Digital Nautical Charts
for sailing. SeaClear II GPS Nautical software.
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Nautical charts for Fugawi, Sea Clear, Ozi
Explorer, Raster Charts. Mediterranean, Caribbean,
International
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Today is 5/16/2008 8:31:14 PM
Welcome to 1yachtua.com |
Digital Nautical Charts
for sailing. SeaClear II GPS Nautical software.
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Nautical charts for Fugawi, Sea Clear, Ozi
Explorer, Raster Charts. Mediterranean, Caribbean,
International
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| Introduction |
| SeaClear is a PC based chart plotter.
When connected to a GPS, it will display the ship live on a chart, data on
current position, speed, heading and much more. Charts in SeaClear are of raster type, and can be commercially available BSB/KAP charts or created from paper or screen originals. The chart is moving to always show the ship, and new charts are loaded as needed when set up for automatic loading. Routes may easily be created and used to assist in the navigation. (Notes: All maps from 1yachtua.com compatible with SeaClear) Tracks can be displayed, saved to file and converted to routes. Position databases with waypoints can be used to quickly find places with special meaning or used to create routes. If no GPS data is available, a ”DR” panel, allowing direct input of speed and heading, replaces the GPS panel. If NMEA speed or heading data is available, it can continue to update the DR panel. Dead reckoning calculation is performed to obtain the current position. The mouse cursor shape displays the current operational mode. The title-bar displays current chart, scale, zoom level and radar ring-step. |
| Connecting a GPS |
| The GPS must be capable of
transmitting the NMEA 0183 RMC, RMA or GGA / GLL & VTG message. If the GPS
can be set for different NMEA 0183 versions, select NMEA 2.0. Earlier
versions of 0183 may work, but is not well tested. Consult the GPS documentation on how to connect it to a PC. As NMEA specifies the serial port data setup, no settings are normally needed except selecting the correct PC port. The GPS is connected to Rx and Ground on the PC. On a 9 pin connector commonly used on laptops, Pin 2=Rx, 3=Tx, 5=Ground. |
| Connecting a NMEA
listener |
| A NMEA listener, such as an
autopilot, must be capable of accepting NMEA APA, APB, RMB, BOD, BWC, WPL
or RTE message. Consult the documentation on how to connect it to a PC. As
NMEA specifies the serial port data setup, no settings are needed. The
port is the same as used by the GPS. The listener is connected to Tx and
Ground on the PC. As both the heading and XTE error may be transmitted, an
autopilot can position the ship very close to the active route. Received NMEA messages may also be included in the output. |
| Calculations and
accuracy |
| Heading and distance calculations are
done using the rumbline. All calculations are done with double precision
eliminating math errors. On greater distances rumbline calculation is less
accurate. In normal use, such as in archipelago navigation, the errors are
not notable, as the GPS position and the charts are far less accurate. |
| Selecting Language |
| On the System menu (Upper left),
"Select Language" opens a file dialog. Select the language file.
Most text is translated and the language selection is
saved. (Notes: Available German, French, Swedish,
English) |
| Chart Projections |
| SeaClear supports Mercator,
Transverse Mercator and Fixed Grid projections. As many other projections
are based on Transverse Mercator, such as Gauss Krüger, they are also
supported. Projection is selected during chart installation. If projection
is changed, the chart calibration must be checked. |
| SeaClear License |
| You are granted a non-exclusive
license to use the SeaClear software on as many computers as you wish
subject to the following terms and conditions:
SeaClear is fully proprietary copyrighted software. Sping asserts the
right to be recognized as the author and copyright owner under
International Treaty and Copyright Law. SeaClear is provided 'as-is',
without any warranty, expressed or implied. In no event will the author be
held liable for any damages arising from the use of this software. Local
law and regulation may restrict the use of electronic navigation software.
Always follow local regulations and have original charts and appropriate
navigation equipment available when using SeaClear. If SeaClear is sending information to an autopilot, controlling the boat, it must always be carefully monitored. Never let SeaClear control an unattended boat. You may redistribute SeaClear software to any person or organization by whatever means you wish provided that: You do not charge more than reasonable handling or media production fees for the supply of the SeaClear Software itself. You do not represent ownership or title over the SeaClear Software. You supply the SeaClear Software package complete and unmodified, including this document. SeaClear is only a navigational aid. It collects, calculates and displays data for you, but there is no guarantee it is correct, there are many sources for errors. SeaClear is not a replacement for navigational knowledge, nor can it navigate by it self. Use it with care. Always have the original charts available when SeaClear is in use. |
