Big Easy

 
The new crop of marine electronics is both technically better and simpler to operate.

By Glenn Law

To see this year's hottest electronics head over to our gallery.

Now that digital processing and the integration of complex navigational functions are the norm on many modern powerboats, there is a push among the makers of marine electronics to develop new units that are simpler to operate. There's never been such a high level of function available at the helm as there is today, and with every new product announcement, the improvements seem to be pairing ease of use and intuitive operation with technical sophistication. Here's an overview of the recent and imminent developments in marine electronics, a buyer's guide of sorts for those cruising boaters who are getting ready to upgrade their suite as the boating season gets under way.

Vessel Monitoring and Security
Remote monitoring for recreational boats is still in the early stages, but there are several innovative companies offering Web-based monitoring and management systems for cruisers. N2KView by Maretron is a complex software monitoring program that rivals any custom system on the largest yachts. Maretron, which makes gauges and sensors for just about anything that can be measured, has harnessed NMEA 2000's power of connection to bring the price and complexity of such an application into affordable range for owners of boats down to 35 feet. N2KView works on both Windows SP and Vista, and soon will run on Macintosh as well.

Also about to launch is an iPhone application, Maretron's Larry Anderson says. "There are two versions of the software," Anderson says. "The monitoring-only version is Basic [$495]. The Platinum [$2,995] offers monitoring and control." Basic can keep track of anything that has an NMEA 2000 connection, such as smoke detectors, all the navigation equipment, engines, tanks and video security. The Platinum version, Anderson says, "allows things to be controlled via the Internet, such as turning on air conditioning or heating and bilge pumps. If you have a touch-screen monitor, you can tap the icon for the rocker switches on the screen and activate them." Typically, installations are on 35- to 85-foot boats and range from $5,000 for a small system up to $20,000 for the Platinum software and all the bells and whistles.

Paradox Marine's Magellan Insight GPS DVR ($5,000 to $7,900) monitors on-board activity and relays the information with e-mails and text messages when events occur. It can also save a snapshot or video clip to the user's account, which is accessible on any computer or mobile phone with Internet access. The system has complete GPS vessel-tracking through the Inmarsat IsatM2M network and will report alarm notifications from anywhere in the world. When in 3G range, Insight will report alarms with a voice message, e-mail or SMS text message and allow owners to view live video feeds off the boat. The owner sees what the camera sees when motion is detected, and it also allows the owner to log in and view streaming video off the boat on a computer or cell phone. In addition, Insight can monitor high water in the bilge, low battery voltage, loss of shore power, smoke or intrusion. In the event of theft, Insight sends e-mails or text messages every 15 minutes with the vessel's speed, heading, latitude, longitude and distance to closest city.

Nav-Tracker 2.0 GPS tracking system ($1,000 to $2,800), also from Paradox, keeps owners or captains informed of a boat's location through a GPS tracking service using the Inmarsat satellite network. The system sets a 500-meter geo-fence around the vessel and, in the event of a breach, automatically sends up to 10 e-mails or text messages with latitude, longitude, speed and heading. It will continue to send messages every 15 minutes until the vessel returns to the geo-fence area or the system is disarmed. This system has proved quite effective at recovering stolen vessels before any damage or parts stripping has occurred.

For those who prefer a list-management approach to vessel monitoring, there is the SeaKits Marine Maintenance System (MMS). This software maintains a comprehensive maintenance and spare-parts list that helps owners optimize organization of complex systems and inventories — the backbone of successful and enjoyable cruising. Through an easy-to-use Web interface, MMS can maintain a master equipment list, as well as recommend spare parts and maintenance, manage and archive documentation and warranties, provide maintenance alerts and even track provisioning and generate purchase lists. The system is maintained through a PC on a Webaccessed server. It's priced as a yearly subscription by the type of service and program required, ranging from a do-it-yourself level to a complete-service setup, inventoried and maintained by SeaKits personnel.

Nav Networks
Multifunction displays (MFDs) are undergoing rapid development as networked electronic systems and computer networks become less distinguishable. On the pure computer end of navigation, Big Bay Technologies is a leader in PC-based navigational and electronic networks that are a far cry from a nav program on a laptop. The company customfits marine-grade computers, LED backlit displays, navigation software and all related peripheral components including radar, sounder, AIS, video, entertainment and Internet on the "open architecture" concept. A starter core system might include the DIB 19-inch display ($1,595), a black-box Mini Ventless PC ($995) and either Coastal Explorer ($369) or Nobeltec Admiral 9.0 ($1,200). Big Bay also offers combination packages assembled for the particular requirements of your boat and cruising needs.

