Computers, Devices and Applications [Updated Nov-2024]

  ➛ ➛ From our list of Stuff we have and use [and do...] in the right sidebar ➛ ➛   

This is part of a series describing some of our common boat systems and their operation. [See our Stuff we have and use [and do...] sidebar for more like this...]

We refer to these often not only for our own use, but also when asked specific questions about systems on Denali Rose, and when participating in discussions on various forums.

We aren't implying our choices are the best or only way to go; they just happen to be the decisions we made about what works best for us...

It is worth noting that most of the software [i.e., applications, or programs] we mention, below, is also available for many other devices and operating systems...

And since we are talking about electronics, in the future our choices described on this page may become dated and/or obsolete. Therefore, we will attempt to keep this information current regarding what we have and use, and what we are researching/considering for the future. Check back often as this page will change over time...

Please understand we are not documenting details about our selection process, reviews, product comparisons, etc. We leave that to you- and others far more capable than us. [See the Additional Resources section at the bottom of this page...] We are just sharing the outcomes of our somewhat qualified selection efforts.

And please do leave a comment if you spot an error or omission, broken link, or have recommendations based upon your own first-hand experience.

––––––––– Updated 1-Nov-2024 [by Bill] –––––––––
[Reviewed; minor edits and updates, removals, and additions.]

Computers:

We are retired management professionals. Consequently we are lazy and prefer to avoid having to do too much [or know too much...] to keep our computers functioning well. We therefore use Apple Macintosh computers and its Unix based operating system. [OSX; now dubbed Mac OS...] 

We run MS Windows on our Macs for any programs we need to use that require that OS. [None at present]. Also, it surprises many that Windows runs faster on our Mac Powerbooks than on most dedicated Windows machines... [This we constantly rediscover whenever booting/running Windows while sitting next to someone with a powerful, dedicated Windows computer...]

We like portability, so we use laptops. We each have a personal one, and we keep our prior generation models as back-ups. All are kept up-to-date, synchronized, and immediately available for use.

Our philosophy is that all of these electronic devices and gadgets- even though they are expensive- are disposable devices... [I know. That hurts, doesn't it? But think about that for a moment...]

Therefore we use them until they no longer work or perform well enough to do the job at hand. Then we replace them with current models. [Cry once...] Transfer everything over, and try to keep going...

Computer Software: A select few of the many Applications (Programs) we use to support our boating/cruising lifestyle...

