FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
---------------------

15 July, 2020

OpenCPN Version 5.2 Released



The OpenCPN Development Team is proud to announce the release of OpenCPN Version 5.2

This version is a feature upgrade and maintenance release of OpenCPN.

OpenCPN is a cross platform electronic charting system (ECS) supporting a variety of cartography standards and hardware interface protocols. Versions are available for Linux, Windows, Macintosh, and ARM computer architectures.
Since widespread introduction in 2008, OpenCPN has gained a solid reputation.

OpenCPN is running on hardware from tiny Raspberry Pis with 4" screens up to networked workstations. Specific user scenarios and needs are easily accommodated by using the Plug-in architecture and the wide scope of user settings.
A responsive international user and developer community together with integrated documentation help make installation and use of OpenCPN a pleasure.

Some of the features of OpenCPN include:

Quilted Raster(RNC) and Vector(ENC) digital chart display
Full compliant support for official vector charts in S-57/S-63 format and InlandENCs
Industry standard GPS receiver interfacing, with "moving map" on-screen vessel tracking
AIS receiver interfacing with configurable target safety monitoring
Integrated Route, Track, and Waypoint database, with industry standard Import/Export capabilities
Tide and Current prediction, with on-screen overlay of predicted data.
Broad International Language support
PlugIn architecture allowing on-going third-party functional enhancements


OpenCPN is released under the GPLV2 license. The executable program and its source code are available for immediate, free, and unlimited download from opencpn.org, and several other sources.

As a successor to OpenCPN Version 5.0, OpenCPN Version 5.2 contains many new features and enhanced functions.

Among them are:

..Updated Plugin manager, supporting directed download and installation of many plugins from a secure repository.
..Support for SignalK network servers, providing enhanced sensor data from a wide variety of sources.
..Several updated and improved plugins
..Corrections and fixes for several bugs and operational issues as reported by the worldwide user base.
..Measurably improved performance and reliability over all supported platforms.


We hope you enjoy the new features of OpenCPN Version 5.2, and look forward to your continued feedback and support.

More information is available at opencpn.org

The OpenCPN Development Team
Dave Register, Lead Developer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is RC3 v5.1.712

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta/ope...9f09_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/Ope...+1.3a39f09.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.


Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

RC3 5.1.712
-----------------------

1. Improve Windows USB serial connection restart after plug/unplug.
2. Improve Dashboard rendering on loss of datastream.

Plan:
The RC3 is a "Release Candidate". In theory, only the Version Indicator text shall be changed to create a formal Release. Only significant and reproducible bugs will be addressed in this test cycle. Minor bugs with workarounds available will be allowed to stand.
Of course, in practice, we will consider each bug reported on its own "merits".


Getting very close now...
Thanks
Dave and the OCPN Team

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is RC2 v5.1.708

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta/ope...94f3_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/OpenCPN_5.1.708+1.e8a94f3.pkg


For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.


Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

RC2 5.1.708
-----------------------

1. Improve Garmin GRMN mode setup and detection on linux systems
2. Improve startup chart persistence for plugin chart types.
3. Correct Flatpak plugin compatibility test.
4. Correct default sound configuration on arm* (rPi) hosts.
5. Correct ENC sounding rendering for "low accuracy" soundings.
6. Refine plugin list panel layout.

Plan:
The RC2 is a "Release Candidate". In theory, only the Version Indicator text shall be changed to create a formal Release. Only significant and reproducible bugs will be addressed in this test cycle. Minor bugs with workarounds available will be allowed to stand.
Of course, in practice, we will consider each bug reported on its own "merits".


Getting closer now...
Thanks
Dave and the OCPN Team

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is RC1 v5.1.620

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta/ope...c292_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/Ope...+1.706c292.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.


Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

RC1 5.1.620
-----------------------

1. Correct MBTile chart selector button rendering (Red X)
2. Improve Dashboard preferences font selector GUI feedback.
3. Correct MUIBar chart scale indicator on program startup.
4. Correct plugin chart scale startup persistence.
5. Correct persistence of Waypoint Properties dialog position.
6. Correct tide/current window event rendering on Ubuntu 20.04.


