on!
+This example is tested on a Windows 7 PC with Internet +connection +and a Gmail-account.
+

If, after reading all of the above, you still wonder why +Watchdog +could be of any use for navigation, we strongly advise you to sell your +boat...
+

+Back to Table of Contents

+ +

Weatherfax

+Weatherfax
+Retrieves internet image files, reads image files or decodes audio and +then Overlays the image on top of charts.
+
+ + +

Preparation

+Install Weatherfax Plugin. Enable it in the Settings > Plugin +Tab.
+Then open it and explore the top menus.
+
+With an internet connection it is quite easy to select the "HF Radio +Schedules" to select and set alarms for use with a receiver, or to +select the Internet Schedules and then retrieve Weatherfaxes via the +Internet and overlay on the chart. Audio Capture requires a connection.
+
+
+ +

Retrieve +Weatherfax Image files with an internet connection

+If you have an internet connection, first Retrieve > All +> HF +Radio Schedules.
+Then Retrieve > Internet > Select NOAA > Select +Boston (for +example) > Select 24hr 500mb Forecast
+The Weatherfax image file will download and be overlaid directly onto a +chart.
+
+
+Lat +42 Long -70 --> Servers: Noaa ---> Regions: Atlantic +----> +Select Contents ----> Retrieve
+
+
+Lat +42 Long -70 --> Servers: Passage ---> Regions: N. +Atlantic +----> Select Contents ----> Retrieve
+
+The plugin data directory contains an WeatherFaxInternetRetrieval.xml +file that has database for meteorological sites. The "Internet +Retrieval" Option uses this schedule. It is a wonderful planning tool +for cruises +or passagemaking. There are several options, but first Select +"Internet" to retrieve HF Radio Schedules via the internet. Then Select +"NOAA" Under "Servers" you will see "Stations" fill up. Then select +"Boston" and the Internet Retrieval choices are automatically listed in +the menu area. Select several faxes and pick "Retrieve Scheduled" or +"Retrieve Selected".
+
+
+Aviation Americas Forecast +retrieved via the internet.
+
+ Inet Passage Atlantic 012 Wind

+Passage Weather Atlantic 012 Wind via internet.
+
+
+Bermuda +3 day via internet.
+
+
+Noaa +Atlantic 24hr 500mb via internet.
+
+
+Noaa +Atlantic 24hr Surface via internet.
+
+ Inet Ret Passage New England via internet.

+Passage Weather New England Wind 012
+
+ Inet Ret Passage Nova Scotia

+Passage Weather Nova Scotia Wind 021
+

Examples +of Internet Retrieval (for the Online Wiki)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ +Aviation Americas	+ + +Passage Atlantic 012 Wind +	+ +Bermuda 3 day
+ +Noaa Atlantic 24hr 500mb	+ +Noaa Atlantic 24hr Surface	+ +Passage Weather +New England Wind 012
+ +Passage Weather +Nova Scotia Wind 021	+	+

+
+
+
+List +of Weatherfaxes downloaded. Highlighted one shows overlaid on +charts.
+
+The Weatherfax will be overlayed generally in the proper location +provided the weather service has not changed their fax formats. (The +user can modify the associated WeatherFaxInternetRetrieval.xml file +appropriately to add or modify the actions.) Users should please post +changes to this file to the Weatherfax Thread for the next release.
+

HF +Radio Weather Faxes

+The plugin has a built in database (WeatherFaxSchedules.xml) for HF +Radio Weather Service Fax transmissions, which when used properly can +automatically alert the user and begin decoding these faxes.
+
+Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the Filter Tab.
+
+
+Retrieve +> RF Radio Schedule Menu on the 1 minute +Alarm Tab.
+
+
+Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the Capture +Options Tab.
+
+
+Retrieve > RF Radio Schedule Menu on the +Information Tab.
+
+
+ +

Decoding +Sound via SSB

Select Retrieve -> Audio Capture (Ctrl+A)
+
+A line from the ssb radio to the audio input of the sound card should +be attached, and the radio tuned to the appropriate frequency (1.9khz +below listed frequency and SSB mode) The SSB BFO must be adjusted +correctly.

Retrieve +> +Audio Capture shown while receiving

+
+
+The +images decoded can then be calibrated and overlayed on charts. The +resulting image can be exported to a chart, so the plugin also works as +a general purpose conversion tool to make charts from images.

+Working +with Files

The plugin can read and open numerous common image files, +and +audio files, and can save Kap files. The next step in development is to +have +it read Kap for ease of use with respect to coordinates being recorded +and reused.
+
+

Working with +Weatherfax Image files

Here are some examples of the gif,.jpg, tif weatherfax files +that +can be used:
+NOAA +Marine Radio Forecast Charts
+NOAA +Boston Radio Forecast -Atlantic
+12Z +Surface Analysis Atlantic -Part 1
+12Z +Surface Analysis Atlantic -Part 2
+48 +hr Surface Analysis Atlantic
+96 +hr Surface Analysis Atlantic
+24 +hr Wind Wave Atlantic
+24 +hr 500mb Atlantic
+NOAA +Ocean Prediction Center -Atlantic
+UK +Atlantic +Forecasts
+Northwood N.Atlantic Latest Data
+
+Place these files in a new directory on your hard drive same directory +as your Charts. I called the directory FaxWx.
+
+Open the Plugin
+Then from the main screen select the Weatherfax Icon, a window pops up. +Select Open and browse the FaxWx directory and select a fax file. +

Mercator Projections

If the fax is a Mercator projection (orthogonal, not polar), +click +through the next screen that comes up and at the second screen set the +coordinates and lat/long properly. (Screenshots will be added later) +and click on through to see the fax overlaid on the charts. Note:
+It is very difficult to test for poor coordinate and lat/long input, so +it is best to have your lat long correct, otherwise strange things may +happen with the overlay in Opencpn.
+I first use a separate image viewer with the selected fax image, to +zoom in and to write down the Lat/long and coordinates that I will be +using. If you plan to export to a chart file then you should select +"Get +Aspect Ratio"
+
+

Polar Projections

There are other techniques used to modify a Polar fax onto a +Mercator projection chart which are reviewed on the forum and will be +more fully described later. Review the posts following this one +in the Forums.
+
+Coordinate +1 (Red) -Select a high latitude +which must also lie on the vertical meridian running through the pole +(N or S)
+Coordinate 2 (Blue) - Select an opposing +corner (either side) with lower latitude.
+Then hit Get Map, the Blue circles should follow the latitudes of +respective coordinates. Adjust the left/right location with the PoleX value +and adjust the circle radius with the PoleY value. Set the True Width +Ratio value to 1.0.
+
+From +here, it should be possible to click "get mapping"
+
+True width Ratio -
+Adjusts the width of the blue +circles (a fraction like .8 makes the circles wider, and 1.2 makes them +narrower). Adjust the true width ratio such that the blue circles align +with the associated latitude lines, otherwise the "Apply" +transformation will not render straight lat/long lines or will fail.
+Pole X -
+Moves the center of the blue circles left and +right. The blue circles should be centered on the vertical meridian +which goes through the pole.
+Pole Y -
+Moves the center of the blue circles up and +down. The blue circles should be centered on the pole. Hit get mapping +to see how this is working, because the blue rings change in width, and +sometime the ring closest to the pole flips if the value is too far out +of whack.
+Equator Y -
+This does not appear to do much when you +change the value, more about this value later.
+
+If you are starting fresh with a Polar, and the blue rings are too wide +after hitting Get Mapping, first check the lat/long entered and reset +coords to be sure they are hit, then Hit 'get mapping again' then +adjust the "True width ration" so the blue rings align with the +latitude +lines. Once that is done don't hit "Get Mapping" again, hit "Apply" the +lines should be straight and orthogonal.
+
+Here +is an example of a WxFax overlay in Opencpn
+
+

+

Future +Improvements

Image files that are downloaded and overlaid onto charts +with +specific coordinates, can now be saved as Kap files that save long/lat +and coordinates with the file. The next step is to have the plugin read +Kap files so they can be automatically overlaid on charts without +having to use the Fax Translation Wizard.
+
+Thanks to Sean for a great Plugin!
+
+

+ +

Climatology

+Climatology Plugin
+
+Intended to aid in planning sailing voyages, to help visualize weather +patterns, and to integrate with weather routing plugin to compute +optimal sailing routes. Weather_routing plugin will use Climatology to +make long voyaging routes. This plugin goes well beyond what a Pilot +chart provides.
+
+Manage and view monthly gridded Climate data compiled from various +sources. Satellite weather data from the last 30 years is averaged, +then represented using only useful bits, then compressed to produce a +much +smaller database used by the plugin.
+
+Climatology provides monthly data for Wind, Currents, Sea Level +Pressure, Sea Temperature, Air Temperature, Cloud Cover, Precipitation, +Relative Humidity, Lightning, Sea Depth, and Cyclones.
+
+
+
+July +Wind with Current overlay. (Click for enlarged view)
+
+
+
+Climatology Data Types with Display Options
+Climatology has a number of Data Types. The display characteristics of +each data type are controlled from the "Config" menu which first +requires selection of the particular data type from a dropbox. Amongst +the display controls for each datatype are Enable/Disable, and to show +the data as a "Overlay" which requires that OpenGL be enabled under +Option > Display > Advanced. The display options have +been +configured already for general use provided OpenGL is checked and +should require no special configuration effort to be useful, however as +users +become familiar with the plugin, they may wish to change a setting for +their type of use (such as if they do not have OpenGL checked.)
+
+The table below shows four data types that are normally shown in vector +format and do not require that Overlay be checked, the other data types +can also be configured to not require that Overlay be checked if OpenGL +is not operational. Click for an enlarged view.
+
+Normal Vector Data Types
+(Opengl not required) - Malaysia
+
+
+Wind +- December
+
+<img alt="Current - December" +data-cke-saved-src="/ocpn/sites/default/files/users/rgleason/Climatology-Current-Dec.jpg" +src="/ocpn/sites/default/files/users/rgleason/Climatology-Current-Dec.jpg" +"="">
+Current - December
+
+

+Pressure - December
+
+
+Cyclones +- December
+
+___________________________________________________________________________
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ +Wind - December	+ +Current - December
+ +Pressure - December	+Cyclones - December

+________________________________________________________________________
+
+
+The table below shows data types which are normally shown with Overlay +checked and OpenGL turned on, however they can be configured to show +vector data when Opengl is off, by unchecking "Overlay" for each data +type and configuring a few of the display settings. Click for enlarged +view.
+
+Normal Overlay Data Types
+(requires Opengl) - Atlantic
+
+
+Pressure
+
+ Climatology Sea Level Temperature

+Sea Temperature
+
+
+Cloud +Cover
+
+
+Precipitation
+
+ Climatology Relative Humidity

+Relative Humidity
+
+
+Sea +Depth
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ +Pressure	+ +Sea Temperature	+ +Cloud Cover
+ +Precipitation	+ +Relative Humidity	+ +Sea Depth

+
+Note: The Data-Types in the table above can be configured by the user +to show data if Opengl is not turned on by selecting "Config", +selecting +the appropriate data type from the Drop Down window, and unchecking +"Overlay" and then selecting "Numbers".
+
+Configuration
+
+Config > Standard Tab > Wind dropdown
+
+
+Config +> Standard Tab > Current dropdown
+
+
+Config +> Standard Tab > SeaSurfaceTemperature dropdown
+
+
+Config +> Standard Tab > SeaLevelPressure dropdown
+
+
+Config +> Wind Tab
+
+
+Config +> Cyclones Tab
+s
+
+Installation +of the Plugin
+The plugin works with OpenCPN 3.2 and newer and is available for +download from opencpn.org/ocpn/downloadplugins.
+
+1. Windows: Download and run installer
+2. Linux: dpkg -i <package_name>.deb or rpm -i +<package_name>.rpm or cd /usr; sudo tar xavf +<package_name> +
+
+You must also get the data files, the plugin will inform you where to +install them.
+
+Warning about use of Data:
+Weather_routing is only as good as the data provided by the Grib plugin +and the Climatology plugin. + +

Climatology +plugin: Depends on a separate set +of +files that must be downloaded, extracted and placed in the proper +directory. Climatology data is generally averaged since the 1980's +depending on data type and sources available (for example, Wind data is +averaged 6 hr data since 1987). The entire source data set is over 180 +gb, however after averaging and compression it becomes about 7mb. +There are various macro factors which affect weather over a given +season which should be considered, including El Nino, Gulf stream, etc. +Climatology has averaged these effects.
These planning tools may be helpful, but should be taken +with a +healthy "grain of salt" as any good sailor (who looks out to the +horizon) should know. -Rick Gleason

+About the Author
+The Climatology Plugin was written by Sean Depagnier who has written +many Opencpn plugins. There is a strong likelihood you have already +used one of his plugins. The plugin is over 1000 lines of code written +with care and skill. Sean has a voyage fund and would appreciate any +contribution large or small, please see the Donate button under the +Configuration > About Tab. -Thank you Sean for this excellent +plugin!. +

Weather Routing

Weather +Routing

This +plugin creates optimized weather routes based on grib files and +performance data (polar data) for the boat, as well as conditions set +for time, where to start and where to finish. + +

When +downloaded, without changing anything, except downloading a +recent grib file, defining two weather_routing waypoints (hover mouse +at location, right click pick weatherrouting position), create a new +Configuration under Weather_routing, select Edit Configuration and add +one of the waypoints to the start and the other to the end waypoint, +click Grib Time, close Configuration, and Compute the new configuration +and it will probably create isochrones and a new weather route.
Use the Grib Plugin and recently downloaded grib files for +completing grib predictive routing (1-8 days).
Use the Climatology Plugin to find and plan long term +cruising +routes, (most useful in prevailing winds areas).
Use both grib and climatology data to get current data if +the +grib +does not contain it, or to use climatology to avoid areas of cyclones.
It is also possible to use both grib and climatology data, +allowing the grib's route to be extended past the time/range of the +grib. This +builds on the assumption that the current general weather pattern is +"average", otherwise the result may be totally misleading. If you have +followed the weather for a while and know the current weather pattern, +through 500 mb patterns etc, this is more useful for actual routing +than just using a long term average like climatology alone.

Create a New Route (Edit > New) +

Start +the plugin by clicking it's icon on the toolbar.
start and end points can be set by hovering +cursor at a +location, and right mouse click, select "Weather Route Position"
Start Grib (with fresh grib file) and/or Climatology +Plugins, and +set the time to the desired starting time.
Select Configuration -> New to create a new weather +route +configuration.
The Weather Routing Configuration Dialog should be shown. +Set the +start and end positions and hit "grib time" to set the time. Be sure to +edit the boat to correctly configure it, see below.
Beginners should first try a simple route, with starting +point +and +end point, 5 degree steps, and possibly a 3 hour time interval until +they see it is working. The time interval depends on the speed of the +boat and distance traveled.
From the first Weather Routing Window, select Configuration +-> +Compute.

+
+
+Configuration Window (Edit > Configuration)
+Provides setup +flexibility for various factors: + +

Start +location, date and time. End location.
Step +duration for isochrones in hours and minutes (12 hours for +long routes, 1 hour for shorter)
Degree +Steps (5 degree steps is faster than 1 degree steps)
Boat +Performance based on editing boat specifications or based on +a polar data file.
Set +constraints on various factors such as max wind, swell, +waves, latitude, max diverted course etc...
Set +data source Grib or Climatology, greys if not available.
Set +options like detect land, currents, inverted regions, +anchoring.
Routes +can be Edited (created, selected, renamed, reset and +exported.)

+
+
+Grib +or Climatology Data is Required
+Provided by use of the Grib_plugin and a fresh Grib file, or by the +Climatology_plugin with the separate Climatology data installed in the +proper directory.
+
+
+
+When the weather route is displayed, grib and climatology calculations +use different color schemes. In the route below, on the left, using +only climatology because we are outside the grib area. In the middle, +the computation is based on grib data, and toward the end of the +passage, the grib data does not cover this time so again climatology +data is used. If the transition from grib to climatology is not +uniform, then the climatology data is not as reliable in that situation.
+
+

Route Manager

+The +Route Manager can be used for listing the weather route. Right +click a weather route and pick "Properties" Also weather routing can be +exported.
+
+Warning about Data:
+Weather_routing is only as good as the data provided by the Grib plugin +and the Climatology plugin. +

Grib plugin: Depends on recent download grib +files from Noaa and other sources. Downloaded Grib predictions can +change +significantly over several days. The longer the grib prediction is, the +less reliable the grib can be.
Climatology plugin: Can be used for analyzing +long cruising routes through various seasons and constraints, but does +not +take into account the current weather conditions which often vary +significantly from the 30 year average, especially outside of +prevailing wind areas.
These planning tools may be helpful, but should be taken +with a +healthy "grain of salt" as any good sailor (who looks out to the +horizon) should know.

+Warning about Weather Routes:
+The weather routes created may not consider or "see" normal navigation +considerations and issues, therefore every route should be checked very +carefully for navigation markers, shallow depths, bad currents, rocks, +land and other obstacles and hazards.
+
+Messages in Configuration Window
+In the Config Window after "Compute" there will be a message placed to +the right of the Configuration.
+"Complete" affirms that the computations completed. "Fail" indicates +they did not and that some setup parameter may be out of range. The +failure messages have been made to be more descriptive to help.
+If your polar doesn't include boat speeds above a windspeed that the +grib tries to use, it will fail to route.
+
+Some +other Examples:
+Nassau to Newport, showing other windows (Boat Performance window, +Routing window with Properties opened showing track waypoints)
+
+. + +

File +Conversion

Polar +File Conversion

+Opencpn weather_routing_pi and the +required polar format
+
+The weather_routing_pi plugin references several files located in +c:/ProgramData/opencpn.
+
+To see +where these files are set +in the plugin, select a route or make a new one. Pick Configuration +--> Edit.
+Then pick Boat "Edit" a tabbed dialog box will open.
+
+"Plot Details" +Tab has Open, Save and Save as buttons. This is the pointer to the +<boat>.xml file which contains the boat characteristics, +it is +initially set to "boat.xml". After you have gone through all the tabs +and set the boat's Lwl, Loa, Displacement, etc. you should "Save as" +using your boat's name. Then "open" that file each time weather_routing +needs those settings..
+
+Initially under <Configuration > Edit > Boat Edit +> Plot +Details [tab] the file referenced is "boat.xml".
+Make sure you have a file "boat.xml" in your opencpn data directory, if +you are having troubles, download a boat.xml file and "load" it.
+
+The second +file is under <Configuration > Edit > Boat Edit +> Polar +[tab] +and this is an optional polar file "<boat>.csv"
+"Polar File" Tab shows the path of the Polar file being used, if one +exists, otherwise the program has built in VPP calculation using the +boats characteristics which have been entered, which is in effect when +the path shows as "<computed>".
+
+If you have prepared a polar file in the Opencpn format for your boat, +you can load it into the plugin from this tab, and after you "Save" +from the "Plot Details" tab, the pathname will be remembered [note the +pathname in the sample <boat>.XML file below].
+
+Sometimes the plugin is picky about +these files. If +it is close the plugin and opencpn and reopen, to reset it. Then try +again.
+The two sample files are shown below. They are paired. If you load the +XML file the referenced polar file will be loaded if it is in the path +and the correct format.
+
+Shannon38-opencpn-roundtrip.XML +[This is the +<boat>.XML file]
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
+<OCPNWeatherRoutingBoat version="0.9" creator="Opencpn Weather +Routing plugin">
+<BoatCharacteristics displacement_tons="21" lwl_ft="34" +loa_ft="38" +beam_ft="11" />
+<BoatDrag frictional_drag="0.0170" wake_drag="0.9500" />
+<Plan Name="Initial Plan" computed="0" csvFileName="C:\ProgramData\opencpn\Shannon38-opencpn.CSV" +/>
+</OCPNWeatherRoutingBoat>
+
+Shannon38-opencpn.CSV + [This is the <boat polar>.csv file.] +
+twa/tws;6;8;10;12;14;16;20
+0;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00
+30;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00;0.00
+40;2.80;4.10;4.40;4.70;4.90;5.00;5.10
+45;4.00;4.90;5.20;5.50;5.70;5.80;5.90
+52;4.50;5.40;6.10;6.40;6.60;6.70;6.80
+60;5.00;6.00;6.50;6.70;6.80;6.90;7.00
+75;5.50;6.40;6.80;7.00;7.20;7.30;7.40
+90;5.70;6.60;7.00;7.30;7.50;7.60;7.70
+110;5.80;6.70;7.10;7.40;7.60;7.70;7.90
+120;5.50;6.50;7.00;7.30;7.60;7.90;8.20
+135;4.80;6.00;6.60;7.00;7.40;7.70;8.30
+150;4.00;5.00;5.90;6.50;6.90;7.30;7.90
+165;3.70;4.80;5.20;6.20;6.60;6.90;7.50
+180;3.30;4.20;4.70;5.90;6.30;6.60;7.20
+

qtVLM Polar +Format

+http://wiki.virtual-loup-de-mer.org/index.php/QtVlm_Polar_Diagram
+Extension of the file name. Csv
+Separator ';' (semicolon)
+Double-entry table
+The first cell always contains 'TWA \ TWS'
+The first line lists the wind forces. Vlm does not go beyond 60 knots +of wind.
+
+Beginning of each line ** gives the look, then each value corresponding +to the shape and strength of the wind (column heading)
+
+The digital data of the polar use a decimal +point, 'that is the point.' +An integer (no point ended) is valid.
+Whites are valid (value = 0.0) but discouraged. Thank you for being +explicit
+Text file format is UNIX ie lines that are terminated by LF (Line +Feed) and not CR (Carriage Return) and LF. A good text editor windows +(PsPad or Notepad + +) knows rerecord this format.
+
+TWA\TWS;0;2;4;6;8;10;12;14;16;18;20;22;24;26;28;30;32;34;36;38;40;42;44;46;48;50;52;54;56;58;60
+0;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;
+0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000
+5;0.000;0.210;0.420;0.630;0.800;0.860;0.920;0.940;0.950;0.970;0.980;0.980;0.990;0.950;0.880;
+0.810;0.740;0.670;0.600;0.530;0.460;0.370;0.280;0.190;0.090;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000;0.000
+
+Maxsea Polar Format (same as Adrena, or SailGrib WR)
+http://www.sailgrib.com/wr-user-guide
+
+The first row defines the True Wind Speed.
+The first column defines the True Wind Angle
+In the example, the theoretical hull speed for various wind velocities +and wind angles is in the cells.
+Modify the True Wind Speed values in the first row. The example below +uses 10 and 30 Kts.
+Enter these values in the first row and delete the other columns.
+
+In an Excel spreadsheet
+TWA 10 15 20 25
+30 2.0 5.4 7.2 7.9
+90 4.7 9.5 11.5 12.8
+150 2.9 7.4 10.5 13.0
+
+http://www.sailingperformance.com/Products.html
+Expedition http://www.expeditionmarine.com/index.html
+Isler http://www.islersailing.com/new_page_3.htm
+BLUR Boats and Polars http://www.blur.se/boats/
+
+Bluewater +Racing, and Expedition Polar file format
+http://www.bluewaterracing.com/bluew...#_Toc343740589
+
+ +Quote:
+A polar file is a sequence of lines. Each line +describes the curve for one windspeed, ws. +Optionally, the +first line may begin with the string "pol", in which +case it is treated as a comment line. This clunky format is not my +idea; it is for compatibility with Expedition and +other software +tools, and +because it loads easily into spreadsheet tools such as Excel.
+
+Each curve is described on one line of the text +file +by a windspeed, followed by a sequence of pairs of True Wind Angle and +boatspeed. (TWA in degrees, BSP in knots)
+eg:
+10 30 0 45 6 90 8.1 160 7 180 5
+15 30 0 40 8 90 12 150 10 165 9 170 5
+
+This gives two curves, one for windspeed 10, +one for +windspeed 15. Different curves may have different TWA points, and +different numbers of points. The line for windspeed 10 specifies a +boatspeed of zero knots at a true wind angle of 30 degrees, a boatspeed +of six knots at TWA 45, 8.1 knots at 90, seven knots at 160 degrees, +and five knots at 180 degrees.
+
+There can be a zero windspeed curve +with non-zero +boatspeed, i.e., “when the wind is gone, the motor's on.”
+
+Rules for the data in polar files:
+1) One +windspeed curve +per line.
+2) There +must be a least +3 points per curve.
+3) There +must be at least +one non-zero windspeed curve.
+4) The +minimum TWA is +zero, and the maximum is 180.
+5) The +2nd smallest TWA +in a line is the best VMG upwind angle for that windspeed. The 2nd +largest +TWA is the best VMG downwind angle for that windspeed
+6) The +first TWA should +be less than any 2nd TWA in any curve. Ideally, zero.
+7) The +last TWA should be +greater than any 2nd-to-last TWA in any curve. Ideally, 180
+
+If these rules are broken, the behavior +of the +program is undetermined.
+

