John Kostecki, skipper of illbruck, V.O.R. winner, on Steiner's Commander V: "Covering 32,000 nautical miles around the world can only be done with the very best equipment. That's why we chose Steiner's new Commander V." Well, if he says so...
"Steiner technology has created "HD" Nighthunter optics that deliver 96% peak light transmission � the highest ever recorded. Combined with the bright and steady 7 x 50 configuration, you get nighttime images so brilliant, it�s almost like turning on a spotlight. Each Commander V is hand-built to be mil. spec. waterproof and shock resistant." (Steiner Commander V at Amazon.com)
Two weeks ago I mentioned Nobeltec's release of their second generation InSight Radar. Some more info in their newsletter. Looks like a nice package...
"The IR2 surpasses traditional radar systems through its use of the award-winning Visual Navigation Suite and Admiral. These navigation programs make the IR2 easy-to-use and affordable to update while providing functionality not found on other radars. The IR2 connects directly to the computer or hub through a TCP/IP connection making the installation a breeze. The TCP/IP (i.e. network cable) solution is not �cable length� limited as it was in the past through USB; No more having to convert RS-422 to RS-232."
Although I really think that the ZigBee wireless communications standard is better suited than Bluetooth for use in a marine electronics context, more and more Bluetooth enabled equipment is coming to the market. Elproma's solid state electronic compass is a good example of that.
"The new ECS1 from Elproma is a solid-state electronic compass sensor with an accuracy of 1 degree, and is available in several different configurations. The interface is available in three formats: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 or Wireless Bluetooth. Two new indicators have also been released - the ECI1 and the ECI2. The ECI1 is an LCD indicator with a moving bended-course scale, while the ECI2 features a 7-segment display for those wanting a larger view of the compass reading. Both indicators are also available in NMEA 0183, NMEA2000 and wireless Bluetooth interfaces."
A GPS/Bluetooth combination is not something new, but this implementation by Mobile Tracker is quite nice because the device is battery powered as well. Which allows for a very easy set-up on any type of boat.
"Compact GPS Receiver with Bluetooth connectivity and a nine hour battery provides real time location information to any Bluetooth enabled devices such as SmartPhones, PocketPCs, Laptops, and Tablet PCs."
Don't know whether that claim is actually true, but if you're in the market for a small AIS (Automatic Identification System), I've written about them before, then have look at Jotron Electronics' TR-2500 Universal Automatic Identification System.
"Weighing just 2.8 kg in one single unit with a panel sized similar to a standard VHF, the TR-2500 can be easily integrated with existing ECS, ECDIS or onboard radar systems. Alternatively, Jotron Electronics provides a software called AIS VIEWER for PC on a complimentary basis for graphic display. The robust and compact design, with a variety of mounting configurations, including desktop, header panel, flush or rack mounted, means a flexible, quick and cost efficient installation, be it as retrofit or on newbuilds."
The Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show was held last week in Las Vegas. Two interesting marine electronics won a Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award during that event.
"EchoPilot's CASS (Collision Avoidance Sonar System) is a wideband active surf zone sonar based on military research that can see floating and semi-submerged objects up to 1,200 yards ahead of the boat in real time. The system transmits using multi-frequency (a "swept chirp" of 20 -80 KHz), which ensures greater performance in rough waters, according to NMMA."
"Equally impressing to the judges in the Aftermarket Electronics category was Vexilar�s AlumaDucer, the only transducer designed to transmit through aluminum with zero signal loss. Built like other transducers, it is designed to automatically compensate for the loss of signal strength when mounting a transducer on an aluminum hull, the association reported."
Garmin announced a new portable GPS navigator. Although its intended use is on the road, it is compatible with the entire line of MapSource outdoor cartography, including U.S. Topo, 24K Topo, Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots, and BlueChart. And it is waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX-7 standards, which basically means that it is submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The Quest will be available from August 2004, for more info go to Garmin's website.
"With the brilliant 256-color backlit TFT display, the Quest is easy to read in any light. Theunit has a rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of use. Smaller than a standard television remote, the Quest provides an ample screen viewing area, but it won't demand a lot of room on the dashboard or in the briefcase. The unique antenna folds flush with the unit then not in use and users can connect an optional external antenna as well." (Garmin at Amazon.com)
Nobeltec released their new InSight Radar 2, a fully functional digital radar that interfaces with their Visual Navigation Suite or Admiral for integration with a laptop or desktop computer. Seems promising by the looks of it and by the details as far as available. For more information, read this brochure (pdf) as well.
"The IR2 adds a variety of new controls and settings, but the new "Auto" settings are particularly important to note. Auto-Range automatically keeps your radar range and chart scale consistent when zooming in and out on a chart. This stabilizes the radar image while providing chart-plotting data at the same time. In addition, Auto-Gain and Auto-Sea intelligently filter out unwanted radar noise to keep the radar display clear and viewable at multiple chart scales and zoom levels. The IR2 also automatically adjusts the pulse length of the radar to match the range settings."
Yachtingnet takes a look at Raymarine�s new C-Series, and they seem to like what they see. Especially from a user-friendliness perspective.
"Each model in Raymarine�s new C-Series, a family of standalone multifunction navigation displays, offers yachtsmen a full-function chart plotter plus control and display of information from the company�s C-Series Pathfinder radars and DSM250 black-box sonar (both optional). Available in three versions with differing screen sizes�the 61/2-inch C70, 8.4-inch C80 and 12.1-inch C120�the C-Series units are easy to install, are user friendly and provide the excellent performance and functionality of Raymarine�s traditional networked display systems at a lower cost."
Motor Boating Magazine takes a look at one of the ships participating in the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally, a high-seas adventure from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to Gibraltar. There's a lot of electronics stuff on board this ship... Here are some of the highlights:
-�It�s the autopilot that�s the most important thing,� he says. And for autopilots, Kinney selected two Furuno NavPilot 500s and added a SC 60 GPS satellite compass."
-"The first display supports Furuno�s 1953C chartplotter with a powerful 12-kW radar for 72-mile range and 1.2-degree horizontal beam width for accurate target separation."
-"The second chartplotter, an 1833C, uses a smaller radar with dome antenna that will pump out 4-kW of power for a range of about 36 miles"
-"Called NT-Link, this is a little sister to C-MAP�s rugged commercial product, only it�s coupled with the NT recreational cartography. One notable feature of NT-Link is its ability to handle online chart updates."
-"But the real heart of the navigation package is Furuno�s NavNet system, which allows for multiple sensor displays on three different display screens�the two 10.4" monitors in the pilothouse and an additional 7" remote display on the bridge."
That's why we chose Steiner's new Commander V." Well, if he says so...
Two weeks ago I 
Although I really 
Don't know whether that 
Two interesting marine electronics 
The system transmits using multi-frequency (a "swept chirp" of 20 -80 KHz), which ensures greater performance in rough waters, according to NMMA."
Garmin 
Nobeltec 
Yachtingnet takes a 
-�It�s the autopilot that�s the most important thing,� he says. And for autopilots, Kinney selected two Furuno NavPilot 500s and added a SC 60 GPS satellite compass."