Sonar Chapter Two.

The big problem (using laptops) to overcome is the daylight viewable monitor. I had a chance to pick up a Garmin GPS3010C at a good price, so I decided to give this unit a try on my second adventure. I planned and did use the 3010C as a monitor because it has composite video input capabilities.

Instead of using a laptop, I purchased a Voom pc and assembled it. I added a video out card to the ATOM mini itx motherboard.

With the Garmin 3010c and Voom pc, I had a full operating system. I wanted to use Windows 98, but was forced to use XP because of the required drivers.

Car PC, 12V Vehicle Computers, the makers of VoomPC

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1083.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...C/IMG_1031.jpg

Not a bad screen, but the XP screen resolution is too high. Small type fonts are somewhat fuzzy, but readable.

Vartech makes a IP68 monitor that I really need, but the price is outrageous.
All-Weather Waterproof LCD Monitors High Bright Sunlight Readable Displays

I am patient.

I can run any of this stuff on anyone's boat as it is portable. All I need is a cigarette lighter plug. Heck, I even got one of them that I can clip on a battery if need be.

I enjoy this stuff. It is just my hobby EB.;)