Plan:
The RC1 is a "Release Candidate". In theory, only the Version Indicator text shall be changed to create a formal Release. Only significant and reproducible bugs will be addressed in this test cycle. Minor bugs with workarounds available will be allowed to stand.
Of course, in practice, we will consider each bug reported on its own "merits".


Getting close now...
Thanks
Dave and the OCPN Team

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is Beta v5.1.612

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta//op...c9c4_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/Ope...+1.4f9c9c4.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.


Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

Beta 5.1.612
---------------------
1. Improve some screen layouts on chart downloader plugin
2. On chart scale selector, allow syntax like "1:10000"
3. Improve some options dialog screens for Ubuntu 20.04
4. Correct JSON response to message "OCPN_ACTIVE_ROUTELEG_REQUEST"
5. Do not offer "Heading Up" on canvas context menu option if gHdt is not present.
6. Set default Name Visibility for new or imported layers to TRUE.
7. Remove excess signalK log messages.
8. Start cursorwait (spinning hourglass, etc) on some plugin UI operations accessing network
9. Incorporate all current crowdin translations...
10. Improve keyboard "+/-" key zooming response in smoothzoom mode.
11. Correct MBtile multicanvas display rules on piano rollover.
12. Correct GPX import with "planned speed" parameter.
13. Add ENC Sounding size slider control


Plan:
This is scheduled to be the "last" Beta for OpenCPN v5.1. The next release will be the first "Release Candidate"
Please continue to test hard, and be unforgiving of any errors or glitches encountered.

Thanks
Dave and the OCPN Team

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is Beta v5.1.529

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta/ope...8121_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/Ope...+1.41d8121.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.


Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

Beta 5.1.529

1. Enable Settings->Charts->Vector Charts User Standard mode list only when User Standard mode is active
2. Implement "Head-Up" navigation mode. FS#2641
3. Correct persistence of shared waypoint visibility for hidden routes.
4. Support GTK dark mode in "Connections" panel list entries.
5. Correct update of chart downloader large chart set list, Windows only.
6. Add Chart Scale dialog, allow direct setting of Chart Scale by clicking "scale value" shown in MUIBar.
7. Correct occasional error in toolbar plugin tool rendering after tooltip rollover is hidden.
8. Integrate current translation files from crowdin.


Notes:
1. Translations: This Beta includes the current state of the crowdin translation file matrix. Some terms, added very late, are not translated. Please check your translations carefully, so that we may get complete and accurate translations for the up-coming Release.

2. Head-Up Mode: For those installations receiving HDT information from an attached heading sensor, this navigation mode orients the chart display so that the ship's head is "up", If a heading sensor is not available, the "Head-Up" mode functions identically to "Course-Up" mode, for compatibility with existing systems.

Plan:
OpenCPN V5.1 is "feature complete" now. I plan one more Beta cycle after this, before a full release as OpenCPN Version 5.2.0.
Please test hard, and be unforgiving of any errors or glitches encountered.

Thanks
Dave and the OCPN Team

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

Continuing our Beta test, here is Beta v5.1.518

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows

http://download.opencpn.org/beta/ope...918d_setup.exe

MacOS
http://download.opencpn.org/beta/Ope...+1.1e2918d.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.

Please note that above links are fixed, and will not reflect the ongoing daily build cycles.
If you need to test a feature that you know or suspect has been fixed or added by a daily build, you may find it here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/

Here is a list of some of the corrections and new features in this Beta release:

Beta 5.1.518

1. Correct "Show Grid" checkbox feature
2. Correct Help dialog initial size when accessed from toolbar "help"(circle-?) icon.
3. Correct/improve ENC area rendering logic
4. Correct Soundings font clipped rendering, MacOS
5. Correct multiline waypoint name rendering, GL, MSW only. #FS2541
6. MacOS: Correct TCData installation.
7. Correct Heading prediction line is interrupted at great zoom level when own ship is outside the screen edge..
8. Correct plugin manager panel legends and icons on plugin update availability.
9. Disable Options->User Standard Object list unless User Standard display category is active.
10. Correct Ownship real-size vector scaling logic.
11. Added support for AIS message 27. Long range position report.
12. Uploaded translatable text strings to crowdin opencpn project.