Furuno has built one of the newest and most sophisticated "bridges" between nav software and the boat's network: MaxSea Time Zero navigation software. The Explorer version ($1,250) merges seamlessly with NavNet 3D on the PC and the MFD at the helm. Plus, it goes live: An online site specifically for users provides access to service and support areas free of charge. Most impressive are the personalized weather downloads: Define an area on the touch screen and a real-time weather overlay appears there, with selectable weather system and sea-state parameters. In addition, specific chart and software updates, training and technical support are available 24 hours a day. MaxSea Time Zero Explorer connects to the NavNet 3D network out of the box to control the radar/chart plotter directly from the PC.

NavNet 3D has further expanded the scope of its cartography with the addition of C-Map by Jeppesen to MapMedia charts, which are new vector charts that offer worldwide coverage. The East Coast of the United States and the Bahamas are being released first, this spring; the rest of North America will follow. Furuno will be the only company offering a choice of preloaded official NOAA raster and vector charts, or optional C-Map by Jeppesen vector cartography. All of these formats are viewable in traditional 2-D or 3-D, using NavNet 3D's Time Zero technology.

Raymarine's E-Series Widescreen with HybridTouch user interface gives boaters the simplicity of touchscreen operation and the confidence of complete keypad control, when that becomes preferable. This year, Raymarine's revamped E-Series features three wide-screen options: the 9-inch E90W ($3,995), the 12-inch E120W ($4,995) and the 14-inch E140W ($6,495). Home Screen, a newly designed interface, provides the navigational backbone with a focus on ease of use. E-Series Widescreen displays integrate with SeaTalk hs digital network sensors for radar, fish finders and satellite weather, and with SeaTalk ng data bus ports for compatible instruments, autopilots and NMEA 2000-enabled devices. NMEA 0183 inputs and outputs are available for AIS and third-party devices. A first-generation SeaTalk port allows networking with an external GPS sensor, LifeTagand SeaTalk-compatible instruments and autopilots.

Raymarine's C-Series Widescreen multifunction displays expand the power of black-box networking with larger, higher-resolution displays, increased performance and expanded video integration. In addition to a larger viewing area, the widescreen technology offers split-window configurations. They are available in 9-inch ($2,695), 12-inch ($3,695) and 14-inch ($4,995) versions.

Garmin's GPSMAP 7215 touch-screen chart plotter is the flagship in the company's line of full-featured marine products. The GPSMAP 7215 comes preloaded with BlueChart g2 maps of the U.S. coast with video-quality resolution on an impressive 15.5-inch color display. The GPSMAP 7215 also enables total system integration, with builtin support for sonar, radar, weather and more. For more enhanced features, you can add the optional BlueChart g2 Vision card. Both hardware and software have been upgraded for improved graphic rendering and faster map redraw, zoom and panning speeds. Greater overall fluidity is now available as well. The GPSMAP 7215 is compatible with an optional remote and computer mouse.

The 12-inch NSE12 ($4,595) and the 8-inch NSE8 ($3,295) multifunction electronic displays from Simrad incorporate many features. Among them are a new user interface and intuitive menu-drive format; a push-to-enter rotary dial for selection and function access and cursor control; direct access keys for navigation; and an alphanumeric keypad that simplifies and speeds the process of data entry. Both models are compatible with BR24 Broadband Radar and the BSM-1 Broadband Sounder Module, as well as Sirius weather. Insight HD high-resolution vector cartography with highresolution 2-D and 3-D shaded contour and satellite imagery is preloaded. Navionics Platinum, Platinum+ and HotMaps Platinum cartography are the upgrades.

The company also announced more improvements for its RTM 2.0, including the addition of full autopilot integration, support for Lowrance StructureScan and radar enhancements.

The new EC Series from Si-Tex includes three versions of an all-in-one expandable GPS/WAAS charting system with brilliant daylight-viewable screen. The 10.4-inch EC1 ($2,099), 7-inch EC7 ($1,069) and 5-inch EC5 ($599) accept C-Map MAX, NT+, NT or NT Wide SD-cards and feature ultrafast processors. All three units can be expanded to multiple functions with the addition of any one of the following: an optional fish-finder module; MDS radar sensor, ranging from the 2 kW 12.5-inch radomes up to a 4 kW 4-foot open array; AIS transceiver; or a GPS loran receiver that offers true loran position. The 5- and 7-inch Si-Tex models are available with internal antennas, making them well-suited for specialized installations. The two smaller models are available with built-in fish-finding sonar.