Example

+2 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 +112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 +152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
+4 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 +112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 +152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
+6 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 4.5 56 60 5 +64 68 72 76 5.5 +80 84 88 92 5.7 96 100 104 108 112 5.8 +116 120 5.5 +124 128 132 136 4.8 140 144 148 152 4 +156 160 164 168 +172 176 180
+8 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 5.4 56 60 6 +64 68 72 76 6.4 +80 84 88 92 6.6 96 100 104 108 112 6.7 +116 120 6.5 +124 128 132 136 6 140 144 148 152 5 +156 160 164 168 172 +176 180
+10 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.1 56 60 6.5 +64 68 72 76 6.8 +80 84 88 92 7 96 100 104 108 112 7.1 +116 120 7 124 128 +132 136 6.6 140 144 148 152 5.9 +156 160 164 168 172 176 +180
+12 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.4 56 60 6.7 64 68 72 76 7 +80 84 88 +92 7.3 96 100 104 108 112 7.4 +116 120 7.3 124 128 132 +136 7 140 144 148 152 6.5 156 160 164 168 172 176 +180
+14 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.8 56 60 6.8 64 68 72 76 7.2 80 +84 88 92 7.5 96 100 104 108 112 7.6 116 120 7.6 124 128 132 +136 7.4 140 144 148 152 6.9 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
+16 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.7 56 60 6.9 64 68 72 76 7.3 80 +84 88 92 7.6 96 100 104 108 112 7.7 116 120 7.9 124 128 132 +136 7.7 140 144 148 152 7.3 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
+18 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 6.7 56 60 7 64 68 72 76 7.4 80 84 88 92 7.7 +96 100 104 108 112 7.9 116 120 8.2 124 128 132 136 +8.3 140 144 148 152 7.9 156 160 164 168 172 176 180
+22 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+24 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+26 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+28 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+30 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+32 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+34 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+36 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 +92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152 156 160 +164 168 172 176 180
+
+Other Information and Alternatives for Weather_Routing
+Refer to this link in the wiki http://opencpn.org/ocpn/RM_weather_routing.
+
+

Terminology

+List of +Definitions and Terminology +

Definitions
+The definitions below are for those terms commonly used in instrument +systems and navigation. The abbreviations shown are those more commonly +used and may vary from one manufacturer to another. The definitions +likewise may vary. [Comment: These definitions should perhaps be on a +more general page for Opencpn. Also there are some definitions and +terminology missing.]
+
+Route -
+
+Waypoint - Start and Destination
+
+Isochrones - While calculating a Weather Routing the plugin +will calculate the location of the boat for a given time interval (eg: +1 hr, 4hr, 6 hr or 12hr ) and an isochrone represents how far the boat +will sail in a given direction, based on the weather and boat +conditions, for each successive time interval. Isochrones are like +contour lines around the starting point. Think of them as showing an +intermediate destination, and the calculated distance traveled.
+
+Apparent Wind – Apparent wind is the wind as it would +be perceived if one were standing on the deck of a boat that was +subject to movement by; a) The movement of the boat within a body of +water. +(caused by some form of propulsion; sails, engine etc) and b) The +movement of the body of water itself (caused by currents, tides etc.).
+
+Apparent Wind Angle (AWA) – Wind angle relative to the +bow in degrees to port or starboard of the Heading, as measured by the +onboard wind instrument
+
+Apparent Wind Speed (AWS) – Wind speed relative to the +boat as measured by the onboard wind instrument
+
+Average Speed (AVS) – Average Boat Speed through the +water. (Trip Log / Trip Time)
+
+Bearing to Waypoint – Compass bearing to active +waypoint measured from the current position.
+
+Bearing Waypoint to Waypoint – Compass bearing to a +waypoint measured from the previous waypoint.
+
+Boat Position (POS) – Latitude and Longitude of the +boat
+
+Boat Speed (BSP) – Speed of the boat through the water +as measured by the onboard speed transducer
+
+Course (CRS) – Compass direction that the boat is +moving through the water (HDG + Leeway).
+
+Course Over Ground (COG) – Compass direction that the +boat is moving over the surface of the earth. (HDG + Leeway + Current)
+
+Cross Track Error (XTE) – The perpendicular distance +from the direct route (rhumb line or great circle) between two +waypoints to the current position of the boat (POS)
+
+Dead Reckoning, also Dead Reckoning (DR) - Dead +reckoning is the process of determining one’s present position by +projecting known or estimated course(s) and speed(s) from a known past +position, or predicting a future position by projecting known or +estimated course(s) and speed(s) from a known present position. The DR +position is only an approximate position.
+
+Drift (DFT) – Speed that the water is moving. This +movement may be caused by a number of factors, including; tide, ocean +currents, river flows etc.
+
+Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) +– An ECDIS is a computer-based navigation information system that +complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and +can be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts. IMO refers to +similar systems not meeting the regulations as Electronic Chart Systems +(ECS)
+
+Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) - An ENC is an +official database created by a national hydrographic office for use +with an ECDIS. An ENC must conform to standards stated in the +International +Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Special Publication S-57 before it can +be certified as an ENC. Only ENCs can be used within ECDIS to meet the +International Maritime Organization (IMO) performance standard for +ECDIS.

+
+Ground Wind - Ground Wind the wind as it would be +perceived if one were standing on land. For those on the water, it +might be considered as the wind that is perceived when anchored or +moored. +Ground Wind readings assume that there is no movement of the boat in +relation to the earth. Ground Wind is used in weather forecasts and +reports.
+
+Ground Wind Direction (GWD ) or (TWD)- +Compass direction from which the wind is coming over the surface of +the earth. Commonly known as True Wind Direction in the US.
+
+Ground Wind Speed (GWS) or (TWS) - Wind speed over +the surface of the earth. Commonly known as True Wind Speed in the US.
+
+Heading (HDG) - Compass direction in which the boat is +pointed. The abbreviations HDT and HDT are typically used to +distinguish between heading degrees true and heading degrees magnetic, +whereas HDG +does not infer either a true or a magnetic heading. Whether HDG +displays true or magnetic values, will depend on sensor selection and +system +setup.
+
+Heel (HEL)– Angle in degrees of the port/starboard +inclination of the boat
+
+Layline – Theoretical COG that will be achieved if the +current conditions (TWD, TWS, TWA, SET, DFT, BSP, HEL etc), remain +constant. There are port and starboard laylines that represent port and +starboard tacks (or gybes). There are boat laylines, which emanate from +the boat, and waypoint laylines, which emanate from the active +waypoint. They are used to indicate when it is beneficial to tack or +gybe.
+
+Leeway – Leeway is the angle between the HDG and the +CRS and results from the lateral movement experienced by the boat as +she moves forward through the water.. The empirical formula is that
+Leeway = -1 * k * Heel / BSP^2. The formula itself is often called into +question, especially with planning hulls. The k value, which is boat +specific, will vary according to crew numbers and boat loading.
+
+Log (LOG) – Record of distance traveled
+
+Set (SET) - Compass direction that the water is moving +towards. This movement may be caused by a number of factors, including; +tide, ocean currents, river flows etc.
+
+Speed Over Ground (SOG) - Speed that the boat is +moving over the surface of the earth. Speed Polars – Theoretical values +for +maximum BSP for a range of given TWSs and TWAs.
+
+Targets (boat speed) – Theoretical values for TWA and +BSP for a range of given TWSs that result in the highest VMG. It is +derived from the Speed Polars.
+
+Track – A record of the ships position as it proceeds +on its voyage.
+
+True Wind - True Wind is the wind that would be +perceived if there was no movement of the boat through the water. It +represents the wind perceived by an object stationary in the water, but +moving with the tide or current. The wind felt by a stick floating down +a river for example.
+
+True Wind Direction (TWD) - Compass direction from +which the wind is coming over the surface of the water.
+
+True Wind Angle (TWA) - Wind angle relative to the bow +in degrees to port or starboard of CRS
+(some instrument systems do not consider leeway in the calculation of +TWA and in this case TWA is the wind angle relative to the bow in +degrees to port or starboard of HDG).
+
+True Wind Speed (TWS) - Wind speed over the surface of +the water.
+
+Velocity Made Good (VMG) – Speed achieved directly +towards, or away from, the TWD. Velocity Made on Course (VMC) – Speed +achieved directly toward the active waypoint
+
+Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
+
+Time to go (TTG)
+
+Tacking Time to Destination (TTD) Calculate in +advance how long it will take to tack (or jibe) a sailboat to a +particular destination in particular wind conditions, including factors +such as wind changes, currents, waves, boat polars, sail and boat +bottom conditions. An approximation of performance. [From Sailtimer +documents].
+
+[Editor's Note: ETA is not an accurate way to judge progress or +performance in a tacking sailboat because it does not account for the +greater distance sailed between waypoints. VMG to Waypoint changes the +longer the tack (decreases because to the increased angle from the +mark) and VMG to Wind has similar problems because it is not relative +to a +destination. So these terms are not effective. Tacking performance is +commonly judged by using Target boat speeds now. TTD may also provide a +better measure of performance than ETA and VMG.]
+
+-----------------
+
+AWA Apparent Wind Angle
+AWD Apparent Wind Direction
+GWA or TWA Ground or True Wind Angle
+GWD or TWD Ground or True Wind Direction
+VMG Velocity Made Good
+POS Boat Position
+BSP Boat speed thru the water
+SOG Speed over ground
+COG Course over ground
+CRS Course - Compass direction that the boat is moving through the +water (HDG + Leeway).
+Track
+HDG Heading Compass direction in which the boat is pointed.
+DFT Drift Speed that the water is moving.
+SET Compass direction water is moving towards
+Leeway angle between the HDG and the CRS
+LOG Record of distance traveled
+XTE Cross track error
+ETA Estimated time of Arrival
+TTG Time to Go
+Target BSP for various points of sail in various winds for optimal +performance.
+TTD Tacking time to Destination. +

Polar

+Load, view, edit and save polars.
+
+
+
+At +this moment the polar plugin has 4 modes of operation: +

Data from logbooks: This mode will read from all logbooks +found +in +the logbook/data directory and if found enough data points it will +create a Polar from this.
Data from NMEA: This mode will read data from the NMEA +stream and +create a Polar from this data.
Data from VDR File: This mode will read a given VDR file +and will +using the NMEA messages in there to create a Polar.
Edit Manual: This mode allows the user to create a Polar +manually.

+It is possible to switch between modes.
+For instance edit manually a Polar and then switch to Data from NMEA +and Start Record. This will add and update the data for the polar.
+
+The data will be collected in 5 degree wind directions and 2 knots of +windspeed and saves this information. The plugin will also interpolate +middle steps, eg 6 and 7 degree will be added to the 5 degree step and +8 and 9 will be added to 10 degree step. The windspeed is divided by 2, +so column 2 knots hold the speeds from 2 till 3.99 and column 4 knots +will hold the speeds 4 till 5.99. etc up to 40 knots.
+
+If reading in other polar files it tries to fill in the wind direction +in 5 degree steps and 2 knots of wind like the input from NMEA.
+It will use the same sampling as above.
+
+Polar can read badly formatted polar files with lines of all zeros and +can save the file out with the zeros removed.
+
+

Find-It

What and Why

+This Plugin is a stowage manager.
+The +plugin can work alone or in conjunction with the LogbookKonni +plugin.
+If the LogbookKonni plugin is present and enabled and the Buy it button +is pressed the items in the Material or Provisions page marked Buy will +be transferred to the LogbookKonni page Maintenance/BuyParts. + +

Install

+See Install and Enable +page for installing this plugin. +

Standard actions

+First you have to define the Units.
+E.g. Bottle, Can, Tin, Box etc.
+
+
+
+Then you have to create the possible locations in the boat.
+These Locations are user definable and depend on the possible locations +on board.
+The locations below are just for demo purposes.
+
+
+
+Now +you can create Material or Provisions with the units and locations +defined previously.
+
+
+
+If the Actual count will be below the Quota, +the Balance will be positive and the Buy +indicator will be set to Yes.
+Clicking on the Buy it button will transfer the Yes +marked lines to the LogbookKonni plugin in the Maintenance/BuyParts +section. Depending on the Priority it will be marked +in different colors.
+
+ + +

Options
+

+
+
+

Logbook

+The Logbook plugin is useful for +creating and maintaining many types of logs for your boat.
+The Logbook Konni plugin can be downloaded from the Download +tab.
+The wiki is a part of the download and is accessible from the plugin.
+
+The plugin is now maintained by +Del, Konnibe has been unable to +continue development due to ill health. + +

Installation

+See Install and Enable +page for installing this plugin.
+
+An additional Layouts zip file is needed for the first install and +should be downloaded through the official download page.
+
+After downloading and installing the plugin, you can install the +initial layouts. +

Start OpenCPN
Select Options from the toolbar (spanner icon) and go to +the +Plugins tab.
Select the Logbook plugin
Click the Preferences button
In the dialog click "Install" below the label "Install +Layouts"
In the file dialog select the file +'LogbookKonni_Layouts.zip'

+Note that the layouts are customizable by the user and can be +distributed to and shared with other OpenCPN logbook users. If you have +developed a useful custom layout for your logbook then please feel free +to send us details.
+
+The logbook plugin contains a extensive help file which can be +accessed by clicking on the little blue book when the logbook plugin is +started. +

Preferences
+

+Setting preferences for the logbook is done in the Logbook Preferences +dialog. You can get to this from the main OpenCPN Options window, go to +the Plugins tab, select the Logbook plugin and click "Preferences"
+ +

Logging, Date and Time +Behavior
+

+This is on the Behavior tab. Here you can adjust the following items: +

Date format for logging -- either local format (may not +work on +all platforms), or select a format such as Day/Month/Year.
Time format -- 12 or 24 hour format with or without seconds.
Time zone -- either log in UTC timezone or choose the local +timezone. It's also possible to log in "GPS Auto" time zone where the +time zone is determined from the current longitude.

+. +

DR +Dead Reckoning

+Add DR positions to a route by means of +editing a gpx file, which has been exported from 'Route Manager'.
+ +

Definition

+In navigation, dead reckoning or dead-reckoning (also ded for deduced +reckoning or DR) is the process of calculating one's current position +by using a previously determined position, or fix, and +advancing that position based upon known or estimated speeds +over elapsed time and course.
+ +

What and Why

+The DR plugin is a means of adding DR positions to a route. Because the +plugin cannot access 'Route Manager' directly it works by editing a gpx +file, which has been exported from 'Route Manager'.
+
+DR speed and the time between the DR positions can be changed before +the DR gpx is finally created.
+
+This plugin is a temporary solution to the problem of creating DR +positions. The Draw plugin now allows the creation of +DR positions for course legs.
+ +

Install

+Copy 'DR_pi.dll' to the plugins folder. Start OpenCPN. Tools/Options +and select 'Enable' for the DR entry.
+
+ + +

Standard Actions

+Save the route which you want to add DR positions to by using 'Route +Manager'. Make a note of the folder where this original route file can +be found.
+
+
+
+Start +DR:
+
+
+The +main page of the plugin appears:
+
+The +DR speed and interval between DR positions have been added. The DR +route name is entered in the bottom box.
+
+The +process of creating the DR route is started by pressing 'Generate +GPX'. A file dialog box appears.
+
+
+Select +the route GPX file where DR positions will be added.
+
+Immediately +after selecting this file a new file dialog box appears.
+
+After +pressing 'Save' the route_dr gpx file is created in the folder +you have chosen. If the original file is not needed you can use the +same +file name and the original file will be over-written.
+
+The +plugin can now be closed.
+
+Using 'Route Manager' import the DR gpx:
+
+
+
+
+
+The +DR route is now available. To avoid confusion the original route +can be hidden by using the 'Eye' symbol.
+
+ +

oBabel

What and Why +

+OpenCPN is a fantastic program for planning routes but sometimes these +routes need to be transferred to chartplotters from Garmin, Raymarine +etc.
+
+The oBabel plugin is intended to make the transfer of routes and +waypoints from OpenCPN to (Initially) Garmin Chartplotters easier. +These instructions are for using oBabel with MS Windows. It has not +been +tested with other OS.
+
+At present the transfer of waypoints directly from OpenCPN via NMEA0183 +is possible, but not the routes they are part of. Using the program +GPSBabel as part of the plugin allows the transfer of routes via the +Garmin protocol, if a Garmin plotter is being used. +

Install

+Download the oBabel_pi.dll plugin file and place this file in the +plugins folder of OpenCPN.
+
+The OpenSource GPSBabel program needs to be installed on your computer. +A copy can be downloaded from here:
+http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html
+

Standard Actions

+Connect your chartplotter to the OpenCPN computer using a serial cable.
+
+Enable the plugin by using Tools/Options and pressing the Enable button.
+
+
+The +main page of the plugin appears:
+
+
+The +plugin should detect the comport (COM2 in this case) that is being +used for the connection to the plotter. If you have been using this +serial comport already as one of the connections in OpenCPN you will +need to delete the connection using Tools/Connections in OpenCPN. +oBabel and OpenCPN cannot use the same comport.
+
+The Garmin plotter communication configuration must be set to 'Garmin'.
+
+The plugin uses the OpenSource GPSBabel program. Find the +'gpsbabel.exe' program file by pressing 'Locate GPSBabel'. The path to +the file +appears in the textbox on the left.
+
+In this first run through we will transfer a route using KML and the +clipboard.
+
+In +OpenCPN display the route you wish to transfer. 'Right-Click' +anywhere on the route and choose the option 'KML Standard'.
+
+
+
+Right-Click +again in the Clipboard area of the plugin and the KML text +will appear.
+
+
+Use +the checkboxes to select what you want to transfer. Finally press +'Clipboard->GPSBabel'. A box will appear showing the options you +have chosen.
+
+
+
+Pressing +'OK' starts the transfer. You will see some screen activity as +GPSBabel is started and does the work. Using a Garmin plotter you will +hear a 'beep' as each transfer is completed.
+ +

Options

Transfer saved route +from +OpenCPN

+It is possible to transfer a route that has been saved on your +computer. If it is a route exported from OpenCPN use the dropdown +'KML/oGPX/GPX' +and select 'oGPX'.
+
+
+
+Press +'File->GPSBabel' and the 'Proceed' page appears. Using 'Ok' +starts the transfer. + +

+
+Transfer a saved Route GPX from +other programs

+For routes from EasyGPS and other sources choose 'GPX' from the +dropdown 'KML/oGPX/GPX'.
+

Transfer +a +single waypoint from OpenCPN via KML

+Use the same technique as shown above for copying a route to the +clipboard. In this case 'Right-Click' on the waypoint you wish to +transfer. +

+

+ +

Route +Great Circle

Route Plugin

+"Salty Paws" route plugin handles much more than Great circles, +introduced here.
+
+
+
+The +plugin have a few features not present in the built-in tool. It can +calculate a composite route, and the distance between the waypoints can +be set by the user. The end result, however, is a "gpx" file that is +exported, and then imported into OpenCPN via the Route Manager.
+
+
+
+A +Great-circle from Cook Strait to Cape Horn limited by 60° S
+
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

+Plugin +to record Sextant Sights and show Circles of Position to obtain a Fix +Celestial navigation support makes it possible to establish your +position when other means are not available. Also, users may find this +plugin, which is still under development, useful for cross checking +their position fixes obtained in other ways, or to to better visualize +a celestial fix. You find the forum thread here: Cruisersforum +thread: celestial navigation plugin
+
+ + +

Types +of Observations

+Currently 3 types of +observations are, more or less, supported: + +

Altitude (sextant measurement) -- Measure the +angle between the horizon and a heavenly body, and enter the required +data in the plugin. Each measurement results in a Circle of Position on +the sphere (COP, or Circle of Equal Altitude). Two or more observations +result in intersecting COP's from which a position fix can be obtained.
Azimuth (compass measurement) -- Measure the +azimuth (bearing) of a heavenly body. This method is hopelessly +inaccurate, especially on a small boat in high seas. However, it is +interesting for demonstration purposes, and possibly - with accurate +digital compasses - it may be a viable navigation method in the future.
Lunar distance (sextant measurement) -- Measure +the angle between two heavenly bodies. The computer then attempts to +determine clock error from this measurement, and the system time may be +corrected.

Process

1. Obtaining Sights with +Sextant

+Standard practice in +navy and merchant navy with regard to celestial +positioning is as follows (assuming no artificial horizon is available +on the sextant): + +

During morning nautical twilight (about 15 minutes): if +possible +take 6 star/planet observations.
In the morning at about 09:00LT: take a Sun's observation +(later +to be shifted to noon-time).
At local noon: take a Sun's observation (traditionally only +direct +latitude calculation from sun at meridian passage). Construct a fix for +noon from both sun observations.
During evening nautical twilight (about 15 minutes): if +possible +take 6 star/planet observations.
Use the Moon for an observation in above practice when +situation +permits.

+Many books have been +written about the art and science of celestial +positioning (see below).
+
+This is the document containing the test data used for the example +below: Example +worksheet
(4 star observations).
+
+ +

2. Sight +Properties - Sight Tab - Enter Star Data

+Enter Type (Altitude, Azimuth, Lunar), Celestial Body, Limb, +Measurement and Degrees of Certainty. Degrees of Certainty is the +accuracy the navigator assumes for the observation. A larger value +results in a larger line width for the Circle of Position on the chart. +
+
+ + +

3. Sight Properties - +Date and Time Tab

+Enter Date, Time, Certainty and Shift. Note that entering a shift +removes the calculated numerical fix. This is due to the computation +method used, which presently does not allow to shift COP's. However, a +position fix can be established by visually observing the COP's (which +are graphically shifted) on the chart.
+
+
+
+ +

4. +Sight Properties - Config Tab - Display Characteristics

+Enter Transparency and +Color you wish to use for the COP.
+
+
+
+ +

5. Sight Properties - +Parameters Tab

+Enter Eye Height, Temperature, Pressure and Index Error.
+
+
+
+ +

6. Sight Properties - +Calculations Tab

+Showing the input figures and some calculated results for the +observation. Together with the calculated numerical position fix showed +in the main window of the plugin, this can be used for comparison with +results that are obtained by other calculation methods (traditional +manual method using logarithms, traditional or direct computation methods +as mentioned in Nautical Almanac, shortened methods using e.g. US Pub. +229 or US Pub. 249, other computer applications).
+
+ + +

7. Celestial Navigation +Sights - Circles of Position and Sights

+A Circle of Position (COP) indicates all the positions on earth where a +navigator may observe the same altitude of a heavenly body at a certain +time. Using traditional methods, only the part of a COP the navigator +is interested in is used, and replaced by a tangent line (LOP).
+
+
+
+ +

8. +Four Circles of Position (showing DR position as MOB and fix as +Waypoint)

+The MOB icon shows the initial DR position entered. The red circle +indicates the intersection of the crossing red lines, the calculated +position fix. Hover cursor over the crossing, right click and place a +mark. If required, visually adjust this to get best latitude and +longitude of the fix. In Sight Properties - Sight Tab, Degrees +Certainty was set to 0.05.
+
+ + +

+Methodology

General Traditional Theory

+A general, but very clear text on celestial positioning is available in +the PDF file on the web site of Henning Umland: +

http://www.celnav.de/page2.htm

+Many thanks to Henning Umland for this concise text. Naturally, also +the information provided by the Nautical Almanac and Bowditch is of +interest (see 'Links').
+
+ +

Plugin Computation Methods

+The plugin is still under development and the computation methods used +are innovative and based on vector, matrix and least squares methods. +The author, Sean d'Epagnier, uses this innovative method to directly +calculate a fix position. Only he knows the background and details.
+
+General information on direct computation methods can be found on pages +277 to 285 of the Nautical Almanac 1994 (see 'Links') and in the +following articles: +

+Presently, the plugin is not capable of advancing COP's to a common +time. When a shift is entered, the calculated numerical position on the +main window disappears. In this case, the fix can only be established +by visual examination of the graphics on the screen (see also 3. Sight +Properties - Date and Time Tab, and 8. Four Circles of Position) and a +fix time cannot be established.
+
+ +

Accuracy of Data

Comparison +of Plugin Astronomical Data and Nautical Almanac Data

+The data and formulas contained in the Nautical Almanac form a standard +in itself. The plugin utilizes astronomical data from VOP87d (for the +planets and indirectly for the sun), ELP2000/82 (for the moon) and +contains Right Ascension (RA; star's SHA = 360° - star's RA) and +Declination (Dec) data for the selected stars.
+
+During development of the plugin, the calculated (intermediate) +correction values for dip, refraction, horizontal parallax, parallax in +altitude and semi diameter, as well as the calculated position fix, +should be compared to values that result from other computation methods.
+
+The astronomical data used in the plugin is more accurate than data +taken from the Nautical Almanac. However, for navigation purposes the +differences are generally not important. With regard to altitude +reductions, so far test data indicates that the differences found in +calculated observed altitude (Ho) are small. Measurement and reading +errors made by the navigator will be larger. Using the present version, +calculated fix positions can still differ from those calculated with +traditional methods.
+

Accuracy of Plugin +Astronomical Data

+The plugin +astronomical data are from Jean Meeus' Astronomical +Algorithms. + +

Planetary positions are based upon a truncated version of +Bretagnon and Francou's VSOP87 theory. The estimated maximum error in +the +heliocentric longitude is several arc-seconds. Geocentric positions are +accurate to within a few arc-seconds.
Lunar positions are calculated using a truncated version of +the +lunar theory ELP-2000/82 of Chapront-Touzé and Chapront. The estimated +maximum error in the geocentric longitude is about 10 arc-seconds.