• Navigation:
• OpenCPN [Navigation and route planning; integrated with our NMEA 2000 (N2K) network.]
• GPS [GNSS actually], AIS, compass heading, etc. data is available on our NMEA network. More about our network is below...]
• OpenCPN Logbook  [OpenCPN plug-in]
• Other OpenCPN plug-ins de jour... 
• Also available on other platforms including Andriod and Linux
• Documents, Books, Manuals, etc.: 
• Google Drive [for the Ship's library documents. 30 GB and growing... All manuals, technical books, documents, etc.]
• Install Drive sync software on your computer
• Keeps a copy on our computer(s) so we always have access to everything
• Syncs to the cloud whenever we have internet access via WiFi or Cell data connection so we have permanent back-up accessible from anywhere in the world from any computer
• Google Docs, [Spread] Sheets, etc. [for all spreadsheets, documents, etc.]
• Works offline, and syncs whenever we have an internet connection
• Excellent for collaborative efforts
• Google Calendar
• Works offline, and syncs whenever we have an internet connection
• Syncs with the calendar on our phones and tablets
• Great for sharing specific calendar(s) with specific individual(s)
• eMail and document transfer: 
• Gmail [for personal and boat email when WiFi or cell data are available.]
• UUplus email [and document retrieval service e.g., Weather, news, etc.]
• Also works via any internet connection including Sat phone, WiFi, Cell, etc.
• i.e., Is not limited to sat phone only unlike the Iridium GO! email app.
• Optimized for Iridium Sat phones; works on the GO!
• Additional details available on the following pages:
• Satellite Communications
• Cellular and WiFi data
• Weather [And weather routing] In order of preference:
• LuckGrib [This is the best GRIB viewer I have ever used. It does everything I need.]
• Here is David Burch's review [Jan-2021]
• Summer 2019: Offshore Data capability [for the bandwidth impared] now available and works great on our sat phone, Iriduim GO, and with weak cell signals
• Summer 2020: Weather Routing now available. It is very powerful and accurate. I have used it 3 times now mirroring 3 different cruising friends using weather router services in different regions of the world for multiweek passages. LuckGrib was spot on for each; matching the guidance they purchased from subscription service providers.
• Note that these powerful add on services and features are pay once, use forever. [They are not currently subscription services...]
• Also available on iOS [iPhone] and iPadOS [iPad]
• OpenCPN Grib and WeFax Viewers [Very powerful chart overlay capabilities...]
• PredictWind Offshore App [Weather]
• Download GRIB files via email, Weather Routing, Departure Planning, GMDSS text forecasts and Satellite Imagery for your next offshore passage
• zyGrib [Powerful but geeky GRIB viewer; weather visualizer.] 
• The last update was Nov-2016, so it seems the developer has deprecated this once fine application. 
• We replaced zyGrib with the more powerful LuckGrib [above]
• Sharing Computer Screens with Tablets and SmartPhones: 
• View/control what is on your computer screen from your tablet or smartphone
• Activate Screen Sharing on Mac
• Install Mocha VNC on the tablet(s) and/or smart phone(s)
• Install Duet to use a tablet as a 2nd monitor on a laptop
• Fall 2019: This capability may soon be built into impending Mac and iOS updates from Apple...
• Windows:
• VMware Fusion [For running other operating systems on your Mac]
• e.g., Windows, Linux, etc.
• Bootcamp [Legacy x86 Macs only; Included with Mac OS. Need Windows license.]
• Not available on new Apple ARM processors. [e.g., Mx laptops, etc.]
• Wine [Free. No Windows license needed. Powerful but geeky; works with many programs, but hit-and-miss...]
• Crossover [Commercial version of Wine; easier to install; expensive]
• Entertainment 
• Movies: [Videos]
• VLC Media Player [Plays most video formats]
• Books:
• Kindle App [for reading books- and PDFs too; e.g., manuals] 
• You can also email PDFs to this app [Think boat manuals...]
• Syncs with our Kindle eReaders and our tablets and smartphones
• Unlimited book subscription [30 day free trial]
• Audible Books [It isn't always convenient to watch a movie...]
• Auduble 
• Membership required
• Most expensive option
• Best selection
• 30 day free trial
• Chirp 
• No membership required
• Cheaper option
• Fewer offerings of interest to us, but worthwhile...
• Bookbub [A free website that tracks discounted and free books by provider, and emails you when they become available. Sign up for your account, list your preferred providers, reading genres, and notification intervals. Donna's Kindle Paperwhite has over 500 books on it, and most of them were free.]
• Librivox [Free audio books read by volunteers...]
• Overdrive [A free app that allows you to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and more from your local public library, anywhere, anytime, all you need is a library card, and sign up for a free account.]
• Calibre [For keeping your virtual library organized, and converting proprietary formats into common formats...]
• Music [Use your Music app of choice...]
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also get their music offerings. [Free 30 day trial]
• Movies:
• Since we use Amazon Prime for free shipping, we also watch many free movies and catch up on our favorite TV shows. [30 day free trial.]
• Netflix Streaming
• Etc.

Tablets:

Since we like the Macintosh computers, we have iPad Tablets. [iPadOS is the operating system that runs on iPads]

We each have our own model of choice, and a third dedicated to ship's systems. [And like our computers, our old (still functioning) tablets will be kept as back-ups (and dedicated picture/slide show kiosks) as they are replaced in the future...]

We typically buy iPads with cell data capability [i.e., not WiFi only...] so they have a built-in GPS [part of the cell chip...] and can be used as back-up navigation devices or hot spots if we lost use of our smart phones.

Note: You can get by with WiFi only iPads [i.e., no built-in GPS] by using navigation apps that accept this data from an outside source. [All the navigation apps listed below work this way.] 

This works because our boat WiFi network includes GPS data [along with AIS and most instrument data from our NMEA 2000 network. [Courtesy of our Vesper Watchmate Vision AIS...] 

