UI - feedback requested

[jvde-github]

Experimental GUI for AIS-catcher

I've developed an experimental version of a GUI for AIS-catcher that includes a setup wizard. After further testing, this will be integrated into the main branch.

Notes before you start:

• The program remains backward compatible with existing usage.
• GUI mode uses a separate JSON configuration file, created automatically on first start. The idea is that you don't edit it by hand: all configuration is done via the GUI (setup wizard, Input/Output panels).

Installation

Choose one of the following methods to test the preview.

Option 1 — Docker

docker run -d --name ais-catcher --restart unless-stopped --network host \
  -v ais-config:/config \
  --device /dev/bus/usb \
  ghcr.io/jvde-github/ais-catcher:managed \
  -E /config/config.json

The container starts the GUI right away — continue at Opening the GUI below. To reach the GUI from another machine (e.g. a headless Raspberry Pi), append 0.0.0.0 after the config path; you will then be asked to set an admin password on first visit:

  ... ghcr.io/jvde-github/ais-catcher:managed -E /config/config.json 0.0.0.0

Option 2 — Windows

Download and extract AIS-catcher.x64.zip, then run start.bat (or AIS-catcher.exe -E).

Option 3 — Debian / Ubuntu / Raspberry Pi package

Install the matching .deb from the preview release, then start with:

AIS-catcher -E

For access from another machine use AIS-catcher -E 0.0.0.0 (asks you to set a password on first visit).

Option 4 — Build from source

Build the managed branch from the AIS-catcher repository, then start with AIS-catcher -E.

Opening the GUI

Open your browser and go to http://localhost:8118 (or http://<device address>:8118 for remote access). The GUI runs on port 8118 and the built-in viewer on port 8119 — allow both through a firewall if needed.

Screenshots

Main interface

Setup wizard

[jvde-github]

The UI is essentially the familiar webviewer with an additional control section at the bottom similar to AIS-catcher-for-Android:

[flygfantast]

Trying to download the Windows version (option 2), but I only get an error 404 :(

[jvde-github]

Apologies, should be restored now. Note that start.bat will also open a web viewer.

[flygfantast]

Installed and running now. At first glance I can't actually find any bugs and it was very simple to get started. Looking very good.

Only thing missing is the ability to restart instead och pressing "Stop" and then "Start". :)

Nice work.