Thanks
Dave

OpenCPN Flatpak Version 5.1 Beta test

Summary

From version 5.1 OpenCPN is available as a Flatpak package. This package is supported on all major Linux distributions. To run the beta test version of the package:

- Install flatpak as described in https://flatpak.org/setup
- Install the beta using
$ flatpak install --user http://opencpn.duckdns.org/opencpn-b...cpn.flatpakref
- Start by using the GUI or
$ flatpak run org.opencpn.OpenCPN.

- Supported plugins include: oesenc, oernc, radar, squiddio, VDR and Windvane

- We are eager to get your feedback on the OpenCPN Flatpak beta.

Background

OpenCPN is available for several popular linux platforms. However, linux itself is available in many different "flavors", otherwise known as "distributions". Previously, if OpenCPN was not available pre-built for a user's particular favorite distribution, then one was required to build OpenCPN from source for that distribution. This is inconvenient, and requires a level of knowledge and skill beyond the capabilities or interest of many potential OpenCPN users.
Adaptation of OpenCPN to Flatpak allows use with almost any modern linux distribution without any complex building from source, including important distributions such as Fedora, Suse, and Arch.

Flatpak is a system in which an application (OpenCPN, in this case) is run inside of a "sandbox" under the control of the linux standard linux operating system of choice. This differs from a "virtualized" environment, wherein there exists a completely separate instance of a "guest" operating system. Flatpak thus has the advantage of a simpler and more robust installation, without affecting installed user applications or interfaces of the native operating system. As simple examples, the file systems and network ports of the target system are available to OpenCPN Flatpak without any special configuration requirements.

FlatPak applications can be built so as to enjoy tight integration with existing Desktop Package Management systems. Under this scheme, Flatpak applications may be installed with a simple one-click operation, and updated along with other system applications using provided O/S tools.

There are a couple of downsides to Flatpak. First, the exact screen presentation (the GUI) of an application may not match exactly what would be seen on a purely native implementation. Usually, the differences are very minor, and do not detract from the user experience. Secondly, the initial load and first run of a Flatpak adapted application will be slower than that of a native application. Subsequent runs will, however, be not noticeably slower to load than a native application.

Implementation and Use.
OpenCPN for Flatpak has been implemented to operate under a generic sandbox environment. While the choice of sandbox environment is somewhat flexible, experience has shown that choosing a stable, less-than-cutting-edge sandbox promotes stability of the application at runtime. Generally, a user should not be concerned with the sandbox model selected by the developers. Think of the sandbox as a generic and stable linux environment which is known to be OpenCPN-friendly.
As mentioned, Flatpak requires a fairly large runtime environment. This runtime environment consists, essentially, of the interfaces which convert from OpenCPN's expectation of library support, to the available libraries on the target system. This environment will be downloaded during the installation process of OpenCPN Flatpak, and will thereafter be available for fast OpenCPN application startup.
OpenCPN Flatpak is not (yet) installable from the Desktop (GUI), as we have not submitted the OpenCPN Flatpak application for inclusion in the global flathub repository system. This is a work-in process. For initial Beta testing, OpenCPN Flatpak should be installed from the Command Line Interface.

Here is an example of the detailed steps required to install and run OpenCPN under Flatpak, using the Command Line Interface of a debian-like linux.

1. Get the Flatpak base application for your operating system. For Debian based systems, use some version of apt, e.g.

$ sudo apt install flatpak

For other distributions (for example RedHat or Fedora based systems), use the corresponding system command to download and install "flatpak" base application. For Fedora, this would look something like:
$ sudo yum install flatpak
Consult https://flatpak.org/setup for more information on other linux distributions.

2. Enable the flathub repository:
$ flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Install OpenCPN for Flatpak (Beta)
$ flatpak install --user http://opencpn.duckdns.org/opencpn-b...cpn.flatpakref

This command will initiate a fairly long download, as mentioned above. Current sandbox images download about 450 MB.

4. Run OpenCPN Flatpak from CLI
$ flatpak run org.opencpn.OpenCPN

5. Run OpenCPN from the desktop GUI (if available), by selecting the OpenCPN icon installed automatically.

6. As required, update OpenCPN Flatpak (Beta) from the CLI.
$ flatpak update org.opencpn.OpenCPN

7. Install OpenCPN Flatpak from a GUI like Gnome or KDE:
Under development for OpenCPN, pending successful Beta testing. Look for more information as it develops.