+Accuracy of Data in the Printed +Nautical Almanac

+The largest error that can occur in GHA and declination of any body +other than the Sun or Moon is less than 0.2'; it may reach 0.25' for +the Sun and 0.3' for that of the Moon. In practice it may be expected +that +only one third of the values of GHA and declination will have errors +larger than 0.05', and less than one tenth will have errors larger than +0.1'.
+
+The errors in the altitude corrections are nominally in the same order +(but the actual values of dip and refraction at low altitudes may +differ considerably in extreme atmospheric conditions).
+
+Depending on the type of sextant, the reading accuracy of the sextant +can be 0.2', 0.1' or 10". Measurement and reading errors made by the +navigator will be larger.
+
+ +

Abbreviations

+Some abbreviations of terms are given in the list hereunder. Not all of +these abbreviations conform to a standard.
+
+DR Dead Reckoning Position
+AP Assumed Position
+MPP Most Probable Position
+COP Circle of Position (Circle of Equal Altitude)
+LOP Line of Position
+HA Hour Angle
+GHA Greenwich Hour Angle
+LHA Local Hour Angle
+SHA Sidereal Hour Angle
+RA Right Ascension (star's SHA = 360^o +- star's RA)
+Dec Declination
+GP Geographical Position (of heavenly body; Lat = Dec, W_Lon += GHA or +E_Lon = 360° - GHA)
+ic Index Correction (= - Index Error of sextant)
+Dip Dip of the Horizon (function of eye height)
+R Refraction (function of Ha, temperature and pressure)
+HP Horizontal Parallax
+PA Parallax in Altitude (function of HP and Ha)
+SD Semi Diameter
+Hs Sextant Altitude
+Ha Apparent Altitude
+Ho Observed Altitude
+Hc Computed Altitude
+Z Azimuth
+Int +Intercept (= Ho - Hc)
+
+ +

Resources

Article: +Generic Algorithm for Solving Celestial Navigation Fix Problems

+by Ming-Cheng Tsou, Ph.D., National Kaohsiung Marine University, Taiwan
+POLISH MARITIME RESEARCH 3(75) 2012 Vol 19; pp. 53-59 +10.2478/v10012-012-0031-5 +

122939.celnavalg +tsau.pdf

+ABSTRACT
+In this work, we employ a genetic algorithm, from the field of +artificial intelligence, due to its superior search ability that mimics +the natural process of biological evolution. Unique encodings and +genetic operators designed in this study, in combination with the fix +principle of celestial circles of equal altitude in celestial +navigation, allow the rapid and direct attainment of accurate optimum +vessel position. Test results indicate that this method has more +flexibility, and avoids tedious and complicated computation and +graphical procedures.
+
+
+

Article: +The Direct Fix of Latitude and Longitude from Two Observed Altitudes

+by Stanley W. Gery
+Neptune Power Squadron, Huntington, New York, Received April 1996, +Revised December 1996 +

v44n1-2.pdf

+ABSTRACT
+This work presents a direct method for obtaining the latitude and +longitude of an observer from the observed altitudes of two celestial +bodies. No assumed position or dead-reckoned position or plotting is +required. Starting with the Greenwich hour angles, declinations, and +observed altitudes of each pair, the latitude and longitude of the two +points from which the observations must have been made are directly +computed. The algorithm is presented in the paper, along with its +derivation. Two different, inexpensive, programmable pocket electronic +calculators were programmed to execute the algorithm, and they do it in +under 30 s. The algorithm was also programmed to run on a personal +computer to examine the effect of the precision of the calculations on +the error in the results. The findings show that the use of eight +decimal places in the trigonometric computations provides acceptable +results.
+
+

Article: +New Computational Methods for Solving Problems of the Astronomical +Vessel Position

+by Tien-Pen Hsu (1), Chih-Li Chen (2) and Jiang-Ren Chang (3) + +

(1) Institute of Civil +Engineering, National +Taiwan University
+(2) Institute of Merchant Marine, National Taiwan Ocean University
+(3) Institute of Systems Engineering and Naval Architecture, National +Taiwan Ocean University;

+THE JOURNAL OF NAVIGATION (2005), 58, 315–335. The Royal Institute of +Navigation, doi: 10.1017/S0373463305003188, Printed in the United +Kingdom + +

JON +58(2) 315-335.pdf

+ABSTRACT
+In this paper, a simplified and direct computation method formulated by +the fixed coordinate system and relative meridian concept in +conjunction with vector algebra is developed to deal with the classical +problems of celestial navigation. It is found that the proposed +approach, the +Simultaneous Equal-altitude Equation Method (SEEM), can directly +calculate the Astronomical Vessel Position (AVP) without an additional +graphical procedure. The SEEM is not only simpler than the matrix +method but is also more straightforward than the Spherical Triangle +Method +(STM). Due to tedious computation procedures existing in the commonly +used methods for determining the AVP, a set of optimal computation +procedures for the STM is also suggested. In addition, aimed at +drawbacks of the intercept method, an improved approach with a new +computation procedure is also presented to plot the celestial line of +position without the intercept. The improved approach with iteration +scheme is used to solve the AVP and validate the SEEM successfully. +Methods of solving AVP problems are also discussed in detail. Finally, +a benchmark example is included to demonstrate these proposed methods.
+
+ +

Article: +Use of Rotation Matrices to Plot a Circle of Equal Altitude

+by A. Ruiz
+Industrial engineer, Navigational Algorithms
+Journal of Maritime Research, Vol. VIII. No. 3, pp.51-58, 2011 +

Download +RotationMatrices

+ABSTRACT
+A direct method for obtaining the points of a circle of equal altitude +using the vector analysis as an alternative to the spherical +trigonometry is presented, and a solution where celestial navigation +and Global Navigation Satellite Systems are complementary and coexist +is +proposed.
+

+

Article: +Determining the Position and Motion of a Vessel from Celestial +Observations

+by George H. Kaplan
+U.S. Naval Observatory +

PositionMotion.pdf

+ABSTRACT
+Although many mathematical approaches to the celestial fix problem +have been published, all of them fundamentally assume a stationary +observer. Since this situation seldom occurs in practice, methods have +been +developed that effectively remove the observer's motion from the +problem before a fix is determined. As an alternative, this paper +presents a +development of celestial navigation that incorporates a moving observer +as part of its basic construction. This development allows recovery of +the information on the vessel's course and speed contained in the +observations. Thus, it provides the means for determining, from a +suitable ensemble of celestial observations, the values of all four +parameters describing a vessel's rhumb-line track across the earth: +latitude and longitude at a specified time, course, and speed. In many +cases, this technique will result in better fixes than traditional +methods.
+
+

Book: A Short +Guide to Celestial Navigation

http://www.celnav.de/page2.htm

+Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document +under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or +any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no +Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts and no Back-Cover Texts. A +copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free +Documentation License".
+Revised October 1st, 2011, First Published May 20th, 1997
+
+

Book: The Sextant Handbook

Amazon +web site: The Sextant Handbook, Adjustment, Repair, Use and History - +2nd Edition

+The Sextant Handbook is dedicated to the premise that electronic +navigation devices, while too convenient to disregard, are too +vulnerable to rely on exclusively. The book is designed to make +beginner and expert alike conversant with this most beautiful and and +functional of the navigator's tools.
+
+

Other +Celestial Links

+ + + +

Cool Celestial +Navigation Links (on the web site of Henning Umland)
Nautical Almanac 1994.pdf (large +download of 140 +Mb from the web site of Reed Navigation)
Navigational Algorithms (web site +of Andres Ruiz)
Papers on Advanced Navigation (web +site of Andres +Ruiz)
Supplementary +celestial software on OpenCPN web site (by Andres Ruiz)
Erik's +Nautical Web Pages (web site of Erik de Man)
Online Study of Celestial Navigation +(e-learning +via web site of Seasources.net)
Bowditch +2002 (but also Bowditch 1995 and other, historical, +navigation +books online)
UKHO's Future of Celestial Navigation +(pdf; also +points out the vulnerability of GPS )

Examples of Test Data

Example worksheet (observation of 4 stars for fix +calculation)
Alternative worksheet (observation of Sun, Moon, Venus and +Polaris for altitude reduction only)

+We should thank Sean who has advanced the work of others admirably, and +NAV for his technical review of the plugin, his knowledge, and his +generous assistance in preparing this documentation. Rick.
+
+

NMEA +Converter

+NMEA Converter can convert incoming NMEA Sentences. +

Be +aware you need at least some knowledge of NMEA +Sentences .

Install the plugin in accord with the Install and Enable +Instructions.

+Then open the Preference Dialog to set your conversions.
+
+
+
+If +you see something like above please enlarge the nmeaSendDlg window +so it will show some buttons.
+Lets make a first test.
+
+This is a completely useless sentence that is send every second to +OpenCPN. Check also the nmeadebug window in the picture above, and note +that a checksum is added to the sentence.
+It is easy to change this one into something like:
+$GPRMC,085437,A,5324.3052,N,00611.5704,E,3.3,68.9,070614,0.3,E,A
+That will fake a GPS position into OpenCPN, but still not very usefully.
+ + +

Use +incoming data to send a different NMEA sentence.

+The real power of this plugin is that you can change the +data of the +send sentence by cherry picking from incoming sentences.
+The reason I did write this plugin was I wanted dashboard to show the +air temperature. To get the data, dashboard needs a $xxMTA sentence, +however I had a Airmar PB200 unit that is sending $xxMDA sentences.
+An example: We have from the windset,
+$WIMDA,30.1,I,1.0,B,11.3,C,,,,,,,18.6,T,18.5,M,5.8,N,3.0,M*27
+and want:
+$xxMTA,11.3,C*<Checksum>
+Note that the data needed in in fields 5 and 6 of the MDA sentence. +(11.3 degrees Celsius)
+Setting the format to,
+$XXMTA, $WIMDA5, $WIMDA6
+will give an output sentence: $XXMTA, 11.3, C*26
+Where $WIMDA5 is replaced by the 5th field of the +$WIMDA sentence. etc. + +

As seen above, the $XXMTA sentence is send each time a $WIMDA +sentence +is received, an read by dashboard.

Do +math - Convert units. EG: Centigrade to Fahrenheit

But what if I was living in the US and preferred the +reading in +degrees Fahrenheit??
+Just change the format to:
+$XXMTA, 5 / 9 * $WIMDA5 + 32, F
+
+As you see the value is recalculated an d now displayed as degrees +Fahrenheit.
+For calculations the following functions are supported:

Normal +functions

+abs : the absolute value, it removes the sign
+ceil : the smallest integer greater than or equal to x
+cub : x^3, safe way to compute such an exponent
+deg : converts from radian to degree
+exp : the exponential value
+hvi : Heaviside's function, =0 if x<0, =1 if x>=0
+int : the largest integer less than or equal to x
+inv : inverts, 1/x
+floor : not supported, see int
+ln : the neperian logarithm
+lnep : see ln
+log : the logarithm base 10
+rad : converts from degree to radian
+sgn : the sign, -1 or +1. Zero returns +1.
+sqr : x^2, safe way to compute such an exponent
+sqrt : the root square
+ +

Trigonometric +functions

+acos : the secant (inverse of cosine)
+acsh : the inverse of the hyperbolic cosine
+asin : the cosecant (inverse of sine)
+asnh : the inverse of the hyperbolic sine
+atan : the cotangent (inverse of tangent)
+atnh : the inverse of the hyperbolic tangent
+cos : the cosine
+cosh : the hyperbolic cosine
+sin : the sine
+sinc : the cardinal sine (radian)
+sinh : the hyperbolic sine
+tan : the tangent
+tanh : the hyperbolic tangent
+
+This makes it possible to do spreadsheel like calculations. And as in a +spreadsheet the trigonometric functions are using radians.
+ +

Future: +Calculate True Wind from Apparent Wind

I didn't try it but it should be possible to calculate +truewind from +apparent wind, course and speed,
+If you have an useful format formula please feel free to add it here .
+
+Another future possibility is to do a comparison lookup of a boat's +Polar data and send a special NMEA sentence of the comparative result +to the Dashboard using a special dedicated performance instrument, for +example.

VDR
+

Voyage +Data Recorder

+Use Voyage Data Recorder to record and play NMEA files.
+
+ + +

Use +VDR for AIS Simulation - Run VDR to play AIS NMEA +files. +Or... +use the VDR plugin to record your passages and replay them later! The +VDR is also great for testing NMEA sentences, the Dashboard and new +OpenCPN features. These are just a few examples, of how to use this +versatile plugin.

When VDR is +activated in ToolBar -> +Options -> Plugins +-> VDR, two Buttons appears in +the ToolBar

+
+ +

The left button is for recording, and leads to a "Choose file" dialog to select +the file +to record to. A file with +a .txt file extension works well.

The +right button is for playing an existing file, and also leads to a +dialog where the file must be selected. Once +selected VDR +starts to play the file, the small +dialog below shows on the screen.

+ +
+

You +can control the speed +with the upper slide. Far left is +slow, natural speed, while moving +the slide to the far right equals fast forwarding.

The +lower part of the dialog shows +the progress.

When recording, +the VDR plugin includes all NMEA data +available on +the internal +bus in OpenCPN. Even data not recognized or used by +OpenCPN will be recorded. Everything (almost) in the ToolBar -> Connections -> +"NMEA debug window" +will be included.

In other words. The +VDR records everything from all +ports and +does +not participate in the downstream multiplexer filter or priority +scheme. That way, a VDR recording may be played back, experimenting +with +various filters and priorities if desired.

If you +are playing a file with the VDR +at the same time, even that data +will be +included. +So it is +possible to play and record at the same time!

Want to +play?

To get started, download +this file.

Un - +7-zip the file and change the .pdf extension to .txt. The file is +now ready to play.

If +you can't find the boat, have a look in the Adriatic or just +press the "Auto Follow", or press F2. +The view will now center on the action.

+ + +

The +VDR shows up as "PlugIn Virtual" in the NMEA Debug Window.

+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

+ +

+

Calculator

+The calculator plugin allows +you to carry out all nautical calculations, without having to leave the +OpenCPN environment. The scientific calculator is capable of working +with, and retaining variables.
+ +

When starting the plugin for +the first time, go to to +find the +plugin tab. Click on the calculator plugin, then the "Enable" button.
Back in the OpenCPN +menu the calculator icon brings up the calculator.
+

+ +

Tick the "Help" tickbox +to bring up a comprehensive +help screen. +Unticking the help button brings you back to the calculator only +interface and resizes the menu to the original size.

+ +

Enter calculations in +the box and press enter or +"Calculate" for +evaluation. Press the up or down button, to retrieve historic input and +results (max 30).

+ +

Examples of +expression that work in +the +calculator are: (comments are in brackets, some results depend on +other example calculations): +
+ +
Hull speed: +
+
LWL=48 +(water line length in feet)
+
vhull=1.34*LWL^(1/2) (hull speed in knots)
+
+
+
Conversions: + +
+
ftm=0.3048 +(feet to meters)
+
km_to_nm=0.539957 +(Kilometers to nautical +Mile)
+
ftm*LWL +(waterline length in meters)
+ + +
+ +
+ +
Distance to horizon +
+
R=6378.1*1000 (Radius of the earth in m)
+
H=2.5 (Height of the eye above sea-level +in m)
+
d = R * acos(R/(R + h)) (Distance to +horizon in m)
+
ans*km_to_nm (Distance to horizon in nm, km_to_nm +was entered under conversions)
+
+
+
Distance to +lighthouse +
+
H1=200 (height of lighthouse in m)
+
d1 = R*acos(R/(R + H1)) (Distance to +horizon in m)
+
distance=d1+d (visibility range of +lighthouse in m)
+
+
+
+
+

Ans is the result of +the previous +calculation

+ +

Variables can be +defined (e.g. +myvariable=10/8*cos(dtr*90) or yourvariable=Ans)

+
Operators: +
+
+ plus
+
- minus
+
* multiplication
+
/ devision
+
^ power (use ^(1/2) +for square root)
+
% modulus - Divides +the value of one expression +by the value +of another, and returns the remainder.
+
! factorial
+ + +
+ +
+ +

Functions: +
+
Abs Absolute
+
Exp Exponential
+
Sign Returns .-1 for negative numbers and 1 for +positive +numbers
+
Sqrt Square root
+
Log natural logarithm
+
Log10 10 logarithm
+
Trigonio (default entry is in radians use e.g. +sin(dtr*90) to +calculate in degree) : +
+
Sin
+
Cos
+
Tan
+
ASin
+
ACos
+
Atan
+
+
+
Factorial Variables: Pi, e
+
dtr is the conversion factor from degrees to +radians
+
+
+
Bitwise +operators +
+
|| logical OR
+
& logical +AND
+
|
+
<<
+
>>
+
=
+
<>
+
<
+
>
+
<=
+
>=
+
+
+ + +
+ + +

+ Go to Table +Of Contents
+

Rtlsdr +USB +

Rtlsdr +USB Plugin

Use +a low cost USB DVB-T (Digital TV) receiver for AIS messages from Ships
+

+Various dongles are supported, the r820-t works the best and is also +the cheapest (typically under $10 USD)
+
+
+
+Hardware +Setup:
+
+You must use a proper vhf antenna, not the one included with the +dongle. I cut the antenna coax included with the dongle, and spliced it +to the vhf coax. You must solder both inner and outer (shield) +connections.
+
+Software Setup: + +

Linux

+You must now compile rtl-sdr from source: + +

git clone git://git.osmocom.org/rtl-sdr.git
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
sudo make install

+
+Next, +you must have either aisdecoder, or gnuradio (with gr-ais).
+
+For +aisdecoder: + +

wget http://www.aishub.net/downloads/aisdecoder.tar.gz
tar zxvf aisdecoder.tar.gz
cd aisdecoder
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
sudo make install

+
+For +gnuradio with gr-ais:
+<not completed> + +

+

Windows

+You must run the program zadig to install the driver +available +here http://zadig.akeo.ie/ +The default settings should be fine.
+
+The receiver program (rtl_fm) and decoder (aisdecoder) are included as +pre-built binaries, so from here, install the plugin setup package. So +far I have no pre-built packages for gnuradio on windows, but this +would be useful if provided. If there are issues it may be helpful to +install the sdrsharp program to determine if the dongle is receiving +data at all. +

+

All Platforms
+

+It should be possible (from the preferences dialog) to +calibrate +the dongle with the Auto Calibrate button:
+
+
+
+From +what I can tell so far, the error correction range is +- 128 (my +two dongles use values of 35 and 50) and must be within 5 for +aisdecoder and 15-20 for gnuradio. When the value is more accurate, +more ais messages are received as well.
+
+From +here, install the plugin package, or build from source and +install. This works best in an area with a +lot of
+ais +traffic. +Once calibrated, ships should appear on the chart..
+
+

oTCurrent

What and Why

+The OpenCPN standard installation has tidal current data for the USA. +By pressing the 'Show Currents' icon a set of arrows for the tidal +current are displayed and also the rate of the current. These arrows +are in a single color. No value for direction is shown.
+
+oTCurrent allows the selection of a different date/time for the current +prediction. Also, using the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons the user can +'step through' the time of the prediction.
+
+IMPORTANT: The times selected/shown use the same time +zone as your computer. The tidal current displayed should be checked +against official publications. + +

Install

+Download the oTCurrent_pi.dll plugin file and place this file in the +plugins folder of OpenCPN. The plugin assumes that you are using the +'Harmonic.idx' file installed in the 'tcdata' folder of your setup. The +plugin is not able to work with 'tcd' files. +

Standard +actions

+Enable the plugin by using Tools/Options and pressing the Enable button.
+
+
+
+While +the 'Options' screen is open user preferences can be set. The +user can decide whether text values of rate and direction are shown +against +the tidal arrows. Arrows can be 'solid fill' or 'outline'. 'Fill +Color' makes the arrows 'solid fill'.
+The color of the arrows can be changed. These selections are saved in +the Config file.
+
+After enabling the plugin and pressing 'Apply' the oTCurrent icon +appears on the toolbar.
+
+
+Press +the icon to start seeing tidal arrows. Unlike the arrows +displayed by the standard OpenCPN program you will need to be zoomed +in, to a +scale greater than 1:50000.
+
+
+
+Pressing 'Next' steps the time +ahead by the interval set in the 'Step' +box.
+
+Pressing +'Previous' steps the time back by this interval.
+
+The 'Now' (Clock) button shows the tidal current for the present time.
+
+
+Dates in the future can be chosen, using the 'Select' button.
+
+
+If you have a 'Harmonic.idx' file on your computer, other than the one +installed as part of the standard OpenCPN installation, this file can +be selected with the 'Browse' button.
+ + +

Options

+Return to 'Tools/Options/Preferences' if you wish to change whether +text is displayed for direction or rate. Also to change the color used +for a range of speed. +

FAQ
+

+No arrows are shown. How do I show them?
+Is the chart zoomed in to a sufficiently large scale? Are you using a +'Harmonic.idx' file?
+
+My sailing area is Europe. Can tidal currents +(streams) be displayed?
+Unofficial 'Harmonic.idx' files are available for some European +waters.
+
+

Other +Plugins

Other Useful 3rd Party +Plugins +

+These plugins are available at the Opencpn Download location or at +various github repositories to be compiled. They generally work for +Windows and Linux, and some are available for MAC. There are no page +links for these plugins yet.
+
+AIS Radar View +- +Implements a radar-like +display for AIS +targets
+
+Calculator - This +is a calculator & mathematical expression parsing plugin.
+
+Route - Route Plotting, Great Circle routes, +Limited Circle Routes and Rhumb lines.
+
+Chart Object +Search - Allows search of +named objects on S-57 and CM93 +vector charts.
+
+Debugger +- Shows plugin API messages. For developers to help +troubleshoot problems with NMEA data streams.
+
+Launcher +- Allows user to define several buttons to launch external commands. +Targets touch screen devices.
+
+Gecomapi +- Google Earth Plugin Turn Google earth into chart overlays
+
+IACfleet +- IAC Fleet Code visualizes the encoded data +issued as part of the weather +bulletins. The IAC Fleet Code provides size effective encoded synoptic +charts for several areas of the world, especially useful with slow and +limited connection to the Internet. Coverage +areas: +

South Pacific weather issued by Fiji Meteorologica Service +in Nadi and +available from Saildocs
Weather over Brazil and adjacent parts of Pacific and +Atlantic oceans, including direct download of the data from the Internet
Weather analysis and 24 hour forecast +for North +Atlantic and Europe issued by NOAA, including direct download of the +data from the Internet

+SweepPlot - Provides a +historical plot of Speed +(SOG) above Course (COG) for sailors.
+
+Chartscale - Slider +to change the chartscale. Useful utility.
+
+RotationCtrl - +Controls to rotate the charts in +various ways. North up, South up, Course up, Heading up, Route up, Wind up, +Tilt down, Tilt up. +Rotate +CCW, +Rotate CW.
+
+Projections - Utility to project +the charts in +many alternative projections configured by the user.
+Right-click shows "Projections" with user selection for Mercator, +Orthographic, Polar, Stereographic, Genomonic, ane Equirectangular. +These projections may be useful for a more accurate interpretation of +navigational data. Mercator is especially skewed at high attitudes. +Requires opengl.
+
+Statusbar - This plugin +replaces the built-in status with a more configurable one that is +easier to read.
+For +best results, you should +disable the built-in toolbar on the User Interface tab in the Toolbox +and set the Y position of the plugin toolbar to at least the pixel size +of the font selected in the plugin preferences.
+
+TackandLay - Tack and +Laylines for sailors. Linux +only.
+
+
+Possible Future Plugins
+
+Sailing +Console - Sailors tool which utilizes instrument data to +optimize boat progress
+Survey - To survey and record the depth.
+ +

Man +OverBoard

+
+Man +Over Board, MOB, can be handled manually, by +pressing a button on the screen, or hit a shortcut key sequence.
+Mob can also be handled automatically, or +semi-automatically, provided that the crew is equipped with the right +gear.
+
+In +any case ...receiving a signal from an AIS SART or PLB will always +generate an on screen alert, and sound a warning if this is set up. +Read more about AIS SART .
+
+ +

MOB +activated manually
+

+Drop a Man Over Board Marker at your present position by pressing
+* Man Over Board Button

+on the ToolBar. This button will always be furthest to the right among +the buttons, for ease of finding.
+or hit the Keys
+*Ctrl + Space bar.
+
+A +mark, looking like the button is instantly created - the MOB mark.
+The MOB mark will be called "MAN OVERBOARD at + time-stamp"
+
+A +temporary route, from a point 1 mile ahead on the +current COG, and to the MOB mark is created and +activated. On the screen, a course and bearing +to the MOB mark will be displayed. This temporary triangular mark is +labeled "1.0 NM along COG".
+
+If COG, course over ground, is not available, no route is created but +the MOB position is marked. This can happen if no GPS is connected, if +the GPS signal is (temporary) unavailable or if the speed is so low +that the GPS doesn't calculate COG.
+
+The MOB mark is persistent
+If OpenCPN is shut down OpenCPN by mistake, and you have to restart, +the MOB mark will still be there.
+
+To +delete a MOB
+The temporary route can be deleted, through the right-click menu, but +no action of the user with the mouse or keyboard will move or delete +the +MOB mark, except for a right click -> Mark/Wpt Properties and +select +a different icon, and then delete the mark (ex mob mark) from +the right click menu, or +through the Route Manager. A MOB mark is not included in "Delete All" +in the Route Manager, to avoid mistakes. The mark has to be selected +alone and then "Deleted".
+
+Multiple MOB marks can be deployed, and multiple temporary routes will +be created. The active route will always be associated with the last +dropped MOB mark.
+
+Be very careful when using this capability in waters with strong tide +or current.
+The person overboard will not be at the position of +the MOB mark for long. Both Own Boat and the person in the water will +move +with the current, but OpenCPN knows nothing about this.
+
+The MOB mark has just been dropped
+
+
+
+Own +Boat has moved on and the MOB mark is 0.22 miles in bearing 306 +degrees.
+One option in this situation is to drag the triangle to the Own Boats +position.
+
+
+
+A +second MOB mark is dropped.
+
+

+MOB activated automatically

+This works if each +person onboard has a personal "AIS-SART" or +"PLB(AIS)" and carry them at all times.
+The transponder must also be activated, either manually by the MOB or +automatically.
+OpenCPN should be set to treat the MMSI of the crew devices as MOB +events.
+Do this by going to Options->Ships->MMSI +Properties->New and +enter the MMSI number of a device.
+
+
+Mark +"Always track" and "Handle this MMSI as SART/PLB(AIS) MOB", and +press OK. Do the same thing for each AIS emergency device on board. +They should now all appear in the list at the "MMSI Properties" tab.
+
+Next set up Options->Ships->Ais Targets->"Play +Sound on +CPA/TCPA and DSC/SART emergencies" including "Select Alert Sound".
+
+With this setup a MOB will generate an alarm and OpenCPN will start a +MOB event as described above under "MOB activated manually".
+ +

Otherwise...

