The new brain for IRRisistable
This page is dedicated to the development of an OpenPlotter based chart plotter and communication center for our new boat, the IRRisistable Magayon III.
See also the page for the overall electrics.
OpenPlotter is a combination of hardware and software for navigational aid on small and medium boats. It is an open source project led by Sailoog, and it is low-cost, low consumption and works on the Raspberry Pi or any computer with a Linux Debian Derivative. It is modular, so I can start with what I need most and then build on it.
See also the OpenPlotter Web Site.
OpenPlotter runs on a Raspberry Pie. It is Open Source and components can be sourced very cheaply, at a fraction of the cost of a system of one of the big companies.
There are different ways to implement an OpenPlotter based system. I am going for option 2 with MacArthur Hat, since that requires least hardware interfacing and can easily connect to Seetalk 1, Seetalk 2, NMEA2000 and other bus systems.
I will implement the following components
- Chart plotter (with OpenCPN) (Priority 1)
- Compass (Priority 1)
- Autopilot with Pypilot (Priority 2)
- Connection to navigation instruments through (Priority 2)
- Weather data (GRIB files with XYGrib). (Priority 2)
- Access point to share data with tablets and phones (Priority 2)
- AIS (Priority 2)
- Notifications (Priority 2)
And later expand with IoB (Internet of Boats) and various sensors for, e.g. for tank levels, etc.
Getting The Hardware
Raspberry Pie
The core is a Raspberry Pi. For speed and memory for charts, Version 4 or Version 5 are recommended. I still have one unit of Version 3. OpenPlotter works on that too, but is very slow. But for putting together and testing the system this will do.
Memory card
I still had several 32Gb micro SSD card in my photography bag, so this one is free too.
Wifi Dongle
I also still had this from previous projects.
Sunday, October 5, an exciting parcel arrives.
A package was waiting for me today when I returned from Puerto Galera. It contained a touch display for the Raspberry Pie. Plug and Play, I just connected it and after powering the Pie up I saw the OpenPlotter Operating System welcome screen for the first time life. Exciting. But it is bedtime, playing with it will have to wait.
Cost so far: US$ 80. (Will update with each new component).
PHP 2,700
Keyboard with Touchpad
Initially I tried an old PC keyboard, but some keys are broken, and it is too big for the boat. Our old mouse did also misfunction. So I got a small wireless keyboard that comes with its own Wifi Dongl and has just there right small form factor to use it occasionally on the boat e.g. for changing settings.
PHP 300, accumulative cost: PHP 3,000
GPS Mouse
This is needed to determine the position of the boat. For now I a going for a cheap option, once the prototype is running and satisfies my needs I might replace it with a more accurate one.
October 12: Despite it being a Sunday the Courier brings the GPS mouse. It took a while to get it running – success. My position is now in the chart.
I had to postpone getting charts since the license is coupled with the hardware. So given that the RPI 3 is so slow, I need to buy a Version 5 one to not get bogged down in speed from the very start.
PHP 358.28, accumulative cost: PHP 3,358.28
DCTT FM Dongle Stick Digital TV
Ordered, has not yet arrived
PHP 1,069, accumulative cost: PHP 4,427.28
Another exciting delivery (October 14)
Not so exciting was the import duty and other fees related to customs clearance. The package cost US$ 303. It was shipped from Spain by DHL. DHL contacted me for the customs clearance. I had to pay an additional US$ 102 for import tax, processing fees and custom clearance fees. Roughly 25% of the total cost.
Mc Arthur HAT
Mc Arthur HAT is an add on board for the Raspberry providing the hardware interfaces for the various communication protocols that are implemented in navigation equipment.
Ordered, arrived
US$ 62
Power Module for Mc Arthur HAT
The power module Makes sure the OpenPlotter system shuts down properly when the power is disconnected and restarts problerly when the power comes back.
Ordered, arrived
US$ 23
Daisy HAT AIS Receiver
Daisy HAT AIS Receiver ….
ICM-20948 IMU MODULE
The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) adds heading, heel and trim data.
PYPILOT Motor Controller
The controller for the autopilot. What I will need to get in addition is the motor, belt, wheel and clutch for the steering wheel.
Charts
Browsing through the various sites related to open source navigation I found that there are no charts offered for the Philippines. This puts the whole project in question. No charts, no chart plotting.
I got some hints, work in progress