If system redundancy is your thing these mini PC's are the ticket, although I will continue to use my Garmin and MacBook pro as I am done with MS Dos. Still, I can see the value even though I would probably go with a Mac Mini because I am a total Apple fan boy...a lot of bang for the buck. Check out this deal, on sale now at amazon
Laptop or NUC or ? recommendations
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fractalphreak
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+1. Many minis have moved to 19v, but this one is 12. Also has solid #s for speed, memory and storage, plus two hdmis, allowing the mini to stream, play dvds, or whatever to a second monitor somewhere. The apps you would run for navigation or system monitoring do not need anything close to that processor speed or memory.
start to think about a new setup too but would like to use unix for navigation, i use win 10 and since some days 11 but due to their frequent updates etc i am not sure its a solid system for nav. simple unix, firefox for downloads an a good software......here in europe we need to buy normaly all charts so a cmap based software would be nice but timezero is not running under unix and not interesed in opencpn. should be solid and simple......
ranger58sb
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I think you can turn off Windows updates... and at least you can control when they're allowed.
FWIW, we haven't had any issues with TimeZero and Windows 11. OTOH, we only use that system for planning and backup... have actual Furuno MFD on the bridge for real-time nav.
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ranger58sb
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Ah. Just checked. Win 11 you can "pause updates" for up to 5 weeks.
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Portage_Bay
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I've been running OpenCPN under windows 11 for quite some time. There have been no Windows stability issues. Windows updates have not been a problem. Partly because of the way I use the boat, I don't run at night. I schedule Windows to update during inactive hours, middle of the night and turn the laptop off when I go to bed. If an update has been downloaded Windows asks if I want to shutdown or restart with update? I choose not to update keeping my system in a known stable state until the cruise is over. I do avoid Microsoft cloud, one drive and co-pilot. All are turned off. Maybe that helps make things more stable? Dunno.
Pprior
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Those of you with time zero experience - I'm in the middle of upgrading our trawler's electronics. I've ordered a whole Garmin suite as I was too afraid to rely on a DIY computer solution - I tinker at home automation and let's just say my track record is not 100% stability.
However we have had delays in getting it here - is spinning up a time zero system with a NUC and attached monitor something I could do in a few days? How does it get GPS info? Maybe would be interested as a temporary install (no current chart plotter at all) and as a long term backup/redundancy.
However we have had delays in getting it here - is spinning up a time zero system with a NUC and attached monitor something I could do in a few days? How does it get GPS info? Maybe would be interested as a temporary install (no current chart plotter at all) and as a long term backup/redundancy.
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Portage_Bay
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If your primary interest is temporary why not use something more useful. A laptop would be a good option. I've been very happy with Lenovo Flex. Use it as a laptop. Fold the screen back on itself and use it as a tablet. Connect with an HDMI cable to a larger monitor. When your Garmin system is set up and running the laptop will serve as route planning, backup and find other uses on the boat and at home.
The easiest way, not necessarily the most elegant, is a GPS with USB connection. There are lots of choices. A quick search turns up this source Laptop & Tablet GPS
ranger58sb
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Dunno about the NUC part, but installing TZ is straightforward. As I recall it, you buy online, they send you a download link with easy installation instructions, you do your part including chart selection, done.
We use a USB puck for GPS. Model number is BU-353S4 if it helps. Probably several viable choice out there from The GPS Store.
-Chris
stiggy
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The TZ to garmin interface can work, I do it currently but it's a bit clunky. The easiest solution, an ipad, bluetooth GPS puck, and numerous software options. You can get up and going in under an hour
GMS
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Spinning up a TimeZero setup on a NUC or similar is very straight forward and takes only as much time as needed to install the components and the software (should be under a day).
GPS signals can be obtained in a variety of ways and will depend on your installed systems. I am currently working on upgrading an older system that depended on NMEA0183. So currently, I am getting GPS, AIS, and depth (among other things) via an aggregation device with a USB output.
Future state will be primarily NMEA2000, and will utilize an ActiSense NMEA2000 to USB device. There are numerous options available, and I have no personal experience with any of them (yet).
NGT-1
Interface your PC to the NMEA 2000® bus with the intelligent NMEA 2000® Gateway, NGT-1. NMEA 2000 to USB interface for bi-directional connection to a PC.
actisense.com
TimeZero scans for data inputs and provides a nice interface for incorporating data from various sources.
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