ShipModul Marine Electronics has come out with a new product, a Bluetooth enabled NMEA multiplexer, that facilitates wireless communication between your PC and marine instruments like a GPS, wind & depth meters or compass. The multiplexer functions as a sort of 'hub' between these different devices, and since it's a Class 1 Bluetooth device, it operates within a theoretical range of 300ft. It works with all products that are based on the NMEA-0183 standard. This surely a nice product, but let's hope Zigbee-devices will arrive soon so that we can cut all cords between sensors, displays, multiplexers (if required at all al that time) and PC's.
"The MiniPlex-42BT communicates with a computer through its' Bluetooth interface for computerized nagivation. No cables need to be attached. Just placing your laptop at the chart table, or just being on board for that matter, is enough to communicate with your navigation system. Both NMEA outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of the NMEA data to up to eight instruments."
Wired reviews three portable generators and lists Yamaha's EF1000iS as a best buy at $799, altough the Honda EU2000i pumps out 2 kilowatts for up to 15 hours per 1.1-gallon tank of unleaded, making it the most powerful luggable unit available.
"Yamaha's pint-size EF1000iS purrs at between 47 and 57 dB and weighs a mere 28 pounds, yet puts out up to 12 hours of 1-kilowatt power. Like the Honda, it comes equipped with a built-in inverter, making it safe for finicky electronics. Its 0.66-gallon tank is completely sealable for transport, and it boasts a unique valve for draining the carburetor to prevent gummy buildup."
A bit further on the same page three fish finders are compared, claiming Navman FISH 4500 is your best buy, with Furuno's FCV600L not doing bad as well.
"The only thing missing from this tracker is a TV tuner. Then again, you'll be so busy reeling them in you won't have time for a break. The finder emits two sets of sound waves and, based on how many bounce back, it demystifies the deep. The results, including likely fish, appear on the high-resolution 5.6-inch LCD. The Furuno is easy to set up and searches down to 3,000 feet."
A while ago, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), set up the Grand Challenge, a driverless robot race from LA to Las Vegas. Ever since there has been a lot of press coverage on it. Reading this extensive article in Wired, I was just wondering what impact such a challenge might have on autopilots and other marine electronics. How long before we have a Grand Challenge Sailing Around the World, unaided by any human?
"Just about everyone in the Grand Challenge, Darpa reports, is building a robot guided by some combination of radar, ladar (a laser used to measure distance), stereo vision, and GPS. Radar picks out man-made stuff, particularly if it moves, and big rocks, too. Lasers sweep left and right, scanning the route ahead, assessing the terrain every foot or so, and sending back a picture that on a display looks a bit like the world rendered in pinstripes. Stereo vision is nearsighted but provides sharp, 3-D images up close."
Over at Nautical Web, a do-it-yourself-guide for the installation of an air-conditioning system. Even if you do not plan to do it yourself, this article can be very interesting since it offers good background information if you're relatively new to this field.
"The most interesting thing, which is the good news of recent years, is that the 'small' systems are quite easy to install and reasonably inexpensive. Considering the advantages of the air-conditioning on a boat, the installation of an air-conditioning system is quite simple and anybody with a bit of "do it yourself" experience and a with few, non specific tools, will be capable of a successful installation of a compact system."
Integrated or not, this chart plotter/GPS receiver stands apart
Feb 28, 2004
Northstar’s new 6000i, an integrated navigation system, is getting a lot of attention from the press, very positive overall. Here you can find a fairly extensive review, but many others are available as well.
"Display of video information rounds out the capabilities of the 6000i. Video can be shown in full screen, split screen or in a window, whose size, format and position are adjustable. As the radar display does, the window offers adjustable opacity, allowing you to layer information. The uses for the video display, however, are far too numerous to explore in this overview."
Straightforward column in Yachting that discusses the different options for connecting your boat to the internet. As we know, different options are available depending on your specific requirements. Expect more developments in the near future...
"In response to year-round professional demands, more and more yachtsmen are equipping their boats with technology that enables them to cruise off the beaten path while making phone calls, exchanging e-mails and transferring files of all sizes. These communicat"ion capabilities, once enjoyed only by those aboard megayachts, are now available for midsize vessels."
Simrad has launched a NMEA 2000 compatible networking system. Using an active interface SimNet is also able to connect to existing equipment using NMEA 0183.
"The new Simrad SimNet plug and play integration system provides an exceptionally easy installation and interface between plotters, radar, autopilots, VHF radios and other instruments. SimNet offers the simplest solution for the integration of marine electronics and is set to revolutionize on board connectivity between navigation, steering and communication systems. It's size makes installation of onboard networks easy, 10mm holes are all that are required to feed the cable through bulkheads and walls and deck. This has been achieved by downsizing the plugs themselves and by designing the system to run without the large "ferrite interference suppresser" blocks found on other data cabling systems."
To have music all over the boat might not appeal to everyone on board at the same time. Therefore a product has been developed that will make it easier to have a personalized audio experience.
"To enjoy a stereo's full sound in different areas of the boat, additional speakers are normally used. Poly-Planar's new ME-50 Expansion Amplifier is designed for the boater who wants to relax on the back deck and turn up the music-all without waking a sleeping crew member or distracting the captain at the helm."