Status
OpenCPN Flatpak is in initial Beta testing stage. All testing feedback will be greatly appreciated. Especially useful will be descriptions of installation difficulties of any sort. Also, reports of successful installations or failures on truly odd-ball linux distributions are encouraged.

FAQs.

1. Q: I am running Ubuntu linux. Tell me again why I should run, or even try, OpenCPN Flatpak?
A: You probably would not want to run OpenCPN Flatpak, since OpenCPN is natively supported for Ubuntu. Downloads and updates are available for Ubuntu as normal from the OpenCPN PPA repository. But just to be clear: yes, you may run OpenCPN Flatpak on Ubuntu, if you would just like to try it out. It has some advantages...

2. Q: What if my ancient linux system does not support Flatpak at all?
A: We suggest that you update your system, in whatever way seems natural, until you reach a distribution that does support Flatpak. At the moment, some 23 linux distributions are Flatpak capable. See a list here: https://flatpak.org/setup/

3. Q: What about Plugins?
A: OpenPCN Flatpak relies on the managed plugin interface introduced in version 5.1 (Beta). There are no "legacy" plugins available for OpenCPN Flatpak. Some number of popular managed plugins are available for OpenCPN Flatpak now, more are on the horizon. You can help us prioritize resources by telling us which plugins are missing from OpenCPN Flatpak, that you would really like to see...

4. Q: Can I use a oesenc license purchased for a native installation when using flatpak?
A: No, the flatpak sandbox is seen as a another computer and requires a separate license.

5. Q: Will a flatpak installation pickup the configuration from a previous native installation?
A: No, flatpak uses a separate location for configuration files.

6. Q: Where can I learn more?
A: https://flatpak.org/
https://itsfoss.com/flatpak-guide/ (Nice overview/HOWTO article)

Thanks, and Good Luck
Dave and the Team.

Let's talk about managed plugins.

Background

OpenCPN supports a wide variety of plugins, allowing users to select those additional functions or features of interest and utility.
Traditionally, OpenCPN plugins are found and downloaded by browsing the opencpn.org website. Here, one may find plugins sorted by category, with url's provided for download. After successful download, the plugins are installed by an "offline" methods that is, the plugins are installed from a desktop GUI or command line interface with OpenCPN closed and inactive. Further, the plugins require elevated system privileges to install, such as administrator mode on Windows, and super-user privilege on linux and derivatives.
While workable, it is recognized that the existing plugin acquisition, installation, and update mechanism is inconvenient for casual users. This is further apparent as the number of plugin grows over time.
The OpenCPN "managed plugin" interface is designed to simplify and enhance the process of using plugins, especially as regards updates.


Implementation

The OpenCPN managed plugin implementation consists of two parts

1. Plugin catalog and curated repositories.
The OpenCPN plugin catalog is an XML file called "ocpn-plugins.xml". The catalog file contains download and installation details for all managed plugins, for each supported platform. The catalog file is typically stored in the OpenCPN private writable data location, that is, the same location in which the config files and logfiles are stored. The catalog file contains information on managed plugins only. Older un-managed plugins, and the default installation plugins, are not described by the catalog file.
The catalog file contains URLs pointing to secure repositories which hold the current managed plugin installation files, called "tarballs". These repositories are implemented as "secure cloud storage", and are writable only by designated members of OpenCPN development team, or the plugin authors themselves. We consider them "curated" since the only plugins offered by the standard managed plugin interface have been at least minimally tested to provide basic functionality.
There are two "channels" for the plugin catalog, representing the development state of a particular plugin. The "master" channel contains the currently active "Production Release" catalog. Plugins in this catalog are known to work, and are recommended for installation and daily use. The alternative "Beta" channel contains installation details for plugins currently in active development, and considered ready for wide scale testing and user feedback. Typically, the "Beta" channel catalog is empty, but will occasionally contain entries for new plugins.
OpenCPN considers exactly one catalog at any given run-time. That is, if the "master" catalog is active, then the "Beta" catalog and its contents are inaccessible. And the converse is also true.

