Server Hardware for openplotter?

[Didier B]

After assembling my 1st configuration in a standard vented project box, I came to the config below which I think a fair balanced approach :

• PC unit : of course an openplotter distribution on a  Pi 3B+,
  
• Enclosure : Pi desktop, a classy, WIFI and Bluetooth friendly (made of resin), not waterproof to avoid any condensation issue, and leave a way out to humidity and excessive heat.
  
• Micro fan for heat extraction :
  
• SSD mSATA 128 GB (SSD is a Pi desktop feature) ;
  
• secure on/off button, (Pi desktop feature) ;
  
• NO SD CARD ;
  Note : at 55€, Pi Desktop is not a low cost enclosure, but consider the bunch of offered features : (SSD support, secure on/off switch, absence of SD card, free room to acomodate fan, power supply and compass).
  
• Strong supply, step down 8..36V to 5.24V (USB limit being 5.25V !), 5A, protected by a Schottky diode against reversed polarity, fits in Pi desktop enclosure ;
  
• GY91 module as barometer (BME280) and IMU (MPU9250), installed in Pi desktop enclosure ;
  
• All Internal data and fan connections by wire wrapping (fast, very reliable and quite reversible technique, perfect for prototyping and small series) ;
  
• AIS : by SDR via a powered  USB HUB, but now many DSC VHF offers that function, using a single antenna, and connected via an RS422/USB adapter ;
  
• GNSS : via a cheap, small, dual USB module, offering both GPS and GLONASS ; easily replaced when more players will turn around the planet (Galileo, Beidou) :
  
• Boat NMEA0183 (1st gen.) : via a DB9 RS232 USB adapter;
  
• Everything fits in the box, or is connected via USB ...
  

Multimedia : I agree with Jim321 than video, requiring huge disk and large screen and related high power consumption should be supported by different system, but Music is part of the navigation, and I put a few GB of mp3 on the SSD, using VLC and the Bluetooth to send to a speaker, works like a charm !

What I will always favor :  a small 11 x 11 x 5 cm enclosure, a single VHF antenna, lowest possible power consumption, ease of use of the USB ...