We’ve tried to make the Rockit as simple as possible to use.

However, we are still very much aware that all boats are different and while installing then using Rockit our users will come up against unforeseen complications. So, if you get stuck or have what you think is a stupid question let us know by emailing support@ashtree-marine.com.

We wanted to create a device with the Rockit that could be picked up and taken home on the train. Something that would give the user the ability to connect the device to a home network and analyse the information they have collected whilst sailing on a bigger screen…. ideally with a nice glass of wine.

However, it was pretty obvious to us early in the development process that running complex analysis needs a bigger screen than we could provide in the marine environment.

So there are two versions of the Rockit software. The cutdown version that runs on the Rockit Server collection process and records information from source boat and a more complex version that has more developed analytic capabilities.

The Rockit data collection software package is designed to run with a MySQL database on a Laptop computer. The instructions in this section explain how to install the software using the installer package downloaded from the Ashtree Marine website.

The following steps need to be followed to complete the installation on a laptop.

1. Download Rockit Server Software from the Ashtree Marine Website

2. Run the downloaded Rockit Installation software.

3. Start the software and enter a valid license key.

These instructions are for the installation of the Rockit Server software on windows.

How do I get the information out of my boats network?

Most modern sailing boats have networks that run on NMEA 2000 protocol or proprietary variants of that type.

If you have already setup an interface between your computer and the boats network, then you can move onto the next stage in this user guide. If not, then read on.

If you bought a Rockit bundle you will have received in the box either a USB or Wireless interface device. Follow the separate instruction booklet with that device to get the data flowing to your computer. We bundle devices from Actisense because we find them relatively easy to setup and generally reliable. If you get stuck, they also have good technical support that will be able to help you.

If you didn’t buy the bundle and don’t have an existing device to connect to you will need to purchase and install one.

Once you have connected the Rockit Server to your boats NMEA network you need to tell Rockit about the boat.

Thats a relatively simple process you can record as little or as much about the boats configuration as you like.

To get the most out of Rockit you will at least need to record the details of the sails that you are using as that information will be used to generate the sail cross overcharts we talk about later in this User Guide.

Boat configuration involves the following steps;

1. Create a Boat Definition

2. Adding one or more Boat Config Items

3. Picking the Config Item Type to add to the Boat Definition

4. Giving a Value to the Selected Boat Config Item

5. If you have them upload a set of base Polar data from a Velocity Prediction Programme.