Tools to convert old PCX charts to new KAP/BSB files
for this we will need a few items:
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something that can read/open/run PYTHON script
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KONVERTOR (free tool for windows)
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GIMP (is free or other image manipulator) (https://www.gimp.org/)
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IMGKAP (free tool to convert image to KAP) (https://github.com/nohal/imgkap)
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EXEL (for making things simple)
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for this project your files will probably look like
NAME.A01, NAME.A02, NAME.B01, NAME.B02, ect
step 1 :
Open the python script
Run step 1, follow the instructions in the script
Step 2 :
Convert the PCX to PNG with KONVERTOR leaving the png in the original folder
Step 3 :
Open the python script
Run step 3, follow the instructions in the script
step 4 :
Open the created image.png in GIMP
4.1(optional) goto > image > mode > indexed > set colors to 16 to 127 (if you want NIGHT colors for map max 64) but i recomend 24(makes file smaller)
4.2 if done 4.1 file > overwrite image.png
- In some cases some BLOCKS do not show in the final image is because of missing layers, find the blocks (right click) and open with GIMP then goto > image > mode > RGB , and on the layer RIGHT CLICK > ADD ALPA , then : file > overwrite image.png ( if many i suggest you create some key shortcuts to do those steps)
step 5 :
now move the image to the folder IMGKAP is located (if different)
step 6 :
open the EXEL sheet.
fill in the BLUE tiles:
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ZONE
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NAME
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SCALE
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Chart Datum (important! you have the correct one)(OPEN CPN does not reconize some DATUM's so you can move the map by hand using the OFFSET row)
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Top right LAT, LON + coresponding PIXEL coordinates ( read in GIMP )
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Bottom left LAT, LON + coresponding PIXEL coordinates ( read in GIMP )
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Image size X,Y and DPI (DDI)
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from the block "KAP FILE FORMAT "
select all the green tiles and CTR + C
Step 7 : go to the folder IMGKAP is and create new .TXT file
open file and PASTE copied text
save
go to exel
copy the text next to "KAP FILE FORMAT" that ends in ".kap"
rename the just made .TXT file with the copied text
step 8 (OPTIONAL):
follow steps in step 7 for the "BSB FILE FORMAT "
Programs such as OPENCPN dont need a BSB file, only the kap file
step 9 :
OPEN IMGKAP
go to exel and copy either one of the green tiles from "IMGKAP copy paste"
and paste it in the IMGKAP
automaticly a kap file is created in the same folder that can now be read in navigation program
I am looking to create a DATABASE of old PCX charts and share them. if you have used this and can share the final charts that would be appreciated. send a email to info@mari-caribbean.com
HAVING TROUBLE RUNNING IMGKAP?
open command prompt (start > cmd)
type > "cd URL/imgkapfolder" > enter
now you can paste the text from exel
ADVANCED:
For those that want to i find the "white" text on the map a bit dull open the map KAP file with (https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/) and look for :
RGB/X,0,0,0 see what number is at the X
scroll down to NGT/X and change the numbers to ,99,99,99 (the map glitches if more then 99 for some reason)
SAVE
now the white text should be more legible