Radar Enhancements
Radar signal filtering and interpretation (under the umbrella of high definition) have trickled down the lines of most electronics manufacturers. Levels of sensitivity and accuracy identified with big, open-array radars are available in the most compact radomes.

Furuno's new 1835 radar ($5,895) with 10.4-inch color LCD is as unique as it is at home in installations where a dedicated, stand-alone radar is an asset. Clear target presentation with automatic gain and sea and rain controls delivers noise-free presentation and exceptional detection of small targets, at short and long ranges. It also incorporates new display modes, True View and Full Screen. The 1835 connects with other navigation equipment, chart plotters and sounders through Furuno's programmable NMEA 0183 interface. Ultrahigh-definition digital radar facilitates fully automatic gain, sea/rain clutter and tuning control for hands-free operation and maximum performance. Antenna rotation speed (24/36/48 rpm) is adjusted automatically on pulse-length scans and displays two radar ranges simultaneously.

Garmin's radomes incorporate flagship technology. While the GMR 24 won't pick up individual birds like openarray radar, says Greg DeVries, it still tracks flocks of birds. "It's lightweight, and for $1,999 it's a good buy," he says. When performance at a distance is required, the new xHD 4- and 6-foot open array 6 kW ($4,499 and $5,299) and 12 kW ($5,499 and $6,299) radars excel in long-range resolution.

Raymarine has introduced two radomes featuring HD digital processing developed in the open-array systems: the 18-inch RD418HD ($2,640) and the 24-inch RD424HD ($2,860). "Now we have HD digital processing across the board," says Brian Vlad, global product manager for Raymarine. Resolution and definition are improved with digital signal processing. "We are looking beneath the noise floor to characterize target information by knowing the shape."

Not a radar, but without a product category of its own, FLIR's new First Mate is a groundbreaking hand-held night vision camera ($2,999) that makes navigating in limited visibility safer and easier. FLIR now also offers the First Mate XP ($4,999) and XP+ ($5,999), which are fancier versions of the original with features such as improved resolution, tougher construction and the capability to capture still images. The XP+ captures live thermal video to a removable SD.

Communications
Standard Horizon's GX2100 Matrix AIS ($400) is proving to be one hot radio, says Vice President Jason Kennedy. The AIS receiver displays target vessels on the radio, as well as on the remote microphone. It utilizes the existing VHF antenna to receive targets from ships with AIS class A or B transponders. In addition, the radio performs all other position polling and DSC functions, and plotter integration for position overlay.

Garmin is rolling out a series of AIS and VHF products, from stand-alones to integrated units. The black box AIS 600 ($1,400) integrates with Garmin chart plotters and VHF radios via NMEA 2000, and initiates calls via MMSI from the plotter. A built-in splitter means the VHF and AIS 7 share one antenna. Garmin's VHF 300 AIS marine receiver ($1,000) combines radio communication with multistation support, incorporates AIS and provides both NMEA 2000 and 0183 compatibility.

Raymarine's AIS500 Class B automatic identification system receiver ($1,400) continually transmits and receives navigational information — that is, until you turn it off. The AIS500 is designed for operation near busy ports or harbors and provides a measure of safety in lieu of a radar system.

Icom's MA-500TR Class B AIS transponder is a dualchannel AIS receiver that's fully waterproof and equipped with three lines of NMEA 0183 input/output. An external alarm connection enables the activation of external audio equipment on the deck or tower for collision and closest point of approach warning. The MA-500TR is designed for use with Icom's award-winning M504 or M604 VHS marine radios. When connected, AIS calls can be placed without having to manually enter an MMSI number.

Ease of use often takes second place to the "gee whiz" appeal on the high-tech helm. But for skippers who look to their electronics to actually complement navigation and safety, this emerging emphasis on usability, under the modern moniker of "user interface," is a welcome addition to gear that, more than ever, makes cruising more fun.

Other New Electronics featured this month:

• Increase Weather-Awareness
• The Benefits of Integrated Navigation Suites
• Now Playing
• Sound Machines
• Big Easy

Electronics Archive

• More Electronics from past issues.