Install Aboard

There are several Windows settings you should review before proceeding. If you don’t feel comfortable following the instructions below, consider seeking help from a friendly Windows expert.

Remote Desktop

Enable Windows to accept Remote Desktop Protocol connections. This is crucial if you are connecting a tablet that functions as a wireless display on the deck.

If you’re using Windows 11, you can find this option by selecting Settings > System > Remote Desktop. On the panel, turn on the “Remote Desktop” switch. In the dropdown pane, check the “Require devices to use Network Level Authentication…” box.

In Windows 10, you can find this option by selecting Settings > System > Remote Desktop. In the panel, turn on the “Enable Remote Desktop” switch. After confirmation, you will see a couple of checkboxes below. Both should be checked.

If still on Windows 7, click the Start button, right-click on “Computer”, and select “Properties” from the context menu. A new window appears. In the left panel, click on the Remote Settings option. The System Properties window opens; select the “Remote” tab. In the Remote Desktop section below, click the “Allow connections from computers running any version of…” button. Click OK.

Don’t go to sleep

Avoid sleep state when the lid is closed. This only applies to notebooks and keeps it working even when you close the display cover.

When using Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power. Expand “Lid, power & sleep button controls” pane. For “Plugged in” and “On battery“, select “Shutdown” for “Pressing the power button will make my PC”. Then, choose “Do Nothing” for “Pressing the sleep button will make my PC” and “Closing the lid will make my PC” options.

If using Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep. Click “Additional power settings” in the right panel under Related Settings. A new form opens.  On the left panel, pick “Choose what closing the lid does.” Select “Do Nothing” on the following form for the “When I close the lid” drop-down lists.

In Windows 7, use the Start button, then open the Control Panel. Select Power Options, and a new form will open. On the left panel, pick “Choose what closing the lid does.” Select “Do Nothing” for the option “When I close the lid” from the drop-down lists.  Click on “Save Changes”.

Avoid sleep state and screen off by time-out. By default, Windows might enter a sleep state or turn off the display after an interval without activity. This applies to notebooks and mini-PCs.

In Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Power and expand the “Screen sleep & hibernate timeouts.” For the “Plugged in” and “On battery” options, select “Never” for all three: “Turn my screen off after“, “Make my device sleep after“, and “Make my device hibernate after“.

For Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep. On the right, for the Screen and Sleep options panel, select “Never” for the “When plugged in…” and “On battery power…” drop-down lists.

Using Windows 7, use the Start button, then open the Control Panel. Select “Power Options”, and a new form will open. For the active plan, click “Change plan settings“. A new form opens. For “Plugged in” and the “On battery” columns, in the “Dim the display:”, “Turn off the display:”, and “Put the computer to sleep:” options, pick “Never”. Click on “Save Changes”.

Deal with the crazy mouse!

When Windows starts, it searches for a legacy serial mouse on any RS-232 (real or virtual) port operating at 4800 baud. Many marine instruments utilize the same connection standard.

In short, at startup, Windows can mistakenly recognize an active USB GPS as one of those obsolete Microsoft mice. The operating system interprets the data sent by the GPS as mouse movements and actions. You might notice the cursor on the screen jumping around, causing erratic behavior on the desktop. The best solution is a bit tricky, so proceed with caution!

The following method works for Windows 7, 10, and 11 by changing a setting in the Registry. These are the steps:

1. Press the [Windows] + R keys. The Run dialog will appear.
2. In the Open field, type “regedit” and hit the Enter key.
3. The “User Account Control” dialog will request confirmation. Click on “YES“. The “Registry Editor” will launch.
4. Use the left panel to navigate through the Registry’s structure to the key identified as “KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sermouse“.
5. Once this key is selected, look at the right-hand panel, where you should find an item named “Start”.
6. Double-click the “Start” item. A small window will open, allowing you to modify its value.
7. In the “Value data:” box, change the value to 4. Click the “OK” button.
8. Exit the “Registry Editor” window.

Note: Setting the Start item value to 4 will stop Windows from searching for serial mice.

Is .NET Framework 3.5 installed?

EVOLUTION needs this Windows feature to be installed. Sometimes, the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is part of the Windows installation; other times, you will need to enable this feature manually.

On Windows 10 and 11, use the search icon on the taskbar to enter “Turn Windows features on or off”. At the top of the search pane, Windows will offer this app. Click on it, and a new form will open. If you see that the .Net Framework 3.5 option is not checked, check it and click the “OK” button. Windows will download and install this feature.

If you are using Windows 7, this feature should always be installed. Anyhow, you can verify it on the “Windows Features” form. Use the “Start” button, open the Control Panel, and select “Programs and Features”.  A new form opens. On the top left, click “Turn Windows features on or off.” On the new form, look for the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 option. If it is not checked, check it and click “OK“.

If Windows needs to download .NET Framework 3.5, the computer should be connected to the Internet.

When it comes to short races, having tactical data on deck is crucial! The best way to achieve this is by using an Android or iOS tablet that wirelessly connects to the computer below deck.

Here are some features to consider:

In order of importance, here are our friendly recommendations for a display tablet on deck:

1. Readable in bright sunlight. Aim for a backlit screen of 600 nits or more; 1000 nits or higher is excellent!
2. Look for a tablet with an IP67 or IP68 rating. If that’s not an option, a waterproof case or bag is necessary, but it may limit sunlight readability.
3. Sturdy construction. This tablet should withstand a good bump or two on deck!
4. Long battery life. Ensure it can last a full day of competition without needing a recharge.
5. Comfortable screen size. This is completely up to your preference, but we suggest sizes around 10 or 8 inches.
6. Exclusive use. For optimal results, please use this device solely for sailing purposes and refrain from using it for personal, family, or work tasks.
7. Get an excellent USB charging adapter with a 12V DC input.