Some tips (pdf) that might save you a lot of money and hassle if your boat is fully equiped with electrical instruments, displays, compasses, etc...
"If the weather this time of the year is cold enough for you to give up sailing for a few months and curl up in a warm place, there’s a good chance that the electronic equipment on your boat would appreciate a little of the same treatment. A little extra care when the weather is cold can add considerably to the useful life of most electronics."
Networked systems, allowing you to have integrated access to all relevant data on one display, are all the rage these days. Over at Practical-Sailor.com they have a review of two high-end systems: Furuno vs. Raymarine.
"Lots of marine electronics makers produce stand-alone components like a radar, chartplotter, or depthsounder. It used to be the only way to go. But, nowadays integrated units are all the rage, and are available from several manufacturers, including SI-TEX and Simrad. But to take things to the highest level, to what is today the state of the art, you'll need a "networked" system."
Several companies are offering solutions that allow users to seamlessly roam between different types of (data and voice) networks, based on availability, but also preferences like bandwith and cost. Typically these solutions are hardware oriented (PC cards), but for offshore (30m+) use other types of connectivity (i.e. satellite) should also be included via a software solution. However, when sailing close to shore and with more and more marina's offering Wi-Fi access, these PC-cards can be a very interesting solution.
"'Seamless' to us means that the user isn't necessarily aware which wireless technology he or she is connecting by, and as he or she passes from one coverage zone to another - hotspot to GPRS, say - the system performs a smooth handover."
KVH has developed a new system, eTrac, allowing crew to send out an emergency message containing realt-time position data. Other systems are availaible, but this complies with all new standards like SOLAS and has low lifetime cost.
"Sadly, the danger of hijacking by international terrorists or boarding by pirates is not limited to large commercial ships," explained Ian Palmer, KVH's vice president of satellite sales. "The ability to alert shore-based authorities instantly to any danger is critical to the safety of crews, passengers, harbors, and people on shore. With its global satellite communications capability, multiple 'panic buttons' and integrated GPS, the KVH eTrac SSAS is well-suited for this task."
When GPS fails, it's good to be able to use celestial navigation. A new product is available that will allow you to use it faster.
"After many years of effort, the PROFIX 2004 software program for absolute Celestial Navigation has passed its "shakedown trials" and will be relesed shortly. Finally, a Celestial Navigator will be able to establish the precise fix of his vessel anywhere in the World, from Celestial observations and ANY and ALL Celestial Bodies! The speed is phenomenal, and a precise fix can be completed within minutes - not hours - as all other celestial navigation systems presently require."
Article in The Boating News detailing the effort to stuff an Island Packet 485 with electronics. It's high-end from a main-stream perspective, and the company that carries out the work offers some learnings.
"One aspect to keep in mind is the use of the inverter with the new systems on the market today. The sensitivity of displays in some computers and LCD TVs have created the need for a pure sine wave unit Household items such as microwaves don't seem to have these same problems but a pure sine wave inverter will be more reliable for a computer-based navigation system."
All the basic building blocks of the radar system fully integrated on one chip, including power generation, signal processing, and dozens of other functions? This would save a lot of precious space on ships that require a radar, and it has some other advantages as well. Update: for more information have a look at the Slashdot discussion on this topic.
"Now a team of electrical engineers at the California Institute of Technology has shrunk the functions of a radar system into one tiny, intricately designed silicon chip and eight minuscule antennas.
"Using these extremely high frequencies, you can first capture location, sending out pulses and scanning the area like a bat," said Volkan Ozguz, chief scientist at Irvine Sensors in Costa Mesa, Calif. Irvine Sensors makes miniature electronic systems, including sensors. "Then, using the same chipset, you can start communicating at high frequency," exchanging information without switching to different equipment, he said.
"It should cost no more than a few dollars," he said."
Real-time access to high-quality weather information is as much important as it is difficult. Since internet access is not (yet) ubiquitous, alternatives are popping up that seem to combine strengts of all available technologies.
"The Weather Channel Marine (WCM) service is a continuous stream of live onboard weather from a single analytical source. This packet of information is transmitted from orbiting satellites to a small onboard antenna, then on to a decoding black box, and finally to your computer or monitor screen."
A roundup over at Motor Boating Magazine of different GPS related electronics that will be hot on the market this year.
"For the must-have-it-all skippers, the multifunction, full-featured combinations are most desirable. Furuno, Northstar, Raymarine and Simrad offer exceptional units that include the works—GPS, chartplotter, fishfinder, radar and radar overlay technology. All of these manufacturers either have or are developing networking capabilities that allow you to plug into onboard Internet communications systems to download weather reports and e-mail or even capture on-screen video."
An alarm system that can be hooked up to your outdoor soundsystem might provide a very good solution when problems arise, be it thieves or water.
"Billed as “The only marine alarm system that won’t be ignored,” the VoiceAlarm not only sounds a siren or air horn if a problem is sensed, but it also broadcasts a message in your own (recorded) voice. And it’s loud. With a 240-watt onboard speaker system, your voice can be heard from up to a mile away! Here’s a sample message from the VoiceAlarm Web site: “Warning! Warning! The vessel Laid Back at mooring buoy number 23 in the Salinas Yacht Club Harbor has experienced a high water alarm. Please contact the dockmaster at the Salinas Yacht Club at 727-555-1234 and John Smith at 727-555-1234, immediately!”
