Pi5, NVMe Base, OpenPlotter 4 (beta), MacArthur HAT, O-Charts Dongle - The best open-source setup!

In this video, we set up the Pi5 with an NVMe SSD base from Pimoroni, we look at the progress on OpenPlotter 4 and fix the MacArthur HAT to the Pi5 to get the boat data across. We also look at the 0-charts USB dongle in OpenCPN and AvNAV. This means that you use the USB dongle as the system key rather than losing your license when you upgrade anything on the Raspberry Pi. Not everything is finished just yet on OpenPlotter 4 but using the HAT, this has to be the best Open-Source setup available.
Kit used:
thepihut.com/products/raspber... - Pi5 8GB
shop.pimoroni.com/products/nv... - NVMe Base & Drive
shop.openmarine.net/home/23-m... - MacArthur Hat
Config Lines:
sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
dtparam=pciex1_gen=3
sudo raspi-config
00:00 - Intro & Pi5 Boot speed
01:58 - NVMe Base
05:11 - Copy drive
05:36 - Config changes
07:12 - O-Charts USB Dongle OpenCPN
09:30 - O-Charts USB Dongle AvNav
10:09 - OpenPlotter 4
10:58 - Pi5 MacArthur HAT
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[@Loffyfromthehills]

Thanks. You have convinced me to download the OpenPlotter beta. Now all I need is the O Charts dongle .

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Excellent - I do wish i had got the O Charts dongle sooner, it does help if you like to play with these different setups.

[@jamesneirinck413]

Let me just say thank you thank you for sharing and walking through this so well. I’m looking forward to getting my system set up the same way as you. I’m transitioning from a Pi3 so will be a big upgrade with the Pi5 and MacArthur Hat. I’m using the Pi3 to run PyPilot autopilot as well so will be interesting to see how I can get that working as well. Cheers. Jim

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Many thanks for your comments. Pi3 to Pi5 will be good jump in performance. That will be a good project

[@G0KAD]

Ahead of the game as always Mat. I've gone for a near-identical setup but haven't played with it for a couple of weeks as I've been out sailing! Next trip is to Beaulieu on the 16th so hope to get it working on the water then. Loving the speed of the Pi5.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Thanks - We need to visit Beaulieu again, we've never really done all that much other than take a mooring ball near the entrance. Also enjoying the speed, my Pi4 setup feels slugish now but useful for testing and vidoes.

[@SAgaming19]

That's funny, this is exactly the system I have, too. I did make a 3d printed case to accommodate the airflow and the MacArthur hat. Love the O-charts dongle as I had lost the key in the past. Be careful with the cable going from the NVMe base to the Pi5. My hold down bracket broke. Waiting for Seatalk...

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, I've seen a couple of the cases, that's on my list but so is a 3d printer!

[@thats-no-moon]

Brilliant, thanks for the video! I am playing around with a Pi4 with an SD, and the MacArthur HAT attached--but now that I see this maybe I will upgrade to a Pi5 with an SSD.. seems to make a real difference.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Thanks for your comments- It’s quicker for sure than the Pi4 but that’s still a good setup. If you can get a good deal I would go for it.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

you will still notice a huge performance improvement with an SSD in your Pi 4B. Different expansion boards for NVME and SATA..... so do your homework before buying any accessories. Also, some SSD's work with the Pi with the expansion boards, and some don't.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Good advice- I agree

[@thats-no-moon]

@@colonelfustercluck486 True, but I already upgraded to a 5 and use the 4 for another project 🙂

[@colonelfustercluck486]

@@thats-no-moon ... lucky you, getting the Pi 5. I am desperately trying to find an excuse to get one!!!! (I gotta couple of Pi4B's to use up at the moment)

[@svdoinitright7519]

I'm looking forward to seeing your future videos. I'm just starting with OpenPlotter. I have it running on my desk on a Pi 4, but it is kind of slow to respond to inputs. I bought the Pi 5, but last time I checked the website, OpenPlotter wasn't ready for download yet. I'll go have a look now and see where they are.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, thanks for your comments. Most apps are still in beta, however i have found them to be stable and working. That for forum post is probably the best to keep and eye and then jump across when most of what you need is ready. All the best with your project and shout up if you need any help ⛵️

[@juliogonzalez-outon3007]

Gracias, muy actual

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

gracias por tus comentarios, eres bienvenido

[@ItreboR63I]

Subscribed. Very interested in kitting our boat out with this setup, instead of some obsolete-ware garmin type of affair.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, thanks for subscribing- you can basically do what you want with it which is really good. Give us a shout if you need any help

