Open-source radar server for Navico/B&G/Simrad HALO radars. Receive live radar data over your local network and view it from any device with a web browser.
Early DevelopmentWhat is BlipWatch?
BlipWatch is a lightweight Node.js server that connects directly to Navico HALO-family marine radars over Ethernet. It decodes live radar spoke data, renders radar imagery in real time, and serves it through standard HTTP and WebSocket endpoints — making radar data accessible to any device on your network.
Whether you want to view radar on a tablet in the cockpit, a phone belowdecks, or monitor remotely from a PC, BlipWatch provides the data pipeline to make that possible.
Current Capabilities
Live Radar Rendering
Decodes HALO radar spokes and renders 1024×1024 PNG radar images in real time.
HTTP & WebSocket API
RESTful endpoints for radar imagery, status, and replay. WebSocket streaming for live updates.
Radar Discovery
Passive multicast discovery automatically finds HALO radars on the local network.
Replay Buffer
In-memory replay lets you scrub back through recent radar history.
Web Dashboard
Built-in browser UI for live radar viewing, replay controls, and diagnostics.
Radar Control
Opt-in transmit/standby, range, gain, sea clutter, and rain clutter controls via UDP commands.
Cross-Platform
Runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows. Docker images for AMD64 and ARM64 (Raspberry Pi).
Open Source
Licensed under GPL-3.0. Inspect, modify, and contribute freely.
Screenshots
Project Status
BlipWatch is in early active development. The core radar receive, decode, and render pipeline is functional and has been validated against real HALO hardware on a local Ethernet network. The HTTP API, WebSocket streaming, replay buffer, and browser dashboard are operational.
Current development is focused on hardware integration maturity, protocol coverage, rendering refinements, and packaging for easier installation.
This project is mostly vibe-coded with AI assistance, but required hands-on manual coding and real-world debugging by a software engineer with 30+ years of experience — developed and tested using a real Simrad HALO20+ radar while at anchor.
The project is not yet recommended for production or safety-critical use. APIs and configuration may change between releases.
Roadmap
- Target/MARPA tracking and risk assessment/notification
- Anchor location selection assistant
- Publish easy-to-install packages (npm, Docker, standalone binaries) for simple deployment on boats and home networks
- Enable advanced use of HALO-based radars beyond traditional chartplotter displays
- Provide increased access to radar data on alternative devices — tablets, phones, and PCs — over local networks and over the internet when away from the vessel
- Expanded protocol support and hardware compatibility across the Navico HALO family
Safety Notice
BlipWatch is experimental situational-awareness software. It is not a certified navigation aid, radar ARPA, collision-avoidance system, or safety-of-life system.
Do not rely on BlipWatch as a substitute for proper watchkeeping, certified marine instruments, or any safety-of-life function. Maintain compliance with COLREGS Rule 5 (proper lookout) and all applicable maritime regulations at all times.