+An active SART or PLB(AIS) will generate an emergency alarm (if this is +set up) and an on screen alert, even if the MMSI is not entered into +OpenCPN as above. Read more about AIS SART +.
+
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

+ + +The right click menu is always +available as long as the cursor is somewhere in the chart area. The +content of this menu is very context sensitive. The reason for +the "Focused Context Menus", is to keep the number of +options down to a reasonable level, and still be able to deal with all +situations.
+There are basic right-click menus when clicking at a random point, and +very focused menus when clicking on a waypoint, a route, a track or an +AIS target. If you have just created or deleted a waypoint, or if chart +groups are defined, there are further entries added to the basic menu. +Some plugins also adds entries to the right-click menu when they are +used. Below, the basic entries are explained.The more context specific +entries are dealt with as the concerned feature is explained.
+ +

The basic +single +charts right-click menus.

+Below is first the rastercharts menu to the left and then the vector +chart menu.
+Available "hotkeys", if any, are shown to the right.
+
+
+
+

Starting with the left +menu for raster charts +

+Measure
+Activates a "pencil". Move the pencil with the cursor. Put the tip of +the pencil on a position that you want to measure from. Left-click, a +dot Position with a circle around is created. Move the pencil with the +mouse and see the distance and bearing from the point to the pencil-tip +in "real time". Left-clicking again creates a temporary waypoint. When +moving the "pencil" again, distance and bearing, once again are shown +from the temporary waypoint. The total distance from the original +measure point, via the temporary wapoint(s) are also shown as "Route +Distance". Right click and mark "Measure Off" to stop measuring.
+For longer distances, specially on east.west courses on higher +latitudes, the measure tool seamlessly switches to display and measure +great circles instead of Mercator rhumb-lines. Read more Great-circle Sailing +.
+The "Create Route" tool works in a similar way, but you can't use the +two tools at the same time. + +

+

+Max Detail Here
+Displays the largest scale, most detailed chart, available +in the position of the cursor.
+It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the +position.
+
+Scale In
+Displays the next larger scale chart.
+It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the +position.
+
+Scale Out
+Displays the next smaller scale chart.
+It is assumed that there are more than one chart available at the +position.
+
+Drop Mark
+Drops a mark in the position of the cursor. Further explained on this +page::Marks and Routes
+
+Move Boat Here
+Moves own boats position to the position pointed at. This item is only +visible in the right click-menu if the GPS isn't connected.
+
+Navigate to here
+Creates an instant active route from own boat to the position clicked. +The option does not appear when following an active route. More +about routes: Marks and +Routes
+
+Center View...
+Activates a small dialog where latitude and longitude can be entered. +Pressing "OK" centers the display on this position, keeping the same +scale. If a position has been copied, and is in your copy buffer, it +will be displayed as default values. OpenCPN accepts a wide variety of +position formats. The values entered is kept during a session, but goes +when restarting OpenCPN.
+
+Course Up Mode
+Is shown because we are in North Up Mode. Clicking this entry changes +the display to "North Up Mode." It is a toggle switch between "North +Up" and "Course Up". Read more about display orientation: Display Orientation
+
+AIS +Target List
+Shows a list of discovered AIS targets, if any. Read more on the AIS page.
+
+Looking at the right click menu for vector charts, to the right +above,we can see these additional entries.
+
+Object Query
+Every point on a vector-chart has certain attributes, or information. +This can vary from just the depth in mid ocean to much more. Double +clicking is an alternative to display the object query dialog. Here is +an example from a lateral buoy in the entrance channel to a medium +sized port.
+
+
+
+The scrollbar on the right side of the dialog, reveals that more info +is available by scrolling down. Much more about this on the Vector Display page.
+
+CM93 +Offset Dialog
+Apply corrections to CM93 chart cells through this dialog. Read more on +the CM93 +Offsets page in the Advanced section of this manual.
+ +

The +basic quilted charts right-click menus, for raster charts and vector +charts
+

+
+
+The only new item in the quilted menus is "Hide This Chart" The chart +becomes excluded from the +quilt. To show the chart again, find it in the chart bar, now marked +with a red "X", right click and press "Show +this Chart". +Read more here: Chart +Quilting
+
+
+
+ Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Keyboard +Shortcuts

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+	Windows	Linux	OS X	Comments
Menu Bar	Alt			Toggle if Show Menu is unchecked.
Zoom In	+			+
Zoom Out	-			+
Zoom In	PgUp			+
Zoom Out	PgDn			+
Fine Zoom In	Alt +			+
Fine Zoom Out	Alt -			+
Larger Scale Chart	Ctrl+LeftArrowKey (or F7)		Cmd+LeftArrowKey	+
Smaller Scale Chart	Ctrl+RightArrowKey (or F8)		Cmd+RightArrowKey	+
+	+			+
Panning	Arrow keys			+
Panning Slowly	Alt + Arrow keys			+
+	+			+
Quit OCPN	Ctrl+Q (or F9)		Cmd+Q	+
Preferences	+		Cmd+,	+
Full Screen	F11		Ctrl+Cmd-F	+
+	+			+
Auto Follow (on/off)	Ctrl+A (or F2)		Cmd+A	+
Option Window	Ctrl+,			+
Chart Quilting (on/off)	Q		Alt+Q	+
Chart Outlines (on/off)	O (or F12)		Alt+O	+
+	+			+
ENC Text (on/off)	T (or F3)		Alt+T	+
ENC Anchoring (on/off)	A		Alt+A	+
ENC Lights (on/off)	L		Alt+L	+
ENC Soundings (on/off)	S		Alt+S	+
+	+			+
CM93 Detail Slider (on/off)	D			+
Chart Bar (on/off)	Ctrl+B		Cmd+B	+
GPS Status (on/off)	Ctrl+I		Cmd+I	+
+	+			+
Change Color Scheme	C (or F5)		Alt+C	+
Screen Dimming	F6 (or Shift F6)		+	Cycles through 10 different levels. +OSX : Does not work.
Monochromatic Mode	Ctrl-G*		+	Works on some Windows systems (depending on graphic +driver)
+	+			+
Measure Distance	M (or F4)		Alt+M	+
New Route	Ctrl+R		Cmd+R	+
Next Waypoint (in active route)	Ctrl+N		Cmd+N	+
New Mark at Cursor	Ctrl+M		Cmd+M	+
New Mark at Boat Location	Ctrl+O		Cmd+O	+
Man Overboard	Ctrl+Space		Ctrl+Space	Note OS X uses Ctrl, not Cmd +(the letter is reserved for Spotlight on OS X)
+	+			+
Undo (create/move/delete mark)	Ctrl+Z		Cmd+Z	+
Redo (create/move/delete mark)	Ctrl+Y		Shift+Cmd+Z	+

+

The List sorted by Keys

Function Keys

F2 toggle Auto Follow on / off
F3 toggle ENC Text.
F4 activates the chart measure pencil. Esc Stops +it
F5 toggle Daylight, Dusk & Night mode, if +built into +the Chart ( "C", Ctrl+C, Ctrl+G)
F6 General Dimming, in steps, of the entire +Screen. +(except Mac OS X ) OpenGL must be off.
F7 Larger Scale Raster Chart (Scale In) or Ctrl + +Left-Arrow
F8 Smaller Scale Raster Chart (Scale Out) or Ctrl ++ +Right-Arrow
F9 Chart Quilting . Toggle +on/off
F11 toggle Full Screen view.
F12 toggle Chart Outlines
SHIFT + F6 reverses the dimming.

+Hot Keys or Shortcut +Keys + +
+ +
C + change color scheme -new similar to Ctrl+C, +Ctrl+G and F5
+
L toggle Vector ENC Lights +on/off. "Mariners Standard" +display category.
+
O toggle Chart Outlines. or F12
+
T toggle ENC Text or F3
+
S toggle ENC soundings.
+
A toggle bottom features, useful when anchoring. +"Mariners +Standard" Anchorage area & Anchor berth display category.
+
D toggle CM93 Detail Slider. Hide only works, if +the +slider lost focus.
+
M toggle Measure Tool F4
+
Q Chart Quilting
+
+ Zoom In
+
- Zoom Out
+
+Alt +Keys + +
+ +
Alt. + Toggles Menu Bar on/off of Show menu is not checked.
+
Alt + Arrow Keys. Moves the chart view in very +small steps.
+
Alt + "+" for fine scale zooming in.
+
Alt + "-" for fine scale zooming out.
+
+Control +Keys + +
+ +
Ctrl ++ Space Man Over Board, +sets MOB Marker at +current GPS position.
+
Ctrl + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps
+
Ctrl + Left-Arrow-Key Larger Scale Chart (Scale +In) (F7)
+
Ctrl + Right-Arrow-Key Smaller Scale +Chart (Scale Out) (F8)
+
Ctrl + B toggle the Chart Bar.
+
Ctrl + C Change color scheme - new similar to +Ctrl+G, "C" and (F5)
+
Ctrl + G* cycles through green, red and normal +screen.
+
Ctrl + I toggle small dialog, +containing GPS status & +Course/Up North Up Icons, on/off.
+
Ctrl + M Drops Marker at current cursor position.
+
Ctrl + N Activate next waypoint in an active +route.
+
Ctrl + O Drops Marker at current ownship position.
+
Ctrl + Q Quits OpenCPN
+
Ctrl + R Starts the Routing tool. Esc +ends creating +route.
+
Ctrl + Y Redo Mark/waypoint create, move or +delete.
+
Ctrl + Z Undo Mark/waypoint create, move or +delete.
+
Ctrl + the option Window is displayed
+
+Other +Keys and Clicks + +

+Keyboard Arrow Keys. Moves the +chart view.
+
Left clicking on a +chart, centers the chart on that point.
+
Double clicking a +vector chart, displays all info for that +point (exception below).
+
When the cursor becomes +a green arrow, clicking +pans in the direction of the arrow.
+
Double clicking on an AIS target, +displays the target query dialog.
+
Double clicking on a +mark or waypoint, displays the Mark +Properties Dialog
+
Double clicking on a +route or track, displays the +Route/Track Properties Dialog
+
Right clicking on any +chart, access a context sensitive +menu.
+
Esc ends the process of +route creation or stops the +measure pencil.
+
Right +Mouse click on chart +View center lat & long
+
Left +Mouse click on chart moves +to center of view
+
+

+Scroll Wheel + +
+ +
Scroll +Wheel, zooming in/out
+
Alt + scroll wheel, zooming in/out in small steps.
+
+Cursor + +
+ +
When +the cursor becomes a green arrow, clicking pans in +the direction of the arrow.
+
+ +

+* +Ctrl-G Works on some Windows systems (depending on +graphic driver).
+
+NOTE: This list +may not be completely detailed and correct for now, but +it does try to establish all the shortcuts available.
+We may need to add some +things to Caesar's Functional and tabular list +to make it more complete. Please contribute ideas and +corrections/improvements!
+ +

+

Charts

Introduction

This section will cover the universe of charts through the lens +of +OpenCPN: installing, using, finding, different formats supported, using +purchased charts, and more.

+Options > Charts +> Tabs
+

+
+The +following documents the Charts tab of the Options screen. +

Chart Files Tab +Installing charts and managing directories
+Vector Display Tab +Vector chart display options
+Chart Groups Tab +Creating and managing Chart Groups
+Chart Download Tab +The Free Chart Downloader Plugin downloads +and updates free charts

Chart +Use Under Toolbars
+

+The following options allow you to manage how charts are used +

Chart Status Bar +Shows +a Chart Icon for all the charts available +in the present screen
+Chart Info Detailed +information +about an individual chart.
+Scaling Charts Using +the tool +bar to change chart scale
+Chart Quilting +Display parts +of several charts together on the screen, redrawn to the same scale.

Chart +Resources
+

+Additional information about charts.
+
+Background Chart +This +is the chart that is shown when no other chart is available
+Chart Sources +Free chart sources
+Chart Formats List of +supported chart formats
+S63 Vector Charts(Plugin) +Fee based charts
+BSB4 Charts (Plugin) +Fee +based charts
+NV Charts (Plugin) Fee +based charts
+CM93 +Offsets How to correct a CM93 chart (at your +own risk! )
+ +

Advanced +Chart Work

Chart +Conversion

+

+ + +

Chart +Files Tab

+ + + + + + + +

The potential danger +to the +mariner increases with
+digital charts because by zooming in, he can increase the chart
+scale beyond what can be supported by the source data. The
+constant and automatic update of the vessel’s position on the
+chart display can give the navigator a false sense of security,
+causing him to rely on the accuracy of a chart when the source
+data from which the chart was compiled cannot support the
+scale of the chart displayed.
+
+Bowditch 2002 Ed p 412.

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + +

Installing Charts

+For the first time user, the easiest path is to use Chart Download Tab +first, +even if your primary charts are found somewhere else. It's possible, +even desirable, to find charts in many places that the Chart Downloader +doesn't cover (e.g. CM93 Vers 2). But when getting started, take the +easier path. You will learn how things work and will make better +choices when adding charts from other sources.
+
+ +
+OpenCPN +does not come with any +pre-installed charts. +It is up +to the user to find +and install charts. +Read on, and you will find +detailed information about which chart formats +that OpenCPN can display, as well as pointers to all available charts +for OpenCPN, free downloads as well as commercial, that we know of. + +

Background +Chart

+OpenCPN comes with a worldwide background map, +displayed +if no +charts are available for an area.
+
+
+
+To install charts, OpenCPN must be pointed to a +directory containing +Charts of one of the recognized Chart +Formats. Don't point OpenCPN to +individual charts. You must specify the directory that contains the +charts.
+
+Where +do I keep my charts ?
+The installation tells you to go to the +Options->Charts->Chart +Files tab to install charts.
+When you press the "Add Directory" button the default directory will be +"My Documents" for Windows, and the users home directory, for Linux and +Mac. These are good places to keep your charts. Create a "Chart" +directory, and maybe some sub directories, to keep your charts in, and +you can't go far wrong. We suggest you can create a "Chart" +directory, and possibly two or three sub directories, "RNC" +and "ENC" and possibly "CM93" to keep your charts in, +and you can't go far wrong. Seasoned users knows where they want their +charts.
+Regard charts as data, independent of OpenCPN. Store them in a place +that is convenient for you and that is left alone by the operating +system.
+Download some charts (see Chart +Sources) +to your newly created Chart directory. Follow the directions below to +make this directory an "Active Chart Directory"
+
+The +main consideration for charts is storing them in a directory where +they will not be tampered with or moved accidentally.
+
+Installing Charts
+Open the Options Dialog by clicking

+You are sent +to the first tab "Display". Tick the box "Show Chart Outlines". That +will help you visualize the loaded charts.
+
+
+
+Then +click the tab "Charts" and then the tab "Chart Files".
+
+
+
+There +are no charts loaded. To add charts we have to add a directory +that contains charts of a recognized format. To get started press "Add +Directories" and navigate to your chart-directory.
+
+
+
+Exactly how the dialog looks like depends on your operating system, and +is not a part of the core OpenCPN.
+When clicking the button "Open" above, the highlighted chart directory +is added to the box "Directories". The screen-shots are from Linux, +but this process works similarly on all platforms. Add more chart +directories using the same process again. It's OK to load both raster- +and vector-charts together.
+
+
+
+All that remains is to click the "Apply" button. OpenCPN will then +process your selection. You can now start using your charts. When you +are done with your settings click "OK" and the Options Dialog closes. +If you are just adding a chart directory, it works fine to just click +the +"Ok" button.
+
+The charts often come in a compressed package eg. a ZIP archive. You +must first uncompress them to your disk to be able to set them up. The +following screenshot shows the file and directory structure of the NOAA +raster charts (RNC) on a local disk
+
+
+
+ +

Note that in +OpenCPN you must add directories (folders) +containing charts, not the individual charts.

+For BSB4 and nv-charts, first +install the latest +plugin version, then point OpenCPN to the correct chart +directories and finally do a "Full Database Rebuild".
+
+Eager to get some charts quickly, to get started? Go +to: Chart Sources
+ +

Check your charts +after +installation

+This step is important if you just installed some old BSB charts, say +from the nineties, or charts of dubious origin. For example, there are a +lot of old Maptech charts that uses the Geodetic Datum "Unknown".
+It is not a problem with recent charts.
+OpenCPN Version 4.0 will reject charts without a projection +and add a note in the log about the problem.
+Charts with an unrecognized Geodetic Chart Datum will be loaded as if +they were WGS84. This may lead to unacceptable errors. The Chart +Information Dialog will contain the sentence:"Warning: Chart +Datum may be incorrect." , and the log will contain a note +with the words "Chart datum {XXXX} invalid on chart".
+For practical use, it's very important that the implication of this is +understood.
+Read up on the subject in the Chart +Info +page
+
+Start +using your charts.
+You can click and drag the chart with your mouse. The cursor changes to +an triangular green arrow near the edges of the OpenCPN window, left +clicking in this situation, pans the chart in the direction of the +arrow. The scroll wheel zooms in and out. Left clicking anywhere +centers the view on that position. Right clicking brings up a menu with +useful +actions. Exactly what the menu contains depends on the circumstances. +Read the rest of the manual for a full explanation.
+
+If +you are running OpenCPN for the first time you may see the +background chart instead of the charts you installed. That simply means +OpenCPN +is pointed at a location that is not on any of the charts you +installed. Click and drag, or use the arrow keys, to move the +view-point to the +location of one of your installed charts as described under "A +few hints" below. Look for the rectangular outlines of the +installed charts. An +alternative is to right-click, and then click "Jump to position". Enter +a location that is within the perimeters of your entered charts. The +first time you start OpenCPN the view will be centered on Georgetown in +South Carolina.
+
+Quilting +Chart Mode is the default display mode. In +this mode all available charts at the viewpoint will be quilted +together seamlessly according to certain roles. Read more in Chart Quilting. The +other display mode is Single chart Mode were only one +chart at a time is used. It is possible to read all the +information printed in the perimeter of a raster chart. To change to +another chart, select and click in the Chart Selection Bar. Read more +in Chart Status Bar +.
+ +
+ +

Starting with vector +charts?

+If you are new to vector charts, including CM93 v2, on OpenCPN follow +this quick-start guide:
+
+1 Go to Options

->Charts-> +Vector Chart +Display and copy the settings below for the Display Category.
+ +

+
+2 +Press this button

in +the ToolBar to toggle text display. +Alternatively, the "T" hotkey does the same thing.
+
+These are not the "perfect" settings, but you will see most of what you +expect from a vector chart.
+As soon as you have made yourself reasonably comfortable with OpenCPN +and before using Vector Charts for actual navigation, make sure you +understand all the settings in the Options-> Charts -> +Vector +Display Tab by reading the Vector +Display Tab page.
+Loading Vector Charts
+When using a vector chart for the first time, OpenCPN has to process +the data, and transform the information to an internal display format. +Click the green chart rectangle in the chart-bar to start the process.
+

+This +can take some time, depending on your computer. This internal SENC +chart, is saved for future use. The created files are quite large, but +is in a format optimized for quick loading. OpenCPN is trading, +creation time and size, for fast rendering when actually using the +vector chart. The SENC files are saved in the SENC directory, in the +same place as +the opencpn.conf file - opencpn.ini on windows.

+To avoid getting a very long series of SENC charts being built at the +same time, use single chart mode, for better control. This is certainly +called for in areas that are densely populated with vector charts. +Single chart mode and quilting are explained on this page Chart Quilting .
+You probably do not want to build SENCs for all of your loaded S57 ENCs +unless you plan to actually go there...

+For an advanced approach to building all SENC files in one go .. Command Line
+Updating Vector Charts
+Publishers of Vector Charts, such as NOAA and EAHC issues regular +updates. OpenCPN updates the created SENCs automatically. The chart +itself, the base-chart, is named "name".000 , the first update is +"name".001 and so on. As a user you only have to make sure that the +update files are saved in the same place as the base-chart. In the case +of a new edition of the chart a new "name".000 file is issued. Just +replace the old file with the new file and OpenCPN will update the SENC +file. Don't forget to remove the updates to the old edition of the +chart.
+
+In +case of missing revisions in a series of updates errors may be +introduced. OpenCPN will pop up a warning dialog with this content:
+ + + + + + + +

"S57 +Cell +Update chain incomplete.
+ENC features may be incomplete or inaccurate.
+Check the logfile for details."

+
+ +

CM93 Charts

+CM93-version2 Charts are different from the S57 vector charts, and has +it's own data structure consisting of a number of folders and files. To +load these charts in OpenCPN just add the top directory to the list of +"Active Chart Directories".
+In the top CM93 directory is an empty file with the ".EXD", for example +20110803.EXD. The format is YYYYMMDD.EXD. This is the version, or +edition, of the CM93 -v2 release.
+OpenCPN supports partial CM93 datasets, covering one or a few of the +available regions. There is also support for multiple, as well as +multiple partial, CM93 datasets.
+The CM93 top directory contains a number of (144) subdirectories named +from
+"00300000" to "04501020", as well as six other files. These sub +directories each cover a geographical area of 40° x 40° . The first +four numbers describes the latitude and the last four, the longitude of +the +SW corner of the area covered.
+
+
+This +is a typical content of the CM93 V2 top directory.
+
+The key to understanding the numbers is to realize that CM93's +coordinate system
+of the world starts at the South Pole or to be exact at lat -90° long +0° and from there
+proceeds North a East with a factor of 3 for each degree of lat and +long.
+The tile 00300000 hence has the SW corner at lat from -90° + 0030:3 = +-80° or 80°S to
+and longitude 0°E , and covers the area from 80°S latitude to 40°S and +from 0° longitude to 40°E.
+Looking at 04501020 it brakes down to lat -90° + 0450:3 = 60° and long +1020:3 = 340° subtracting 360° results in -20° or 20°W. So we have he +SW corner at 60°N and 20°W .
+One more example, the tile 03900840 has the SW corner at 40°N and 80°W.
+
+Each of these sub-directories in turn contains directories with the +individual charts. Ordered in scale from smallest to largest they are +Z,A,B,C,D,E,F and G. Where Z contains overview charts and G contains +harbor plans. Note that, generally, not all of these are present in +each subdirectory.
+
+Z +covers 40° x 40° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:3.000.000 scale
+A covers 20° x 20° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:1.000.000 scale
+B covers 10° x 10° deg area and OpenCPN typically uses 1:200.000 scale
+down to
+..
+G covers 20' x 20' and OpenCPN typically uses 1:3500 scale.
+The individual chart tiles in these directories have the same logic in +the naming scheme as described above.
+
+A few hints. +

If you ticked the "Show Chart Outlines" box under the +"Display" +tab the loaded charts will be outlined in red for raster and green for +vector charts. In CM93 the charts will be outlined in purple, but only +in Single Chart Mode. The smallest scale charts in CM93, the Z scale +and A scale charts, will not be outlined. Neither will all available +charts be visible as outlines at the same time. The reason for this is +computing speed and clarity. Generally the next level or two of larger +scale charts are shown. When large scale plans are available directly +from A scale charts, with no intermediate charts, the outline of the +larger scale charts will be visible from a zoom level between 1.5 and +2.0, but only, as already mentioned, in single chart mode and with +chart outlines switched on. Generally in areas where only A or +Z scale charts are available, expect potentially dangerous omissions.

