The EASIEST Way to Get OpenCPN AIS & NMEA Data

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In our continuing OpenCPN tutorial series, we're going to show how you can easily get AIS and NMEA data into OpenCPN. We use the wifi network from our Vesper Marine AIS, but we'll talk about various alternatives and show HOW to setup the proper network connection.
We'll also go over how to change your AIS settings in OpenCPN and I'll share a few tips and tricks for how we've used some of the features to help us navigate!
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Table Of Contents
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0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Defining AIS & NMEA
2:50 - My Latest Project!
4:09 - Setting Up The Connection
6:53 - AIS In OpenCPN
11:08 - NMEA Data
12:27 - Other Options To Get AIS & NMEA Data
14:02 - Wrap Up
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Related Links
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OpenCPN Website: opencpn.org/
OpenCPN Forum: www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...
OpenCPN Supplementary Hardware: opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/dok...
Yacht Devices Gateway: www.yachtd.com/products/wifi_...
Ocenav Gateways: ocenav.com/en/nmea-wifi-conve...

[@sailing.not.dreaming]

Im into backups, OpenCPN is my fourth chartplotter as I lost mine crossing the Atlantic and had to use an iPad only

[@david_shih]

great vid on opencpn!!!! we used it religously in panama. had no idea that ais and nmea worked too!

[@EileenCouncill]

I LOVE this series!! Keep Going!!! I am learning so much!! Many thanks!!

[@tlowe2502]

Thanks David and Amy, we really appreciate your efforts to share your thoughts and adventures. Stay safe we love y'all.👍🏻👍🏻💕🐾

[@FerdausAlAmin]

Great video .. I am new user of OpenCPN..

[@jasonkoslow4174]

Awesome video. I have had this on my to do list for a while now. Time to finally do it.

[@OutChasingStars]

Happy to provide a helpful push!

[@maddog0870]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@sailingescapades2051]

Well done David, I really appreciate your explanation tutorials, your way of explaining Opencpn is clear and precise, and I need that for it to sink in, other available tutorials seem to assume you have been using Opencpn for years and years and they flow on from that, excellent work 👍😀

[@OutChasingStars]

Thank you! That compliment means a lot! I really do love OpenCPN. But it definitely takes a bit more configuring/exploring to understand how to use it and get the most from it. Glad I can help people with that process!

[@bfs007a]

Good stuff!

[@basantsharma5487]

Sir how come to know my chart is update or not in open cpn Or pls send me link of update chart

[@SailingNahoa]

Excited to see the maintenance software. Will give it a try. Is stuff like changing toilet waste hose included in the software? Can I add custom maintenance alerts? This is probably not the best place to ask these questions just excited to see software by fellow cruisers.

[@OutChasingStars]

We're focusing on providing maintenance schedules for the "big ticket" items on the boat. But we've created the ability for you to create custom schedules and alerts for any type of task that you'd like! This style may look a bit familiar 😆, but I've started filming some video tutorials if you're interested to see how things work: maintenanceros.com/tutorials

[@hansstoop5381]

Great explanation thanks, however if you connect through wifi you won't be able to use internet on Starlink at the same time right? I bought an USB YachtDevice to get things connected. Even if I have a Vesper.

[@OutChasingStars]

EDIT: I'm editing this reply because thanks to the additional comments, I discovered there IS a way to get Vesper data while connected to the internet through a different router! support.vespermarine.com/hc/en-us/articles/210478166-Tricks-in-adding-XB-8000-or-Watchmate-Vision-to-local-network Thank you, that is a good point! Yes, if we connect to our Vesper wifi, we lose regular internet connectivity. This hasn't been an issue for us in the past (hence why I didn't think to mention it) since we didn't have Starlink regular internet to miss. But as I understand it some of the wifi gateway devices can actually be configured to work _through_ your normal internet router. So you could end up with the best of both worlds!

[@jackever]

Yes you can by configuring correctly. Just like you can access multiple web resources like a browser and an email service at the same time , it is all about management of the ip addresses and ports. Usually automatic for internet. It’s the same as accessing a local printer scanner via WiFi while still connecting to the internet . I have done that!

[@hansstoop5381]

Another way to make this work (discovered thanks to your video). I've connected my MacMini to my router and have the Vesper connected to that same router. OpenCPN was able to find the Vesper data and all is perfect. At the same time I have blazing fast internet through the router and StarLink.... Thanks again both David and Jack. I am over the moon!

[@wallisgillwindsensors30]

Thank you! Hopefully your OpenCPN videos will provide cruisers on a budget to have at least high quality backup systems. WallisandGill also provide low cost marine grade WiFi and NMEA2000 wind sensors. Cheers!

[@sarahkohlmd984]

This series is so helpful I too am believer in belt & suspenders approach. Being able to use computer on boat and at home for planning and having Raymarine chart plotter (w/ current charts loaded) increases my ability to plan routes etc. Is there a way to transfer waypoints from OpenCPN to a Raymarine chart plotter? My chart plotter has an extra slot for a micro SIM card but am not sure how to export plans from one system to another. Again thanks for providing clarity on install/use of Open CPN.😊

[@OutChasingStars]

There is! The way I've done it in the past is to export the waypoints from OpenCPN GPX files onto a microSD card. You can do this through the Route and Mark Manager found in the tools menu. Then on the chart plotter, put the the extra microSD in then there should be an import function somewhere.

[@502RetailPartners]

Im still trying to figure out what Hog Cay you are at. Maps show 2 other Hog's but not that one.

[@OutChasingStars]

Search for Duncan Town, Bahamas. Then the Hog Cay we were at is just north of Ragged Island!

[@bill2292]

Are OpenCPN and QTVlm really better than my chart plotter? Every time I start trying to unravel these I start thinking that people who like these are just like the geeks who swore that Linux was way better than a mac..... If you explained why they are the "way better" choice, please point me towards that video.

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

Linux is better than a mac. But as to OpenCPN, it depends how new your chart plotter is. If you've some 10-20 year old plotter, OpenCPN is going to be much better. But if you've just bought a new fancy chart plotter you should keep it and maybe use OpenCPN as backup.

[@OutChasingStars]

Not sure I'd claim they're "way better" (unless you have a significantly old plotter like Yarpen Zigrin mentioned). But as I mentioned in the video, I really am a big believer in having backup systems on the boat. And believe me, when we've had issues with our Raymarine plotter in the past, OpenCPN came out right away! I'd also say that there are different functions that something like OpenCPN can provide. I'm going to continue this OpenCPN series all the way to creating your own charts. It's pretty amazing to have chart plotter like capability and satellite imagery!

[@bill2292]

@@OutChasingStars Did you ever do a "from the beginning" video for oppencpn and qtvlm? I'd like to start there.

[@OutChasingStars]

You can start here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXvJapiCaJKFoaM

[@wallisgillwindsensors30]

The reasoning behind projects like OpenCPN (and the hugely successful Linux OS) is not about being way better, even though it maybe in some cases. Fair winds and following seas my friend.