It's been out for a while, but it received one of Motor Boating Editors’ Choice Awards. I think it's a good example of how boats are being (wirelessly) networked, and that displays therefore do not require computing power in itself. All this allows far more flexibility and possibilities for the use of electronics on board.
"It may seem like a toy, and some fishermen think it is, but Humminbird's SmartCast deserves a serious look for its wireless technology. A portable sensor is imbedded in a bobber that you cast out; the sensor sends "pictures" of fish and bottom contours to a small display screen. The screen can be located in a mobile station or mounted on a fishing rod. It's even available in a wristwatch configuration."
Was reading an article in Slasdot on 3D displays that do not require any glasses to work. I was just imagining that this could be a convenient interface for all kind of data and graphics when sailing, fishing or racing. Guess it will take a while before we see a glass compass replaced by something like this, but, who knows...
"Hitachi, Ltd has developed a 3D display called Transpost which can be viewed from any direction without wearing special glasses. 3D movies can be seen as floating in the display. Also, 3D movies captured at other places can be shown on the display in realtime. The principle of the device is that 2D images of an object taken from 24 different directions are projected to a special rotating screen. They also developed a camera which can capture images from 24 directions simultaneously." The pictures are interesting, but..."
Altough not very different then some of the more off-shore Wi-Fi initiatives in the (at least) US, I really like this example of ubiquitous wireless internet in India. Let's see if we can make something like that happen in, let's say, the Med.
"A lake in North India famous for its tourist houseboats has become one large wireless hot spot. A Times of India report called Lake Dal in the state of Kashmir "the first Wi-Fi enabled lake in the country, and perhaps the world". Tourists flock to the picturesque lake for its rustic tranquility, but those who prefer to stay connected can now also browse the Web and check email while afloat on native houseboats, said the report."
Article in the Ocean Navigator Online discussing (subscription required) the challenges when retrofitting yachts that were designed decades ago. A special focus is on the electrical systems, given the different needs and possibilities for navigation, communication and entertainment.
"The refit yard tasked with updating an older vessel's electronic equipment will often find a daunting undertaking. Flat-panel displays, keyboards and hard drives are simply difficult to incorporate into 1960s cabin styling, which was designed when this gear could only be seen on episodes of Star Trek and Lost in Space."
"Now enjoy the portability of powering iPod in your car/boat; the ability to use a single power supply for any FireWire bus-powered devices; and the convenience of charging cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players on the road with an USB charger."
Since boats are increasingly stuffed with electronics (instrumental, entertainment, camera's etc), it might make sense to network your boat. And if you do so, consider to create a wireless network since not many boats are built with network drops in every room, let alone on deck.... Another compelling reason is that more and more marina's provide internet access via a Wi-Fi access point, and some companies even offer it up to 30 miles at sea. Business Week runs a 'basics' article on when and how to setup a wireless network. Of course boats have specific requirements, this is a topic I will cover later on.
"Why should I even consider a wireless network for my home? The first question is really why you would want any sort of network. The most common reason is to allow more than one computer to share a broadband Internet connection. Increasingly, though, the home network is moving beyond PCs to include consumer-electronics devices (for example, to obtain electronic TV program guides), game consoles (for online multiplayer gaming), and home-security and heating-and-cooling systems (for control and monitoring)."
A cold and freshly tapped beer on the sunny aft deck
Feb 24, 2004
Instead of stuffing your small on-board refrigerator with sixpacks, you might consider this new product developed by Heineken and Krups. It will save precious space, and will serve 20 nice cool beers from 1 keg.
"How does it work? Consumers insert the proprietary, compact, 4-litre Heineken keg in the BeerTender appliance, which keeps the keg at the right temperature and in optimal condition for a period of three weeks after the first beer is tapped. Beers taste just like they do in a real bar, minus the smoke and corny jokes."
Would you like to have on-board access to your complete DVD and CD collection without losing any valuable space for CD-racks, etc? Molino Media Mogul is a good example of a device that could help you do that.
"Ever wish you could store full, uncompressed copies of all your Music CDs, Movie DVDs, Home Videos, and Digital Photo in one place? Now you can. Molino Networks, a California based company, has just launched their iteration of a true digital media server named the Molino Media Mogul. An A/V receiver sized device that can store and playback up to 50 DVDs, 500 CDs, 10,000s of digital photos or hundreds of hours of home movies, which are available for instantaneous playback through a connected TV, A/V receiver, or home-theater system via an easy-to-use graphical menu system."
Will wireless standard ZigBee be adopted for yachting automation?
Feb 23, 2004
A new wireless standard called ZigBee might especially catch on in the maritime sector. It will enable, a.o., navigational instruments to ccommunicatie wirelessly (with a PC) and has very low power requirements. Furthermore, it will make it very easy to use devices like a PDA or even a cellphone as a wireless monitor. There are similar proprietary things available, but I think a standard based approach will win in the end.
"What you need is a tiny, cheap, low-power wireless device that's only job is to send or receive a few bits of data now and then. That's why ZigBee was created. Designed for home, building, and industrial automation, ZigBee, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, is a catchy buzzword for an ungainly sounding wireless standard -- in this case, IEEE 802.15.4.