[@ItreboR63I]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys Cheers, I can see from your roster of videos that most of my questions have been answered so I appreciate that. What I am currently trying to source is a decent enough panel that could sit outside. I'd rather not have touch screen but maybe a couple of page selecting momentary switches. Also just been down a rabbit hole on how to get a signal from the NASA clipper depth sounder. I love their simple kit, but looks like I need to learn a bit of arduino to make that work. Happy Sailing and regards from Milford Haven.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Have a look on the OpenMarine forum for the NASA kit, I'm sure someone has done that. I had a Duet on my last boat and it was great. Gonna try and get to Milford Haven soon, looks really nice 👍

[@bybeka1]

Great video and installation. Congratulations, waiting for my Mc Arthur hat and Maiana AIS. I have also tried the OP4 in Pi5, but in my case, unfortunately my Moitessier hat didn't work, not even powered properly (detected but not lighting lights) , I think it's a matter of gpio and uart under serial. Another thing to mention is that the Ocharts dongle works flawlessly as an endless instalator of charts, but there's an important to know: it will allow for new installations just during the paid year subscription. So, if yours is already due, you'll be still able share the dongle between those installations where they were already installed/downloaded. But if the subscription is already due, it won't work for any new installations, not even for those charts dated during the previous paid subscription. Anyway, great improvement. BTW, which power source do use for your pi5? Thanks!

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi - thanks for your comments and the info on the O-charts dongle that’s useful. I’m powering the Pi5 with the MacArthur hat power module. I powered the Pi4 for a usb 5amp power supply and then switched to the HAT power supply during testing and that’s also capable of powering a Pi5 and a small screen.

[@RoddyMcAskill]

Hi, great video, thank you - can I ask what display you use onboard to connect to the pi? Also what GPS device would you recommend?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, many thanks for your comments on the video. The display is one of these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253289838646?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=sA4xWqdKSHW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=1XqhIgr5QPm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY the price has gone up a little since I got mine but I’ve been really pleased with it, it’s bright and clear with low power consumption. In terms of GPS, I use the boats GPS via NMEA2000 but I have also used a cheap USB one from Amazon with good results. Virtually any of them will work and also make a good backup.

[@StuartSwindellC]

Hi Matt , just wondering how NMEA2K integrates into Macarthur HAT? I have the PICAN HAT and its as simple as connecting NMEA2K bus cable to the HAT. Supplies power to the Pi as well. It would be nice if it was as simple. :)

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, it is really. The two can wires just connect straight to the NMEA2k inputs and it’s a 1 min setup process in OpenPlotter to get it online. In terms of power, you have to buy the power module to use that functionality. That’s powered directly from 12v rather than from NMEA as the Pi does draw more than the standard allows. You can use the power on feature from the NMEA 12v to trigger the Pi to boot or to shutdown with your other instruments.

[@scottkiwiz3841]

Just a heads up, I looked up this power supply plug on board, and its only 15watts the new p5 recommends 27watt power. so you might be cutting it close or limited its speed etc.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, it’s the D36V28F5 module that they are shipping, that should be good for around 4amps at 5v (20w) when used on 12v. There are some settings to prioritise power but I’ve not had to change anything just yet. Where did you find the info above?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Yeah the stats do quote it at max input voltage so yes, it would be 15w if running on the 36v input power 👍

[@colonelfustercluck486]

I have a Pi 4B and had all sorts of issues with accessories (USB) that would drag the internal PSU down, to such a state that the logic failed, as in the CPU wouldn't work. Got a shiny new powered USB hub and everything worked first time. (The Pi 4B Plug pak PSU is around 15watts, and the Pi 5 plug pak PSU is is 27watts. If you are powering extra's like an SSD and a heap of USB.... I would spend the extra on a powered USB hub and run as much as you can off that. Then it doesn't matter what your USB and SSD is drawing, your Pi 4 will still be functioning. Pi 5 has a few different connections and I am unsure about hooking up an SSD using a powered hub.... although it is a lot faster, sometimes a 4B is simpler to use in some circumstances. Keep your mind open!!

[@XanderBurchartz]

I'm searching for a case for this combo (Pi5+NVMe base+MacArthur Hat), preferably also with full HDMI. Any suggestions? I guess the Argon One V3 doesn't support the MacArthur Hat?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Yeah, I also can’t fine anything just yet. The issue with the last Argon case I had was that it used some of the pins the HAT does, so this time I’m not going that route. Also the Pi5 has a fan header which I had to use a case to get last time. There is a printable plastic case coming over on the OpenPlotter forum so that could be an option.

[@thomascanessa]

Do all three devices fit in that case? Mine would have the power module on the McArthur hat too.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, The small raspberry pi case towards the start of the video? Unfortunatly not. I dont have a case on this setup at all. Just a bit of velcro to stop it flying around. There is some talk over on the Openplotter forum about a case that holds this setup (NVMe base, Pi5 and Hat) so i dont think its too far away now.