+Warning, do not use CM93 small scale charts alone for +navigation without referring to other sources.
+

Be aware that it is possible to "Over-zoom" charts in +OpenCPN. A +warning will appear on the display. Please respect that warning. It is +recommended to not zoom more than a factor 2, for safe navigation. The +actual zoom-factor appears in the lower right-hand corner of the +display.
It is safe and reasonably efficient, to put all your charts +except the CM93 database in one large directory, and set that +directory in +Options->Charts->Chart Files. The CM93 database contains +its own +file and directory structure. The top-level directory only, of this +database, should be loaded, as described above.
+If you do a lot of chart downloads, updates, etc., then it will be +faster to break the charts folder into smaller groups, and specify them +individually in the Options->Charts->Chart Files dialog. +Consider +using Chart +Groups
"Scan Charts and Update Database " Use this +option if you have made any changes to the contents of your chart +directories, as for example after downloading new charts from NOAA, +etc. It need not be checked if directories are added or subtracted, as +the entire +database will be scanned and updated automatically in this case.
"Force Full Database Rebuild" is mainly aimed at +users converting or correcting existing charts, in a situation where +changes are made to the geo-referencing, outline of the chart, or other +attributes in the kap file header section.
OpenCPN, supports Mercator Charts, Transverse Mercator +Charts, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Charts and Polyconical +Charts (used in parts of US and Canada). Charts using other +projections will +not be displayed. A note about the reason for the display refusal, will +be found in the "opencpn.log".
+"Other" projections could be Lamberts Conformal Conic +Projection, mainly used in high latitude polar areas. Gnomonic +charts, mainly used in older, larger scale BA charts, for smaller +areas, for example harbor plans, in scales larger than 1:50,000. Newer +editions of these charts are generally re-issued as Transverse Mercator +charts. Gnomonic projection charts are also traditionally used for +Great Circle Sailings. Such charts are not needed in OpenCPN, as +Great-circles are handled internally.
+
OpenCPN is not suited for Polar Navigation N/S +of +about 70 degrees. As long as there are Mercator charts available, +OpenCPN is OK though. There are some charts available up to 80 N, for +example Norwegian chart for the Northern part of Svalbard. The Mercator +projection is not generally suited for polar areas, with quickly +converging meridians. Small scale (less than 1:100,000 ) high latitude +Transverse Mercator Charts, with clearly converging meridians, +cannot be displayed correctly. Other projections suited for polar areas +can't be displayed at all in +OpenCPN.

+A Linux/Unix Note
+These operating systems have a problem +handling chart names containing spaces and non ASCII characters. A +typical example is Swedish chart names.
+To sort this out use the utility program "detox". +Detox changes the +file names so space becomes "_"; "(" and ")" become +"-"; and "å","ä" and "ö" become "a","a" and "o", etc. To see what +"detox" suggests to do, try a dry run first, like this:
+detox -n File_with_swedish_charts > outfile
+
+
+
+

+Go to Table +Of Contents

Vector +Display Tab

+OpenCPN makes a serious effort to be compliant with IHO standards +for ECDIS display of cartography.
+

+First, +one very important setting for vector charts is +handled directly from the main toolbar.
+ +This button toggles all text displayed on a vector chart On and Off.
+The hotKey "T" is an alternative for toggling the text.
+In OpenGL mode, all text will always be horizontal when using the +"Course Up" option.
+
+Second, +double clicking on a vector chart, as long as +the cursor hasn't changed to a green arrow near the edges, brings up an +information dialog, displaying the available vector-chart information +at the selected point. Scroll down to see all the information. An +alternative to double clicking is right-clicking an select "Object +Query".
+Note that a single normal (left) click will center the chart at that +point.
+
+
+
+The +example is taken from double-clicking on a lighthouse in a busy +area.
+Exactly what is shown in this dialog depend on the settings described +below in "Display Categories".
+
+Third, it is possible to select what font is used for +the text on vector charts. There is an entry in +theToolBox->Languages/Fonts->Choose Fonts tab, called +ChartTexts. +Here you select what font-face to use, and a template size. Weight and +final size of the displayed texts depends on the charts you are using, +but if the charts contain various weights and sizes, they will all +scale together depending on what size you select.

The Options-Charts-Vector Charts Tab is where everything else +is handled.
+If the S63 chart plugin is active, there will also be a "S63 Charts" +tab. Read more about S63 +Vector Charts,when you have +read this page.

+
+ +

Display +Categories

+If you are new to OpenCPN and vector charts please start with +the "All" Display Category, to avoid risks and possible +confusion. More below.
+
+Navigators has the choice of three pre-defined, different, +presentations of ENC content, Base, Standard and All. OpenCPN also has +the very flexible Mariners Standard, which is better described as +"Mariners Choice".
+

Base

Displays +general information, including coastline, safety-contour, +isolated danger, buoy, beacon traffic separation zone, etc.
+

+From the IMO definitions:
+Display Base means the level of SENC information which cannot be +removed from
+the display, consisting of information which is required at all times +in all geographic areas and all circumstances. It is not intended to be +sufficient for safe navigation. + +

+Standard

+Everything in "Base" and aids to navigation, fairways, channel limits, +restricted navigation zones, restricted areas, etc.. + +

+All

+Everything in "Standard" and more. This level shows all information, not +controlled in other settings options. More about what the IMO ECDIS says +about the content +of these three levels. This is also a good +choice for actual, underway, navigation, avoiding the possible risks +involved in "Mariners Standard". See more below.
+
+ +

Mariners +Standard

+Users can use the filter tick box to set exactly what he or she wants +displayed. A large set of filters, about 186, can be employed. They are +all to the IHO S57 standard, but has been given a label that is easy to +understand.
+Note that Mariners Standard gives the user a much wider choice of what +to display, than approved ECDIS system are allowed. It is for example +possible to not display items in the Base category.
+
+These Hot Keys all works in "Mariners standard". Features are toggled +on/off with the keys.
+Note: Hot Keys can be different for OS's. See Keyboard Shortcuts
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

T +	Texts. +The visible texts are +still affected by the settings in the Vector Charts settings tab.
L	Lights. Lighthouses as well as buoys etc +are all +affected.
S	Soundings.
A	Anchoring. This +will affect +information needed when anchoring. Anchor berth and +Anchorage +areas. Submarine cables and pipelines. Type of +bottom. Mariners Standard -Anchor berth and Anchorage area display +categories
O	Chart Outlines

WARNING +- it is possible to suppress essential +information with "Mariners Standard".

If +in doubt, switch to the "All" Display Category, or use +the "Select All" button for Mariners Standard.

+ + + + + + +

More Details.
The first time you use a vectorchart with a brand new +installation you will see nothing, if you use Mariners standard. Why? +The Mariners Standard list of Feature types is empty on a fresh +install. When you load the first vector chart, the list is populated +with the Features that are discovered on that particular +vector chart. The default visibility of the added Features in +MarinersStandard category is presently 0, invisible.(This will soon +change. Version 3.4, when released, will show all features as they are +discovered.). +If you load another ENC, any newly discovered Feature types are added +to the list, again with viz=0, off. However, the visibility of Feature +types as set previously by the tick boxes is not modified. +Use the "Select All" button frequently until you have initiated all +the charts you intend to use and/or the feature list is fully populated

Vector +Palettes

+It's possible to change the whole look of a vectorchart. One example +below....
+Detailed information is available in Vector +Palette
+
+
+ +

Practical +usage

A +general +recommendation would be to use the "All" display category or "Mariners +Standard" with "Select All" marked , and then switch of certain +features as required.

+As an example let's look at passing through the British gas fields in +the SW North Sea
+
+
+
+This +is not easy, so we want to get rid of all those red and yellow +circles.
+Double click on one of the platforms, square with a dot.
+
+
+
+At +the top it reads "Light (Lights)", which means +that you clicked on a light, which belongs to the Feature Class "Lights".
+Find "Light" in the Mariners Standard list of available filters, and +untick it.
+
+
+
+Press +the "Apply" button!
+
+
+
+Much +better!
+In this particular case, there is a shortcut which does the same thing. +Use the Hot Key "L" to toggle all lights on/off. +

Display

Depth Soundings turns the depths on and of. Other +settings also affects when soundings are displayed, for example +"Reduced Detail at Small Scale". The dark black numbers are not +soundings. +Instead they refer to heights of nearby islets or cays. On official +paper charts the soundings are printed in italics.

+
+
+
+The +bold number 20 refers to the land height of the unnamed cay SW of +the number.
+"Safety Depth" is set to 20 m, so the 20 m contour stands out in black.
+
+How soundings behave when zooming.
+"Chart sounding symbols" are represented by small raster images. As a +chart is zoomed in, these raster symbols will increase in size by about +2x. Currently they increase in size well after the "Overzoom" notice, +for the largest scale chart available.
+
+Chart Information Objects relates to information about +the chart itself. With this switch on, an object query reveals such +information as the buoyage system for the area, the quality of the +survey, the latest NTM update and sources for the chart.
+
+
+ +

Buoys/Lights

Bouy/Light Labels, displays names and purposes of +aids to navigation, such as number or name of buoys, information about +conspicuous objects etc.

Light Descriptions, this tick box control display +of light characteristics. Checking this displays a label with a text +describing the marker or lighthouse's characteristics.
+

Extended Light Sectors. It is often difficult, on a +vector chart, to see exactly what the light-sectors are supposed to do.

Activating the Extended Light sectors clarifies the situation. +All +sectors are extended and leading white sectors are emphasized in yellow +and extend the full nominal range of the light. Just hold the cursor +over a light and the extended sectors are activated.
+
+
+Light sectors as narrow as 0.3° are displayed.
+
+
+This sector is 0.5°.

+ + + + + + +

More Details
A light sector is extended if: +0. The words "Leading" or "Directional" can be found in the Object +Query. +Otherwise, the rules are +1. The sector is < 15° wide. +2. It is White. +3. The light also has Red and/or Green sectors. +These rules works quite well, but there are exceptions that are +difficult to catch. +As always, it's the responsibility of the navigator, how a light and +its sectors are used for practical navigation.

+Chart Texts

National text on chart. Vector charts may have +attributes with the texts in the national language. For example a +Russian chart with texts in Cyrillic. With this option activated +OpenCPN will display text in the local language and character set, in +this case Russian written in Cyrillic.

+Important Text Only displays only a bare minimum of +text essential for navigation, such as course and bearing in a leading +line (range) and bridge clearances. +

De-Cluttered Text. Even when using "Reduced Detail +at Small Scale", there are cases when text labels overlaps or +overwrites other labels and creates a cluttered impression. Ticking +this box tries to clear the view. This setting may hide needed +information.
+

Chart +Detail

Reduced Detail at Small Scale makes sure that a +minimum scale is required before certain objects are shown. If this box +is not ticked, everything is +always shown, leading to very cluttered view at small scale (zoomed +out).

Graphics +Style

+Paper chart draw the markers and lights just like the +printed paper chart, while Simplified uses icons to +represent the same. Some like the one and some the other, a matter of +taste.
+Paper Chart mode closely follows the IHO standard standard in this +area. This mode is currently more developed than the simplified mode, +as it +has a higher priority in the development effort.
+

Boundaries

+Plain normally just uses a dashed line, while the Symbolized +version also uses triangles pointing into the area.
+

Colors

+Depth on the chart can be displayed with either 2 or 4 colors. +This setting is closely related to the "Depths Settings". With 2 +colors, and using a relatively large scale, areas with depth less than +"Safety Depth" is blue, the rest is white. With 4 colors, there are +different colors for areas less than "Shallow Depth", areas between +"Shallow Depth" and "Safety Depth", areas between "Safety Depth" and +"Deep Depth" and finally for areas deeper than "Deep Depth".
+ +

+Depths Settings
+

+The +units for depths is set in Options->Display->Units.
+
+All +depths units are rounded off to the nearest number. If the value is +half way between, the nearest higher number is used. Underlined values +indicates drying heights.
+Feet
+Only whole digits are shown. A value of 12 feet covers all soundings +between 11.5 feet and 12.4 feet. +

Meters

+Meters are show as whole numbers for depths greater than 30 m. Depths +below 30 m are shown as whole meters and decimeters as subscript, like +this 12₇ This is the same as 12.7 meters and is +shown for +all soundings between 12.65 m and 12.74 m. +

Fathoms

+Fathoms are show as whole numbers for depths greater than 31 fathoms. +Depths below this value are shown as whole fathoms and tenths of +fathoms as subscript. Compare to the notes above for meters. +

_{Shallow,
+Safety and Deep depths}

These settings are very important as they affect how the +different +depths are colored.
+They can help you identify a deep channel for example, or they can, in +the worst case scenario, prevent you from being aware of a shallow area.
+There is no setting that fits all circumstances. For example a Sea +Mount with a depth of 20m in the middle of an ocean should be regarded +as +"shallow" and be avoided, while 20 m depth in a harbor approach in +protected water, probably is safe.
+
+The +Depth Settings controls the coloring of the water as a function of +depth. By setting the Safety and Deep water right you will have a +visible border to show when to take care about shallow water.
+CM93 charts and ENCS works very similar in this area. The charts +contains depth area features according to fixed depth cutoff zones, +usually 5, 10, and 20 meters. Intermediate values are not available in +the database,if you select a value between those available, OpenCPN +chooses the next higher value available for display of color.
+The charts are inconsistent in this area, depending on the country +issuing the original charts. For example in UK and the Netherlands the +depth contours in CM93 are 2, 5 and 10 meter while in US the are based +on feet but expressed in meters, such as 3.7, 5.5, 9.1 and 18.3 m.
+Generally for both ENC and CM93, find these fixed depth cutoffs by +double-clicking so the Object Query dialog pops up. The last entry is +usually Depth Area. The two values in the range, represents these built +in cutoffs.

+
+
+An +example from UK with cutoff values of 5m and 10m.
+
+If +for example, as is the case on the South China Sea Hydrographic +Commissions charts, the shallowest area has a range "0 m - 10 m", +there is, in most cases, no point in setting "Shallow Depth" to +anything but 10 m.
+Find out these cut off depth for your area and set the "Depth Settings" +with this knowledge together with your preferences and activity.
+
+With all the reservations above, the general case for 4 colors, will be +described. +

+Shallow Depth

+will color all water areas with water depths shallower than the set +depth to a dark blue color. Soundings are in black. +

+Safety Depth

+Water deeper that Shallow but shallower that this depth will have a +paler blue color. The Shallow Depth contour clearly marked with a +thicker black borderline. Soundings less than this depth are in black, +while soundings greater than this value are gray. +

+Deep Depth

+Water deeper than Safety Depth but less than Deep Depth will display a +light gray color. The Safety Depth contour is clearly marked with black +borderline. Water deeper than Deep Depth is displayed in white.
+
+Finally a word about drying heights, +displayed in green. There is no detailed information available for +drying heights, neither in CM93 ver2 nor in many ENC charts. Some ENC +charts have negative ranges, for example "-2 m - 0 m" in areas with +drying heights. This adds very little, as it really only gives the +information that the drying height is less than the first value in the +range, in an area of unspecified size.
+This situation is changing though. A set of new charts released in +April 2012, by the Dutch Authorities, sets a standard for others to +follow in this regard. See picture below. Modern Australian S63 charts +are +equally good.
+
+
+
+Compared +to CM93.
+
+
+
+When +is safe to pass across Bramble Bank? The CM93 vectorchart gives +you no information whatsoever, neither on the chart, nor in the Object +Query dialog.
+
+
+
+While +a raster chart tells us that we need a Hight of Tide that is 1.2m ++ safety margin + the draft of our own vessel.
+
+
+
+Heights of islands etc. are not available in CM93, while ENC charts, in +many cases, have info about heights of summits and some contour lines.
+Is Balls Pyramid a high Island, that the name implies, or is it named +with the same sarcastic humor as "Greenland" ? CM93 can't tell.
+ + +

CM93 +Detail Level (d)

+The CM93 charts +slider control that +allows the user to adjust the screen complexity to +suit the actual situation as well as the available processor capability.
+Normal settings depend on a combination of personal preferences and +present usage of map. To see more details, the "CM93 Detail Level" +slider, can be set to a higher positive number or for navigation in +shipping lanes to a negative numbers. Typical zoom level 5 is good for +fishing when as much details are possible is of interest. Zoom level of ++1, zero or -1 is usually fine for normal use.
+Positive values give more detail, but at a cost:
+a. It simply takes longer to render larger scale charts covering more +screen real estate.
+b. There will be more instances of gray (NODATA) areas surrounding the +larger scale charts as you zoom out, unless quilting is activated.
+c. It can become dramatically slower if high detail is specified, and +chart outlines are requested. In this case, the program has to read a +lot more cells to get their outlines.
+
+Conversely, negative values give less detail. Zooms are faster.
+
+The slider can also be activated through the "d" hotkey, and displayed +directly on the screen.
+
+
+
+_{Go
+to Table
+Of Contents} +

+

Vector +Palette

+JesperWe's Swedish look palette.
+The default style can be changed to look different! You can download +files that give the charts a Swedish +look (new colors, +soundings and underwater +rocks). Unzip and move the two files into the s57data folder of your +installation and you get this:
+
+
+* +Download +"Swedish Style"
+
+We are looking for more "styles". There is a French style... somewhere.
+Can someone supply a change file similar to Jespers ?. +

+

Chart +Groups Tab

+Chart Groups solves the following problem: You may have many charts +loaded in your active database. Some of them have overlapping coverage +at the same scale, so that when quilted the logic does not know which +of potentially several charts at the same scale to choose from. For +example, in the Bahamas there are a few publishers of charts, covering +the same areas, with radically different presentations. Sometimes you +may want to see one set (say planning charts of small scale), and other +times you only want navigation charts of the best scale possible.
+Another example: Pilot charts as one Group, normal navigation charts as +another Group, makes it possible to quickly switch between them.
+
+Final example: in another universe, NGA charts in one group, standard +NOAA RNCs in another, British UKHO in a third group.
+
+The Chart Group function allows us to define multiple Groups, with +different chart directories in each group. It is possible to leave a +Group empty, in which case only the background chart will be displayed. +The Group desired for viewing may be selected quickly, through the +right-click menu, without adding or deleting charts from the Active +database.
+
+
+
+In +Options ->Charts, select "Chart Groups"
+You will see two panes. The top pane contains "All Available Charts", +which are the charts you have installed. The bottom pane allows you to +create, edit, and delete Groups. Note that there is always an "All +Charts" group. This Group is not editable. New Groups which you create +may have chart directories or individual charts added to them by +selecting the item in the top pane and touching the "Add" button.
+You may also remove individual charts or directories from Groups by +selecting the desired item in the bottom pane, and touch "Remove +Chart". Please note that "removing" an item from the Group does not +remove it from your "Available" set of charts. The item is simply made +unavailable when the Group is in use.
+It is a good idea to have a empty chart group, only the background Map +will be shown. "Unlimited" zooming is allowed. This can be usefully for +very large scale plotting, for example.
+
+ +

Using your Groups

+
+
+
+In this illustration the navigator generally uses the US charts, when +available. Coming into Baia do Porto Santo a detailed chart would be +great, but no such US chart is available on board. A switch to the UK +chart group solves the problem.
+
+
+
+Select the Group you want to use, by a right-click context menu item +called "Chart Groups". As you switch Groups the logic tries to select a +chart and scale that closely matches the situation present before the +switch. As you may understand, sometimes the fit is not reasonable, so +the resulting view may be surprising.
+
+Finally, if you have no Groups defined, as in the default installation, +all installed charts are always available.
+
+Chart Groups and CM93
+
+
+
+It +is possible to have multiple instances of CM93v2 in different Chart +Groups. Above we have 5 instances loaded in various chart groups. The +view is of "All Active Charts".
+OpenCPN also supports multiple partial CM93 data sets.
+The instances are loaded, from left to right, in the order of the chart +groups.
+In this situation, only the leftmost instance of CM93, that is not +excluded from the quilt, will be displayed. Above, it is the instance +represented by the yellow rectangle.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Chart +Download Tab

Chart +Downloader

+The chart downloader plugin is included in your OpenCPN installation. +It lets you download, install and keep up to date the navigational +charts provided by various free governmental sources worldwide directly +from within OpenCPN's Toolbox.
+The supported charts include both the raster and vector charts for the +US waters provided by the NOAA, official raster navigational charts +published by Argentina, Basil and New Zealand (covering also huge +areas of the Pacific ocean) as well as electronic charts of the inland +waterways of the USA and more than a dozen European Union countries.
+ +

A +Few Basic Concepts

Chart +Catalogs

The Chart Downloader relies on catalogs of charts. A catalog +is an +XML file containing the names of charts along with the most recent +chart update date and time together with the Internet address of the +actual +chart data. Before being able to download any charts we have to +configure and download one or more chart catalogs.

The catalogs are provided by the agencies publishing the +charts +(NOAA and the Army Corps of Engineers in the USA) and by the ChartCatalogs project +created by the author of this plugin. When a catalog is loaded the +Chart Downloader automatically scans the existing charts on your +computer looking for updated or new charts listed in the catalog.

Chart +Downloader Tab

In the current version of OpenCPN, the Chart Downloader is +automatically included.
+This is what the plugin looks like when first opened by clicking Options +> Charts > Chart +Downloader
+
+

Using the Chart +Downloader

The screen has two sections.
+The top section is for Chart Catalogs. Some chart sources provide many +different catalogs for the same set of charts. For example, in the USA, +NOAA provides chart catalogs for each state, region and Coast Guard +district as well as the huge complete set. There are also separate +catalogs for raster (RNC) and vector (ENC) NOAA charts. The first step +in getting new charts is to select the appropriate Chart Catalog, make +sure you think first though - having everything is not always the best +option to organize your charts, so especially in the US, consider using +more smaller catalogs over the one with the complete set of thousands +of charts.

Adding +a chart source

Click the “ Add ” button to get the +“ New +chart source ” dialog.There are “ Predefined +” +catalogs for all the free chart sources worldwide known at the time of +the release of this plugin. The catalogs are organized in a folder +structure. Open each folder to see subfolders. Open subfolders to see +catalogs. Select any catalog you like by clicking the catalog +description.

After clicking the catalog you want, the “ Chart +Directory ” +will be automatically filled in. This is the directory on your computer +where the catalog and the charts for this catalog will be downloaded. +If the recommended directory is acceptable click “ OK”. +First time users will find it much easier to accept this default. +Otherwise you can use the “ Browse ” button +to browse to +another directory where you want the catalog and +charts to be kept. Once you are happy with the Chart Directory click “ OK”. +
+In case you selected a path to save the charts not covered by the +current OpenCPN configuration, the plugin configures it for you.
+You can check the configuration on the Chart Files tab. +For more details about managing your charts, you should definitely read +Chart Files Tab - +Installing +Charts
+

+
+ +

Now you will see the Chart Catalog listed in the Catalogs +section. +Note that it will say (Please update first) under the “ Released +” column. Click the catalog name then click the “Update +” +button. The downloader will retrieve the catalog from the server. After +the catalog is saved a list of charts will appear in the lower section. +Each chart has a check box. If the box is checked then that chart is +scheduled to be downloaded. Depending on the Preferences you selected +earlier the boxes will be automatically checked. You can check or +uncheck individual charts or use the right mouse button to check and +uncheck groups of charts.

Updating +the catalogs
+

+The US agencies update their catalogs on a standard weekly schedule, +related to the Notice to Mariners releases. The catalogs from the +ChartCatalogs project are updated occasionally, without any fixed +schedule. You should select the chart source and click the Update +button every once in a while to get the latest chart +updates.

Selecting charts for +download

You can select the charts to be downloaded by ticking the +checkboxes +in the list of charts. In case you want to select multiple charts at +once, right-click in Chart Window will show +a context +menu, allowing you to “ Select all ” +charts,” Deselect +all ” charts, “ Invert selection ”, +“ Select +updated ” charts and “ Select newly released +” +charts. You can configure the plugin to automatically preselect the +updated and/or new charts after an update of the chart catalog in the +preferences.
+
+

Downloading +charts

After selecting the charts for download, click the “ Download +selected charts ” button to start downloading the charts. +It +can be a lengthy progress +and a dialog box showing progress will pop as each chart is downloaded. +If any charts do not download correctly a warning will pop up at the +end. The status of the charts that have been downloaded successfully +will change to “Up to Date”. Sometimes a slow or flaky Internet +connection will cause a chart not to download and the status will +remain the same. You can just click the “ Download +selected +charts ” button again give them a second chance.
+A recent improvement is the use of a separate CPU thread (when it is +available) for downloading charts.
+
+Chart Folder Tab and Chart Group Tab reminder.
+A reminder box will pop up to tell you that you have to notify OpenCPN +where to find the charts. We’ll do that in the next step.