ZigBee, which operates at 2.4-GHz, is two-way so it'll be able to log your house's electric, water, gas usage, and send it to your computer for analysis. (That way, you'll have documented evidence next time you yell at your kids for leaving the lights on.) Because ZigBee has a range of only about 30 feet, and sends data in infrequent bursts, batteries could last for a couple of years without having to replace them. Light switch and thermostat manufacturers have joined the ZigBee alliance, along with the usual suspects, such as Philips, Motorola, Intel, and Hewlett-Packard."
Since mobile phones are a great way for coastal sailors to stay in touch with the rest of the world, it might be wise to protect them, just like some of the other on-board gadgets, like say an Apple iPod. Vaja is a company that sells cases for gadgets, and you can even have them custom made.
Further to the discussion on how to create enough power resources for all electric appliances on board, Ocean Navigator has another article, elaborating (subscription required) in more depth on how to acquire the necessary energy.
"An onboard supply of 120-volt alternating current used to be a luxury available only on large boats. Today, technology allows us to enjoy the benefit of AC power on a boat as small as a canoe, provided we understand and respect some simple facts about available sources of energy and the conversion of energy from one form to another."
Although it has a slow uptake, the NMEA 2000 standard is gaining ground (subscription required). However, it will not be the only networking technology used on yachts, since especially entertainment functionality will require a different performance.
"The NMEA standards committee did look at basing the successor to the 0183 standard on Ethernet, which can easily transmit data in the 10-megabit-per-second range compared to CANbus' relatively sedate 250 kilobits per second. But the committee decided against it since Ethernet-based systems have higher electrical power needs than a CANbus system. 'CAN is a type of Ethernet, but it doesn't have the power requirements,' Anderson said. 'We have a strong eye to cost (when choosing a system). And we didn't want to drive up the cost, especially for small boats.' Because of its limited bandwidth, an NMEA 2000 network can't be used to move around video, radar or electronic chart images. However, that is where proprietary high-speed systems like Furuno's Ethernet-based NavNet and Raymarine's HSB network can be used in conjunction with NMEA 2000 to handle data-heavy applications."
"One company that has embraced NMEA 2000 is Teleflex Morse, which offers a fully compatible NMEA network called MagicBus, along with a variety of instruments and controls. "We started five or six years ago and looked at where the next-generation boat would go," said Teleflex’s Kern. "We were struck by the idea of an open architecture standard. As we progressed, we became more and more convinced it was the right solution. We feel this architecture has the best chance of being around down the road."
Ocean Navigator runs a nice review of several systems currently available for accessing the internet while at sea. Although they miss important (future) players like Boeing's Connexion and Sea Tel's WaveCall, it's still worth reading. As an 'extra', the article shortly discusses another very interesting development, marina hotspots using Wi-Fi technology.
"Of course, some technically savvy boaters may engage in a new kind of trolling, sailing along close to shore while using their computers to look for existing and unencrypted hotspots through which to connect to the ’Net. We hope their navigation skills match their computer skills, however; otherwise, we may see shoals decorated with grounded boats."
Genset selection and installation, a firsthand account
Feb 21, 2004
Charging these batteries will possibly require a genset. Choosing and installing one for a relatively small ship should be a careful process.
"The time had come to replace the Mase 8.0 genset that had served well for more than 12 years. As in the past when the Mase 8.0 was selected, the priorities were to find a unit that would fit in the available space, ensure that it would be at least as quiet as the Mase had been, and select a unit that would produce an adequate amount of electrical energy. The priority order reflects prior experience. Regardless of what else a genset may be able to do, if it is not quiet, it does not belong on the boat."
Although printing-on-demand is not necessarly a good distribution model (compare printed newspapers), the market for printing electronic charts might be a very interesting one. Especially as long as sailors will want to use (updated) paper charts, something that is still required for professionals.
"Even though electronic charts have become widely used by mariners, it still makes sense to have paper charts aboard, should electronic systems experience problems. And the idea of getting a corrected chart printed for you on the spot is compelling. If the program continues to do well, POD charts may well prove beneficial to recreational mariners by providing them with an up-to-date paper chart with a minimum of fuss."
In order for all gadgets and electrical necessities on board to have access to sufficient power resources, batteries are crucial. Ocean Navigator's January/February 2004 issues has a lengthy article on this topic.
"For the purposes of the average voyager, the quest for reliable, powerful and affordable deep-cycle house and start batteries takes precedence over all other battery interests. Even this considerably narrower category presents a dizzying prospect for the would-be battery purchaser. Available configurations run the gamut from flooded to gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM), from 6-volt traction to dedicated 12-volt marine. How is a cruiser to know what is appropriate for his or her needs?"
When planning to sail around the world, or even just a part of it, it is important to consider different international power requirements, especially since many yachts are fully loaded with all kinds of electronics.
"More of today's cruising boats provide all the comforts of home, and with luxury comes an increased demand for AC power, or alternating current. It seems like every galley now has a microwave oven; television sets with a VCR or DVD player are common. And how about a laptop computer or electric hair dryer? Or a central air-conditioning system? In no small degree, AC power on board has become a way of life for many cruisers."
In case you're chartering a boat in the carribean and have a specific need for certain electronic aids, have a look at a company called Renport which allows you to rent all you need.