2. OpenCPN Managed Plugin user interface.
The user interface for management of plugins in OpenCPN v5.1+ differentiates between older, un-managed plugins (denoted as "legacy" plugins), and newer catalog-managed plugins. Differences in behavior of the user interface for the two plugin types will be noted herein.
The OpenCPN Settings->Plugins tab gives access to the plugin management interface. In this interface, all plugins known to the system, whether they are installed "legacy" plugins, or managed plugins supported by loaded catalog, are available for manipulation. Each plugin panel displays a plugin name, some minimal text description, and icons indicating the type and current OpenCPN status of the plugin.

In the case of "legacy" plugins, the status icon (on the right side of the panel)will be either a "gear" symbol, representing the default installation basic plugin set, or an open white square, indicating an "un-managed" legacy plugin. Further, if a "catalog-managed" plugin is available to update or replace an installed legacy plugin, then the status icon will show an "up-arrow" shape. Each plugin may be enabled or disabled individually, exactly the same as the behavior of OpenCPN v5.0 and earlier. Clicking anywhere on the panel will expose additional options as appropriate. Please note that uninstalled legacy plugins are not listed in this interface, as the run-time system has no knowledge of them.

For managed plugins, the plugin may be in one of two general states; if the plugin has been installed, then the icon will show a "checked box" if the plugin is up-to-date with the loaded catalog contents. Alternatively, the icon will show an "up-arrow" shape if there is a downloadable update available for that plugin. As a second general state, if a plugin has not been installed, the interface will show a "package box" icon on the left side of the panel. In either case, clicking on the plugin panel will disclose additional options for manipulation of that plugin, e.g. update, re-install, un-install, etc.

Below the list of plugin panels, one finds the "Plugin Catalog" management panel. Here one may select the plugin channel of interest, and download the latest plugin catalog from secure online resources. Any changed plugin status (e.g. available upgrades) will be noted in the plugin list immediately. As noted above, there is one catalog active on the run-time system at any time. Downloading a new catalog will overwrite any existing catalog.
Also provided is a control to "Import" a specific plugin. The action of that special function will described elsewhere. It is not needed in normal operation.


FAQs

1. Are my currently installed plugins OK to use?
Yes. Plugins currently installed, or available for download and "offline" installation, work just as they did on OpenPCN v5.0. No legacy plugins have been withdrawn or become unusable in OpenCPN v5.1.

2. When will my favorite plugin "blahblah_pi" be upgraded to a "managed" plugin?
Hard to answer exactly. The OpenCPN development team has a plan to migrate, over time, most or all legacy plugins to the managed variety. As you might imagine, this is a big task, considering the number of plugins in question, and the total number of supported platforms and operating systems. Any input from the wider user base to help us prioritize the effort will be much appreciated.

3. What if I do not have internet access, and I need to install a new plugin?
Then you will use the "Import" process.
a. Obtain the URL (address) of the tarball containing the desired plugin, for the desired platform. This may be found by consulting the catalog file on your running system, or by using an online tool which the Team is currently polishing for release. Please stay tuned for more info on this tool.
b. Skip over to your nearest internet cafe (remember those?), or other online computer.
c. Download the tarball selected by step (a), saving it on a thumbdrive, or other portable media.
d. Return to your target computer. Start OpenCPN, settings->plugins. Click the "Import Plugin..." button. In the next file selector dialog, select the tarball from your portable media.
e. The plugin will be imported, and thus becomes available for installation and activation.

4. If legacy plugins and "catalog-managed" plugins are functionally equivalent, why should I upgrade to managed plugins?
Mainly, peace-of-mind. While we plan to keep legacy plugins up-to-date and available for a long time, our development resources are limited. Most effort will naturally be placed on managed plugins. Using managed plugins will help ensure that you have the latest and greatest version of the most popular plugins.

5. What if I want to keep a "disaster-recovery" copy of my critical plugins, in case I have to reload everything in mid-ocean? I do this now with legacy plugins....
See Question 3. An adaptation of that process will work for you. Keep backup copies of critical plugin tarballs on a safe media as desired.

