Electronics Update

Lowrance^® Announces New Widescreen
Elite-Ti Displays

Lowrance^®, a world-leading brand in fishing electronics since 1957, announces the addition of a pair of widescreen displays to the Elite Ti standalone series of fishfinder/chartplotters.

The new Lowrance Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti touchscreen fishfinder/chartplotters include the same features that have generated so much excitement about the Elite-Ti series — but on bigger 12- and 9-inch high-resolution, widescreen displays.

Lowrance Elite Ti9

Including premium features like an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, Bluetooth® and wireless connectivity, proven Lowrance navigation technology and high-performance sonar – including CHIRP, Broadband Sounder™ and StructureScan® HD with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ – the new displays are still available at an affordable price. CHIRP sonar offers improved fish-target separation and screen clarity, while the StructureScan HD sonar imaging system with exclusive Lowrance® DownScan Imaging delivers photo-like images of fish-holding structure on both sides and directly beneath the boat.

For the ultimate in on-the-water navigation, Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti displays feature a highly accurate, built-in GPS antenna that displays position on a detailed C-MAP Insight map, with more than 3,000 lakes and rivers and detailed coastal contours to 1,000 feet. Optional chart upgrades include Lake Insight HD by C-MAP, C-MAP MAX-N, Navionics HotMaps® Premium, Navionics+ and Fishing Hotspots® PRO.

With integrated wireless connectivity, the Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti operate directly through the GoFree® Shop for downloads of mapping and software updates. Elite Ti also works seamlessly with the Insight Genesis™ map-creation service, which allows users to make custom, high-resolution contour maps from recorded sonar logs, with bottom-hardness and vegetation overlays, as well as Insight Genesis Social Map community chart sharing.

Lowrance Elite Ti12

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity also provide control of single or dual Power-Pole® shallow water anchor installations, as well as access to the GoFree Link App, which allows anglers to view and control the display from an iPad® or Android® tablet.

“With the addition of our new 12- and 9-inch fishfinder/chartplotters, we are adding even more value to the Elite-Ti family,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico. “We are confident our customers will be excited about the premium features and affordability of these new widescreen displays.”

Protected by the Lowrance Service and Support program, the Elite-12 and Elite-9 Ti can be purchased from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors.

Both the Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti will be available in March 2017. For more information on the Lowrance Elite-12 and Elite-9 Ti, the Elite Ti product family or the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics, visit www.lowrance.com.

To learn more about the Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti, please watch this video: https://youtube/NrAYd6uLzB4

 

Electronics Update

KVH Presents IP-MobileCast

Breakthrough Service for Bringing Premium Content to Every Boat

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

I’m an old school boater. While I use all the latest electronic equipment at my disposal, I still know how to navigate with paper chart, compass, dividers, parallel rules, and watch. And you know something? I take great pride in my ability to master those noble maritime skills.

But I also appreciate technology and how certain aspects of these wondrous tools have made our lives a bit easier in finding the way from here to there and back, both in the figurative as well as the literal sense.

When I started my boating life, it would have been unheard of; not even imagined, no matter ‘how many sheets to the wind’ the conversation happened to go in any direction, to envision what we have at our disposal today in the realm of onboard electronics.

Now, electronics leader KVH presents it new IP-MobileCast, a content delivery service that, according to the company, is a marine industry first: A fast and affordable way for boaters to receive such subject matter as new release Hollywood movies, news and sports, television programs, and electronic charts/updates through satellite links on their boats or yachts.

With the KVH IP-MobileCast delivery system, you can view your favorite programming on any device.

The automatic, over-the-air content is provided by KVH Media Group and can be viewed onboard any device: laptop, smartphone, tablet, or television.

Innovative Multicasting Technology

The IP-MobileCast content delivery service utilizes multicasting technology – a technique for one-to-many communications over an IP infrastructure. Shoreside servers encode files for transmission and queue them for multicast delivery. The content is delivered over the top (OTT) of the mini-VSAT Broadband network and does not use the boat’s data plan and does not affect onboard data speeds.

End-to-end Solution Only from KVH

KVH’s IP-MobileCast is the only true end-to-end solution for content delivery in the marine industry, utilizing KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband network, KVH’s TracPhone® V-IP series hardware, and KVH Media Group’s licenses to distribute premium content. Now, everyone onboard the boat can have the entertainment content they want and the operations content they need, delivered economically anywhere in the world.