"Whether you wish to stay in touch with friends, family or your office by sending and receiving e-mail; check the latest weather reports; plan your itinerary with electronic charts; watch a movie with dinner; play games; listen to your favorite music; have a blended mix drink and enjoy the sunset, we have a package just for you!"
The entrance of Bluetooth in the marine electronics industry has just begun, but here's a nice example of what can be done. It's a bit expensive though..
"Here's a unique high-end marine keyboard, and it uses the Bluetooth wireless protocol mentioned in my column. Its tough composite construction is supposedly good for a million key clicks, and the unit is submersible to 60 feet."
PDA's are becoming a very useful tool for sailors, primarily for navigation purposes. With advancements is battery life, wireless connectivity and software stability, the future for device devices in a yachting context looks very bright.
"Thus the pieces came together for PDA plotting, and in 2001 Maptech introduced Pocket Navigator, the program I've been running on an iPaq equipped with a Navman GPS sleeve. It's a slick package. Before a trip, I boot up the software's PC module and select the raster charts and topos I want, build routes if needed, and download everything to the handheld's memory card. Once I'm outdoors or have the iPaq mounted to my boat or car windshield, the GPS acquires position, and the magic begins. Friends looking over my shoulder, particularly ones familiar with regular plotters and/or PC charting, are invariably astounded at how sharp the charts look, how fast they zoom using the control keys, and how smoothly they pan when dragged with a stylus pen or one's fingertip."
"The MPC-D single-lever unit features a distinctive built-in LCD, which can display engine data like shaft rpm and also controls its own functions like trolling valve, slow-speed and warm-up modes, synchronization, and proportional throttle boost."
"With the NightStar Flashlight, a mere 30 seconds of gentle shaking (internal magnet through coil) pushes enough juice into its capacitor to produce ten to 15 minutes of light that can be seen a mile away and illuminate a five-foot-diameter circle at 50 feet.."
Having a lot of (expensive) electronics on board can be be very risky in case lightning strikes. This article tries to depict the different aspects of this, but also has to conclude that the science of lightning protection is still evolving.
"You may, at this point, be interested in a Lightning Protection System (LPS). But it’s a misnomer, as there is no proven way to actually protect a boat from lightning, only a technique for limiting damage when it strikes. Actually, there is a widely held myth, particularly among sailors, that an LPS—which is primarily a straight, highly conductive path from mast to water—causes more harm by attracting lightning than it does good."
You will not have to throw away you're old analog radar in order to be able to have radar-overlays on electronic charts using a PC. Nobeltec has introduced a device that "lets you integrate your favorite analog set with the company's fine VNS charting software. InSight supports extremely high screen resolutions -overlaid, if you desire- and about every radar feature made."
Wireless displays have a bright future in yachting
Feb 16, 2004
Wireless displays, not Tablet PC's which are PC in themselves, will definitely have benefits when used while sailing. They will easily decouple the display from a computer that is used for navigation and all other kinds of purposes. Especially when they are water-resistant they should allure to sailors and Panasonic Toughbook MDWD Wireless Monitor is a good example.
"While not specifically designed for boats, this innovative addition to the Toughbook line will interest navigators who want flexible access to a yacht’s PC system. It weighs only 1.5 pounds, and its 8.4-inch, 800x600 pixel, color touchscreen LCD is both transflective and powerfully backlit."
Slightly different topic then normal, but nonetheless very interesting application of digital technologies in a yachting context. eLearing applications focusing on navigation are continuing to pop up and can be really helpful.
"Now modern advances like radar/chart split displays, overlay, and automatic tracking are all helping to make low-visibility navigation more relaxed, but again a good grasp of the basics really helps you to understand and best use on even the fanciest machines. Besides, I’m convinced that one of boating’s many seductive qualities is that there is always more to learn."
An innovative way of assisting you when problems arise with your yacht is developed by Bluewater Logistics using simple internet technology.
"It "has developed a service called MasterLog whereby every piece of gear, serial number, consumable, and individual manual can be databased by name and onboard location into a hierarchy of HTML pages.""
Although primarily focused on Nexrad, and therefore on US waters, this article discusses some of the providers of live weather information which van be very handy when sailing... Would be great to see these kinds of services integrated by the leading marine electronics and software developers on a global scale.
"Well, at this year's Miami International Boat Show, no fewer than four brand-new products were announced that promise to make weather awareness while underway quicker, more visual, and more specific. They're each different, but all share the common central feature of overlaying a chart with nearly real-time animated output from NOAA's remarkable nationwide Nexrad weather radar system."
LED is 'revolutionizing' lighting, and some clever applications can be expected for boating purposes as well.
"While the lens is susceptible to scratching and the light does leak a bit out the edges, the Red LED LightWedge is nonetheless an effective and elegant chart light (and at anchor you can use it to read without annoying a snoozing bunk mate)."
NMEA 2000 didn’t go away, it’s just taking a while to hatch
Feb 14, 2004
NMEA 2000 is a standard that "contains the requirements of a serial data communications network to inter-connect marine electronic equipment on vessels. It is multi-master and self configuring, and there is no central network controller. Equipment designed to this standard will have the ability to share data, including commands and status with other compatible equipment over a single channel." Within the home entertainment industry there are similar initiatives and it's always a chicken-end-egg problem when it comes to adoption.
