NavMonPC

NavMonPC is a Windows program for the capture, display, and playback of NMEA-0183 data. The user interface is optimized to run on a low-power, small-format “netbook” style of computer, but it will operate on any Windows-compatible machine. It is not intended to replace a chartplotter (NavMonPC does not display standard navigational charts) but instead, this program is designed to supplement your chartplotter and provides additional feature and convenient access to important navigational system data.

NavMonPC features include but not limited to:

• ·         Dial display of critical parameters and conditions
• ·         AIS (Automatic Identification System) decoding and target display, including flexible proximity and approach alarms
• ·         Enhanced AIS performance using RapidAIS
• ·         Anchor-watch alarm
• ·         Depth Alarms
• ·         Course, Heading, Speed, Wind alarms
• ·         Man Overboard alarm
• ·         Strip-chart style displays of course and speed, windspeed and direction, water depth and
• ·         temperature
• ·         Concise on-screen log display
• ·         Logging to file
• ·         Flexible filtering and routing of input data
• ·         Multiple RS-232 serial interfaces, and TCP/IP network interface
• ·         Multiple "Virtual serial port" outputs of bridged / routed data for use by other programs

Detailed user and installation guide can be downloaded here: http://www.navmonpc.com

Download latest version of NacMonPC here: http://www.navmonpc.com/downloads.html

On my own point of view, NavMonPC is best can be as supplement to your chartplotter onboard. The features that the basic user can be used are the GPS position, course, speed, AIS plotter, speed chart, log, log comment, MOB and virtual serial ports.

In order to use the operation of NacMonPC, take note of the COM ports used by the GPS and AIS connected on your PC or laptop. Set-up serial ports as per indicated in the user guide. It can also connect on any TCP/IP serial connection.

For me, the AIS plotter has been the most useful part of the program. It displays real time target information. Better than browsing thru a limited button features of AIS unit onboard. It triggers CPA alarm as per you setting. Alarms are a bit loud, especially on triggering the MOB.

Another cool feature of this program is the “Virtual serial port”. This virtual serial ports bridge the connected serial ports on the NavMonPC to be used for any other programs such as the chartplotters or ECDIS. It imitates the data collected from NavMonPC to your chartplotter. On the Transas NaviSailor program, NMEA sentences the for the AIS COM port are mix of GPS and AIS which for me is a good feature because it corrects any failed data from AIS unit such as position fixing.

NavMonPC is very useful for those who does not have chartplotter installed onboard. The AIS radar like display makes it easier to identify vessel fitted with AIS. There’s no more guessing or taking bearings and browsing on a limited button display of fitted AIS unit onboard.

Rating:***** (Excellent)

Transas NaviSailor 4000 ECDIS

Disclaimer: Please always use updated charts when using unlicensed ECDIS program. If this will be is installed and used onboard, make sure to label it "NOT TO USED FOR NAVIGATION. FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY". This blog is created to help and assist novice mariners with regard to onboard navigation apps and programs. Some external links may contain spyware, viruses  almost certainly contains bugs, errors, and omissions. Some programs may or may not be useful to you. I make no promises that it will not cause your computer to explode, but if it does, rest assured that it was accidental and I am very sorry. However, I won't be sorry enough to pay for any damages: direct, incidental, or imaginary.

This is one of the best electronic chart plotter I have ever used. Powerful and user friendly program.

The only downside is, it can only be installed on Windows XP (Service Pack 2) operating system, in which we all know, Microsoft have already stopped sending supports and updates. But who needs it if you are only using it on board to your old sailing and navigation programs such as Skymate, Waypoint for Windows, Guide to Port Entries, etc.

This Russian made program can be downloaded on most of the Russian websites and forums, make sure you translate the page prior to downloading to avoid confusion.

Links:

Forum: http://www.morehod.ru/forum/transas/navisailor-4000-new-license-till-01-05-2010-t17086.html

Old Transas Tsunami Program: http://photoshopia.su/774397-transas-navigatortsunamis99.html

Download:

http://depositfiles.com/files/2y80kon1y

http://chomikuj.pl/RefleX96/Programy+PC/Navy+Sailor+3000+ECDIS-i+v+4.00.07/TRANSAS*2bCrack,1908441386.rar

Installing this programs takes about 5-10 minutes. The system date should be moved back to August 2009 in order for the license to be applied. One of the disadvantage is that the computer date must be always before October 2009. Safe way to do it is to move the date back to 2008 but be careful to mind the leap year on February. There are time stopper programs available online, it can make the program run on the present time and date but there are instances that during plotting, some outdated charts are used and the program will freeze and/or informs you that your license is already expired (you may lose any unsaved work if you close the notification window). In order to continuously plot and use the program is to set the date back to before October 2009.

Most of the charts on this program are outdated in the present date (2014) but some may be manually corrected. Chinese charts are the most outdated. I have been using the program onboard (MV Torrens, Livestock Vessel) for almost 4 years and I can say that it helped me a lot during my time serving as a 2nd Officer.

Advantages of using Transas NaviSailor 4000 ECDIS

1. Powerful and user friendly.

2. Calculates ETA.

3. Tide table available.

4.  Really nice night mode configuration.

5.  Routes can be used on SPOS prorgams. Easily copied and paste on any transas program (Tsunami'99, NS4000 & NS3000EI).

6. Zoom charts using +/- button or scroll by mouse.

6. Dual monitor good for channeling and docking.

7. Can monitor heading, COG, SOG and ROT.

8. Time can be synchronized by GPS.

9.  Setting-up COM ports is very easy (Bluetooth or Serial connection)

10 Configuration menu are easy to use.

11. Can predict ETA to next waypoints.

12. Change time zone accordingly.

13. Can use on to different computer as Master and Slave.

14. Manual correction is available.

14. ...An a lot more. Just browse your way around the program

Disadvantages  of using Transas NaviSailor 4000 ECDIS

1. Out-dated charts (last updates August 2009).

2. Computer date must always before October 2009.

3. Cannot update charts online (no updates available).

Don't forget to post you comments and additional info that may be useful to this blogger. Please report bad or deleted links.

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