After +the download

Upon Closing the Chart Downloader will automatically complete +a Scan +and Database Rebuild of the Chart Database, so the charts will be ready +for use.
+If you should see the dialog below please Update the internal chart +database and the plugin will remind you about it with a dialog.
+
+

For more details about managing your charts, you should +definitely read Chart +Files Tab - Installing +Charts

To make it short, go to Options > +Charts > +Chart Files tab and tick the Scan +Charts and +Update Database checkbox and when you close the Toolbox +using +the OK button, your newly downloaded charts +will be +scanned and made available for viewing. +

Checking the downloaded +charts

The button Show +Local Files on the lower right will +open your default file manager in a separate window, which allows you +to +check files and directories easily.
+
+

The +Preferences

You can customize the behavior of the plugin to certain +extent. To +access the preferences, select the Chart Downloader plugin on th Options +> Plugins tab and click +on the Preferences +button
+
+

The Default Path to Charts option +allows you to set +the +top directory for all your charts, used to construct the suggested +locations for the chart sources you configure.

The All updated charts and All +new charts checkboxes +tell the plugin which charts you want to select for download +automatically upon a catalog update.

The Allow bulk update of all configured chart +sources and +charts checkbox adds a new button to the chart downloader +tab, +allowing you to update +and download all the charts you are managing using the plugin with a +single click. The behavior of this function depends on the +aforementioned checkboxes - either it downloads only new or updated +charts or both.

+ +

Advanced Usage

+The chart downloader plugin is a handy +tool that can automatically use the Internet to keep your free charts +up to date. No longer do you have to go to a web site, download large +.zip files then manually unzip them. The plugin will do all that work +for you. A bonus feature is that it only downloads charts that have +changed since the last time you updated chart files which can reduce +the amount of data downloaded. This tool is just a way to automatically +download charts. The plugin does not change the way OpenCPN works and +you don’t have to use it to manage your charts at all, it just makes +managing your charts easier once you have a working Internet connection.
+
+Existing +OpenCPN users will no doubt already have charts and they may +wish to have the downloader plugin keep these existing charts up to +date. Below we explain how the downloader works so that you can utilize +it to automatically update your existing charts.
+

The Chart Directory +Structure
+

+The plugin by default assumes you keep your charts in a multilevel +directory tree, separating charts both by type (raster/vector) and by +the coverage area. While it is not necessary, we strongly suggest you +adopt this scheme.
+Charts top level folder
+|-ENC
+|-Some area
+|-Another area
+|-RNC
+|-Some area
+|-Another area
+|-Yet another area
+
+By +default the plugin places all your chart below <Your documents +folder>\Charts . In case you don’t like the location, you can +change +it in the plugin preferences dialog. Go to: Options > +Plugins > ChartDownloader > Preferences +after you enable the plugin.
+
+
+
+The Default Path to Charts tells the downloader the top level directory +where all your charts are stored. This default path will be used along +with any additional subdirectories defined for each chart catalog to +define the entire path to charts.
+
+Other +settings
+
+Most +existing users will want to select the check box labeled All +updated charts so that is the default. This tells the +downloader that you want to +download any charts that are newer than the charts you have. You can +also select All new charts . This will tell the +downloader that we also want to automatically download any new charts +that don’t already exist. Before selecting that we recommend that you +read through this documentation and then decide if you need that option +or not. Most existing users don’t need to use that option.
+
+This may seem a little confusing at first so let’s look at an example. +Assume you have entered the Default Path to Charts as +C:\Users\Dan\Documents\Charts. Then go to the “Predefined” charts tab +by selecting Options > Charts > +Chart Downloader > Add Catalog then +select the “Predefined” tab. There you will find a tree of predefined +chart catalogs. One of these is the USA - NOAA and Inland +Charts > RNC > by Region > +Region 02 - Block Island, RI to Canadian Border . If +you click it you will see something like this:
+
+
+
+Many +users will have all their existing raster charts stored in one +directory called BSB_ROOT and vector charts in one directory called +ENC_ROOT. In the above example there is no BSB_ROOT directory and you +may be wondering why not. The large .zip files from NOAA have BSB_ROOT +or ENC_ROOT as their top level so it will be easier to combine multiple +.zip files into a single directory structure. If you unzipped multiple +files into the same directory then all your chart files will be in one +big directory called BSB_ROOT or ENC_ROOT.
+
+If you already have some region 2 charts in a directory called BSB_ROOT +and you want to keep them up to date just click on the Browse button or +edit the path in Chart Directory so that it points +to +the BSB_ROOT or whatever the directory name where region 2 charts are +stored now. Then click OK and you are ready to update your region 2 +raster charts.
+
+After clicking OK you will be back at the main plugin screen. Click the +button on the right labeled Update . This will check +your existing charts against the current NOAA region 2 +database. Any existing charts that are out of date will be marked with +a check box and the status will show Update available . +Any charts that are not in your chart folder will show status as New +. The rest will show status Up to date . If +you want to get some new charts scroll through the list of charts. +Click the check box of any new charts you would like to see.
+
+Download +all the charts with a check box by clicking the button at the +bottom labeled Download selected charts .
+If the status shows New for every chart you will get +a +message that no charts were selected for download. In that case you may +not have gotten the chart directory right. You can edit the chart +directory by clicking the button labeled Edit.. +This +brings up a dialog box similar to the Add Catalog button except you can +edit the Name, URL and Chart Directory. Be careful if you change the +URL because if the wrong URL is given the chart downloader will not be +able to find the NOAA chart catalog. Once you have the Chart Directory +correct click OK then Update followed by Download +selected charts . All your existing charts for region 2 will +be updated to the latest revision.
+
+Once you have downloaded charts, the plugin sets OpenCPN to scan for +new and updated charts and update it's chart database once you close +the +Toolbox.
+ +

Existing Users have +Two Options
+

+You can keep all your charts updated in their existing directories +(typically two directories called BSB_ROOT and ENC_ROOT) or you can +keep each group of charts in separate directories. This latter choice +is +what the downloader does by default. It puts charts from each new +source into a new directory beneath the Default Path to Charts +in Preferences . There is a good reason to +use this scheme as it makes defining groups of charts in OpenCPN much +more straightforward.
+
+If you want to keep your charts in their existing directories then when +adding each catalog simply change the Chart Directory so +it points to the BSB_ROOT or ENC_ROOT or whatever directory your chart +files are in now. If your existing charts are in two big directories +(ENC_ROOT and BSB_ROOT) you may wish to add just the catalogs ALL RNCs +and ALL ENCs. Make sure the Chart Directory for each +one points to the correct root directory (e.g. BSB_ROOT or ENC_ROOT).
+The plugin tries to save you all the work with setting up OpenCPN to +see your charts when you configure the catalogs. If you decide to later +change the directory structure for your charts, make sure to adjust the +respective configuration on Options > Charts > Chart +Files tab.
+
+That’s pretty much all there is to setting up the downloader for +existing charts. Next we look at how to keep your chart catalogs up to +date.
+
+Once you have everything set up the way you like there is a one-button +update process available. As it might be confusing for new users, the +function is disabled by default and you have to enable it in the plugin +preferences by ticking the Allow bulk update of all configured +chart sources and charts checkbox. A new button, labeled Update +All appears on the Chart Downloader tab. This button will +update each catalog +starting from the first one and then download any updated charts +according to the Preferences check boxes. Usually this will be All +updated charts . If you want to get all new charts +automatically with one-button update then select All new +charts in Preferences too.
+ +

Custom +Chart Sources
+

+The plugin allows definition of completely customized chart sources. If +you want to make your own set of charts available to be managed by the +plugin, you will have to create your own XML chart catalog and make it +available on a webserver. Refer to https://github.com/chartcatalogs/catalogs +for examples of catalogs covering the non-US charts +available.
+
+To configure the plugin to use your chart catalog, click the “ Add +” button, go to the Custom tab and enter +the URL of you catalog and the destination directory for your charts.
+
+
+
+

+

Chart +Quilting

+Chart quilting is a way to display +parts of several charts together on the screen, redrawn to the same +scale.
+
+Former Limitation Removed
+With the introduction of OpenCPN 4.2; Raster Mercator charts, Raster +Transverse Mercator charts, Raster Polyconic charts and Raster skewed +charts, of these same projections, may exist in the same quilt. The +transition from one type of projection to another is seamless.
+
+Quick Start
+Go to Options -> Display ->General -> Enable Chart +Quilting. +Tick the box. Another, more simple way, is to use the "Q" short-cut key +to toggle quilting on/off. Zooming in, automatically brings up larger +scale charts, if available. Panning reveals a continuous quilt of the +available charts. If you started with a raster chart, only raster +charts will , with the exception noted below, be in the quilt. The same +logic +applies to S57 and S63 Vector Charts (ENCS). Make sure you are familiar +with the Chart Status Bar +as this will help you interpret all available information. The quilt, +like a single chart can be displayed North Up or Course Up read more: +Own Ship Auto Follow +and Display Orientation
+
+The one quilting exception occurs when quilting Raster or ENC charts. +If a Raster or ENC chart is not available to be displayed and a CM93 +ver2 +chart of suitable scale is available, then the CM93 ver 2 chart will be +added to the quilt.
+
+More details
+What is the use of this feature?
+
+
+
+In +single chart mode, getting near the edge of the chart there is no +information outside the chart. You manually have to change to the next +chart, by selecting one of the charts in the chart bar.
+
+ + +

The situation changes dramatically when quilting mode is +activated. +The amount of relevant information on the screen increases, and the +next chart is automatically available.

+Displaying charts

+OpenCPN has two modes of displaying charts, single chart mode and +quilting mode. In a new installation, quilting is on by default.
+
+To activate single chart mode go to Options +-> Display->General and deselect the +box "Enable +Chart Quilting". This mode only shows one chart at a time, +and a +switch to other charts must be +done by clicking another chart in the Chart Bar. All printed general +chart information, outside the chart proper, can easily be read.
+
+To activate chart quilting go to +Options -> Display->General and tick the box "Enable +Chart +Quilting", or use the shortcut key "Q" to toggle quilting. Tick the box +"Show Chart Outlines" at the same time as this will help you see +individual charts.
+
+Full Screen Quilting. Options -> Display -> +"Disable Fullscreen Quilting". By +default +all visible charts of an appropriate scale are used in the +quilt. With this box checked only charts that overlap the center of the +screen are used in the quilt. Checking this box may give a performance +boost in certain circumstances.
+
+To +determine if Chart quilting on
+There are some visual indications on screen to confirm if quilting is +on or off. +

If the right click menu contains the entry "Hide This +Chart", +quilting is on. Clicking the entry excludes the chart from the quilt.
The colored rectangles in the status bar have rounded +corners and +the white borders of the charts are invisible when quilting is on. When +quilting is off in ToolBox->Settings, the colored rectangles +have +"square" corners.r.
When hovering with the mouse pointer over a inactive raster +chart +button in single chart mode, a thumbnail of the chart is displayed in +the upper left corner of the screen. At the same time an information +box pops up above the button with details about the chart. This changes +with quilting, as the thumbnails are replaced with a transparent +reddish high-lighting of the charts that is a part of the present quilt +or has a larger scale than the reference chart in the quilt.
The exception to the last rule is CM93 charts. When an area +is +only covered by CM93 charts, indicated by a long yellow chart button in +the +status bar, and in quilting mode, no info-box is displayed and no +reddish highlighting takes place.
CM93 individual cells are outlined in magenta.

+
+With +chart quilting more than one chart can be displayed and active at +the same time, in the screen above, for example there are two pale blue +buttons, as there are two raster-charts in this quilt. In single mode +only one chart button is highlighted at a time.
+
+Depth +units. that are normally shown in the upper right corner of the +display (if activated in the toolbox), are only displayed in quilting +mode if all participating charts uses the same unit.
+
+Many of these features are illustrated in this screen-dump.
+
+
+
+This +is a quilt consisting of three raster charts, two that are +actually displayed and one smaller scale chart that is hidden behind +the larger +scaled charts of St Croix.
+

+This is the button for the not displayed chart in the quilt.
+The mouse pointer is over the middle raster chart and the chart +information box is shown, together with the red highlighting of the +chart on the screen.
+
+If the chart info box contains much less info than above, just click +the button to display the chart, then go back and hover with the cursor +over the chart button again. The full info will now be available.
+
+No depth unit is shown in the quilt as the left chart is in Feet and +the right in Fathoms and parts thereof. Notice the lack of zoom level +in +the status bar, a quilt , by definition, consists of several different +zoom levels.
+
+Which charts are quilted?
+There are several rules built into OpenCPN governing exactly how +different chart styles reacts to the quilting mode.
+
+Raster charts and Vector charts are +quilted separately. You can quilt either raster charts or vector +charts, but not both at the same time.
+
+The exception to this rule is: CM93 ver2 charts, if +available, +may be quilted with raster and vector charts under certain conditions +e.g. the view is so far zoomed out that the rightmost (smallest scale) +raster chart is too small to be useful.
+
+CM93 ver2 charts can be quilted separately.
+
+"BSB4" +and "nv-charts", using +plugins, quilts with other Raster Charts, following the rules above.
+
+User control.
+Users can control if an individual chart, is allowed in the quilt or +not. Right clicking on any chart in a quilt in the chart-bar and +clicking "Hide This Chart" on the pop up menu, removes the chart from +the quilt. The chart button in the Status bar changes to

. +The same +thing can be achieved through the right-click menu when clicking on a +displayed chart.
+
+To activate the chart again right click this button an then click "Add +this chart to quilt"
+
+Controlling the scale of the quilt view.
+

+The "quilt reference chart" is the left-most, largest scale chart, +highlighted in the chart bar. This is the left of the two pale blue +chart buttons above.
+Click the next chart blue button "one-to-the-right" of the of the +current reference chart. The reference scale of the quilt will be +decreased, but the viewpoint will not change. The same logic applies if +clicking a chart-to-the-left of the present reference chart, except +that the scale of the quilt will increase. Zooming in/out will also +move the reference chart to the left/right.
+
+Known issue with some NOAA ENC:s
+
+
+
+Some +NOAA ENC:s are produced with "holes" in. OpenCPN's handles almost +all of these cases. The picture above is from S:t Croix in the +Caribbean, using an old version of OpenCPN. There are still some gray +areas in this vicinity but only if the scale is larger than 1:10,000. +Very few users are likely to notice this.
+The gray rectangle above is a "hole" in a chart, where a smaller scale +chart with coverage exists. The "hole" is due to the fact that this +area wasn't surveyed to the scale of the chart.
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Chart +Sources

High Resolution +Background Map

A more detailed version of the built in background map is +available here.
+It is a big file, 230 mb(unzipped) compared to the standard 26mb, and +may slow your computer down. The presentation is better when zoomed in, +but most users don't need it.
+Install by unzipping and placing the files in the +<install_dir>/gshhs .
+<install_dir> is normally ...Program Files/OpenCPN on +Windows and +/usr/share/opencpn/ on a Linux default installation.
+

+Free Nautical Charts

To +get you started quickly, here are three sample raster charts +from Puerto Rico:
+25640, +Puerto +Rico and Virgin Islands
+25664, +Fredriksted Road
+25666, +Ensenada +Honda +
+
Right click and use "Save Link As", or similar. Just +clicking +shows you the actual file as a text file (more about that advanced +subject +here: imgkap). +Don't use these charts for navigation. Download their current +versions from NOAA's Web site. Save the charts in a "directory", also +called a "folder". Install the charts by adding this directory to the +Options -> Charts -> "Loaded Charts" Tab.
The Chart Downloader Plugin, included with +Opencpn 4.2 and above, will help you to download, update and organize +almost +all free chart sources described below.
For those interested in U.S. waters, raster +charts and S57 vector charts are available as free downloads from NOAA. +Find +all NOAA charts, both raster (RNC) and vector (ENC) charts, for your +region through NOAA OCS Website at: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/chartspubs.html. +US charts cover a wide area, apart from the mainland states, Puerto +Rico, the US Virgin Island, the Hawaiian Island chain as far as Midway +Island, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands are all +included
Official Inland Electronic Navigation Charts (IENC) of U.S. +inland +waterways are available from the US Army Corps of Engineers at http://www.agc.army.mil/echarts. +The download link -> here
Argentina publishes free raster charts (RNC) for +a large part of their coast as well as parts of Antarctica: +Argentinian Charts Note that the downloadable "zip" files +actually +are "rar" files.
Brazil publishes free raster charts (RNC) for +their whole coast and new charts for inland waters are published +regularly.There is also coverage for part of Antarctica. Here is a +direct link to the download page: Brazilian +Charts.
New +Zealand now publishes free BSB3 raster charts, as of +2013-11-22. Download here. +NZ has moved away from a proprietary UKHO encrypted +format, to the, de +facto, standard BSB format. NZ charts cover most of the Pacific in +small scale charts, as well as the Southern Ocean, down to Antarctica, +South +of New Zealand. Detailed charts for the Kermadec Islands, Cook Islands, +Niue, Tonga, Western Samoa and the Tokelau Islands, are included.
The version of the NZ charts compiled by Marco Certelli, +includes +a better coverage of the Tonga/Samoa area. The official version does +not +include charts with soundings in fathoms, for example. The +link is here.
The East Asia Hydrographic Commission provides free +offshore S57 +vector charts for the South China Sea area at: http://scsenc.eahc.asia/main.php. +The motivation for releasing these charts is well worth reading. +
"Realizing that official and high quality +small scale ENCs +conforming with the established IHO standard were not available for the +SCS, the EAHC MSs decided to cooperate closely and resolve the +situation so that mariners could use most up-to-date chart information +for voyage planning and enhancing safety of navigation, rather than +resorted to +some commercially developed electronic products which were either +prepared in proprietary formats, or containing unofficial data with +very infrequent updating... It was the view that if the SCS ENC could +be +freely and widely available to mariners, it would further enhance the +safety of navigation in the region. This in turn could reduce the +chances of environmental damage from grounding and oil pollution, which +have tremendous cost impact. The EAHC decided to provide the SCS ENC to +users free of charge."
+
Colombia +and Australia +publish sample S57 single charts.
Many European countries publish free S57 ENC +charts for their inland waterways:
+Austria
+Belgium
+Bulgaria
+Croatia
+Czech +Republic
+France
+Germany
+Hungary
+Netherlands
+Poland
+Romania
+Serbia
+Slovakia
+Switzerland
Ukraine +offers some non-calibrated char downloads

The US Pilot Charts, are available as BSB +charts, on the OpenCPN.org download +page.
The OpenSeaMap project publish raster charts in +many formats (including KAP which work with OpenCPN). This project +relies on mariners to survey their local waters and upload their data +using the OpenStreetMap database and editing tools. This project is +still in its infancy, so only a few areas have been mapped to any +extent. Currently only sea-marks are displayed, but it is planned to +include depth & other data in due course. For the maps, go to: openseamap.org

Other Charts

+All Platforms +

+"Antares +Charts" are +producing a lot of very large scale charts covering "The West Coast of +Scotland". These charts are available in many formats, including BSB3. +A nominal sum is charged for the charts, to support this impressive +effort by unqualified enthusiasts.

+Commercial Nautical Charts for +OpenCPN

+All Platforms +

S63 +Encrypted ENC charts. Worldwide coverage is available using +the 4.0.0 version of OpenCPN. These are the official vector charts that +big ships use. Detailed coverage of popular cruising grounds is not +always +available. For details check http://o-charts.org.
"nv-charts" cover the Bahamas with BSB 3 format charts. +Windows +is necessary, at least initially, to access the charts.
1yachtua.com covers the Mediterranean and the Eastern +Caribbean +with BSB2 charts.
The Swedish company "Hydrographica" +produces large scale BSB 3 charts for popular areas, based on their own +surveys.
Another Swedish outfit, soltek.se, provides all official +charts +for Sweden and Finland in BSB 3 format. If you want to buy a CD-area, +and +don't have access to a Windows computer, contact "soltek" first, as +their installation program is Windows only.

+Windows Only + +

The +VisitMyHarbour "ChartSticks" for OpenCPN, are USB sticks +covering UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands,Spain +(including the Canary Islands) and Portugal (including +Madeira +and the Azores) with UKHO rastercharts, updated yearly. New +for 2015 is a coverage of the French coast from Dunkirk to +Brest through large scale SHOM charts on some USB sticks.
Windows users also have access to world wide chart-coverage +through the "BSB 4" and the "nv-charts" plugins. This coverage includes +Europe. UK, for example, is covered by both BA and Imray charts. A +simple +Internet search will reveal all necessary information.

Links to more chart +sources

A +worldwide directory of free available nautical charts can be +found on the Website Open Sea Chart. There's a directory for vector +charts (http://openseachart.org/doku.php/enc) and a +separate one for raster charts (http://openseachart.org/doku.php/rnc). +The collection and the updates are community driven.
Links to a wide selection of ENC's for U.S. inland waters +and +other countries are available at : http://www.dacust.com/inlandwaters/index.html.

+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents

+

Chart +Formats

+OpenCPN supported chart formats +

Raster Charts

+BSB Versions 1, 2 and 3, with chart files ending with ".kap".
+

+Non standard coded "skewed" charts, are handled through internal +calculations.
+This takes care of a few charts from "Solteknik HB", and possibly +others.
+
+BSB Version 4 , with chart files ending with +".cap", works with a non free plugin, for Windows only. See +the Plugins +download +page.
+
+"nv-charts" with chart files ending with ".eap", are +supported through a non free plugin, for Windows only. See the Plugins +download page.
+
+NOS/GEO Version 1, with chart files ending +with ".nos" and ".geo". (Subsequent versions are probably +supported but need to be tested. However, this format is obsolete for +new charts.)
+

Vector Charts

+S57 ENC charts, with chart files ending +with ".000".
+

+ENC update files (ending with .001, .002, ...) are included +automatically, if present, and must be placed in the same directory as +the corresponding base chart (.000). OpenCPN's internal SENC +files has a ".S57" file extension.
+
+If a chart is said to be a S57 Vector chart, and has a different file +ending, it is likely to be a SENC file, a processed version of a ".000" +chart file, in a proprietary, platform specific format, that OpenCPN +can't handle.
+
+Inland ENCs
+OpenCPN supports the international Inland ENC standard (S57 based).
+
+S63 +Encrypted ENC charts, with chart files ending with ".os63".
+This chart format is supported in OpenCPN from version 4. It is the +format for all vector charts from national hydrographic offices +worldwide. Apart from being encrypted, S63 charts are exactly the same +as S57.

+All S63 charts worldwide, are available for purchase. The support is +through a two part plugin, one part open source and the other part +closed. The encryption and the commercial aspect is handled by +a separate entity, o-charts.org +

CM93 Version 2.
+(C-map Version 3, and later, are in a preprocessed proprietary SENC +format and are not supported.)

Pictures +of +charts, can be converted, and used.

Generally chart pictures in gif, jpeg, pdf,.jpg, tif, bmp and +other formats can be used, when properly geo-referenced, to generate +raster charts. For the details about this process +read the Chart +Conversion Manual. Also, make sure to browse around the +forum as there are a handful of interesting chart related threads.

Not +supported formats that can be converted.

WCI charts generated with SeaClear and MapCal can +also be transformed to BSB charts and used by OpenCPN. The key is to +open a WCI chart in MapCal and then +"Tools->Convert->Current WCI +to BMP" to convert the chart to a BMP picture. More about using MapCal, +a part of SeaClear, for chart conversions, is available here: Conversion +Using +Linux. MapCal works just fine with Linux, using Wine.
+The +necessary utilities +for making or converting charts usually only +run on +Windows or Linux. +For +Mac OS X, +use boot +camp, Parallels +or VMware to run one of these +operating systems.
+
+OziExplorer charts consisting of +picture in one +of the standard formats, together with a georeferencing ".map" +file, can be converted to a bsb kapfile. A Ruby script for this +conversion is available here +and a more developed windows version +here. Ozi charts of the ozfx2 or ozfx3 format can not be +converted with this tool. These Ozi formats are not documented and +proprietary, and cannot +be displayed in OpenCPN.

The HDR/PCX charts, used prior to the BSB +format, +was used from the late eighties to mid nineties. While these charts +cannot be used directly in OpenCPN, the chart-picture as such, can be +extracted. These charts consists of many picture tiles in pcx format, +more than 100 tiles is not unusual. The tiles can be merged to one big +picture, and then used as any other picture, to make an OpenCPN +compatible chart. For details on this process see the +Chart +Conversion Manual and this +post and the following posts in the forum. A script for +merging the +pcx tiles to one picture is available here.

The HDR format is from an era when computer-memory and +processing +power were less powerful than today, as a consequence these charts are +not of the same quality as more modern charts. Furthermore, most of +these charts are not using WGS 84 as reference datum. These charts +should not be the first choice, but can be useful if nothing else is +available.

Other formats +that are not +supported.