For more information about the KVH IP-MobileCast content delivery system, or any of the other quality products from KVH, please visit the company Website at http://www.kvh.com

 

Electronics Update

Here’s Looking At You

 SIMRAD’s forward-looking sonar technology delivers a clear view of what lies ahead of your boat.

Simrad, world-leader in the design and manufacture of marine electronics, announced today its new ForwardScan^® forward-looking echo sounder transducer. Unlike traditional sonar that will only show boaters where they have been, the new technology provides a clear image on a Simrad multifunction display of the water column and ocean floor in front of the boat. ForwardScan^® alerts boaters to potential dangers — offering complete navigation confidence and added peace of mind in unfamiliar waters.

Designed for boats of every size, the ForwardScan transducer can be fitted on almost any kind of vessel allowing boaters to see what obstruction may be approaching. With an effective range of eight times the actual depth and a built-in user configurable shallow depth alarm, Simrad ForwardScan integrates seamlessly with other collision avoiding technologies including Broadband Radar and ensures cruisers avoid costly navigation mistakes. The advanced sounder technology is compatible with the SonarHub™ sounder module, and Simrad NSS evo2 and NSO evo2 series navigation systems. ForwardScan images can also be viewed on a smart phone and viewed and operated from a tablet on vessels equipped with the Simrad GoFree™ WiFi solution.

The possibilities are endless for safe navigating in all waters but especially when traveling somewhere for the first time.

“Our new, affordable forward-looking technology will help boaters eliminate the worry of potential groundings in unfamiliar waters, that can be much more than just embarrassing—they can cause extensive damage to running gear, keels and rudders,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. “Cruisers will love clear images of what lies ahead, and the confident edge and peace of mind that ForwardScan provides by showing the perfect spot to drop anchor.”

The Simrad ForwardScan sonar has a two-year limited parts and labor warranty and is protected by the Simrad Advantage Service Program. For more information on Simrad ForwardScan, compatible technologies or the entire line of Simrad Yachting performance marine electronics, please contact 800-324-1356 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada or visit www.simrad-yachting.com.

 

Electronics Update

I think we can all agree that one of the most groundbreaking areas in our boating lives has come in the electronics sector. When I first started, all we had back then were our paper charts, dividers and parallel ruler, a watch, and a compass. I even remember getting my first Loran set and thinking what would come next! So, to keep everyone updated here at the Boat & Yacht Report, we’ll do our best to get you the latest in all the current technology that will make your boating experience a bit more enjoyable and of course, as safe as can be. -Capt. Ken

McMurdo Smartfind M5 AIS Class A Transponder

First up is a neat gizmo from McMurdo. The McMurdo Smartfind M5 AIS (Automatic Identification System) Class A Transponder gives mariners the ability to view at a glance the AIS status of vessels all around them and provides access to a host of detailed navigation information.

The Smartfind M5, shown here with MOB screen and mounting bracket, can be a welcome and helpful addition to your electronics display.

AIS is an automatic tracking system used on ships and boats and by vessel traffic services (VTS) for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations, and satellites. Once the domain of larger ships, advanced technology has now made this type of safety equipment available to smaller, recreational vessels.

Smartfind M5 is a flexible, low-cost, easy to install, user-friendly AIS Class A transponder, incorporating a fully comprehensive AIS MOB (Man Overboard) and AIS SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) alarm to aid MOB recovery. It provides on-screen Indication and internal buzzer when any AIS SART/MOB TXID (Transmission Identification) is received, an optional remote waterproof (MOB / alarm) sounder is also available. It also allows a “buddy list” of the vessels own AIS MOB IDs and associated crew name and has a steer to rescue MOB casualty target screen. The AIS MOB alarm feature is compatible with the McMurdo S10 AIS Beacon, Smartfind S20 SRS and other AIS SART devices. More info: www.mcmurdomarine.com.

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THE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: KITS BOLSTER CELL PHONE/INTERNET CONNECTIVITY ANYWHERE

Enjoying life on the water or the road doesn’t have to mean a loss of connectivity. The new dual band Aura and Halo cellular booster kits from Shakespeare improve AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon cell phone and internet reception on a boat or RV, or in any location where phone signals are weak.

The unique compartmentalized design of these cellular boosters increases call clarity for multiple users in areas up to 6,000 sq. ft. Units feature a tough metal casing that ensures durability and weather resistance. Installation is simple, requiring no special tools or tech skills.

