netAIS Signal K plugin
v. 0.1
Exchange AIS-like messages via the Internet to watch position members of your private group. No need for a dedicated server with a real IP address.
Suitable for fishing, regatta and collective water recreation.
Software use TOR as a communication environment, so it works smoothly via mobile internet and public wi-fi.
Features
- Service one private group.
- Membership in any number of groups.
Technical
Plugin includes a client and a server for one private group. The server must be configured as a TOR hidden service.
You must get .onion address of this hidden service in any way - by email, SMS or pigeon post, and configure the client with it.
The client calls to the server with spatial and other info in AIS-like format. Server return info about all of the group members.
Demo
Public group for testing:
2q6q4phwaduy4mly2mrujxlhpjg7el7z2b4u6s7spghylcd6bv3eqvyd.onion This address are default on client configuration interface.
All active group members are visible on GaladrielMap Live demo.
Compatibility
Signal K server.
Install&configure:
You must have TOR service installed.
Install plugin from Signal K Appstore as netais.
Restart Signal K,
Use Server -> Plugin Config menu to configure plugin.
Press Submit to save changes.
TOR hidden service
If TOR is in the same computer as SignalK, configure TOR hidden service to serve localhost:3100 (default) address. Simplest way to it is just adding
HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service_netAIS/
HiddenServicePort 80 localhost:3100
strings to "location-hidden services" section of /etc/tor/torrc.
After restart TOR, get address you hidden service by
sudo cat /var/lib/tor/hidden_service_netAIS/hostname
If TOR is on a different computer than SignalK, replace localhost with the SignalK address.
It's all no need if you want to be a group member only. But a working TOR should be.
Usage
Any Signal K chartplotters will show netAIS targets in the usual way.
Support
The forum will be more lively if you make a donation via PayPal at galadrielmap@gmail.com or at ЮMoney