Just ordered the last bits for upgrade.
Old: Datamarine Speedo, Depth, and anemometer and the Autohelm wheel pilot talking to a netbook since LORAN was killed prematurely in 2009. SDW predated NMEA so they didn't talk at all.
New:
- B&G SDW package which comes with one T41 multifunction display, Speed/Depth/Temp transducer, masthead wind transducer, NMEA backbone starter kit.
- Spare T41 display
- Lowrence NMEA GPS
- Actisense USB modules for 0183 and 2000 (No combo unit yet so had to get both)
- Tiny TP-LINK wireless accesspoint.
- ASUS 10.1" tablet
So now the whole boat will talk to the netbook running OpenCPN nav software. That will feed NMEA 0183 to the autohelm until it gets upgraded.
The tiny access point will allow a wireless network so the tablet can teamview to the netbook so I can see the nav software topside. Also the netbook will be sending all NMEA 2k data to the wireless network so the tablet can also run an app that taps in and shows basics. So, for instance, I can have a 10" depth display anywhere I want it.
I still have to decide between a third T41 or a dedicated Wind instrument with a real needle. We'll sail the T41 wind readout for a bit to decide. Not sure I can give up the needle for that one.
Either way, the whole package sings to my inner geek and I'll come in under $3k without the tablet.
You may ask why 2 T41's aren't enough... we have three holes to fill and no suitable way to do it short of sticking another display in each. They are on either side of the companionway and my glassing/gelcoating skills aren't up to such a task.
(You can see STBD datamarine here. Two on port side.)
(Super small AP for wireless... doubles as bridge in port so weak WiFi from shore can be boosted for all devices on board)
T41