+The Hydrographic Chart Raster Format, HCRF, used by +the United Kingdom Hydrographic Offices' ARCS (Admiralty Raster Chart +Service). This is also due to proprietary encryption algorithms and +copyright issues. UKHO is now alone in using this format, since New +Zeeland switched to the BSB/Kap format and Australia no longer +publishes official raster charts. +

+Charts from Mapmedia, Navionics, C-map(with +the exception of CM93 version 2), Garmin and various +other private vendors, are not supported, for the same +reasons as for the other proprietary charts. It is not possible for +users to convert these charts to an OpenCPN recognized format, but it +is possible for these companies, to release OpenCPN plugins, if they +wish. +

Go to +Table +Of Contents
+

+ +

+

Connections

Features and Improvements

OpenCPN version 3.2 featured a complete redesign of the NMEA +message +handling structure, including a new GUI and monitor window. This +feature has been further improved and tuned in version 4.2. The current +scheme +provides extensive NMEA management capabilities, including:

Input message filtering, by TALKER ID and/or message type.
Implement configurable NMEA Talker ID.
Virtually unlimited input port multiplexing, with shared +I/O and +individual data rate settings.
Selective message echo capability, similar to third-party +mux +applications.
Programmable output port messages, for e.g. autopilot +interfaces.
Full Network input and output, including TCP, UDP, and GPSD +services.
GPSD client support for Windows platforms.

Linux +Serial +Connections
+Connections Window
+Example +Data Connections Window
+Filter +NMEA Course and Speed Data
+Show NMEA Debug +Window
+Data +Connections - Add and Remove
+Add a Serial +Connection
+Add a Network +Connection
+Network GPSD +connection
+Connections Filter
+Input Filtering
+Output Filtering
+Connection Notes
+Sending +an Active Route to an Autopilot
+Sending +Routes and Waypoints to a GPS
+Broadcast and +Multicast
+
+

Linux +Serial Connections

+ + + + + + +


Make sure that you belong to the "dialout"^* +group. +To find out, run the "$groups" command. If you're not in +"dialout", add yourself with the command "$sudo usermod -a -G dialout +$USER". Logout of your current session for group changes +to +take effect. Check +this straight away, it will save you from frustration later on. If +there is a problem connecting the GPS to a physical port, such as +/dev/ttyS0, the reason is probably that you don't belong to "dialout". + +OpenCPN will display a warning, once per session, if you try to +configure a serial connection, or starts the program with an active +serial connection, and don't belong to the right group. + + +* Red Hat based Linux versions are using the "uucp" group. Check what +applies to your version of Linux, by using the return from the command +"stat -c %G `ls /dev/*\|grep -m1 tty[A-Z,a-z][0]`" +If the return is "root", upgrade to a contemporary Linux version.

Connections +Window

All +this is different from the logic in earlier versions of +OpenCPN. From version 3.2, there is no defined "autopilot" port. The +autopilot is simply connected to any available output- enabled +data-stream, and gets everything on the bus, subject to user specified +output filtering. There is no specific "shared" AIS and GPS port, as +all ports are shared.
+

+
+
+ +

The +key point to keep in mind with this new setup is the complete +orthogonality between message sources, message destinations, and +transport media. All messages come and go from an internal "bus", and +all internal modules have access to all messages. Any message can be +received, and possibly re-transmitted according to the configuration +established. If the messages get onto the bus, OpenCPN will do the +right thing. For example, if it is an AIS message, the AIS module will +get +the message and act accordingly. Plugins also get all messages.
+

+Example Data +Connections Window

+ + +

To +get a taste of what can be done, we start with a lab scenario. +In the screen-shot above, four Data Ports are enabled. GPSD on +localhost port 2947, /dev/ttyUSB1 as ais port, next is an output port +to a +computer on the local network and last the San Fransisco AIS feed *. +Note that the connections are automatically sorted in order of the +priority setting The picture is from a Linux computer, but the +receiving box is an Win XP. Both boxes are configured to use the same +broadcasting address 192.168.0.255 ** on the local network, using the +default 10110 port. Note that UDP, and not TCP, is used. OpenCPN on the +XP box receives and shows all info from the three first ports and even +data from the VDR plugin, if it's running. All input sources are merged +together and available to transmit to an external computer. Every +computer on-board can be used as a repeater to the main box!
Note that in this scenario the UDP connection is output +only. In +previous releases of OpenCPN all UDP data connections would read data +as well as write. This is a possible configuration in the current +release but neither required nor generally desirable. If a broadcast +connection is read/write, all data written will be read back leading to +the +potential for data loops. To avoid this, the priority of any read/write +broadcast connection should be set lower than that of any other +interface on which OpenCPN receives data for re-distribution over that +interface. For most purposes setting a broadcast connection to either +read or write is the preferable solution.

+* The San Francisco AIS feed has now changed to ip address +76.103.90.196, also on port 9009.
+** There is no advantage with using a broadcast address on the local +network with just a few computers. It's as easy to just specify the +addresses of the receiving computers as outgoing connections on the +transmitting computer. The "receivers" specify the "transmitter" as +address for a connection.
+ +

In +real life, a common setup will include input +from GPS, AIS and output to an Autopilot. If your GPS produces GPRMC, +then this will be automatically shipped to the autopilot. Everything on +the internal multiplex bus will be sent to the output port that the +autopilot is connected to, even if a route is inactive. If, a route is +active, OpenCPN will create and send NMEA (EC)RMC sentences to output +data ports. The only reason OpenCPN "synthesize" an ECRMC sentence is +to cover those odd cases when there is no other source of RMC in the +system, and the Autopilot wants variation, SOG, etc. This might be the +case if an older GPS produces GPGLL alone, for instance, which has no +var. There is no "new" information in the transmitted, synthesized +ECRMC.
The autopilot might be complaining that it is getting RMC +information from two different talkers (GP and EC) at the same time, +and cannot decide what to do. The easiest solution if don't like the +ECRMC, is to filter it out of the output stream of the port connected +to the +autopilot. Or choose a filter to allow only GPRMC and ECRMB for this +port.

+ + +

Filter NMEA Course +and Speed +Data

+ + +

Providing +a rolling average of COG/SOG, with configurable +sampling +period. This feature is useful, for example, if you find that course +and speed from the gps is varying erratically due to the sea state. The +Dashboard plugin is not affected by this setting - COG and SOG are +updated about once per second.
+

+ + +

+ +

Show NMEA Debug Window

+ + +

If +you check this box you will get a window that shows the NMEA +data sentences coming into or going out from OpenCPN. In the picture +above we can see the color-coding at work. Messages in red could occur +as well, and indicates a transmit error. Connections Priority change +messages, will also be printed to the NMEA Debug Window. The reason +that AIVDM messages are both dropped and appear as "Output message", is +that there is more than one source for this message, and the filter +just applies to one source.
Have a look at the page NMEA +Sentences to see which messages are understood. OpenCPN +generally does not care +about the Talker ID, the first two letters in the message type. $GPGGA +above, is the talker GP = the gps, sending a GGA = position message, +for example. At the end of each sentence there is a "*" followed by a +calculated checksum.
To see all messages it's important to close the +Options dialog completely, while leaving the NMEA Debug window open. +The ECAPB sentences etc, will not appear while the Connections dialog +box +is open as autopilot output is disabled during this time.
Known issues: The pause button only works if the main +Options dialog is closed. In Linux, the debug window can only be closed +by unticking the Show NMEA Debug Window box, unless +the the main Options dialog is closed.

If +there are NMEA sentences in the debug window, then OpenCPN has +opened the port set in the Data Connections. Note that +the source of each NMEA sentence is printed after the time +stamp o each line. If your GPS port is configured, and there is no +"red" boat, then the only reasons are: no gps fix or wrong sentence +configuration from the GPS.
Messages originating from GPSD or the VDR (Voyage Data +Recorder +plugin) will also show up in the debug window.

For +simple NMEA data stream debugging, add the following to your +opencpn.ini file:Under [Settings] add a line

+DebugNMEA=1500
+This will provide up to 1500 debug messages pertaining to NMEA traffic +to the
+opencpn.log.
+ +

Format +uploads for Furuno GP3X input filtering: If the special Furuno gps +protocol is +needed, tick this box. The +reason is that Furuno uses their own version of NMEA for uploading +routes. Furuno GPS users take note. It is now allowed to use a numeric, +two digit OpenCPN route name (e.g. 10, 21, etc).

Use Garmin GRMN (Host) mode for uploads. +Make sure that this box is ticked, if you have a Garmin GPS. The +reason for this is that Garmin units cannot accept route uploads via +standard NMEA0183. This is a "design feature" of all Garmin receivers.
Use magnetic bearings in output sentence ECAPB. +Some autopilots, among them Simrad, require navigational bearings, +contained in the APB sentence, to be transmitted as Magnetic bearings +rather than as True bearings, OpenCPN's default.

Data Connections - +Add and +Remove

Two +Buttons "Add Connections" and "Remove Connections", to the +right of the Connections window are the key to this whole tab.
The enable choice at the start of each connection line, is +handy +to organize connections, but still only use those that are needed for +the +moment. Tick or un-tick, and then press "Apply", to activate the +setting.
A connection can be used for input and output at the same +time, +with the reservation that they have to use the same Baud rate. For more +details, read on.
When pressing "Add Connections" two basic choices are +given, a +serial or a network connection.

Add a Serial Connection
+

+ + +

DataPort: +Pick a port by pressing the \/ o the +right side of the field. If the port you are looking for does not +appear in the selection, write the correct port yourself in this field.

Baud Rate: This is normally 4800 for GPS and +38400 for AIS, but check the documentation for the connected device. +It's +important to get this right and not just guess.

Protocol: For future use, as only NMEA 0183 +works, for now.

Priority: Higher number equals Higher priority. +The priority is set for each NMEA sentence individually. As long as a +higher priority stream is available it's used. If this fails the next +stream in line, with lower priority, kicks in and is used, until a +higher priority stream appears. The present filter does not handle the +case where, for example position messages, are received from different +sentences.As an example, GPGLL and GPRMC both transmits the position +information. The last received of either message will be used.

Control Checksum. At the end of each NMEA +sentence is a checksum, that makes sure that sentences are correctly +received. +This box is ticked by default, as OpenCPN calculates the checksum and +compares it to the received checksum. Only sentences with a valid +checksum are passed through. Un-ticking may help, if an application +calculates checksums incorrectly or if the checksums are missing.

Use Garmin (GRMN) mode for input: +Make sure that this box is ticked, if you have a Garmin GPS set to +this mode. The reason is that Garmin uses their own serial protocol.
Receive input on this Port Greyed out here as it +only applies to a network connection. see more below.
Output on this port (as Autopilot or NMEA repeater ): +Tick this box if the connection will be used for output. A common case +is sending NMEA to an Autopilot.

Talker +ID solves the problem where some +"temperamental" devices, which should accept given sentences +irrespective of the talker ID, in fact only accept for example GPRMC +and not ECRMC
APB bearing precision is greyed out unless +"Output on this port" is checked. APB is the NMEA sentence "Autopilot +Sentence +'B'". The precision can be set to between 0 and 4 decimals, were 3 is +the default. Some autopilots requires a different precision than the +default, to work. Check your AP documentation.
Note that the "XTE - Measured cross track error" NMEA +message, +that is a part of the APB message is not adjusted by +the APB bearing precision setting. It is however +possible to set the precision of the XTE through the opencpn.ini / +opencpn. conf file. Add a line

+ + + + + + +

[Settings]
+NMEAAPBXTEPrecision=3

+This will give you X.XXX for the XTE field precision. Default is "2", +or X.XX
+ +

Add +a Network Connection
+

+
+ +

Protocol: +There are three choices of protocols +TCP, UDP and GPSD.

TCP: is a "connection-oriented" protocol which +provides a reliable link between two network endpoints. TCP ensures +that any network packets lost in transit are re-transmitted. Internet +AIS servers normally accept TCP connections as do many +serial-to-network/wifi devices.
To make a connection to a remote TCP server, enter its IP +address +or hostname in the "Address" box and the TCP port on which the server +listens in the "DataPort" box. Many devices use a non-standard TCP port +rather than OpenCPN's standard 10110, so do check the server's +documentation.
If "0.0.0.0" is entered in the "Address" box, OpenCPN will +act as +a TCP server accepting a connection from a remote TCP client. OpenCPN +will listen on all its host computer's network interfaces for TCP +connections to the port specified in the "DataPort" field. There should +normally be no reason to select a "DataPort" value other than the +standard 10110 unless multiple servers are required: In the current +implementation a single data connection can accept only one client. If +multiple clients wish to connect to OpenCPN, a dedicated data +connection must be provided for each and each data connection must have +a +different DataPort.

UDP: +is a method of transmitting data as simple +"datagrams" without negotiating a connection between two endpoints. It +involves no detection and retransmission of data lost in the network. +Within a small home/boat network such data loss should not normally +occur and in any case, NMEA data is generally updated by "talkers" on a +regular basis. Unlike TCP which involves a connection between two +endpoints, UDP data may be received by many "listeners".
An OpenCPN UDP data connection will listen for data +destined for +the specified DataPort on any system interface or the broadcast address +of any connected network. If you don't need to receive multicast data +or transmit any data, you may enter "0.0.0.0" in the "Address" box if +you are unsure of what to enter there. Alternatively you may specify +the address on which you intend to receive data. In both cases behavior +will be the same. If you wish to receive multicast data you must enter +the multicast address to which those data are being sent or the system +will not see them. If you wish to transmit any data ("Output +on this port" checked) you must put the address you wish to send data +to in the "Address" box. In all cases (transmit, receive or both) the +DataPort must be specified. For more information about broadcast and +multicast, see Broadcast +and +Multicast below.

GPSD: +is a Unix/Linux gps server, which means +that several different applications can share one gps receiver. Linux +users +have the choice between using serial or GPSD connections for their gps +input.
Ubuntu users take note! If gpsd is installed - use it. If +you +prefer a serial connection, un-install gpsd. The reason is that gpsd +starts automatically when,for example, an USB gps is connected. This +will block the serial port that the gps communicates with( /dev/ttyUSB0 +in many cases), hence no separate serial connection to the gps is +possible. So it's an either or situation.
OpenCPN also has support for Windows clients. So a windows +computer should be able to connect to GPSD running somewhere on a +network +(testing), as an alternative to an UDP connection, described earlier.

Address: +The network address to connect to. In +the example above we used the broadcast address for convenience, but +specifying host to send to, and host to receive from, works as well.

Port: The port to connect to on the network +address. The default port for UDP is 10110. Port 10110 is designated by +IANA for "NMEA-0183 Navigational Data". There should not be any reason +to change this port, but it is possible. See below. The default port +for GPSD is 2947. Do not change this!
For your own local connections use port-numbers greater +than 1023 +and avoid ports used by other applications. Ports in the range 49152 +through 65535 are not assigned to other applications and should be OK. +Make sure that no firewall is blocking the port you pick.

Network GPSD connection
+

+
+ +

Connections +Filter

For +each source line in the data connection windows, it's +possible +to specify exactly which NMEA sentences to receive, and which ones to +drop. Similarly it's possible to control exactly which sentences to +send out to, for example, an autopilot.
The applied filters for each connection are stated in in +the +"Filters" column in the Data Connection window. The default for a +connection is no filters at all.
The set filters applies to both the core program and the +plugins.
Filtering can be observed in real time, through color +coding in +the Debug Window.
+

+
+ +

Accept +only sentences: Either base your +filtering on stating which sentences to accept or which to ignore.
Ignore sentences: Same as above.
To select filters press the +button. The dialog below becomes available.
+

+
+ +

A +lot of NMEA sentences are listed. Just tick the box to select a +sentence. "Select All" or "Clear All" are also available.
For sentences not listed press "Add", and enter a new NMEA +sentence.
+

+
+ +

+Your entry must conform to these rules.
+
+
+ +

When +you are finished, press "OK", your new entry will appear at +the bottom of the list of NMEA sentences to filter. It will already be +ticked, so just press "OK" until you are back in the original +Connections tab. Now press "Apply". The implemented filtering should +now be visible on the connection line. For more, see below

Receive input on this port: This box should be +ticked if you want to receive receive data on this connection. If the +connection will only be used to output to other devices it should not +be ticked. If you wish to broadcast UDP data for consumption by other +devices or programs, leaving this box unticked will save you having to +worry setting the priority of the connection to avoid data loops.
Output on this port (as Autopilot or NMEA repeater ): +Tick this box if the connection will be used for output. A common case +is sending NMEA to an Autopilot.
APB bearing precision is greyed out unless +"Output on this port" is checked. APB is the NMEA sentence "Autopilot +Sentence +'B'". The precision can be set to between 0 and 4 decimals, were 3 is +the default. Some autopilots requires a different precision than the +default, to work. Check your AP documentation.
OpenCPN creates and sends the NMEA ECRMB and ECRMC +sentences to +the A/P output port when a route is activated. If +variation is not otherwise present, OpenCPN includes variation, coming +from the WMM plugin, if installed and enabled.

Input +Filtering

Some +examples to illustrate how things works.
+

+
+
+Accepting +the filter above leads to this in the filter column on the +connection line:
+
+
+
+
+If +"Ignore sentences" is marked instead, the line looks like this:
+
+ +

Output +Filtering

Similar +to input filtering above.
+

+
+
+Transmitting +three sentences.
+
+
+Another Example of Output Filtering
+
+
+
+Feature: +Can now select the NMEA talker ID of +sentences output by OpenCPN on a given port.
+Situation: OpenCPN (correctly) outputs its NMEA +sentences with the "EC" talker ID as is normal and expected behavior +(see below).
+Problem : Some "temperamental" devices which should +accept given sentences irrespective of the talker ID in fact only +accept for example GPRMC and not ECRMC.
+Example: An Icom VHF is a such example. and because +the multiplexer has been set to give precedence to nav info provided by +OpenCPN, rather than the GPS, the result is that when OpenCPN is +driving the autopilot, the VHF does not receive any position anymore +for its +DSC feature. Safety-wise, this is not desirable.
+Solution: Being able to either change the ECRMC sentences into GPRMC, +or duplicate ECRMC on the output port should solve the issue.
+
+Send +to GPS
+
+
+Dropping +them instead.
+
+
+ +

Connection +Notes

If +you already have an application connected to your +gps, on a serial port, OpenCPN will not be able to connect to the same +port. Two applications cannot use a port simultaneously. On Linux use +Gpsd in such a +situation. Of course this only works if your +"other application" supports the Gpsd. As an alternative on Linux you +can use Kplex (also for Mac) or Muplex which can create pseudo +terminals ("virtual serial ports") to share NMEA data between +applications.
If a NMEA sentence is filtered on an input connection and +"LegacyInputCOMPortFilterBehaviour=1" setting in opencpn.conf|ini, it +will still enter the internal multiplexer. So, it will be available to +output connections, unless it's filtered there as well. If +"LegacyInputCOMPortFilterBehaviour=0" then the message will not be +placed on the internal multiplexer. This will only work for serial +connections. Echoing back a network connection, on the input port for +output, will not work
NMEA data can also come from the VDR plugin. They will be +labeled +as such in the Debug Window and have "0" priority.

+ +

Sending an +Active Route +to an Autopilot

Autopilot +APB and XTE precision settings are harmonized to always +be the same.
On Route activation, OpenCPN sends the ECRMB, ECRMC and +ECAPB +NMEA +sentences to an Auto Pilot, if it is connected to a port, with output +activated.
Implement configurable NMEA Talker ID

Broadcast +and Multicast

UDP +data may be delivered to more than one system when sent to +certain special addresses
A "broadcast address" is listened to by all devices on a +network. +It is normally formed by taking the network address (the first part of +the IP address common to all systems on your local network) and setting +the last part (the number which is different for every computer) to a +value represented by all "1"s in binary. If all your devices' addresses +start with "192.168.1", your network's broadcast address will likely be +192.168.1.255 (255 is "11111111" in binary. This is why IPv4 addresses +written like this never contain numbers higher than 255. Except for in +the movie "The Net" and we don't talk about that). If you specify an +address ending with "255", OpenCPN assumes you mean a broadcast +address. This is not always true but will result in desired behavior +in almost all cases.
The special broadcast address "255.255.255.255" is also +listened +to by all devices. It should not normally be used to transmit data from +OpenCPN. Use your local network's broadcast address instead.

A +"multicast address" is listened to only by devices which wish +to +receive information on that address. IPv4 addresses in the range +224.0.0.0 - 239.255.255.255 are multicast addresses. If you specify a +multicast address for a UDP data connection, OpenCPN will tell your +computer to listen for datagrams on that address.
More than one system may send data to broadcast or +multicast +addresses, so this is a "many to many" communications medium.
You cannot use broadcast or multicast addresses with TCP. +TCP is +a "one to one" connection.
Devices must to some extent process all broadcast packets +on the +network whether they are interested in them or not. Multicast packets +are normally only seen by devices which have registered an interest in +a particular multicast address. Consequently multicast is more +efficient than broadcast although this is usually of little consequence +in a +small network. Despite being used by NMEA-over-IP protocols such as IEC +61162-4 and the forthcoming NMEA OneNet, NMEA-0183 over IP multicast +is far less widely supported in marine applications than NMEA-0183 over +IP broadcast.
There is no multicast address mandated for NMEA-0183 data +in this +context although you should avoid those addresses used by other +protocols. When using multicast with OpenCPN it is suggested that an +address be used in the range 239.192.0.0/14 specified by RFC 2365 +as the +"Organization Local Scope". If in doubt, try 239.194.4.4.

There +is no mechanism in OpenCPN to specify the network interface +through which multicast packets are sent or received. This will be +determined by your system. In some cases it may be necessary to +manually adjust your system's routing table to ensure that the desired +network interface is used. Refer to your system's documentation if this +proves necessary.
If you transmit UDP broadcast or multicast, then you +should set the priority of the "real" NMEA input to something higher +than the +UDP stream. If not, prepare for problems. The reason is that +if you are broadcasting, then you yourself will get the UDP message as +well, which again will be retransmitted...... Obviously, it duplicates +the "real" incoming data. Thus we get source priority flip-flop on each +message, since they have the same priority. For example set the UDP +priority to "0" and real incoming connection to "1" or higher. +Multicast loopback is not disabled for consistency with broadcast +behavior. +This means that priorities must be set as detailed above when +transmitting over multicast, but multicast communication between +multiple instances of OpenCPN on the same system remains possible.
The firewalls on some systems (e.g. OpenSuSE linux) may +block +broadcast and multicast data that you wish to receive. Refer to your +system's documentation to determine how to allow such data to reach +OpenCPN.

Sending Routes +and +Waypoints to a GPS

The +feature "Send to GPS", which appears in the +right click menus for waypoints and routes and in the Route Manager, is +not linked to connections. The upload port does +not even need to appear in +the Datastream connections list. Its a completely separate concept. +For this reason +users must define a separate upload port, that is +remembered by OpenCPN. The port can be changed by clicking the button +in the Route Manager.
NMEA provides no handshake protocol for Route and Waypoint +upload. +So, OpenCPN simply sends the Route/WP information out on the port, +without having any way to know if there is actually a device connected +to the port.
The Garmin protocol does provide handshaking, so OpenCPN +can be +sure that the information is uploaded correctly. The Garmin protocol +will fail if the device is not a Garmin.
In the case of standard NMEA, the indication "Route +successfully +uploaded"
+is not very meaningful. You can say that it just means that a port was +found,
+and writing to that port succeeded.
In the case of "hockey puck" GPS receivers, they probably +ignore +Route and WP uploads, since there is nothing for them to do with this +information anyway.
The key to remember is that Route and Waypoint upload +process is +completely independent of normal running Datastream operation. They are +two separate sub-systems.
It does no harm to assign the Datastream GPS port as an +output +and +input device together. Some users might reasonably expect that this +would be required for Route and W/P uploads. Most GPS receivers would +ignore input sentences other than Route and W/P uploads anyway.

+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents + +

+

NMEA +Sentences

+For a comprehensive explanation of the NMEA protocol please +read http://www.catb.org/gpsd/NMEA.html +

OpenCPN Recognized +NMEA Sentences:

The +Core Program:

HDM - Heading, Magnetic

Heading Degrees, magnetic
M = magnetic

HDG - Magnetic heading, deviation, variation

Magnetic Sensor heading in degrees
Magnetic Deviation, degrees
Magnetic Deviation direction, E = Easterly, W = Westerly
Magnetic Variation degrees
Magnetic Variation direction, E = Easterly, W = +Westerly<

HDT - Heading, True

Heading Degrees, true
T = True

RMB - Recommended Minimum +Navigation Information

+To be sent by a navigation receiver when a destination waypoint +is active. +

+ + + +
+ +
+ +
14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13| 15 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $--RMB,A,x.x,a,c--c,c--c,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x.x,x.x,x.x,A,m,*hh<CR><LF>
+ +
+ +
+ + +
+ +
Field Number:
+
+ +

+1 Status, A= Active, V = Void

+ 2 Cross Track error - nautical miles

+3 Direction to Steer, Left or Right

+4 TO Waypoint ID

+5 FROM Waypoint ID

+ 6 Destination Waypoint Latitude

+7 N or S

+ 8 Destination Waypoint Longitude

+ 9 E or W

10 + Range to destination in nautical miles

11 + Bearing to destination in degrees True

12 + Destination closing velocity in knots

13 + Arrival Status, A = Arrival Circle +Entered

14 + FAA mode indicator (NMEA 2.3 and later)

+ +
+
+ + +

RMC -Recommended Minimum +Navigation Information

Time (UTC)

Status, V = Navigation +receiver warning

Latitude

N or S

Longitude

E or W

Speed over ground, knots

Track Made Good, degrees +true

Date, ddmmyy

Magnetic variation, degrees

E or W

xxWPL +- Waypoint Location Used to send routes +and waypoints up to a GPS receiver. OpenCPN does not process these +sentences as input.

