Hi all,
Latest OpenPlotter release is available at www.sailoog.com
In this major revision we wanted to follow a premise, simplicity. We have tried to reduce the number of dependencies of other packages and to interrelate them better. Instead of using external packages we try to better implement those in Raspbian. In this version Signal K has more prominence and becomes the core of the system.
What's new
Network Management
Now we use the native network management in Rasbian. If you have a Raspberry 3B you can set the built-in Wifi device as an access point and as client simultaneously. There are some bugs in the firmware for Raspberry 3B+ and at this moment this is not possible but we will implement it when these bugs are solved. We have to thank to e-sailing for this.
Full pypilot support
A DIY autopilot is probably the most demanded feature for makers at sea. Now you can do it with pypilot. You will need some hardware from www.pypilot.org. If you do not need an autopilot but you want to use an IMU to have heading, heel and trim, we have improved IMU autocalibration. We have to thank seandepagnier for this.
Moitessier HAT
We have developed this wonderful HAT with our partners in Austria . www.rooco.eu.
New data flow
Signal K is in charge of data format conversion (NMEA 0183/2000, Signal K). We have replaced some openplotter native features by Signal k plugins. Now it is easier.
New serial management
We have simplified the way you connect serial devices. There is an auto mode that will suggest you the best settings based on your device and your system configuration. You can enable/disable UART port to connect HATs and serial devices to GPIO.
Supports Raspberry 3B and 3B+
We have added support for the new Raspberry 3B+
Upgrade to Raspbian Stretch
This is why we had to create a new image v1.0.0. The old v0.10.0 was based on Raspbian Jessie.
Install on USB
Now you can use external storage devices to install openplotter
Simplified update process
Hopefully now you have not to wait an eternity every major update. The less time less update failures.
Improved remote desktop management
Now we used the built-in RealVNC as desktop remote server. It is maintained by Raspberry guys and works like a charm. Allows file exchange. We have sacrificed RDP because it is not compatible but you can uninstall RealVNC server and install RDP easily.
New opencpn plugins
We have updated opencpn, plugins and added pypilot and fugawi charts plugins.
New sensors supported
You can use MS5607-02BA03 sensors. New sensors will come soon.
Improved CAN-USB management
Now it is easier connecting and configure the CAN converter to have data on opencpn or send data from your sensors to your N2K network.
New documentation
We will rewrite docs to match different versions. Now translations are autonomous and we will not be a bottle neck.
https://docs.sailoog.com/openplotter-v1-x-x/
New languages supported
Finnish, Greek...
and lots of little improvements and bug fixes...
FAQs
Why alpha?
There are still some new features we want to add. We are waiting for some bug fixes from Rasbian devs. We need people to test deeply.
There are known old bugs still alive
Yes, we had a lot to do and little time. We preferred to have the new system to work on them.
The moitessier HAT is amazing but what can I do with all my sensors. If this HAT is present I can not connect them.
This HAT must be on top. We are working on the next stackable HATs to play with all kind of sensors. We have focused on having a pure sailing system and next we will focus on IoT features.
What now?
Stabilize the new features.
Add tools for logging data.
Add dashboard tools like Grafana
Add support for new sensors
...
It has taken longer than expected but we hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your patience
Latest OpenPlotter release is available at www.sailoog.com
In this major revision we wanted to follow a premise, simplicity. We have tried to reduce the number of dependencies of other packages and to interrelate them better. Instead of using external packages we try to better implement those in Raspbian. In this version Signal K has more prominence and becomes the core of the system.
What's new
Network Management
Now we use the native network management in Rasbian. If you have a Raspberry 3B you can set the built-in Wifi device as an access point and as client simultaneously. There are some bugs in the firmware for Raspberry 3B+ and at this moment this is not possible but we will implement it when these bugs are solved. We have to thank to e-sailing for this.
Full pypilot support
A DIY autopilot is probably the most demanded feature for makers at sea. Now you can do it with pypilot. You will need some hardware from www.pypilot.org. If you do not need an autopilot but you want to use an IMU to have heading, heel and trim, we have improved IMU autocalibration. We have to thank seandepagnier for this.
Moitessier HAT
We have developed this wonderful HAT with our partners in Austria . www.rooco.eu.
- High-sensitivity (better than -114 dBm) dual channel AIS receiver with SMA antenna connector.
- High-performance GNSS receiver with integrated patch antenna and external antenna support via BNC connector.
- Compass, heel and trim from gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors (IMU).
- Barometric pressure.
- Standalone usage or in combination with Raspberry Pi (). Sensors are directly accessible via Raspberry Pi. Standalone usage requires 3.3V power supply and sensors are controlled by the HAT’s microcontroller
- Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi models supporting 40-pin IO header.
- Data communication via SPI (AIS, GNSS and meta data) and via I2C (sensor data). Data accessible via device driver and device file.
- Supports ID EEPROM and automatic device tree loading
- 3 status LEDs (AIS status, GNSS status, error)
- Full OpenPlotter compatible. Plug and play.
New data flow
Signal K is in charge of data format conversion (NMEA 0183/2000, Signal K). We have replaced some openplotter native features by Signal k plugins. Now it is easier.
New serial management
We have simplified the way you connect serial devices. There is an auto mode that will suggest you the best settings based on your device and your system configuration. You can enable/disable UART port to connect HATs and serial devices to GPIO.
Supports Raspberry 3B and 3B+
We have added support for the new Raspberry 3B+
Upgrade to Raspbian Stretch
This is why we had to create a new image v1.0.0. The old v0.10.0 was based on Raspbian Jessie.
Install on USB
Now you can use external storage devices to install openplotter
Simplified update process
Hopefully now you have not to wait an eternity every major update. The less time less update failures.
Improved remote desktop management
Now we used the built-in RealVNC as desktop remote server. It is maintained by Raspberry guys and works like a charm. Allows file exchange. We have sacrificed RDP because it is not compatible but you can uninstall RealVNC server and install RDP easily.
New opencpn plugins
We have updated opencpn, plugins and added pypilot and fugawi charts plugins.
New sensors supported
You can use MS5607-02BA03 sensors. New sensors will come soon.
Improved CAN-USB management
Now it is easier connecting and configure the CAN converter to have data on opencpn or send data from your sensors to your N2K network.
New documentation
We will rewrite docs to match different versions. Now translations are autonomous and we will not be a bottle neck.
https://docs.sailoog.com/openplotter-v1-x-x/
New languages supported
Finnish, Greek...
and lots of little improvements and bug fixes...
FAQs
Why alpha?
There are still some new features we want to add. We are waiting for some bug fixes from Rasbian devs. We need people to test deeply.
There are known old bugs still alive
Yes, we had a lot to do and little time. We preferred to have the new system to work on them.
The moitessier HAT is amazing but what can I do with all my sensors. If this HAT is present I can not connect them.
This HAT must be on top. We are working on the next stackable HATs to play with all kind of sensors. We have focused on having a pure sailing system and next we will focus on IoT features.
What now?
Stabilize the new features.
Add tools for logging data.
Add dashboard tools like Grafana
Add support for new sensors
...
It has taken longer than expected but we hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your patience