Dedicated / embedded boat computer?

[Imram Brain]

I'm looking for advice on where to look for, and find, a suitable computer system to install permanently on my boat.

I have several laptops now, and I'll probably get one just for the boat when the time is right. But I also want to install a dedicated computer in the boat. I'm also going to be running NMEA 2K for sensing and control, in some cases supplementing and in some cases replacing what 'came with the boat'. I don't want to just plop a big 'ol tower on the boat (for numerous reasons) Similarly, laptops are great for low power but historically haven't been as reliable for many people - and disassembling one to use as an embedded processor seems a bit funky, although that is one of my options. I will probably run two graphic displays.

Criteria would be (first cut:)

low electrical power draw
Robust if not 'rugged'
interface cards available
ability to run a good graphics card (I'm sorry, I like my OpenGL 3D!)
CANBUS / NMEA 2K capable
low cost

I was thinking of one of the low power embedded systems. I used to build industrial-floor computer systems using sealed NMEA enclosures with 'ruggedized' components, but that is a costly way to go. But having one that is either potted or sealed would prevent a lot of moisture related issues.

I'm aware there are different hardware bus technologies available but I don't know what the 'good stuff' is these days. I also don't want to get too far outside the mainstream - I don't want to have to wait for parts for an 'Edsel' to be delivered to Vanuatu. I suppose something that supports a CANBUS interface card would be a good start but I'm open to suggestion.

I run Linux on everything now and plan to continue to do so. I should add that I will probably use this system in lieu of dedicated chart plotters and multifunction displays, using various open source software like OpenCPN, at least as a secondary tool.

So, anybody have some interesting suggestions? I'll probably post something related to this on the Panbo site but I like to hear what you folks here have to say.

[Tom Keffer]

I have been using a Fit-PC Slim running Ubuntu as a weather station server for about two years now with no problems. In those two years I have rebooted it twice, both times for software upgrades. It uses about 6W at 12v. No fan. They now have a newer model, the fit-PC2, with a faster CPU and more memory.

No connection other than being a satisfied customer.

-tk

[Frank]

You may find something interesting here.... http://www.mini-itx.com/

I have a Via motherboard and stuff in a Morex box.... about 10" x 10" x 2" approx.... its about 6 years old and doesn't do any fancy stuff ... just C-Map and Sailmail but I imagine you would find something to suit your needs.
I fitted one of these 12v-12v power supplies http://www.mini-box.com/M2-ATX-160w-Int ... tegory=981 so the puter is run direct from the batts ( also fitted one of those for power supply to the LCD display... lucky enough to have a 12V display ).

Hope this helps
Cheers
Frank

[Robert]

I'm very happy with my Panasonic Toughbook, model CF-74, about 5 years old. Never a problem, it works aboard the boat at Navigation Station when in use, otherwise stowed under the "lid" on Navigation Desk. It is out of sight when in port. It is safe stowed in the desk for heavy seas. I have taken it ashore in Dinghy several times, no problem. I have taken it as carryon International Flights, no problem. It is designed for mild shock loadings and has a waterproof keypad.

Suggest you check newer models....................I do not know one way or the other if they will or will not satisfy your graphic needs and/or speed. Carefully check memory...........you will need the maximum available.............I do not know if that will or will not meet your requirements.

Downside........................ they are a lot more expensive that a Dell or Apple, but in my opinion are very reliable and trouble free for my use. In my opinion, the premium price I paid is worth the trouble free experience for my use.

If you must use a "Tower", make sure you have the "space" to bolt it down securely and routes for interconnecting cables. A safe place, with no possible shower from inadvertant sea water due to heavy weather is required.

Good Luck.................like everything else on our cruising boats..................there are alternatives and comprimises both practical & financial must be employed.

[cpcohen]

Generically, there are many "small-form-factor" PC's. One brand name is "Shuttle" -- it may have been the first example, a few years ago.

there's a set of reviews here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?filte ... _13147765_

(that trailing "_" looks weird, but that's what my URL reads).

They're not very expensive, and they are quite compact.

Charles

[cpcohen]

There's a discussion on another topic that suggests some useful "boat-friendly" PC's --

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=11105&start=15

That's "page 2".

Charles

[CaptCharles]

Please stay away from the "Shuttle" PC's.. I have used them professionally in Radio Studios (they are silent) and I have had over 5 of them fail with blown motherboards.

Support was marginal. None of them have been repaired.

[JP Edwards]

We have used some form of on board computer for many years and slowly refined what works for us. Our latest generation COTS (Computer Off The Shelf) component PC that we have constructed is fairly small, easy to put together, works on 12V and is pretty stingy with the amp-hours. You might find our efforts useful. Follow the link to a description of the PC on our Website. Hope this helps you out.

http://www.svmakara.com/index.html

[Imram Brain]

This is getting to be a pretty useful thread!

For a cockpit display I'm thinking of using the Pixel Qi (http://www.pixelqi.com/)panel. It's plug-compatible with many of the 10 inch widescreen displays, is daylight readable (same panel is used in the OLPC). They can only be bought at retail (not cheap ) through a DIY offer at Make Magazine (http://www.makemag.com/). I could run one of the small boxes you folks are mentioning behind it. I'd have to figure out the best way to handle some simple user input, but maybe some of the available kiosk hardware would work.

[Mr. LED]

Aboard my Nic 31 there is a dedicated Sumicom S310 with a Celeron 400MHz. I am using a normal commercial XVGA screen "marinized" by a french shop. The setup works without a hitch since 2003. It provides me with the charting services, the sailmail and the Xgate comms. It is very low power and despite the slow CPU has enough speed to handle the tasks without any problem. Great little machine.
Still using Win2000 though...

[6string]

I recently read about a guy building his own on the Panbo BB. Here is a piece about how to build a small dedicated computer with low power usage. http://aviasail.com/build.html

Jeff Anderson
SV/Mezzaluna

[Frank]

Its not too difficult to build your own.... I've built two.... had a little bit of outside help with the first one as it was a bit of a tight fit in the box ( the other one lives inside a 6 bottle 'Penfolds Grange 1993 vintage' box ...). I would suggest that the bloke in that link is not quite correct when he says that PicoPSU is the only power supply you can use. I think you will find that all the MiniBox PSUs will take a wide range of input voltages which they feed to the puter as regulated 12.8v... they are designed for use in cars with start up drops and surges etc. Ideal for boat use... mine handle from 12.0v up to 14ish when the alternator is working hard.

[Jeremy White]

We have been using a fan-less 12 volt home built mini-itx computer for the last 5 years without fail.

Just thought I might add something interesting.... Windows 7 has lowered the power usage noticeably. Not sure why.

-Jeremy White
s/v Madeline

[helmsmatt]

This might or might not fit your needs.
I scored a used Datalux Tracer PC.
MIL-STD ruggedized.
Daylight Readable
Touchscreen
Fanless
Metal case
12 volt
Shock-proof hard drive.
Bought on Ebay. Pricey retail cost.