Latitude
N or S (North or South)
Longitude
E or W (East or West)
Waypoint Name

xxRTE - Routes. Used to send routes and +waypoints up to a GPS receiver.OpenCPN does not process these sentences +as input.

Total +number of messages being transmitted
Message Number
Message Mode +
1. c = complete route, all waypoints
2. w = working route, the waypoint you just left, the +waypoint +you're heading to, then all the rest
+
Waypoint ID
More Waypoints

GGA +- Global Positioning System Fix Data

Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)
Latitude
Longitude
GPS Quality Indicator
Number of satellites in view, 00 - 12
Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP)
Antenna altitude above/below mean-sea-level (geoid)
Units of antenna altitude, meters
Geoidal separation, the vertical difference between the +WGS-84 +elipsoid and the geoid
Units of geoidal separation, meters
Age of differential GPS data, time in seconds since last +SC104
Differential reference station ID, 0000-102

GLL - Geographic Position, Latitude / Longitude

Latitude
N or S (North or South)
Longitude
E or W (East or West)
Time (UTC)
Status A - Data Valid, V - Data Invalid
*

+GSV - Satellites in view

Number of sentences for full data / sentence 1 of 2
Number of satellites in view
Satellite PRN number
Elevation, degrees
Azimuth, degrees
SNR - higher is better / for up to 4 satellites per sentence

VTG - Track Made Good and Ground Speed

Track Degrees
T = True
Track Degrees
M = Magnetic
Speed Knots
N = Knots
Speed Kilometers Per Hour
K = Kilometers Per Hour
*

GPwpl +- Waypoint data, only when there +is an active route (this is sometimes bidirectional).

+
+
+
APB - Autopilot Sentence "B" This is a fixed +form of the APA sentence with some ambiguities removed.
+
+
+
Note: Some autopilots, +Robertson in particular, misinterpret +"bearing from origin to destination" as "bearing from present position +to destination". This is likely due to the difference between the APB +sentence and the APA sentence. for the APA sentence this would be the +correct thing to do for the data in the same field. APA only differs +from APB in this one field and APA leaves off the last two fields where +this distinction is clearly spelled out. This will result in poor +performance if the boat is sufficiently off-course that the two +bearings are different.
+
+
Field Number:
+
+
1 Status V = LORAN-C +Blink or SNR warning V = general warning +flag +or other navigation systems when a reliable fix is not available
+2 Status V = Loran-C Cycle Lock warning flag A = OK or not used
+3 Cross Track Error Magnitude
+4 Direction to steer, L or R
+5 Cross Track Units, N = Nautical Miles
+6 Status A = Arrival Circle Entered
+7 Status A = Perpendicular passed at waypoint
+8 Bearing origin to destination
+9 M = Magnetic, T = True
+10 Destination Waypoint ID
+11 Bearing, present position to Destination
+12 M = Magnetic, T = True
+13 Heading to steer to destination waypoint
+14 M = +Magnetic, T = True
+ +
+XTE - Measured +cross track error Measured cross +track +error is a part of the RMB message, for compatibility with some older +equipment designed to work with Loran. +
+

+ +

+Cross track error, measured
General warning flag V = warning
(Loran-C Blink or SNR warning)
Not used for GPS (Loran-C cycle lock flag)
Cross track error distance
L - Steer left to correct error (or R for right)
N- Distance units - Nautical miles

AIVDM +- Automatic Information System (AIS) position +reports from other vessels

Time (UTC)
MMSI Number
Latitude
Longitude
Speed Knots
Heading
Course over Ground
Rate of turn
Navigation status

AIVDO +- Automatic Information System (AIS) position +reports from own vessel

Latitude
Longitude
Speed over ground
Course over ground
MMSI, navigational status, ship type, call +sign, +destination, sizes (in AIS target list)

xxTTM - Tracked Target Message

Target +Number (0-99)
Target Distance
Bearing from own ship
Bearing Units
Target Speed
Target Course
Course Units
Distance of closest-point-of-approach
Time until closest-point-of-approach "-" means increasing
"-" means increasing
Target name
Target Status
Reference Target

xxTLL - Target Latitude and Longitude

Target +Number (not used/ignored)
Latitude
Longitude
Name
Status
Reference Target (not used/ignored)

xxOSD +- Own Ship Data

Heading, degrees true
Status, A = Data Valid
Vessel Course, degrees True
Course Reference
Vessel Speed
Speed Reference
Vessel Set, degrees True
Vessel drift (speed)
Speed Units

+FPROS - GPSGate Buddy Position Update. +

Latitude
Hemisphere N/S
Longitude
Hemisphere E/W
Altitude in meters above sea level
Speed over ground in knots
Heading over ground in degrees
Date
Time UTC
Name of buddy this position info belongs to.

CDDSC - Digital Selective Calling Information
CDDSE - Extended Digital Selective Calling Information, +including a more accurate position.

+ + + + + + +

For more details on how OpenCPN interprets all +recognized +sentences, look at the "AIS_DecoderA.cpp" file in the source code.
+For the Dashboard plugin, look at the different files in the "nmea0183" +directory.

The +Dashboard Plugin recognizes the following input NMEA sentences:

+
DBT - Depth Below +Transducer
+
DPT - Depth of Water
+
GGA - Global +Positioning System Fix Data
+
GLL - Geographic +Position - Latitude/Longitude HDG +Heading - Deviation & Variation
+
HDM - Heading - Magnetic
+
HDT - Heading - True
+
MTA - Air Temperature +(obsolete)
+
MDA - Meteorological +Composite (obsolete)
+
MTW - Mean Temperature +of Water
+
VLW - Distance Traveled +through Water
+
MWD - Wind Direction +& Speed
+
MWV - Wind Speed and +Angle
+
RMC - Recommended +Minimum Navigation Information
+
RSA - Rudder Sensor +Angle
+
VHW - Water speed and +heading
+
VTG - Track made good +and Ground speed
+
VWR - Relative Wind +Speed and Angle
+
VWT - True Windspeed +and Angle (obsolete)
+
ZDA -Time & +Date - UTC, day, month, year and local +time zone
+
AIVDO - +Automatic Information System (AIS) position +reports from own vessel +
+

+^*
+NMEA version 2.3.added a mode indicator to many +sentences to indicate what
+kind of fix the receiver has. The value can be one of
+A=autonomous
+D=differential
+E=Estimated
+N=not valid,
+S=Simulator.
+Sometimes there can even be a null value as well.
+The A and D are the only vales that will indicate an Active and +reliable Sentence.
+This mode character has been added to the end of RMC, RMB, VTG, and GLL +sentences.
+Optionally, to some others as well, including the BWC and XTE +sentences.
+
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Plugins +Link

+
+Please +Jump to the Toolbar-Plugins +Page +where the main Plugin Documentation is kept. +

Toolbar_Options_Plugins Page

+
+Click on the link +above.
+Please do not put any +content on this page. Put it on Toolbar_Plugin +page. +

+

Advanced +Features

+ +Don't +edit the opencpn.ini (opencpn.conf) file when OpenCPN is +running. +

A VHF/DSC or an +AIS/SART emergency are treated the same way. A +small dialog pops up and the audio alarm is +set off.
An audio alarm can now +mean three different things. Apart from +DSC +and SART it could also be an AIS warning about a target coming to close.
If all these alarms are +set of at the same time, what will happen?
+The alarms will show according to their priorities.
+The priorities are
+*SART - This is equal to a MAYDAY!
+*DSC - This is equal to a MAYDAY!
+*AIS
If two alarms of the +same priority are triggered at the same +time, the nearest will be shown.
So... for your own +safety if an alarm is triggered, evaluate the +full situation near your boat.
+
Let's take a look at +some of OpenCPN's other advanced features.
+ +

+ + +

+

Anchor +Watch

+Anchor +watch can be set on any mark that you have created with OpenCPN, +except for a mark that belongs to a layer, as long as the boat is +within 1 nautical mile of this mark. This means that the Anchor watch +items, +on the right click menu, will only be visible if your boat is within 1 +nautical miles of a mark. If the boat is closer than 5 m to the mark +the anchor watch can't be set either.
+A maximum of two marks can have anchor watch set at the same time. Get +around the restriction with a mark in a layer, by creating a new mark +nearby. +

+This feature can be used in other situations than just anchoring, but +keeping an eye on your anchor, and making sure it isn't dragging, is +the main purpose.
+
+Basic usage
+
+To learn how it works let's make a dry run to a nice trade wind +anchorage.
+ +

+
+After +circling around and exploring the bay, we know where we want to +drop our anchor.
+At the chosen spot we drop the anchor, at the same time we right click +on the "Own Boat Icon" and press "drop Mark Here".
+ +

+
+The +wind, ENE at 15 kts let us drift back until we are satisfied with +our scope. A burst in reverse convinces us that the anchor is set, +later confirmed by a leisurely snorkeling over the anchor. Time to sort +out +the anchor watch.
+ +
+Right +click on the mark and press "Set Anchor Watch". The name of the +mark changes to 50, and a green circle appears with a radius of 50 +meters.
+ +

+
+The +anchor watch is now active, with a default max distance of 50m from +the mark, and an alarm will be set off if the boat for some reason +exits the circle. If "Play sound on CPA/TCPA Alerts" is set in the AIS +ToolBox Tab, the same audio alarm is activated together with the visual +alarm on the screen. To deactivate the anchor watch, right click on the +mark and select "Clear Anchor Watch".
+
+If you are more than 50 m from the anchor when activating the watch +this happens.
+
+ +

+
+Sort this out by open the +Mark/WP Properties Dialog.
+ +

+
+Change +the name from "50 m" to a name that is relevant to the amount of +chain and/or rode that you use, for example "75". Change the icon to, +if you like. Pressing OK should stop the alarm.
+
+To get protection from the wind and a bit of northerly swell, we have +really anchored to close to the beach. To keep an eye on this potential +danger we set another mark on the beach.
+ +

+
+This time we change the "Mark Name" to -150, this means that if the +boat comes within 150 meters of this mark, the alarm is set off. Green +circle, OK to be inside. Red circle OK to be outside.
+ +

+
+An +hour later, after a heavy squall passed, the wind goes light and +fluky. The boat drifts towards the beach and the anchor alarm sounds +and comes up on our computer screen.
+The alarm sound is the same as the AIS warning sound and is set in the +ToolBox under the AIS tab.
+
+Alternatives and Settings
+A mark at the position of ownship, can also be created by hitting +"Enter" or "Spacebar". "Ctrl + M" creates a mark at the position of the +cursor. The anchor watch can now be set as demonstrated above with the +default alarm distance being applied.
+
+A way to easily drop a mark, exactly at your current position, is to +hit "Ctrl + Space". This is the "Man Over Board" shortcut. Right click +and +go to properties. Change the name to a suitable alarm distance and pick +a different icon. Set the Anchor Watch.
+ +

+The +picture is an illustration to what happens if you use the MOB +keystroke, and then just activate the Anchor Watch. As the mark is +already named, the default watch distance doesn't work. The green +circle is the 5 m default minimum distance. The alarm goes off, of +course.
+

The +Anchor Watch only works with an active gps. If the gps signal +is lost, the alarm will be set off.

+Both the default Anchor Watch Radius and Max distance from mark can be +changed by editing the configuration file, opencpn.ini on Windows and +opencpn.config on Linux.
+Close down OpenCPN and open the configuration file in a text editor.
+Find the section that starts with "[Settings] ".
+Create two new lines, looking, for example like this.
+AnchorWatchDefault=45 (default is 50 m)
+AnchorWatchMax=2500 (default is 1852 m)
+Enter your own preferences, 45 & 2500 are just for illustration.
+
+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+ +

+
+ +

Extended +Marks

+
+For the basics of marks see this page: Marks +and Routes
+
+The properties of Extended marks described on this page expands the use +of marks.
+It is now possible, for example, to make a interactive Cruising Pilot.
+An extended mark is sometimes called a POI, a point +of interest.
+
+The "Mark/WP Properties" looks like this for a default mark.
+
+
+
+
+
+The +dialog is available by double-clicking the mark, in the right-click +menu or through the Route Manager.
+
+The Basic tab.
+Name: Give the mark a suitable name. This will be +visible on the chart, but can be hidden by un-ticking the Show +Name box.
+Icon: Change the default icon for the mark. Only the +"Name" will be displayed if selecting the "Empty" icon.
+The position of the mark: You can drag the mark with +the mouse to the desired position or enter the correct Latitude +and Longitude in these fields.
+Right clicking anywhere in the latitude or longitude display gives you +the sub dialog shown above. Latitude and longitude can be copied +separately or together. A copied lat/long will be available in the +paste buffer, and will be displayed if you activate the "Jump to +position..." dialog. It is also possible to paste a position. A Paste +will try to be smart about parsing the format, and accepts a lot of +different +syntaxes. Even the GPX <wpt +lat="0.00" +long="0.00"> should work.
+Arrival Radius Read more in Options +Setting , where the default is +set. The arrival radius can also be set individually for each waypoint.
+Range Rings Show range rings, number of rings, ring +spacing, units and color.
+Description: Enter anything about the mark. Long +descriptions can be read easier by switching to the Description +Tab. See examples below.
+
+
+
+
+
+Links: +Marks can, as an option, have embedded links to +the Internet or the the local computer. These are either opened in the +default browser or through the default application, for example for +pictures or pdf files.
+For security reasons, the links does not work for launching other +programs.
+
+Create a link by pressing Add. Give the link a good +description in the new dialog.
+Enter an Internet address in URL or find a local file +through the button Local File.
+
+
+
+The +new link will appear under Links. Add more links +as required.
+Edit links by pressing the "Edit" button. The +description will change from "Links are opened in the default browser." +to " Links are opened for editing" when the button is pressed. The +color of the "Edit" button gets a grayer shade when it is pressed down. +Press once more to release the button. Press once - the button is down. +Press again - the button is released and goes up.
+
+
+
+
+
+Right-click +an existing link for a related action menu.
+
+
+
+In the illustrated case, the link was to a local JPG picture, that +opens in the default program associated with the jpg extension.
+
+
+
+If +the mark belongs to a Layer, it can't be changed. A warning about +this appears above the name of the mark.
+
+
+
+The +Description Tab
+This is simply an expanded view of the Description box in the Basic tab.
+
+The Extended Tab
+Show on Chart: Untick this box, and the mark will not +show on the chart. To make it visible again, use the Route Managers +Waypoint Tab. Click the "Icon" column, to the far left, on the line +with the waypoint.
+GUID is a unique identifier for the mark.
+
+
+ +Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Configuration +File
+

+* Always exit OpenCPN before editing the configuration file.
+* Edit the file with a text editor, and save your changes.
+* Restart OpenCPN.
+
+Some +of the user settings available through the config file.
+
+Setting +the precision of the XTE - "Cross Track +Error" when using an autopilot
+See more in Options Setting +APB precision.
+[Settings]
+NMEAAPBXTEPrecision=3
+
+This +will give you X.XXX for the XTE field precision.
+
+Default +is "2", or X.XX
+
+The +Ais name caching can be turned off in the +opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file by adding a line like this.
+[Settings]
+EnableAISNameCache=0
+
+Crash reporting for Windows ican be enabled by editing +the opencpn.ini file. Add the line below to enable the crash-report. +Sett the value to "0" to disable it.
+
+[Settings]
+EmailCrashReport=1
+
+Rotating the canvas, is unsupported but possible...
+
+[Settings]
+EnableRotateKeys=1
+
+Enables
+[ Rotate chart left.
+] Rotate chart right.
+Alt + [ Rotate chart left in fine steps.
+Alt + ] Rotate chart right in fine steps.
+\ Reset rotation
+Some keyboards have to use AltGR + ], etc.
+
+If you have a lot of graphic memory, or very little, +try to add the following to your config (ini on windows) file:
+"GPUMemorySize=nnn"
+where nnn is graphics card memory size, in MBytes.
+256 MBytes is the default.
+
+Application memory limit target. Try to limit the +total memory used by OCPN to the specified value, approximately.
+Specify this mode by:
+[Settings]
+MEMCacheLimit=xxx
+
+Open +chart limit. This is the default mode under +Linux, and the default value is 20 open charts at any one time.
+
+Modify +this limit by the following:
+[Settings]
+NCacheLimit=yy
+
+The +width of the COG Predictor can be adjusted in the +opencpn.ini configuration file. Find the line below and adjust the +value.
+OwnshipCOGPredictorWidth=3
+
+In the opencpn.ini/opencpn.config file you can find a configuration +setting to control the number of backups kept, +defaulting to KeepNavobjBackups=5. This value can be changed using a +text editor.
+
+AnchorWatch
+
+Both the default Anchor Watch Radius and Max distance from mark can be +changed by editing the configuration file
+"[Settings] "
+
+AnchorWatchDefault=45 +
+AnchorWatchMax=2500
+
+Enter +your own preferences, 45 & 2500 are just for illustration, +defaults are 50 and 1852 respectively.
+
+Automatic +Anchor Mark
+Search for a line like this:
+[Settings]
+
+AutoAnchorDrop=0
+
+and change the value from "0" to "1".
+
+
+If +you are a developer: Debug statements can be +added to produce a lot of output when problems arises in certain areas. +More in +Troubleshooting.
+
+
+

OpenGL

+What is OpenGL an Overview
+OpenGL is an open standard, cross platform, advanced graphic library. +It uses the graphic cards processor (GPU) and memory, to speed up +applications. With OpenCPN a user with a typical modern graphic card +will have an enhanced experience. Much faster and smoother zooming and +panning as well as clearer and sharper chart rendering.
+
+In OpenCPN OpenGL is a choice, the old graphic engine is still there. +OpenGL will not work for everyone. Performance may not be improved with +embedded graphics chips, often found in older laptops and netbooks.
+
+Microsoft has gone from support to hostility towards OpenGL. There is +currently a lot of trouble Windows for all OpenGL applications, not +just OpenCPN. OpenCPN has been forced to disable a handful of OpenGL +features for all Intel OpenGL graphics drivers on Windows, for example.
+
+
+Mac +OS X +has full supports for OpenGL.
+
+For Linux the situation is slightly different. Linux supports OpenGL, +as it generally tends to support open standards. The user is however +dependent on a driver from the graphic cards maker, and their support +for OpenGL. This may change with projects like nouveau, +a free driver +for nVidias cards.
+
+
+Without +OpenGL With OpenGL
+Heavy over zooming reveals some of the secrets behind OpenGL
+
+Why +introduce OpenGL in OpenCPN?
+The main reasons are: +

Better performance, leveraging modern PC graphics cards +that are +ubiquitous and powerful.
Better "eye candy", such as smooth zoom and pan, with +little +impact on responsiveness.
Future cross-platform support (e.g Android/IOS)
Some features depends on OpenGL, such as horizontal text +and +numbers on skewed (course up) vector charts.

+Is OpenGL a good choice for everyone?
+OpenCPN's performance with OpenGL is highly dependent upon your graphics +hardware and drivers. + +

On +some systems using Intel HD Graphics adapters, especially +running 64bit editions of Windows 7, OpenCPN gets killed due to errors +in the display adapter drivers. You may try to get updated drivers or +as a workaround, on Windows run OpenCPN - no OpenGL +from Start menu. On all the platforms, you can use the -no_opengl +command line switch while starting the program to run it with OpenGL +disabled.
Some graphics chip sets (e.g.intel 945G) have rather poor +OpenGL +driver support, so that we cannot fully utilize the hardware +acceleration potential of these systems.
nVidia graphics, even very old cards, seem to perform very +well.
Performance may not be improved with embedded graphics +chips as +often found in older laptops and netbooks.
There is a lot of trouble with OpenGL on Vista and W7. +Microsoft +implemented a new screen compositing model for Vista and later, which +"broke" many OpenGL apps
Conclusion:Using OpenGL with OpenCPN will be a significant +upgrade +for some users of OpenCPN, but OpenGL may not be "better" for +everyone's OCPN application.
So, user's choice. If OpenGL works better for you, then use +it. +If +not, the old DC based graphics render system is still in place.

+Start using OpenGL +

Find the latest driver for your graphic card. The driver +that +came +with your operating system, is not likely to be the best. Start looking +at your graphic card makers home page.
Go to the ToolBox->Settings and tick the two boxes +"Use +Accelerated Graphics(OpenGL)" and "Enable Smooth Panning/Zooming". Read +all the details in the Options +Setting +display tab.

+Other tricks
+If +you have a lot of graphic memory, or very little, try to add the +following to your config (ini on windows) file:
+"GPUMemorySize=nnn"
+where nnn is graphics card memory size, in MBytes.
+256 MBytes is the default. + +

Supplementary Software to test Graphics Adapter Opengl +compatibility
+Troubles in OpenGL mode?
+1. Make sure the proper updated drivers for your graphics card.
+2. Earlier Intel HP Graphics, chips do not offer full OpenGL support. +This is where the opengl issues tend to occur.
+3. One good option is to get a newer graphics board that supports +OpenGL fully. (I would suggest Nvidia, but there will be various opinions +about +that.)
+4. Another option is to try adjusting the OpenCPN OpenGL settings, +unchecking all the advanced features and testing.
+5. Then if there are still difficulties, running this software may +elicit exactly what the problem is.
+
+This free adapter testing software is for various operating systems, +including Windows 32bit and 64bit.
+GLview: OpenGL +Extensions Viewer http://www.realtech-vr.com/glview/
+This software tool tests your graphics card capabilities and makes a +report log. It is useful in tracking down particular problems with +OpenGL on a given system. The Developers can then help determine what +is wrong.
+However when other software like GoogleEarth works OK with OpenGL on, +then there are possibly other reasons why OpenCPN fails, related to the +Opencpn OpenGL implementation. There are many many graphics cards and +they have differing capabilities and sometimes the Opencpn opengl +implementation has to be adjusted for a particular card.
+

+
+

Go to Table +Of Contents +

+

Links

+Links to other sites with supplementary +OpenCPN content.
+
+http://www.uscgaan.com/opencpn.htm. +United States Coast Guard Auxiliary/ First Northern Navigation Systems. +"This site contains all of the information you will need to become a +knowledgeable participant in the First District Northern ATON and Chart +Updating Programs."
+
+Full +set of background charts. These must be extracted +into the data/gshhs subfolder of +your local repository.
+
+Updated +tides and current data.
+
+
+ +

Edit +User Manual

+Edit User Manual Link Page. +This page has been placed as a link to the +

Edit +User +Manual Page

+So that it will not get deleted!
+It is in the Developers Manual.

+

OpenCPN User Manual

Table Of Contents

Getting Started

OpenCPN 4.0

Installing OpenCPN

Linux

32/64 bit Ubuntu/Debian Distributions

32/64 bit Fedora / Cent OS

Using Linux repositories, an easier way to install and update.

Installing on Ubuntu

Installing on Fedora

Other 32, 64bits, the armhf architecture, Linux Distributions and the BSD operating systems

Mac OS X

Different versions of OpenCPN

Location of Important Files. Log and config files.

If something goes wrong

OpenGL

Low Power Systems

Settings for increased speed.

Portable OpenCPN

To create a portable Windows version (across only 32-bit or only 64-bit systems)

Alternate procedure to use the 64-bit libraries upon demand

-If you want to give a higher running priority see : http://opencpn.org/ocpn/commandline - -A Linux version

Dedicated Marine OS

Using OpenCPN for the First Time

Setting Up GPS

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7

A Dedicated GPS Receiver

An Example - Configuring BU-353

Troubleshooting

Known Issues

Linux

Two methods are available, direct connection or through gpsd.

-We start with gpsd.

Direct connection.

More Linux hints

Other Distributions

Udev Rules

Bluetooth GPS

Ubuntu 10.10 and older.

Fedora

Mac OSX

Touch Screens and Tablets

Help the Developers Fixing Bugs!

Windows

-Linux

Start ddd

Using gdb

Basic Features

The Menu Bar

Navigate

Toolbar Buttons

Right Click Menu

The basic single charts right-click menus.

Measure

-

Max Detail Here

Scale In

Scale Out

Move Boat Here

Course Up Mode

Object Query

The basic quilted charts right-click menus, for raster charts and vector charts

Keyboard Shortcuts

- - - -The List sorted by Keys

Zooming

How too Zoom in/out

Overzooming

-Underzooming

Using CM93 in OpenCPN

All About Charts

Installing Charts

Check your charts after installation

Status Bar

Limitation

To Hide the Chart Bar

Chart Info

What does all the information mean?

The OpenCPN Logfile

Chart Accuracy

-If you want to give a higher running priority see : http://opencpn.org/ocpn/commandline
-
-A Linux version

-
-
-
-The List sorted by Keys

-_{Shallow, Safety and Deep depths}.

-_{Shallow Depth}

-_{Safety Depth}

-_{Deep Depth}