6. What if I don't like the whole idea of "managed" plugins?
That's fine. Currently available legacy plugins will continue to work as they do now until OpenCPN makes an unavoidable ABI change, an event that is unfortunately unpredictable, but not foreseen in the short/medium range.


Good Luck
Dave

Hello all OpenCPN supporters !

It is time to start the formal Beta test program leading to the release of OpenCPN v5.2.

Today we start a Beta test of OpenCPN v5.1.428

Here are the links for Windows and Mac installation packages.

The downloadable installers for Mac and Windows are here:
Windows
https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/davi...cdd2_setup.exe

MacOS
https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/davi...+1.e63cdd2.pkg

For linux users running a debian-derivative distribution, you may install the Beta using your distro's package management tools.
Packages for Trusty, Xenial, Bionic, and Focal are available from the OpenCPN Beta PPA.

If you prefer, you may browse the available platforms and installer images here:
https://cloudsmith.io/~david-registe...able/packages/


Here is a list of some of the new Features in this release:
Features
--------
1. New Plugin management system, allowing Plugin updates from within OpenCPN from a trusted repository.
We will have more to say about this in another post.

2. Support for more platforms, including Ubuntu v20.04, and flatpak, about which we will say more later.

3. New standard package for simplified installation on MacOS.

4. Integrated support for signalK input data streams.

5. Realtime prediction of AIS target location.

6. Implement high-definition font rendering for depth soundings on vector charts (ENCs).

7. Small GUI tweaks to improve useability.

Bug Fixes
---------
1. Comprehensive solutions to many bugs and deficiencies reported in Flyspray.
Here is a condensed list of the corrected Flyspray bug:

FS#2642 - OPENCPN not opening virtual COM port created with com0com
FS#2638 - New "Green Dot Look Ahead Mode" fails in Course Up Mode
FS#2580 - Uninstalled tide station crashes program
FS#2594 - Center View feature "dings" after entering coordinates and selecting OK
FS#2591 - Waypoint Range Rings Mysteriously Appearing - Issue Identified
FS#2633 - Windows display scaling problem in input field custom URL chart downloader
FS#2637 - Wrong name/location for lockfile.
FS#2613 - Can't use AIS Virtual Com port (AMEC AIS)
FS#2627 - NMEA Checksum not ignored
FS#2568 - Dashboard clock displays cpu time instead of GPS time when there is an active route.
FS#2621 - Tracks to show timestamp on mouseover
FS#2595 - OCPN 5.0.0 does not manage to open COM port unless another program or older version is run first.
FS#2581 - Restore route "step through" capability in v5.0 as it was in prior versions
FS#2555 - Pop-up windows not closing with Esc
FS#2626 - Settings in new install and in recovery template
FS#2581 - Restore route "step through" capability in v5.0 as it was in prior versions
FS#2598 - Waypoint created from AIS target info dialog has "@@@@" padding after name
FS#2609 - Route Properties ETA and ETD errors
FS#2546 - Extra line in the chart border of an mbtiles chart
FS#2629 - Waypoint dialog doesn’t fit 800*480 touchscreen and no scrollbar OpenCPN 5.0.0
FS#2601 - Switch for mbTiles piano keys, & mbTiles wake up OFF (partial)

The Beta test plan:

1. We will discuss and describe bugs and other problems found on the OpenCPN Beta in this thread.
2. If you are the author of a bug listed as corrected in Flyspray, please confirm the solution, and close the Flyspray issue if appropriate. If the bug is not cleared, please leave comments sufficient to allow the developers to simply and quickly re-produce the issue. This allows for rapid solution.
3. Please DO NOT use the github opencpn issues tracker for this Beta test process. That channel is reserved for comments and discussion related to unreleased development projects.

There is a lot to digest here, especially the new features introduced with this version. We will be starting some separate threads for discussion and "best-practice" usage of some of the new features. Stay tuned...

...and...
Thanks in advance for your help

Dave and the OpenCPN development team.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
---------------------

OpenCPN Version 5.0 Released

The OpenCPN Development Team is proud to announce the release of OpenCPN Version 5.0

This version is a feature upgrade and maintenance release of OpenCPN.