We are excited about the 8-inch PRO TRIPLTEK model! Another great option is the Panasonic Toughbook A3. For more choices, search Google for “rugged outdoor Android tablet” and see what catches your eye. If any options spark your interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to review them with you.

Connecting the display on deck:

A simple router is the best way to establish a connection between the tablet and the onboard computer. Select a 12VDC model that can draw power from the boat’s batteries.

1. Set up the router’s Wi-Fi with a straightforward name and password.
2. To enhance the Wi-Fi signal on deck, position the router below near where you’ll be using the wireless display. For carbon-fiber boats, we recommend a different setup. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more options!
3. Connect the computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. It’s best to avoid Wi-Fi here, as it can double the bandwidth usage.
4. Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop, now available as a Windows App, from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This handy app lets you control the computer right from the deck!
5. And now for the final steps! Connect the tablet to the router and set up a new desktop connection in the app.

You’re all set! Now, you can start using EVOLUTION from the wireless display.

Take your time to get familiar with Remote Desktop or Windows App. You’ll find plenty of helpful tutorials online, as it’s a popular application. If you need assistance, please contact us or your local Windows support team.

Install

Installing EVOLUTION is quite simple. You may start by downloading the latest version.

If a previous version of EVOLUTION is present, you will need to uninstall it using the usual Windows procedure. Don’t worry; all your current configurations will be preserved.

Unzip the EVOLUTION Setup 3_x_yy.zip file. Then run setup.exe.

Activate

Activating EVOLUTION enables the exchange of data with the instruments. By acquiring a User License, you can activate EVOLUTION on a single computer, the onboard computer.

Yet, it is NOT necessary to activate EVOLUTION on other computers to download forecasts, review races, create courses, manage waypoints, etc.

Use the following instructions for the activation:

1. Run EVOLUTION. Wait a few seconds, then check the folder Documents\My EVOLUTION; you will find a file with an extension “.req”, for example, evolution_0EKGASJ.req
2. Copy and send the .req file to support@evolution-tactic.com
3. We will send you back a file with a “.lic” extension, for instance, evolution_0EKGASJ‑0EKGAW8.lic
4. Copy the “.lic” file to the “My EVOLUTION” folder.
5. Rerun EVOLUTION to complete the activation.

Once done, this procedure deletes the “. lic” file from the My EVOLUTION folder.

Please do not rename, open, or alter the content of the “.req” and “.lic” files; otherwise, activation will fail. It is advisable to create a backup copy of both files, as you may need them again if you have to reinstall Windows and EVOLUTION on the same computer.

You can use EVOLUTION on any Intel/AMD x86-based computer running Microsoft Windows. Any version since XP will work. However, we recommend using Windows 10/11 Professional. A 4-core CPU with 4GB of RAM and a 250GB SSD will have power in excess to run EVOLUTION.

Please remember that if you will be using a wireless deck display connected through the Microsoft Remote Desktop utility, it is mandatory to use the Professional version of Windows.

You can choose a mini-PC for an onboard computer, usually remaining fixed aboard. Or you can go with a notebook you can take after sailing.

If you prefer an industrial mini-PC…

• Go for one with a fan-less cooling system and complete aluminum casing.
• Be sure to select a 12 volts model that can connect directly to the boat’s power.
• Find a secluded dry, and well-ventilated place. For example, under the cockpit floor or a dry locker.
• Avoid electrical connections between the PC case and the boat’s structure. Try using plastic pad-eyes and zip-ties to fix the mini-PC in place.
• Select a 12 VDC small display, a mouse, and a keyboard of your choice. With the system configured, you can opt to use a tablet on deck to control the mini-PC so that you can store these gadgets away in a dry place.

If you use a notebook…

• Aim for a small one. They are easier to carry and protect.
• Choose a rugged or sturdy model. We like Panasonic Toughbook, Durabook, Getac, and Dell, but you can decide on a regular model.
• You will also need a 12 VDC adapter for the specific model you pick.
• There are many ways to secure the notebook to the boat. Remember that the display lid would be closed most of the time since you’ll use a deck display (tablet) to control the notebook below. Using custom-made shelves or open mesh fabric are some excellent options.
• If this is a used notebook, do a Windows clean install, eliminating unnecessary apps and files.

Now that EVOLUTION is installed, there are a few more steps before we can start sailing:

Buy C-MAP nautical charts

Before using EVOLUTION on your boat, you will need charts of the region you sail. In a separate article, you will find a detailed guide.

Create your boat’s configuration

You probably notice that when you open EVOLUTION, the active boat is ARG-5000 Fortuna 3. It is there as a demo so that you can try out some of the system’s offline features.

Because there are many possible instruments alternatives, brands, models, versions, and ways to connect them to the onboard computer, we prefer to provide your boat’s configuration as a free service. This includes creating the polar curves with the best data we can find.

We will provide preconfigured files specific to your boat that you load and select on your computer.

Calibrate the instruments

After testing that EVOLUTION receives data from the instruments, the next step is checking that the compass, wind, and boat-speed sensors are measuring correctly. This requires a set of unique procedures, which are the topic of other articles.

Relying upon well-calibrated sensors is an ongoing issue, so the team member responsible for the boat’s electronics should learn to keep them working correctly.