Since the built-in GPS is power hungry, using a WiFi GPS source is a geat way to extend run time on a tablet or smartphone... We even do this with our GPS capable iOS devices when trying to conserve battery life.

Here is a related blog post: iPads on our boat

Tablet Software: [Also installed on our SmartPhones]

Some of the important Applications/Programs we rely upon are listed, below. There are many more. These just happen to be the ones we find ourselves using most often among hundreds of apps on our devices... [200+ as of the last update to this page, and counting...]

• Navigation: [In order of our preference- which was adjusted in Aug-2023]

• TZ iBoat [Superseded SEAiq for us]
• Raster and vector charts
• Autorouting
• Offline Satellite overlays
• Topography
• 3D rendering; very useful for selecting inclement Wx anchorages in mountainous regions
• Bathymetry 
• Very good interface
• No Active Captain

• SEAiq [There are several versions including the expensive commercial version for Pilots (SEAiq Pilot). We use the international chart capable recreational version called SEAiq [Previously SEAiq Open]  SEAiq USA is a USA charts only version for under $5 [as of last update to this page...]
• A very capable and powerful standalone nav system
• Raster and Vector charts in one app
• Since the US is deprecating Raster charts, this has become a mainly Vector chart app [for our cruising areas…]
• Integrated with Active Captain for offline use*
• *NOTE: As of 23-May-2018:
• No Active Captain: Garmin changed the Active Captain feed. As of the last update, SEAiq had not decided whether to adopt the new feed. Consequently, no new Active Captain data after 23-May-2018 [but last data remains in app for use. More below...]
• Waterway Guide: Now integrated with SEAiq. [Covers eastern U.S., Canada, Bahamas, and Cuba. Not currently useful in the Pacific.]
• Full AIS, GPS, and instrument integration 
• Our AIS [Vesper Watchmate Vision with built-in NMEA multiplexer] distributes this data via our central WiFi router [currently a WiriePro] 
• Hint: To improve iPad/iPhone battery life [when it is inconvenient to plug-in the charging cord...] we often turn off the built-in GPS and use the GPS data available from our boat's WiFi network
• Aqua Map Marine [Was vying for 1st place initially, but since 2021 slid to last place for us in NNE Pacific waters- mostly due to changes they have made, and their direct focus on more populated boating regions of the world. Therefore, in Spring 2023 we deceded to cancel our subscription to this once useful nav app.]
• Despite cancelling our subscription, we are still able to update charts (contrary to reports on various boating forums.)
• Once they added the Garmin Active Captain [and Waterway Guide] data this became our go-to app [for a while. i.e., We can finally discard the once cherished, now deprecated Garmin BlueChart Mobile] 
• Includes Topo maps  Unfortunately, topo data was dropped sometime late 2021- at least for our area. Topographic mapping is important for us in Alaska and British Columbia.
• It seems Aqua Map has been concentrating on becoming a social app, and it shows because the navigational aspects of the software are more diluted and not as robust as they once were. 
• e.g., Navigational lights no longer [now] have a graphical representation of the arc of visibility [Or perhaps they never did? But the text info defining the arc of visibility is still there…] 
• No more Topo data as previously mentioned.
• Chart sets are reasonably priced
• No offline satellite imagery
• It also still has a very nicely designed anchor alarm with many useful features, however
• Excellent tutorial about using the anchor alarm 
• Master upgrade [released Mar-2019] includes ability to use NMEA and signalK data via WiFi. This means:
• Full AIS, GPS, and instrument integration 
• Our AIS [Vesper Watchmate Vision with built-in NMEA multiplexer] distributes this data [including GPS] via our central WiFi router [currently a WiriePro] 
• Hint: To improve iPad/iPhone battery life [when it is inconvenient to plug-in the charging cord...] we often turn off the built-in GPS and use the GPS data available from our boat's WiFi network
• Navionics 
• Historically we used Navionics* on our iOS devices because we use Navionics Charts on our chartplotters [B&G Zeus2; 
• *We are evaluating replacing with the more feature-rich C-Map charts in the future]
• Navionics can also use external NMEA data via WiFi. [e.g., GPS, AIS, Instruments, etc.] 
• Navionics released some additional capabilities compatible with our B&G chartplotters we find very useful including:
• The ability to update charts on the iPad when on the internet, and then transfer those updates [via WiFi] to the Navionics Chart SD card in the chartplotter
• The ability to plan routes on the iPad and transfer to the chartplotter
• Note: So far this syncing is all one-way; iOS device to chart plotter
• It can also automatically creat a route between two locations you select. Very useful for answering 'how long', 'how far', 'how much fuel' questions when route planning.
• Active Captain integration
• But now that Navionics has been acquired by Garmin fees keep increasing, and features and support continue to decline.

