Affordable Graph Plotter Utilizing Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter Software
Transform your Raspberry Pi into a powerful, low-cost marine navigation system with OpenPlotter, a Linux-based operating system designed specifically for boat navigation. Here's a step-by-step guide on setting up OpenPlotter as your boat's chart plotter and Automatic Identification System (AIS) system.
Required Components
To get started, you'll need the following components:
- Raspberry Pi (Model 3B+ or 4 recommended for better performance)
- MicroSD card (at least 16 GB storage)
- Power supply suitable for Raspberry Pi
- GPS receiver module compatible with Raspberry Pi
- AIS receiver or external AIS transponder module
- Marine or waterproof case (optional but recommended)
- Display device (touchscreen monitor or tablet for chart display)
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- Other sensors (optional: wind, depth, speed sensors compatible with OpenPlotter)
Installation and Setup Process
- Prepare Raspberry Pi and Install OpenPlotter OS
- Download the latest OpenPlotter image for Raspberry Pi from the official OpenPlotter website.
- Flash the image onto the microSD card using software such as Balena Etcher.
- Insert the microSD card into Raspberry Pi and power it up.
- Initial Configuration
- Connect the Pi to a monitor via HDMI or use SSH over Wi-Fi.
- Log in (default user: pi, password: raspberry) and run OpenPlotter’s setup wizard.
- Change the default password to secure the system.
- Connect and Configure GPS and AIS Devices
- Attach the GPS receiver to the Pi’s USB or serial port.
- Connect the AIS receiver/transponder similarly.
- In OpenPlotter, navigate to the SignalK server settings to configure data sources.
- Setting Up Chart Plotter Software
- Use integrated chart plotter tools like OpenCPN or AvNav within OpenPlotter.
- Download nautical charts (NOAA ENC or RNC charts are preferred for US waters) into chart plotter software for navigation display. OpenPlotter allows direct chart downloads and updates.
- Configure the chart source and display projections as needed.
- Import base maps and detailed charts for your sailing area to improve visual detail.
- Integrate AIS Data
- OpenPlotter’s SignalK server will parse AIS messages received.
- AIS targets will overlay on the chart display, showing real-time vessel positions.
- Configure alerts or tracking preferences in the AIS settings.
- Additional Configuration
- Set up networking so other onboard devices can access the marine data via Wi-Fi.
- Calibrate sensors and perform tests for accuracy before critical navigation.
Software Components
| Software | Role | Notes | |-----------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------| | OpenPlotter OS | Base OS + marine setup | Provides SignalK server, tools | | SignalK | Data server | Aggregates GPS, AIS, sensors | | OpenCPN/AvNav | Chart plotter display | Supports nautical charts, AIS |
Resources and References
For a practical video tutorial on setting up OpenPlotter with OpenCPN, GPS, and AIS, visit [1]. NOAA provides freely downloadable electronic navigational charts suitable for use within OpenPlotter plotters [2][4]. AvNav documentation highlights integration steps for navigation software within OpenPlotter and securing the system [3].
[1] Practical OpenPlotter Tutorial [2] NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts [3] AvNav Documentation [4] Additional NOAA Resources
With this setup, you'll have a cost-effective marine navigation system that can be expanded with sensors and internet connectivity, ideal for small boats and DIY enthusiasts.
- To enhance the functionality of your marine navigation system, consider integrating navigation-friendly gadgets like wind sensors, depth sensors, and speed sensors that are compatible with OpenPlotter.
- For convenient navigation, you can pair your marine navigation system with waterproof technology such as a touchscreen monitor or tablet, which can serve as a display device for chart display, making sailing easier and more enjoyable.