"NMEA itself is certainly feeling good about its standard, reporting brisk sales of manuals and lively recent gatherings of interested companies. And the work of elevating 2000 from national to international status is also going well. Perhaps most important, certain little birdies are telling me that a number of important new NMEA 2000 products will hatch at the fall boat shows. Then perhaps the pioneering efforts of Teleflex and its early adopters will really pay off."
In order to make sure that you're always seen by big ships and that they see you, install an Automatic Identity System. It might help prevent collisions that occur every now and then and might have a fatal impact. Will be interesting to see how this system will integrate with other systems and what services will be developed based on that integration.
"The Automatic Identity System (AIS) is shaping up to be an important marine safety tool. It's based on a clever communications protocol that allows a nearly infinite number of nearby vessels to simultaneously exchange vital position, speed, heading, and other data over two previously unused VHF channels. Picture a super-solid ARPA radar target, only you also get the target vessel's name and whether she's just initiated a turn or speed change, and more, and vice versa. And the target is visible beyond normal radar sight."
Innovation in digital charts is more and more happening on a business model level. Nobeltec is a good example.
"Nobeltec wants to get you hooked. For a mere $10, eChart Planner gives you a world map and large-area U.S. charts, a year of animated U.S. tide and current predictions, three-day worldwide graphic weather predictions downloadable daily, and route-building/printing functions, all with a sleek, straightforward interface."
Internet@sea developments are happening in a fast pace. Again, we have a new entrant to this market, TeleSea. Although some of these players are very much focused on US coastal waters, I expect more offerings for the European waters as well shortly.
"The world of high-end satcom has an aggressive new player. TeleSea Blue's four-foot stabilized antenna, North American coverage, and cable modem-like speed are similar to SeaTel's Wavecall 4003 system but use different satellites and a different business model."
Available within months from now, RNS 5.0 promises to be the integrated solution for sailing. Very importantly, it is as open as possible towards electronics from other manufacturers.
"So what we have here is almost everything it takes for an entirely integrated bridge, and surprisingly the integration extends well beyond Raymarine's own extended family of dedicated electronics."
I would be very surprised if this would take of in the maritime sector, since it is not yet even a credible offer for homes connected to normal broadband internet.
"The $600 VisiFone is primarily designed for homes and offices with unlimited broadband service, where the calls are essentially "free" but Sea Tel has teamed with Viseon to highlight the capabilities of its high-end WaveCall 4003 onboard broadband system, which can now be had with unlimited service contracts (though, of course, at considerably more than onshore rates)."
Home automation applied to yachting, is basically what the Yachtica Integrated System offers, although very proprietary and expensive. But surely there will be a market for this product. It would be interesting to see, however, how technologies like ZigBee and Bluetooth will come along in the maritime market, possibly combined with less expensive software to control them.
"For instance, the master of the vessel shown can not only manage the VIP lighting from anywhere aboard but can also set up scenarios like "film" whereby the dimming, air conditioning, power blinds, etc. can all be set with one-touchscreen -or remote control- button push. Then, while watching the film, he or she could be advised of genset and anchor issues, even take remote action as needed. Oh, and this omniscience can extend off the yacht via cellular."
What's the best system for onboard internet, without it costing a small fortune....?
"This is becoming the $64,000 cruising question. Or the 64,000 bits per second (64 kbps) question, as that's about the minimal Web speed most of us can tolerate for work or play these days. There are several ways to get online onboard, but none has yet emerged as a real performance/value winner."
Some highlights from several recent boatshows include:
-NMEA 2000 is making real headway
-C-Map is adding 1,000 ultra-high-detail—down to slip numbers and restrooms—marina maps to its chart cards
-Digital Antenna now has a repeater intended to improve cellular reception on your boat without making you plug in
"Overall I sensed creative intensity as the big companies work to offer boaters (and builders) bow-to-stern electronics solutions while adopting better common protocols for those who like to mix and match, and while making way for increasing PC technology. Yet ther's still room for new companies with good ideas. All of which is good for us boaters."
Global Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) is a system that can be very useful in emergency situations, however, recent integration with GPS systems might not have been such a good thing.
"In the course of researching this column, I discovered that the Coast Guard and NOAA, concerned about the low number of successful GPS-assisted SARSAT calls, did some real-world testing off Key West, Florida, last year. I've read the report, and it's disturbing. Some models seemed to deliver GPS position poorly, if at all."
Review of a new autopilot from Nautamatic. It has some innovative features, probably appealing to many boat-owners.
"A rudder sensor is an electro-mechanical device stuck in a remote, unfriendly area of a boat. It's a pain to install and subject to comparatively high failure rates, so not having one is definitely a good thing. But how does the TR-1 work without it? That's the subject of speculation and skepticism among other autopilot manufacturers."
With highly expensive equipment on board, and even on deck, securing access to your yacht is of critical importance. Several solution directions are possible, this article particularly elaborates on on-board security cameras.
"Digital video tracking is often used these days instead of deck sensors, another type of security system that has been around for several years. As the name implies, deck sensors are feelers placed in various locations underfoot that detect movement. Like digital video tracking, deck sensors are interfaced with voice systems to warn individuals to stay put until you come outside to meet them, and the sensors will trip an alarm if the warning is ignored. However, because installation of these deck sensors requires that your yacht essentially be torn up, Pullens says that CCTVs provide the same advantages more effectively."
