NavList:

David,

Using my old laptop, I was able to make my own portable chartplotter, almost for free. I installed OpenCPN, which is capable of receiving external GPS signals. The signal was supplied from my smart phone via a Bluetooth connection using the Bluetooth GPS Android app. My new laptop has built-in Bluetooth capability, but since my old one didn't, I used an inexpensive USB Bluetooth adapter. The laptop was plugged in to a power source and the phone was plugged in to the laptop via USB to provide power to it. I found many digital charts of my local area online at no cost. Et, voila! Of course, you wouldn't necessarily need charts if you're not the one in charge of the vessel's safety. OpenCPN will still show your position without them.

Now, here's the good part: Using Andres Ruiz González's Navigational Algorithms programs, I was able to plot celestial fixes right on the chart, LOPs and all. This made it easy to track my fixes in relation to where I was supposed to be. It is a very powerful and extremely low cost system. The only drawback is learning how to set everything up and use it. But, it isn't the most complicated thing to do, and if you're intent on making it work, you will. Just an idea.

Cheers and bon voyage,

Sean C.