OpenCPN is a cross platform electronic charting system (ECS) supporting a variety of cartography standards and hardware interface protocols. Versions are available for Linux, Windows, Macintosh, and ARM computer architectures.
Since widespread introduction in 2008, OpenCPN has gained a solid reputation.

OpenCPN is running on hardware from tiny Raspberry Pis with 4" screens up to networked workstations. Specific user scenarios and needs are easily accommodated by using the Plug-in architecture and the wide scope of user settings.
A responsive international user and developer community together with integrated documentation help make installation and use of OpenCPN a pleasure.

Some of the features of OpenCPN include:

Quilted Raster(RNC) and Vector(ENC) digital chart display
Full compliant support for official vector charts in S-57/S-63 format and InlandENCs
Industry standard GPS receiver interfacing, with "moving map" on-screen vessel tracking
AIS receiver interfacing with configurable target safety monitoring
Integrated Route, Track, and Waypoint database, with industry standard Import/Export capabilities
Tide and Current prediction, with on-screen overlay of predicted data.
Broad International Language support
PlugIn architecture allowing on-going third-party functional enhancements


OpenCPN is released under the GPLV2 license. The executable program and its source code are available for immediate, free, and unlimited download from opencpn.org, and several other sources.

As a successor to OpenCPN Version 4.8, OpenCPN Version 5.0 contains many new features and enhanced functions.

Among them are:

..Redesigned user interface, incorporating modern user interface elements and concepts.
..Support for multiple chart views simultaneously, using different charts display options if desired.
..User defined templates for easy recall of multiple configurations.
..Support for the widely available MBTiles chart format.
..Extended options for route and Waypoint creation.
..Expanded display of vector chart (ENC) information, including embedded images.
..Measurably improved performance and reliability over all supported platforms.


We hope you enjoy the new features of OpenCPN Version 5.0, and look forward to your continued feedback and support.

More information is available at opencpn.org

The OpenCPN Development Team
Dave Register, Lead Developer

Ahoy OpenCPN Family...

Well, we did it again.
OpenCPN 5.0.0 is fully released for general download.

I and the rest of the developers cannot tell you how proud and gratified we feel at the level of support received from the Beta Test Team. Sometimes sharp, occasionally cantankerous, but always helpful, your comments and criticisms have helped to form O5 into a great product. You all should be proud, too.

But this in not the end of the road, by any means. We'll take a short break, and then get going on the next round of upgrades and improvements. We have a list of ideas discovered in Beta testing, and they are calling....

Thanks again

Dave, and the entire OpenCPN team.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
---------------------

OpenCPN Version 5.0 Released

The OpenCPN Development Team is proud to announce the release of OpenCPN Version 5.0

This version is a feature upgrade and maintenance release of OpenCPN.

OpenCPN is a cross platform electronic charting system (ECS) supporting a variety of cartography standards and hardware interface protocols. Versions are available for Linux, Windows, Macintosh, and ARM computer architectures.
Since widespread introduction in 2008, OpenCPN has gained a solid reputation.

OpenCPN is running on hardware from tiny Raspberry Pis with 4" screens up to networked workstations. Specific user scenarios and needs are easily accommodated by using the Plug-in architecture and the wide scope of user settings.
A responsive international user and developer community together with integrated documentation help make installation and use of OpenCPN a pleasure.

Some of the features of OpenCPN include:

Quilted Raster(RNC) and Vector(ENC) digital chart display
Full compliant support for official vector charts in S-57/S-63 format and InlandENCs
Industry standard GPS receiver interfacing, with "moving map" on-screen vessel tracking
AIS receiver interfacing with configurable target safety monitoring
Integrated Route, Track, and Waypoint database, with industry standard Import/Export capabilities
Tide and Current prediction, with on-screen overlay of predicted data.
Broad International Language support
PlugIn architecture allowing on-going third-party functional enhancements


OpenCPN is released under the GPLV2 license. The executable program and its source code are available for immediate, free, and unlimited download from opencpn.org, and several other sources.

As a successor to OpenCPN Version 4.8, OpenCPN Version 5.0 contains many new features and enhanced functions.

