Open Source Winter–Spring Project: Building Digital Boat

Description and use

The author built a digital boat by deploying OpenPlotter on a Raspberry Pi with a PICAN‑M hat, integrating Garmin, GPS, AIS, and other devices into a generic NMEA 2000 network, enabling engine data logging and internet access via smartphone.

Problem

The author’s existing Garmin chart plotter did not integrate well with other boat peripherals, and the boat’s NMEA 2000 network was proprietary, limiting data capture and device integration.

Outcome

The author successfully built a digital boat by deploying OpenPlotter on a Raspberry Pi with a PICAN‑M hat, creating a generic NMEA 2000 network that integrates Garmin, engine data logging, GPS, AIS, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth streaming, thereby enabling future automation and smarter systems.

Workflow

• 1. Acquire a Raspberry Pi 4B, a 12‑volt power supply, and a Copperhill PICAN‑M hat.
• 2. Install OpenPlotter on the Pi and connect the PICAN‑M hat to the NMEA 2000 network.
• 3. Use RealVNC to access the Pi from a smartphone, setting the Pi as a Wi‑Fi host to bridge internet and integrate with the NMEA 2000 network.
• 4. Configure OpenPlotter to capture engine data via the CX5106, integrate the Garmin chart plotter with other devices, and add modern GPS and AIS using Signal K software.
• 5. Verify that the boat’s NMEA 2000 backbone now supports generic devices and that data logging and device integration work as intended.

Evidence

I chose the Copperhill PICAN‑M hat and built my OpenPlotter system. And it worked!

Source

By setting the Pi as a Wi‑Fi host, I could connect my phone, bridge the internet, and integrate that connection into the NMEA 2000 network.

Source

With OpenPlotter running, Our Time now has: AIS receiver, GPS receiver, Wi‑Fi host, Internet connection via smartphone, NMEA 2000 integration, Bluetooth streaming to the radio.

Source