• Navigation Data: GNSS [GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.], AIS, compass heading, most NMEA2000 data, etc. is available on our local WiFi network (courtesy of our Vesper Watchmate Vision AIS with built-in NMEA multiplexer.)

• Commander Compass [Hand-held compass on steroids]
• GPS Diagnostics
• Resolve GPS problems
• Supplements operation of your navigation apps
• If location cannot be determined then it diagnoses why
• Assists you in changing conditions to get a reliable location
• Copy / send current location [Handy for position reporting]
• Theodolite [A multi-function augmented reality app that combines a compass, GPS, map, photo/movie camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer into one indispensable app. Theodolite overlays real time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, like an electronic viewfinder or heads-up display. Way cool...] 

• Weather:
• LuckGrib [see more details in computer section, above]
• Windy [Apps and web] Requires live internet access
• Wind, waves, tide, forecasts, and much more
• Weather 4D: [Several generations... shop carefully...]
• Weather4D Routing & Navigation replaced Weather 4D 2.0 ~Apr-2018 [And Weather 4D 2.0 replaced Weather 4D Pro, below. Same features and more. Released April-2016; This is the app suite we have used since Oct-2016]
• Weather4D Routing & Navigation is the most recent app in this series from this developer
• Adds charting and navigation capabilities to Weather 4D Pro [below]
• Includes extensive user's guide [free with this version...]
• If you don't have either of these Weather 4D programs, buy this one...
• Does not include the handy Iridium Satellite tracking that was included in previous version Weather 4D Pro, below.
• Weather 4D Pro [Weather and Routing- Usurped by Weather 4D 2.0, above.]
• This is the version we started with in Oct-2016
• Steep initial learning curve
• Limited support
• Abbreviated User's Guide you must purchase separately... 
• Includes real-time Iridium satellite orbit information [helps with planning/optimizing sat comms]
• Buoy Data Apps [Require internet connection]
• Marine Weather Forecast Pro [Also works on smart watches]
• Spot Wx forecast, Forecaster's Discussion (US NWS), Maps, etc.
• British Columbia [Canada]
• Predict Wind Offshore App [Weather and routing]
• Download GRIB files via email
• Weather Routing, Departure Planning, 
• GMDSS text forecasts
• Satellite Imagery
• Barometer Apps
• Specifically a recording barometer app e.g., electronic barograph 
• Device must have barometric sensor in it. 
• e.g., Beginning with iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 
• Apps we are currently [Oct-2019] using/evaluating include: [in current order of preferance]
• Marine Barometer [Starpath]
• Barograph
• Tide Apps: 
• AyeTides XL [Tablet version]
• AyeTides [Phone version; Works with smart watches too.]
• Great tide apps, and the only ones we need [aside from what is built into our Navionics chartplotter charts and OpenCPN...]
• Integrates with SeaIQ [above]
• Has ongoing, intermittent issue loading Apple Maps [The developer has been ignoring this bug for years... common folks...]
• The following apps from Black Cat Systems: [among many others...]
• NAVTEX
• HF FAX
• Both of the above are back-up app for interpreting radio transmissions if our packet radio modem failed
• See our Marine SSB & HAM Radio page for more info
• Weather Calc [Useful Wx related calculations and conversions.]
• SWBC Sched [World wide shortwave radio broadcast schedules; e.g., news, weather, etc.]

