Sailing Onboard Computer

When we think of computers on sailboats most of us just reflexively think laptop.  But here is a different idea - a very small - 12 Volt DC powered desktop computer.  Of course we have to build it but that isn't such a big deal.

The computer

Lets start with the computer: This is a VIA ARTiGO Pico-ITX Builder Kit.  It is available from Logic Supply for about $450 when equipped with 1 GB of memory and an 80 GB hard disk.  The hard disk is a slower 2.5" disk of the kind that you would find in a laptop computer.  Although the computer ships with a power supply "brick" the external power supply is actually converting 110VAC to 12VDC.  How convenient for our boat project.  The other feature of this particular computer is size.  It is about the size of your CD ROM drive on your desktop computer.  This makes it very easy to find it a home on board.  This particular machine will draw about 5 Amps at 12 VDC at full load.  Most likely it will be closer to 2 or 3 Amps.  Fortunately most navigation software does not need a really fast processor so this should be just fine for our project.

Additional Stuff

Now we need to add four additional items:

  1. A keyboard
  2. A mouse or trackball
  3. A monitor
  4. An operating system.

Keyboard

Here we have a lot of choices at very little cost.  Low cost unless we decide to go to a touch screen monitor.  My preference is for a soft, waterproof keyboard that may not be able to support touch typing at 100 words per minute but will be fine for getting the minor typed input necessary to run the navigation software and make log entries.

How about a washable keyboard that glows?  This is the Grand Tec "Glow type Virtually Indestructible Keyboard".  Its illuminated, flexible silicone and has 109 keys.  USB plugs right into our computer, and after you spill your beer on it you just throw it in the sink and wash it off.  Pretty neat don't you think?  You can find one at Amazon for about $40.00

Mouse or Trackball

I am still thinking about this.  I believe that I would like to see how a trackball works when I am underway.  The displays in the CIC on the Navy ships I was attached to all used trackballs instead of mice.

Monitor

We want a monitor that will run directly on 12 VDC.  Some examples are:

*AG Neovo K-A19 Black 19" 3ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD

*X2GEN MW22R Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor

*ViewEra V151BN-B Black 15" 12ms LCD

*ViewEra V172SV-B Black 17" 8ms LCD

*ViewEra V191HV-B Black 19" 5ms LCD Video Monitor

*ViewEra V191BN-B Black 19" VGA LCD

* FujiPLUS FP-988D Silver-Black 19" 12ms DVI LCD

*Hyvision by Megavision MV141 14-in. LCD Monitor

*Hyvision by Megavision MV142 14" Widescreen LCD Monitor

Operating System

No doubt in my mind that Windows XP will be the operating system of choice.  We don't need no stinking Vista!

Summary

So, a small lower performance system that could easily replace a laptop.  Will it work?  We will have to wait until the CPU is generally available and then give it a shot.