[@paulfox1756]

Very interesting video, thankyou. I moved over to a low powered mini pc last year but the new Pi 5 is making me think about returning! lol... How are you getting on with O-Charts? I've been a long time user of Navionics and find the app great (Especially tides and currents which is a must for Scotland coastal areas) . However, I have problems with Garmin and their politics/road map for the future so keen to look for an alternative (Sailing the UK).

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, thanks for the comments. The Pi5 is a step change in performance as it was from the 3 to the 4. Really I think the 3 was just about usable, the 4 was good and now we’re at the point where it’s like using a pc/tablet/phone. I have had several tabs open, and another things running with good performance. I’m going to look at power usage next against the pi4. Also a Navionics user and a big fan of the app. I’m trying to use this platform more with AvNav as I can use that on my phone but like you, I use the same functionality in Navionics and that’s not really there. It’s possible in OpenCpn but still not as good. Charts wise, I like O-charts, slightly better than my lighthouse chart but 1 step down only due to functionality and the sonar view than Navionics. All the other chart detail is there.

[@paulfox1756]

Thanks for your reply. O-charts sounds worth looking at for the future. AvNav sounds interesting too.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

I’ll try and do a video on AvNav. I really like it as its web based

[@user-po7xn8ri7r]

Looking around with the markets and waht is available I found a bunch of mini PC on Amazon and ali for as little as 80dollars .. why is the pi more preferable?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi - The OpenPlotter software is written for the Raspberry Pi, so that makes it really easy to get started. Just follow the guides and connect your sensors and or hats to get all the information you want straight into it.

[@wtfpwnz0red]

I have questions concerning the inertial measurement unit you're using (black board sitting on top of the MacArthur hat, visible from 11:00). It looks like it's labeled "CJMCU-20948" on the board. Firstly, how well does it work? Is it integrated easily into the system? Do you get good data from it? Secondly, i can't find that model easily through a source i trust. Do you know of any alternative units, or a place where discussions happen on this where i could ask? Looking around, there isn't much online or in the documentation on which modules are a good fit for the MacArthur.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, Its not a sensor i've used all that much if im honest, its sort of gone on the back burner as i've been playing with OP4 and some other things. You needed to install PyPilot in the old version to get access to pitch/roll etc and i think thats still the same now. The recommended sensor Is ICM-20948, buy a good quality one, i didn't first time around and it wasn't detected. I think this one came from Pihut. I'll try and do something with it shortly and come back.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Search ICM-20948 and PyPilot

[@MD0MDI]

OK, Have I missed something? I cannot get the downloaded image '2024-06-19-OpenPlotter-v4-Starting-stable' to boot up to the installlation , all I get is a black screen with a few lines of test.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, is that just booting from an Sd card?

[@MD0MDI]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys Yers, Managed to get it sorted, now having to wait for snail mail from Spain for the rest of the parts.

[@davethemmp]

When will the Mac Hat ever be available it’s more elusive than the Pi 5 release?

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

It’s available to order now, I think the next batch is April. They have just had more orders than expected but It’s well worth it.

[@wtfpwnz0red]

I just got mine in. Have a look and see if they're still in stock!

[@logdonac]

I have the same setup except I used a Crucial 1T NVMe and I'm using OpenPlotter4. I am trying to get my usb gps (U-blox7) to work but it's a no go. The Pi sees it as a device, it is in Signal K, but OCPN doesn't see it. The usb gps works in my Pi4 with OP3. I'd appreciate any help with this. Thanks.

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

Hi, have you just got the one GPS source or do you have multiple?

[@logdonac]

@@BoatingwiththeBaileys Just one

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

So you can see the position data in SignalK but not in OpenCPN? How do you connect OpenCPN to SK? Just using the SK connection? I would try downloading the NMEA0183 plugin in SignalK, select the GPS fields and then change the connection in OpenCPN to use NMEA 0183. Let’s see if we can get this data across first and then troubleshoot the issue.

[@logdonac]

​@@BoatingwiththeBaileys thanks for helping me with this. I'm a newbie with Pi's and Open CPN. when I go to ocpn/options and open the NMEA debug window there is no activity. If I go to Signal K it shows the GNSS (my gps) and shows input activity but not output. When I look at the gnss device in Signal K it is enabled and using NMEA 0183

[@BoatingwiththeBaileys]

I’m not sure you will see activity in the NMEA debug window as your not sending that data across. SignalK to OpenCPN is converting what you need. Also correct on SignalK the data is going into it, you won’t see out. So the data coming in from the GPS is NMEA. I think and I’m not 100% sure that because that data is already NMEA and you link to SK is SK not NMEA it’s not sending the data across. In OP4, go to settings and click network, just check the IP and port for NMEA and note that down, go to OpenCPN, settings and connection, change the connection type from SK to NMEA and match the IP&port from the network app, see if that gets the gps data working. Everything else on OpenCPN is likely to stop