Telematics in yachting will provide huge advantages in many ways, with safety ranking as a top application. This article gives an overview of what's availaible on the market today.
"Moreover, telematics technology is on the verge of making major-league contributions to three highly significant areas of the marine realm: vessel safety, onboard security, and owner-assistance underway. And these contributions, in my opinion, rate right up there importance-wise with the invention of the first workable marine VHF radio."
Short article focusing on the different, but really available, systems that allow internet access off-shore. It elaborates on the KVH and Sea Tel offerings.
"Sea Tel just introduced WaveCall 4003, meant for quite large yachts. It uses high-frequency GEOs and an antenna engineered to fit a 48-inch dome and offers 512/128 Kbps down/up speeds, both expandable, and voice. Coverage is wide, but not global. Hardware is $35,000, and a $1,000-a-month contract includes a gigabyte of data."
The 1 billion maritime communications market will soon have a very strong new entrant. Boeing will introduce it's Connexion service, used for a.o. in flight internet access, to the maritime market. Will be very interesting to see how Inmarsat will respond to this new challenge, altough not many details are availabe. That makes it difficult to see wether it actually compares to something like Inmarsat's Fleet services, but if it is anything like the service being offered for in flight internet access, in combination with small footprint hardware, well then...
"Connexion by Boeing has successfully tested real-time data communication and a live, high-quality video teleconferencing from a private vessel in Seattle's Lake Union to its Seattle campus. The Connexion by Boeing maritime solution is expected to be approximately ten times faster than most commonly deployed communications systems available today, and significantly less expensive to use. Details on system and service pricing will be announced closer to service launch."
Short roundup by Practical Boat Owner of some waterproof digital cameras.
"The Pentax Optio 33WR and Casio’s GV-20 can tolerate being dunked in water but must not be used underwater . However the Sony Cybershot DSC-U60 and the Ricoh Capilo 300G can both be used down to a depth of a metre or so."
Sailing World is running an article on how wires are being obsoleted by some interesting wireless technology developments. This could save cost and improve sailing performance at the same time.
"Is it far-fetched fantasy? Nope, we're talking here and now. With advances in wireless technology driven by worldwide market demand, racers can either equip their boat with a complete wireless system or upgrade existing instrument systems for wireless data retrieval and display. Wireless technology will allow racers to shave weight all over the boat. There may even be cost savings in boat construction, as boatbuilders will no longer have to spend precious time leading wires."
The multiplexer functions as a sort of 'hub' between these different devices, and since it's a Class 1 Bluetooth device, it operates within a theoretical range of 300ft. It works with all products that are based on the NMEA-0183 standard. This surely a nice product, but let's hope Zigbee-devices will arrive soon so that we can cut all cords between sensors, displays, multiplexers (if required at all al that time) and PC's.
"Yamaha's pint-size EF1000iS purrs at between 47 and 57 dB and weighs a mere 28 pounds, yet puts out up to 12 hours of 1-kilowatt power. Like the Honda, it comes equipped with a built-in inverter, making it safe for finicky electronics. Its 0.66-gallon tank is completely sealable for transport, and it boasts a unique valve for draining the carburetor to prevent gummy buildup."
A bit further on the same page three fish finders are compared, claiming Navman FISH 4500 is your best buy, with Furuno's FCV600L not doing bad as well.
A while ago, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), set up the Grand Challenge, a driverless robot race from LA to Las Vegas. Ever since there has been a lot of press coverage on it. Reading this extensive 
Over at Nautical Web, a do-it-yourself-guide for the installation of an air-conditioning system. Even if you do not plan to do it yourself, this 
Northstar’s new 6000i, an integrated navigation system, is getting a lot of attention from the press, very positive overall. Here you can find a fairly extensive 
Straightforward 
Simrad has launched a NMEA 2000 compatible networking system. Using an active interface SimNet is also able to connect to existing equipment using NMEA 0183.
To have music all over the boat might not appeal to everyone on board at the same time. Therefore a 
Networked systems, allowing you to have integrated access to all relevant data on one display, are all the rage these days. Over at Practical-Sailor.com they have a 
However, when sailing close to shore and with more and more marina's offering Wi-Fi access, these PC-cards can be a very interesting solution.
"Sadly, the danger of hijacking by international terrorists or boarding by pirates is not limited to large commercial ships," explained Ian Palmer, KVH's vice president of satellite sales. "The ability to alert shore-based authorities instantly to any danger is critical to the safety of crews, passengers, harbors, and people on shore. With its global satellite communications capability, multiple 'panic buttons' and integrated GPS, the KVH eTrac SSAS is well-suited for this task."
"After many years of effort, the PROFIX 2004 software program for absolute Celestial Navigation has passed its "shakedown trials" and will be relesed shortly. Finally, a Celestial Navigator will be able to establish the precise fix of his vessel anywhere in the World, from Celestial observations and ANY and ALL Celestial Bodies! The speed is phenomenal, and a precise fix can be completed within minutes - not hours - as all other celestial navigation systems presently require."