Among them are:

..Redesigned user interface, incorporating modern user interface elements and concepts.
..Support for multiple chart views simultaneously, using different charts display options if desired.
..User defined templates for easy recall of multiple configurations.
..Support for the widely available MBTiles chart format.
..Extended options for route and Waypoint creation.
..Expanded display of vector chart (ENC) information, including embedded images.
..Measurably improved performance and reliability over all supported platforms.


We hope you enjoy the new features of OpenCPN Version 5.0, and look forward to your continued feedback and support.

More information is available at opencpn.org

The OpenCPN Development Team
Dave Register, Lead Developer

Ahoy OpenCPN Family...

Well, we did it again.
OpenCPN 5.0.0 is fully released for general download.

I and the rest of the developers cannot tell you how proud and gratified we feel at the level of support received from the Beta Test Team. Sometimes sharp, occasionally cantankerous, but always helpful, your comments and criticisms have helped to form O5 into a great product. You all should be proud, too.

But this in not the end of the road, by any means. We'll take a short break, and then get going on the next round of upgrades and improvements. We have a list of ideas discovered in Beta testing, and they are calling....

Thanks again

Dave, and the entire OpenCPN team.

Ahoy OpenCPN family....

The Official Beta test Release Version 4.99.1426 for OpenCPN Version 5 is available now.

Here are the Windows and Mac installer download links:

Windows:
http://opencpn.navnux.org/beta/openc...ad7c_setup.exe
Mac:
http://opencpn.navnux.org/beta/OpenC...26+c1bad7c.dmg

Linux builds will be available later today as the build queue allows.
Linux users will find installable packages at the OpenCPN Beta repository:
https://launchpad.net/~bdbcat/+archive/ubuntu/opencpn

Please check your Flyspray tasks, and request closure on those items that are completed. Or, add additional comments if necessary.

OpenCPN Version 4.99.1426 Changelog
------------------------------------
1. Correct GRIB particle overlay updates in multicanvas mode.(FS#2452)
2. Correct "Overzoom" indicator position. (FS#2454)
3. Correct update of route properties from route manager dialog.(FS#2459)
4. Update WMM icons to MUI style (FS#2457)
5. Allow non-ASCII characters in mbtiles filename
6. Correct global toolbar geometry on resize and collapse (FS#2467)
7. Correct MBTiles high zoom-level display (FS#2453)
8. Correct MBTiles fault on loading some large tilesets (FS#2468)
9. Correct MBTiles overzoom indicator threshold (FS#2455)
10. Improve global toolbar icon for "tracking" (FS#2458)
11. Add new chartBar colors for MBTiles charts (FS#2461)
12. Correct help file links if Doc package is not installed. (FS#2465)
13. Correct toolbar "tracking" icon toggle on/off (FS#2471)
14. Add translatable string "Filter" to route manager dialog.
15. Correctly update ship name on MMSI properties edit dialog (FS#2460)
16. Correct UTF8 conversion on Windows serial port "friendlyName" (FS#2469)
17. Restrict scan of generic linux /dev serial ports to ttyS0 and ttyS1 (FS#2466)
18. Implement ability to hide compass/GPS window by global settings (FS#2479)(FS#2487)
19. Correct inadvertent clearing of layer visibility strings in config file. (FS#2450)
20. Correct NMEA debug window color detection and display. (FS#2481)
21. Restore Lat/Lon copy/paste functionality to Mark properties dialog.(FS#2486)
22. Correct global toolbar layout on resizing of app. (FS#2488)
23. Improve tide/current icon scaling logic for hi res display (FS#2474)
24. Correct fault on Windows portable mode with CR enabled (FS#2493)
25. Improve MBTiles display for sparse maps (FS#2480)
26. Correct fault on language change after viewing RouteProp Dialog (FS#2494)
27. Update "overzoom" and depth unit emboss on language change.
28. Correct update of Tide/Current select list on partial canvas repaint, GL (FS#2490)
28. Correct NMEA0183 message RMB to send VMG instead of SOG
30. In multi-canvas mode, treat first left click on inactive canvas as focus shift.
31. Show alert message if selecting MBTiles charts without OpenGL active.
32. Cancel effect of Ctrl-I (hide compass) after any zoom. (FS#2501)
33. Synchronize compass icon and CanvasOptions dialog for course-up mode.


Good Luck
Dave, and the OpenCPN Team.