Today's episode is a detailed tutorial on how to build a navigation plotter for our boat with a Raspberry Pi and Open Plotter. In addition, we will see how, with a 12 euro USB TV tuner, we can build a system to see the boats that surround us with their positions, directions and identifications on our DIY plotter or on any of the devices on our boat. ⛵
Basically it will be like building a super cheap homemade radar thanks to the AIS system in which many ships transmit their position. And thanks to the use of the tuner with its RTL2832U chip and the VHF SDR software, we are going to have it all working on our boat.
And all here at The Low Cost Sailor
👉Important links: 👈
Full tutorial on our website:
http://thelowcostsailor.com/en/low-cost-chart-plotter-with-raspberry-pi-and-open-plotter/
Shopping list :
🛍 For both options:
✅ Raspberry Pi
RPI 4
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFYNUMR
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kQH5FA
or
RPI 5
AliExpress: https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005007187998687.html
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iSIPfO
✅ 64 Gb memory card
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opRfLyj
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41Vo4cx
✅ TV tuner
The one I like the most
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_om0bA11
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bVUeZU
or
An alternative if you are going to use a external VHF antenna like that of the station.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opNdFrh
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hDKrsK
✅ Cigarette lighter connector
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onTsVnp
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wp1vvs
✅ 5V 3A USB charger
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCM1lXD
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3u7KKDp
✅ Power cord
USB C cable
AliExpress: https://amzn.to/42dDbhF
Amazon: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olLJSE7
📺 For the version without a screen or connected to a TV on the boat or similar
✅ Wired USB GPS
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBv8tyx
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3u0oFGI
✅ HDMI - Micro HDMI cable
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCGyzob
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41KQt4Q
✅ Mini keyboard and mouse
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olVeiQL
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3f7Vyx8
✅ A case for the Raspberry
For RPi4
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opoVA9p
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4izZqVY
For RPi5
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oki7uiT
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4itvjiX
📟 For the all-in-one version
✅ USB GPS with integrated antenna
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AZf7ul
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v8A0ps
✅ Touch screen
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onadn99
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ivVuFC
Our website with more information and tips for surfers:
⚓ http://www.thelowcostsailor.com/en/
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⚓ https://instagram.com/thelowcostsailor/
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:14 Home
00:35 Description
01:56 The concepts
03:58 Utilities and motivations
05:25 Options to build
06:30 Shopping
08:26 Assembly
13:36 Download and save Open Plotter
15:24 Initial startup and basic configuration
17:00 Setting up the GPS
17:43 Installing the nautical charts
18:48 Setting up the AIS
22:10 Installing it in the Trastolillo
22:50 Conclusions
24:00 Double farewell
24:40 Outro