OpenPlotter v4 , install guide

Updated 2025-12-01 !

OpenPlotter(OP), a Boat Navigation application, is really a nice and simple installation of

• OpenPlotter(OP)
• OpenCPN(OC)
• SignalK(SK) 

and other supporting applications for Your boat.

An overall information about the OP package is found here 

and you can watch the OP v4 progress here.

Intro

OpenPlotter v4, just 64 bit, will only work on Debian 12 Bookworm, Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy or any of their derivatives

If you want an older variant check out OP v3.

Just want to install SK ? Link here.

Just install OC ? => "sudo apt install opencpn" Install info here and chart info here

The documentation for OP is found here.

Using the SeaTalk 1 interface ?

Installing from image(Option A)
You have different images to choose from, but download one of the them, unzip and use these instructions to install. 

When using remote access...

• User: pi
  
• Password: raspberry
  
• Headless hotspot SSID: OpenPlotter
  
• Headless hotspot password: 12345678
  
• Headless VNC address: openplotter.local
  
• Headless SSH: ssh pi@openplotter.local

Then go on with Final setup below.

Installing from Raspberry Pi OS(Option B)
I used the Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm 64 bit headless install.

In a terminal/ssh session, always start updating with 

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo apt clean

continue and install the dependencies

sudo apt install python3-wxgtk4.0 python3-ujson python3-pyudev vlc matchbox-keyboard

Download the latest "openplotter-settings" deb file from Cloudsmith.

Please note that there are several versions so the best way is to sort by name

Download the latest, 2025-12, with  

wget https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/openplotter/openplotter/deb/debian/pool/bookworm/main/o/op/openplotter-settings_4.2.9-stable/openplotter-settings_4.9.0-stable_all.deb

Install with 

sudo dpkg -i openplotter-settings_4.2.9-stable_all.deb

Final setup 

In the GUI open "Applications => Other => Settings"

Click on ”Add Sources” and after that "Get Candidates" which will update the list of possible applications.

Mark the row with the application You want to install and click on "Install" in the right part.

Every new application will create a separate Icon in "Other" from where it will be started.

After installing the "Serial" OP application You can add serial USB devices to OP.
(Another way, not recommended, is to add them direct in SK)

Installing Signal K(SK)
Install the "Signal K installer" which will do the job. Additional instructions are found here.

Installing OpenCPN(OC)

Install instructions is found here together with charts. Additional info is found here.

OP update
If You have been running OP for a while and want to update to the latest development, update with;

• In "OpenPlotter Settings", click on "Add Sources", then "Update Candidates" to check if there any updates
• In a ssh/Terminal session update, OP and RPiOS, with $ sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo apt clean

Remark

Don't miss the OP active forum !!