Lots of electronics in Practical Boat Owner's July issue. Articles on Simrad's VHF, HP iPAQs with GPS, Geonav 5C Chart plotters, a 12V boat PC and a look at eCharts.
"You�ve decided on the hardware, now what about the cartography? Colin Jones looks at the three main software suppliers."
Subscribe to DIY Boat Owner's newlsetter in order to know when to turn off the boat's main AC breaker before plugging in.
"There are two reasons for turning off the boat's main breaker before plugging or unplugging the shorepower cord. The process of plugging in or unplugging the shorepower cord can cause spiking noise, harmful to sensitive electronics. More importantly, you can confirm AC polarity before connecting to shorepower. An AC polarity indicator, which all boats equipped with AC power should have, ensures that the hot and ground wires aren't switched."
If you happen to be sailing the North Carolina waters over the next 10 days, make sure you take notice... Update: Apparently Boat U.S. is concerned about the impact of this GPS service disruption.
"GPS interference testing, conducted during a military exercise by the Department of Defense, will make the signal unreliable and may affect cell phone signals from about 50 to 60 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras as well as some waters off Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday."
In Yachting World's July issue two charting software solutions are reviewed, and you can find out all about the ARC and the equipment being used by the yachts that participate.
"One of the hottest items of new equipment at the moment is charting software and the debate is on as to whether this can now be considered as a primary means of navigation. We examine two of the newest systems, the budget-priced RYA software and the upmarket MaxSea."
A remote controlled boat, we've seen that before. But this one's different, since it will allow you to go waterskiing on your own...
"Well, Washington State-based SOLO is championing the needy dreams of lonely water skiiers everywhere, with the Personal Ski Machine, an unmanned electric motor boat/ski jet-type thing to pull you around. You can manuever the Personal Ski Machine via its electronically controlled tow handle, and when you inevitably fall or drop the handle the boat automatically raises a flag and immediately shuts down."
Garmin, a relative newcomer in this market, has launched two brand-new radars. With the introduction of these products, and a new networking system, Garmin now has an extensive line of marine electronics.
"Most of the radar units offered by other networking companies use Koden products, but Garmin is entering the market with its own sensors. They are part of a new networking system that�s based on Garmin�s very popular GPS/chartplotter technology. The network employs the widely used Ethernet system, which allows easy interface for specified plug-and-play sensors, including fishfinders, weather receivers and satellite radio systems."
Besides some new satellite communications systems, Simrad also introduced three new satellite TV receivers and antennas. The TV45, TV46 and the TV60. With improved tracking capability, they will hopefully provide you with a clear and steady picture, even on rough seas...
"The TV45 is for slow-moving boats cruising in strong signal waters. The TV46 features faster follow-up tracking with either single or twin Low Noise Block (LNB) converters. Both the 45 and 46 work with minimum signal strengths (50 dbW EIRP), while the TV60 is designed for reception in weak signal areas (48 dbW) using a quad LNB option."
Last week I wrote about Simrad's new offering, and now Nera's F33 is also available on smaller craft.
"The Nera F33 gives leisure craft, fishing boats and other smaller vessels access to high-class communication facilities comparable to those of large commercial ships. The new MPDS facilities vastly enhance the Nera F33 terminal's capacities, thus contributing to better communication and safer travel at sea". With the MPDS service, Nera F33 users can access the Internet, e-mail, real-time weather updates, instant messaging, as well as any online data updates."
How many marine electronics and communications equipments would you need on a rowboat...? Well, a lot if you would have to row for 3,000 miles non-stop.
"In addition to her GPS, she will have an array of safety and communication equipment onboard, including an Argos Beacon - which will report her position by satellite and, in an emergency, emit a distress signal - a desalinator to change sea water into fresh water, and an Iridium satellite phone. Several marine lights have also been installed to announce her position to approaching vessels."
And here's a funny quote on the usage of VHF radio:
"Quemere's only contact during her 2003 voyage was with an Italian supertanker that drew a little too-close-for-comfort. According to Quemere, she quickly grabbed her VHF radio and excitedly reported her position, telling one confused Italian crewman that she was in a small rowboat."
"Do you need to be rescued," he asked.
"No, I'm rowing across the ocean," she replied.
"You're doing what?" he asked in disbelief.
Apparently electronics are not the answer to everything.... Some wise advice from Billy Harris:
"Even with all of today's electronic navigational aids, it is important to be familiar with nautical charts and to know how to use them."