• Sharing Computer, MFD, and AIS Screens with Tablets and SmartPhones:
• Mocha VNC [For viewing Macintosh display on Tablet(s) and iPhones.]
• GoFree Link [Proprietary device and app for wirelessly mirroring/controlling our MFD (Multifunction display; i.e., chart plotter/RADAR) to Tablets, Smart Phones.]
• Vesper AIS Watchmate app for controlling/upgrading our AIS Transponder

• Journal/Logbook
• OpenCPN Logbook on Laptop [OpenCPN plug-in]
• Update Oct-2019: During our extensive cruising this summer we noted many of the features of Konni Logbook are not working on MacOS. [e.g., automatic engine hour logging, etc.] Therefore we may be replacing it in the future- possibly with a spreadsheet of our own design. 
• Update Oct-2024: There has been some recent activity on the OCPN project to resurrect this very thorough logbook app. Fingers crossed.]

• Virtual Documents: [Creating, Sharing, Managing, and Viewing]
• Genius Scan [Scan, share, print, organize, and encrypt documents]
• Might replace a printer/scanner for some...
• Scan to Spreadsheet [Literally...]
• Goodreader [Robust PDF reader, manager, editor. Other doc formats as well.]

• Reference:
• Grog Knots [Best animated knots app...]
• Boaters Reference [An excellent pocket reference of all things boating including the US mandatory Navigation Rules of the Road...]
• USCG App [Detailed boating law info, Navigation Rules of the Road, and float plan generation and filing.]
• Wire Sizer [Calculates wire size needed and tracks your wiring projects.]
• SWBC Sched [World wide shortwave radio broadcast schedule; e.g., news, weather, etc.]
• Sampson Ropes [Documents and App] 
• Samson app is a technical rope guide with detailed rope inspection checklists, abrasion evaluations, and a library of splicing instructions

• Security:
• Anchor Alarms: [In order of preference; Also see Additional Resources section, below.]
• Vesper AIS [via Watchmate app]
• Apps with remote alert capability include:
• Anchor Alarm built into TZiBoat [above]
• Anchor Alarm built into TZiBoat, Aqua Map Marine, etc. [above]
• Anchor! [iOS. I haven't looked for Android version...]
• Boat: Siren Marine [Software for using/programming our Siren Marine security device.]
• See this blog post for additional details
• Passwords:
• LastPass BitWarden [Very secure free open source password manager. Well integrated with phones, tablets, computers.]
• We dropped LastPass- which we used for the past decade- in Mar-2021 when their licensing change all but eliminated their free version. [We don't have the requirements to warrant an ongoing fee based subscription for this type of service.]

• Travel:
• MyTSA [Available as stand alone app, or online]
• For flights originating in US
• 'What Can I Bring?' is what we use most [also available online...]
• ROAM app [US Customs and Border Protection— US CPB]
• Becomming the standard method for checking into US waters when arriving from outside the US
• Sep-2018; now used to check-in when arriving in Alaska
• ArriveCAN [For checking into Canada; use is mandatory before entering Canada]
• Packing Pro 
• Packing checklist
• We use for inventory checklists 
• Ditty and 1st aid bags
• Ditch bags
• Etc.

• Shopping:
• Google Keep [Replaced Shopping Pro Mar-2017]
• We make separate lists for groceries, hardware, boat parts, checklists, etc. 
• Great when shopping separately in areas with a cell signal. Check off items as you put them in your cart, and your partner's list is updated so you don't buy duplicates... 
• We make specialized grocery lists too...
• e.g., Entertaining a friend with allergies?
• Paprika [An excellent recipe manager that also maintains food/ingredient inventory and creates shopping lists.] 
• Highly recommended, but you must use it diligently or inventory will not be accurate...
• Shopping Pro [Shopping list manager; We stopped using it in Mar-2017. Too many ads and coupons use too much of our precious cell bandwidth and slow the app down.]

• Entertainment: [See this heading under Computers, above.]

SmartPhones:

You guessed it; we like and use Apple iPhones. [iOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones.]

We also keep our older phones that have been replaced over the years, and unlock them so we can use them internationally with SIM cards we purchase as we travel... or loan/give to a fellow cruiser who needs a replacement phone...

We have a good cell data plan on our smartphones, so one is typically used as a hotspot device [using a cell booster if needed to maximize the signal strength and distance] that is broadcast to all devices on the boat over our WiFi router. [See Networking, below...]