"One aspect to keep in mind is the use of the inverter with the new systems on the market today. The sensitivity of displays in some computers and LCD TVs have created the need for a pure sine wave unit Household items such as microwaves don't seem to have these same problems but a pure sine wave inverter will be more reliable for a computer-based navigation system."
"Now a team of electrical engineers at the California Institute of Technology has shrunk the functions of a radar system into one tiny, intricately designed silicon chip and eight minuscule antennas.
Real-time access to high-quality weather information is as much important as it is difficult. Since internet access is not (yet) ubiquitous, alternatives are popping up that seem to 
"For the must-have-it-all skippers, the multifunction, full-featured combinations are most desirable. Furuno, Northstar, Raymarine and Simrad offer exceptional units that include the works—GPS, chartplotter, fishfinder, radar and radar overlay technology. All of these manufacturers either have or are developing networking capabilities that allow you to plug into onboard Internet communications systems to download weather reports and e-mail or even capture on-screen video."
An 
It's been out for a while, but it received one of Motor Boating Editors’ Choice Awards. I think it's a good 
Was reading an 
Altough not very different then 
"Now enjoy the portability of 
Since boats are increasingly stuffed with electronics (instrumental, entertainment, camera's etc), it might make sense to network your boat. And if you do so, consider to create a wireless network since not many boats are built with network drops in every room, let alone on deck.... Another compelling reason is that more and more marina's 
"Ever wish you could store full, uncompressed copies of all your Music CDs, Movie DVDs, Home Videos, and Digital Photo in one place? Now you can. Molino Networks, a California based company, has just launched their iteration of a true digital media server named the Molino Media Mogul. An A/V receiver sized device that can store and playback up to 50 DVDs, 500 CDs, 10,000s of digital photos or hundreds of hours of home movies, which are available for instantaneous playback through a connected TV, A/V receiver, or home-theater system via an easy-to-use graphical menu system."
When planning to sail around the world, or even just a part of it, it is important to 
"Here's a unique high-end 
"The MPC-D single-lever unit 
"With the 
You will not have to throw away you're old analog radar in order to be able to have radar-overlays on electronic charts using a PC. Nobeltec has 
"While not specifically designed for boats, this innovative addition to the Toughbook line will interest navigators who want flexible access to a yacht’s PC system. It weighs only 1.5 pounds, and its 8.4-inch, 800x600 pixel, color touchscreen LCD is both transflective and powerfully backlit."
An innovative way of assisting you when problems arise with your yacht is 
LED is 
"NMEA itself is certainly feeling good about its standard, reporting brisk sales of manuals and lively recent gatherings of interested companies. And the work of elevating 2000 from national to international status is also going well. Perhaps most important, certain little birdies are telling me that a number of important new NMEA 2000 products will hatch at the fall boat shows. Then perhaps the pioneering efforts of Teleflex and its early adopters will really pay off."
"The Automatic Identity System (AIS) is shaping up to be an important marine safety tool. It's based on a clever communications protocol that allows a nearly infinite number of nearby vessels to simultaneously exchange vital position, speed, heading, and other data over two previously unused VHF channels. Picture a super-solid ARPA radar target, only you also get the target vessel's name and whether she's just initiated a turn or speed change, and more, and vice versa. And the target is visible beyond normal radar sight."
"Nobeltec wants to get you hooked. For a mere $10, eChart Planner gives you a world map and large-area U.S. charts, a year of animated U.S. tide and current predictions, three-day worldwide graphic weather predictions downloadable daily, and route-building/printing functions, all with a sleek, straightforward interface."
Internet@sea developments are happening in a fast pace. Again, we have a new 
"The $600 VisiFone is primarily designed for homes and offices with unlimited broadband service, where the calls are essentially "free" but Sea Tel has teamed with Viseon to highlight the capabilities of its high-end WaveCall 4003 onboard broadband system, which can now be had with unlimited service contracts (though, of course, at considerably more than onshore rates)."
"For instance, the master of the vessel shown can not only manage the VIP lighting from anywhere aboard but can also set up scenarios like "film" whereby the dimming, air conditioning, power blinds, etc. can all be set with one-touchscreen -or remote control- button push. Then, while watching the film, he or she could be advised of genset and anchor issues, even take remote action as needed. Oh, and this omniscience can extend off the yacht via cellular."
"Digital video tracking is often used these days instead of deck sensors, another type of security system that has been around for several years. As the name implies, deck sensors are feelers placed in various locations underfoot that detect movement. Like digital video tracking, deck sensors are interfaced with voice systems to warn individuals to stay put until you come outside to meet them, and the sensors will trip an alarm if the warning is ignored. However, because installation of these deck sensors requires that your yacht essentially be torn up, Pullens says that CCTVs provide the same advantages more effectively."
Telematics in yachting will provide huge advantages in many ways, with safety ranking as a top application. This article gives an 
The 1 billion maritime communications market will soon have a very strong new entrant. Boeing will 
Short 
Yachting World's March edition features two interesting articles:
"Is it far-fetched fantasy? Nope, we're talking here and now. With advances in wireless technology driven by worldwide market demand, racers can either equip their boat with a complete wireless system or upgrade existing instrument systems for wireless data retrieval and display. Wireless technology will allow racers to shave weight all over the boat. There may even be cost savings in boat construction, as boatbuilders will no longer have to spend precious time leading wires."