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Computer resets and OpenCPN forgets config
http://navigatrix.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=660
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Author:  billlion [ 25 Jun 2014, 02:41 ]
Post subject:  Computer resets and OpenCPN forgets config

I am running Navigatrix on a mini ITX computer with a PicoPSU power supply (which takes a wide range of voltages - or at least is meant to). I have two problems

1) When I switch on either the VHF or the instruments while the computer is on the computer crashes. Even with all the serial connections removed. Even if the VHF is not switched on on its own switch, just the panel switch does it. I tried ferrite chokes and I tried a big capacitor across the computer PSU. Frustrated! It is OK if VHF and Instruments are switched on before computer, and nothing else has the same effect (pumps, engine, SSB, Radar all fine)

2) When the computer goes down in this way OpenCPN forgets all its configuration. Plug ins, Charts, Connections. Can't I back up the configuration to save having to reconfigure it manually every time the computer crashes.

Author:  Moe [ 25 Jun 2014, 10:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer resets and OpenCPN forgets config

Since I don't know anything anything about the setup, I'll give an opinion.

I've had things crash/reboot for reasons I'm calling voltage drop, or slump. Somewhere between the plates of the battery, and the little chip that flips out because a threshold hasn't been met.

It would be odd that a VHF and the like would cave the power to the point a computer would reset.

I did have a power supply that would reset when I turned on the ignition/gauges/alternator field. I figure that out after I had replaced nearly everything but the power supply. But, like I said, I don't know what your situation is, and my method is 1) Do the obvious, obviously; 2) Work up the list of cheap and easy solutions until I get lucky or the options fall into to hard or expensive and I re-assess.

OpenCPN's configuration file is ~/.opencpn/opencpn.conf

A quick slick may is
Code:
cp ~/.opencpn/opencpn.conf{,.bak}
which is the same as
Code:
cp ~/.opencpn/opencpn.conf  ~/.opencpn/opencpn.bak
There are some point and click methods, but....

Author:  billlion [ 13 Sep 2014, 05:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer resets and OpenCPN forgets config

I wonder if the problem is the PicoPSU. it has an input range 12-25 volts but maybe if the voltage drops even momentarily below 12v it knocks it out. I copied the config file as you suggested. Thanks

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