Run Your Laptop From The Cockpit With Your Smartphone

[sinbad7]

Here´s ONE type of waterproof case I found for the Galaxy 10". But there are lots to be found during a ´google´.

Galaxy Tab : Kindle Case, Kindle Covers, kindle sleeve, Kindle Sony Reader, Kindle Iphone, GPS Case, GPS Accessories, TomTom Cases at TrendyDigital.COM, www.trendydigital.com

Tore

[tonyappuk]

Tore
Thanks for your quick response. You should realise that the phone I use at the moment is a pay as you go supermarket cheapy (£15 IIRC) that doesn't even have a camera (shock horror) so I know nothing about smartphones. I run OCPN on an old Thinkpad but it is unuseable in the cockpit. Your phone solution might be just what I'm looking for. Thanks.
Tony

[nixontankgirl]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

Jesper..

BUT,I agree, PocketCloud is better although the FULL version sells at $20.-
I have installed the basic FREE version which looks very promising.

Tore

That is interesting. I have had a look at the apps you suggested, but don't you have to have an internet connection? Or is it possible to do the same thing without being on line?

[barnakiel]

Re: Splashtop vs. Android version: Splashtop website does not say which lowest version is still OK (at least not on the home page info screen). I would assume as long as the hardware is fine, most Androids should do (?)

Re: waterproof sleeves - I tried Galaxy with a plastic bag and it did NOT work. I assume there are various technologies in how tablets trace our touch then.

b.

[sinbad7]

Nixontankgirl..

No,you don´t have to have internet to use it,just set up a LAN between your laptop and the Android phone. If you do´nt know how,I am sure someone will help you here.

barnakiel..
I am sure you are right,never tried myself but the purpose-made covers have ways to solve this. Just get the FREE PocketCloud - and experiment!

Tore

[nixontankgirl]

[QUOTE=sinbad7;1027487]Nixontankgirl..

No,you don´t have to have internet to use it,just set up a LAN between your laptop and the Android phone. If you do´nt know how,I am sure someone will help you here.

Oh! That's even more interesting. I have installed Pocket Cloud and have been able to connect via the net but have been totally unable to connect via a LAN. I will experiment further, obviously I am doing something wrong as I just get a message saying that the 'computer is not online'.

[sinbad7]

nixontankgirl..

I had the same problem with both of these apps. Took quite a while,touching all the buttons I could find,including my jacket

The phone sees the laptop right away and is ready to be ´paired´ but your laptop must be set up as a private network and to search for available equipment to connect to the net. This is only a one time effort so don´t give up..

Tore

[sinbad7]

nixontankgirl..

Here´s a dummies guide to setting up a WLAN (Wireless local area network)
It also works on internet when you have access,but not necessary for the
addittion of your Android smartphone. You need to get a router to connect with
your modem if you already have one,or get a combined modem/router, dLink is very good.

Here´s a Youtube video showing you how:

How to Set Up a Wireless Network in Windows 7 For Dummies - YouTube

Tore

[sinbad7]

nixontankgirl..

I just tested the FREE PocketCloud app and my PC without the Internet connection and it works local programs just fine and will also access the web when you have internet access.

See screendumps of two popular programs I use a lot. (without internet)

One of my colleagues tells me Splashtop Remote does not work without internet connection. Not sure if this is so...

There is another FREE Android app from marinetraffic.com which sets you up as a ´virtual AIS target´ displayed on their maps together with real AIS ship targets. You can also upload photos of your boat and it´s specs. The app is called iAIS.
They also have their FREE main Marine Traffic app showing ship targets from most parts of the world,including yours ifd you sign up. See my location attached..

Tore

[nixontankgirl]

Tore,
Excellent. Got it. I am however using 'connectify' and my issue had been an incorrect IP address. Its all going good now!

[banjoship]

My setup is as follows. Connectify software on the laptop to provide a wifi hotspot. Air Display app on the android and laptop to provide interactive touchscreen display on android.

Connectify is free, Air Display a few dollars. Connectify works fine. Air Display works with some programs on the laptop, can be flakey with other programs, particularily SOB, a charting program. Used solely as a screen repeater, Air Display works fine. But I think it needs further development.

The android is protected in a AquaPac bag. These are expensive, but work fine. I have used them for years to protect phones, portable VHF and suchlike. Available on ebay, outdoor shops etc. Many sizes, make sure its the right size for your device.

Lee

[sinbad7]

Lee..

I tested out a few smartphone to laptop connection programs and have settled for Pocket Cloud. I started with their basic and FREE version and liked it so much I´ve upgraded to their Pro version at $15.- Anything from Wyse Technologies is thoroughly tested and stable.

A friend of mine tells me the Galaxy touch screen does not respond to finger taps etc. through an ordinary plastic film. How is the AquaPac setup?

Tore

[banjoship]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

Lee..

I tested out a few smartphone to laptop connection programs and have settled for Pocket Cloud. I started with their basic and FREE version and liked it so much I´ve upgraded to their Pro version at $15.- Anything from Wyse Technologies is thoroughly tested and stable.

A friend of mine tells me the Galaxy touch screen does not respond to finger taps etc. through an ordinary plastic film. How is the AquaPac setup?

Tore

Here is a link to the manufacturer's website, showing an iPad being used in one:
Waterproof Case for iPad, iPad 2 and new iPad - AQUAPAC Waterproof Cases | Waterproof cases for camera, iphone, ipod, ipad; Waterproof backpack, drybags

I have a Lenovo K1 tablet, and it works fine in the Aquapac. I think its important to get a bag designed for touchscreens, they use some special plastic, they call TPU. I think the plastic used for other bags would not work...the bags for my phones, vhf, have a heavier plastic, works the buttons, but probably not a touchscreen. I am no guru in these matters. Just have had a good run on my previous aquapacs. As far as i know, iPad, Lenovo, galaxy etc all have capacitive touchscreens, that all should work .

I hear you on Pocket Cloud and will get around to trying it. As you will have gathered from my comments, Air Display is less than perfect. I must say that I tend to use the android just as a repeater screen, and use a wireless mouse to work the laptop...my main charting software SOB is designed specifically for use with a mouse with scroll wheel.

Lee

[barnakiel]

Ha! Looks like next time we cross, I will have some new toys in the cockpit!

THX all,
b.

[phiggins]

Has anyone be able to get an andoid phone running either Splashtop or PocketCloud working with an ad hoc wireless connection, ie without using a router? The ad hoc wireless connection eliminates having to run a router while at sea the devices communicate directly via wifi.

It seems Android, at least my version 2.3.3, does not recognize an ad hoc connection, an ipad/ipod does.