Open Source Marine Instrument brainstorming

[jack4566]

Good Day, I am an electronics expert (Almost Engineer) looking into creating an open source ~4in marine display. For me this comes from wanting to make a better display for my battery pack to display voltages, current rates, and such. But I thought this could be made into a bigger project.

The idea being that I would create the hardware and a set of templates so the end user can configure the display using a simple programming language like Arduino or even developing a dedicated GUI programmer. You can have ANY information from ANY system displayed on this. It would also be useful as a remote control for CAN based switches. So long as you can get the right decode information.

I want to use this thread as a brain storming session.

What features would you like to see in a marine instrument display? Just starting off the bat these are things I would include:

• 4in sunlight readable display
• 3 big buttons
• Ambient light Sensor
• Full weather IP66 protection
• 5-60V protected power input
• 2x protected analog inputs (0-12V maybe?)
• 2x protected outputs 1A
• 1x isolated CANBUS port with support for NMEA 2000 and as many other CAN systems I can find
• Optional GPS module to be used as a system backup or standalone
• RGB indicator LEDS?
• Battery Backup?
• Price target around 200USD.

This isnt going to replace most systems out there but for DIY guys that are doing custom power systems or just want to add a fixed GPS monitor into an old boat.

[2020]

go for it. and don't forget touch screen. To have a few of them on board, in different places, as part of the wiring loops, ie main cabin, pilot house, saloon/chart table etc would be welcome. We are looking at the open source Boat Operating Systems for same reason as yourself, I suspect. When constructing, please do pay extreme attention to quality of internal materials, connections and chips. Most fall apart / corrode / bridge in a moist salty crashing thumping vibrating boat environment rapidly. We have recently been looking at resin embedded chips and circuitry for this reason.