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."
With more and more integrated navigation systems coming to the market, there is a huge trend towards larger monitors that have split-screen functionality. Furuno recently introduced two new screens, a 12.1" and a 15" model.
"Called the MU series, these monitors will not look dark when viewed from any angle. And with a current draw of only 50 or 60 watts, respectively, these monitors will not generate a lot of heat, so they can be installed in flush-mount configurations."
I've written before about Maptech's i3 solution, bringing together a radar, GPS, chartplotter and fishfinder. Motor Boating Magazine has a short review of it, and they highlight some of the nicer features.
"Maptech�s i3 is also a communicator with attitude. Using SkyMate satellite services, the i3 can provide e-mail functions with a twist. If you type a message using the on-screen keyboard, it can be broadcast in voice over a phone connection at the other end."
The early adopters of marine electronics can be found in the competitive fishing scene. Here's a story on a guy who outfitted his boat to the fullest extend. Like the article says: "he'll be at the helm of a boat with a control panel that resembles the Starship Enterprise"
"An impressive array of electronics -- everything from a laptop computer and wireless monitors to color sonar, a Lowrance LCX-104C, and global positioning system technology -- covers the dashboard of Samson's 20-foot Crestliner walleye fishing machine. As technological trappings go, not even Mr. Spock or Capt. Kirk could claim bragging rights over Samson."
Motor Boating Magazine has a buyer's guide for picking the right radar for your boat. They help you decide what kind of radar you should buy, and they give some examples ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The models they discuss are JRC 1000MK as the least costly stand-alone currently on the market, Furuno's 1623, Simrad�s new CA series, the JMA-5100 Black Box series, Garmin's new 2- and 4-kW models, Maptech's i3 and Nobeltec. They mention Raymarine, Si-Tex and Northstar but more for their potential links to a PC.
"With nine manufacturers�six stalwarts and three new ones�offering more than 100 models, the choices can boggle the mind. There are stand-alone units for anticollision protection. There are multifunction units that link with chartplotters, GPSs and fishfinders. Some are configured as sensors for onboard personal computers (PCs). Others are black box models that connect to a sophisticated network and a large, sunlight-viewable monitor."
Boating World's Chris Caswell has written a short how-to on installing a GPS Chartplotter. He uses Magellan�s FX324 Map GPS Color Plotter as an example.
"Today, however, navigational accuracy with a GPS/chartplotter combo is available at everyman prices. Even better, these are very easy to install and set up. With the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), GPS accuracy has been greatly enhanced, and the chartplotter shows you the position of your boat on an electronic chart, complete with depths, buoys and all the details of a paper chart. A GPS/chartplotter combination makes for worry-free navigation in all types of weather."
Although Americans have enjoyed the advantages of a differential GPS (DGPS) system to improve accuracy of GOS fixes, Europeans and Japanese will soon have their own methods. And the good news is that there is interoperability when it comes to navigation equipment. Read this article (subscription required) for a more detailed explanation of the various systems and there reasons for being in existence.
"The answer is good news for voyagers in European waters. The Europeans are implementing their own version of WAAS. Called the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. This service will provide the same high-accuracy GPS corrections that WAAS does in North American waters. And the domain of improved GPS expands beyond that; a similar Japanese service, called MSAS will also provide satellite GPS corrections in the waters around Japan."
MotorBoating has a short review on ComNav's new small-boat autopilot. Read about it here.
"ComNav has introduced a small-boat autopilot that delivers features found on its larger units. Compatible with NAV interface input and NMEA 0183 heading output data, the new ComNav 1500 Autopilot�s drive draws a maximum of 25 amps. Its easy-to-read, five-button control head has a high-contrast LCD display, measures 4.3" x 4.3" x 1" and has adjustable backlighting."
Missed this one before, but in the Digital Ship Plus edition I mentioned yesterday there is also an interesting discussion (pdf, page 13) on electronic nautical charts. Although vector charts are generally preferred, there are some things that frustrate progress in this area.
"There is growth - many say that almost all new-build vessels have an electronic chart display onboard, and many chart display systems are being sold on existing vessels, and many new official vector charts are coming onto the market. But there is also stalemate as hydrographic offices around the world are slow to produce the official vector charts and maritime authorities do not allow ships to navigate relying on vector charts from private companies such as C-MAP and Transas. The result is supreme confusion and cost for shipping companies. If they want the safety benefits of electronic charts, in most cases they still have to pay for paper charts as well, which means paying double; consequently many shipping companies decide to only use paper, even if the vessel has a chart display system onboard. It looks like paper charts are here to stay for many more years."
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.
Apparently electronics are not the answer to everything.... Some wise 
With more and more integrated navigation systems coming to the market, there is a huge trend towards larger monitors that have split-screen functionality. Furuno recently 
"Maptech�s i3 is also a communicator with attitude. Using SkyMate satellite services, the i3 can provide e-mail functions with a twist. If you type a message using the on-screen keyboard, it can be broadcast in voice over a phone connection at the other end."
The early adopters of marine electronics can be found in the competitive fishing scene. Here's a story on a guy who outfitted his boat to the fullest extend. Like the 
Motor Boating Magazine has a buyer's 
Boating World's Chris Caswell has written a short how-to on 
Although Americans have enjoyed the advantages of a differential GPS (DGPS) system to improve accuracy of GOS fixes, Europeans and Japanese will soon have their own methods. And the good news is that there is interoperability when it comes to navigation equipment. Read this 
MotorBoating has a short review on ComNav's new small-boat autopilot. Read about it 
Missed this one before, but in the Digital Ship Plus edition I mentioned