Note: As of the iOS 18 release in Sep-2024, iPhone models 14 and newer now have satellite texting capability [beyond SOS only.] We have comprehensively tested this new capability and it works very well. 

iPhone accessories:
Cables and 12 volt chargers [3rd party. Apple Certified. 1/4th the price of Apple cables- and they last longer...]

SmartPhone Software: [See Tablet Software, immediately above, because most iPadOS apps also have versions for iOS as well. Exceptions are noted above...]

Printer [and Scanner/ Copier]:

We wanted a compact printer [B&W and Color], scanner, and copier all-in-one as those are the functions we need traveling internationally.

However, many may be able to get by with just a document scanning app on their smartphone. [Scan; print; share.] So far our favorite is Genius Scan. [More in Virtual Documents section, above...]

We ended up with an HP Envy Printer in 2015 [research is warrented when a new printer/scanner is needed...] and couldn't be more pleased [even as of last update to this page...] It is compact, wireless, and works first time every time... And the expendables are reasonably priced. At under US$100 it is hard to beat.

One thing we have learned over the years [regardless of which printer you have] is to use heavier weight paper [e.g, 24 pound stock instead of the usual flimsy 20 lb stock] for printed documents you will be providing others [e.g., foreign government representatives, etc.] It holds up better while you are transporting it in your shoulder bag, and feels good in the hand of the recipient. [Like letterhead stock does...]

FAX: [Facsimile]

For transmitting and receiving faxes, we use the HelloFAX service in a browser on the computer. [We need internet connectivity to send/receive a FAX...]

HelloFAX is an online service we use on the rare occasion when we need to transmit [or receive] a FAX. Sending is free [limits apply]; receiving requires a small monthly fee, and is something we rarely need to do...

We keep scanned images of all our ship's papers, passports, credit cards, etc. securely stored [i.e., encrypted] on our phones, tablets, computers, and in the cloud. [Additionally credit cards are all included in a virtual wallet.] It is quick to email, print and/or FAX copies quickly as needed. [e.g., When checking into foreign countries, applying for permits, catastrophic loss of ships papers, wallets, boat, etc.]

Networking: [Connecting it all together...]

  Wired: 

• We have both a NMEA 2000 [N2K] and a proprietary ethernet network [B&G] our computers can be physically connected to. However, we typically rely on a wireless connection as outlined below. [One exception is also using ethernet with the laptop running OpenCPN for RADAR overlay capability.]

  Wireless: [WiFi or Cell Data for internet access; Update Oct-2024: Now that the DC powered StarLink Mini has been released, we will likely switch to StarLink in spring 2025. Until then,  see our Cellular and WiFi Data page for additional details about the following list. 

• GL-AR750S compact travel router [Our WiFi router needs are modest and this sub $100 portable router souts our current needs.]
• WiriePro [Unceremoniously ceased operations in summer 2018; Our unit is still fully operational and fulfilling our back-uprouter needs as of last update to this page.]
• Boat WiFi router (local wireless and guest networks)
• Cell hotspot with SIM card available via WiFi
• See our Cellular and WiFi Data page for details about what we are considering for replacements...
• GoFree WiFi-1 
• Proprietary WiFi device that allows us to see and control our [B&G Zeus2] chart plotters and RADAR screen from our tablets and smartphones
• Connected to ethernet network
• Also see GoFree application under Tablets/Software, above
• Not required with next gen plotters with built-in WiFi [e.g., B&G Zeus3, etc.]
• Vesper Watchmate Vision AIS Transponder with built-in NMEA multiplexer
• This provides all the AIS, GPS, and NMEA 0183 and 2000 data for other applications to use
• It is subscribed to our WiFi router, so all this data is available to any device on our main WiFi network
• Great anchor alarm which includes depth, wind, etc.
• WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] from a laptop
• We can set up a local wireless network from any of our laptops if/as needed
• Cell signal booster [Cradle to enhance signals for cell phone hot spots] 
• See our Cellular and WiFi Data page regarding which model we are currently using

Additional Resources:

• Reviews:
• Practical Sailor [Subscription required. Well worth it to us...]
• Panbo Marine Electronics Hub
• Panbo marine app favorites [Nov-2019]
• Panbo navigatioin app round-up [Jul-2023]
• Comprehensive review of Anchor Alarm apps