Shakespeare’s booster kits not only enhance cell phone reception, they also improve a phone’s battery life. The energy-efficient Aura booster consumes less than 20W, and the Halo, less than 30W. Their tough metal casings provide durability and weather resistance.

Compatible with virtually all US 2G and 3G networks, the Aura CA-VAT kit betters reception for up to five users simultaneously. Its indoor directional panel antenna and adjustable dials maximize signal strength throughout a vessel or other space.

Accommodating up to eight users, the Halo model works with virtually all US 2G and 3G networks. It also boosts 4G networks via a carrier-specific configuration (AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon). This full-featured kit poses the ideal solution for large vessels or spaces with poor signal, or those that require large

coverage. Halo’s completely integrated CA-V, CA-T and CA-A amplifier kits combine PCS and cellular dual-bands with 4G frequency, resulting in dramatically improved 4G speed for faster uploads/downloads with no buffering. Tower proximate technology automatically recognizes when signal overload to cell towers occurs. In addition to having manually adjustable dials for each frequency, the Halo model comes with built-in automatic shutdown.

Each kit includes CA-V, A or T amplifier, outdoor and indoor antenna, coax cable and a user manual. The AC power transformer for all models provides AC110V, 60Hz input and DC 12V/6V output; 12V/6V DC power is optional for the Aura. LMR240 cable is recommended for the Halo and Aura booster kits, which provides added flexibility and reduced circumference to ease installation. Shakespeare offers a two-year warranty on all its models. More info: www.shakespeare-marine.com.

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GOST® Security, Monitoring & Surveillance Systems
Integrated with KVH® and FLIR® Products 

GOST Watch HD VIP Series packages provide high-definition surveillance using a high-speed internet connection through the KVH line of mini-VSAT Broadband systems, along with a penta-band GSM/CDMA cellular data communicator for use when in cellular coverage areas. The KVH mini-VSAT has the ability for intelligent “best use” network management switch that will automatically prioritize cellular data via the GOST G3G-GSM/CDMA communicator when inside cellular range and will automatically switch the data feed to the KVH mini-VSAT pipe when the boat is outside of cellular coverage.

The new GOST Watch HD VIP Series Packages include everything needed to remotely monitor all activities on board the vessel from anywhere in the world via computer or smart phone over the internet. There are several different packages available to meet the needs of yacht owners and crews. These packages combine the KVH and cellular data modules with the assorted line of GOST cameras and IVR recorders accessible over the internet. Watch live video of the yacht as it leaves the harbor or view activities in the salon, staterooms or engine room via the GOST Watch HD website or iPhone and Android apps. Cameras can be set to record clips to the website based on motion detection and sent via email to the designated recipients. Camera motion detection can be armed and disarmed by using the included push button. The system can accommodate up to 6 cameras per login.

A winning trifecta to cover security concerns are readily available with the integration of GOST, KVH, and FLIR products.

Vessels equipped with the GOST Watch HD System and FLIR M-Series thermal night vision cameras will have access to remote streaming video surveillance of onboard cameras. Customers will be able to completely control their FLIR M-Series cameras as if they were on board with a FLIR ‘puck’ on screen that looks exactly like the puck used for control on board. The easy-to-use, web-based pan, tilt, zoom and mode control interface on the GOST Watch HD website works like the control puck on board, with a few modifications that enhance the capabilities for remote surveillance. The most noteworthy of these modifications is a one touch “Surveillance Scan” button that instantly performs a peripheral sweep of the area immediately surrounding the vessel.

GOST Watch HD allows users to remotely monitor up to six analog cameras per login at one time to capture activity onboard and around a vessel from anywhere in the world over the internet using any computer or smartphone. GOST Watch HD apps allow customers to access and view their cameras with the touch of a button from their iPhone or Android devices.

The award-winning M-Series is FLIR’s premier line of maritime thermal night vision systems. Single-payload (thermal only) and dual-payload (thermal and lowlight or color video) M-Series are housed in a rugged, waterproof gimbal enclosure with 360° pan and 90° tilt fields for horizon-to-horizon visibility. http://www.gostglobal.com; http://www.kvh.com; http://www.flir.com

 

Electronics Review

SI-TEX INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF ADVANCED METADATA AIS PRODUCTS FOR 2012

 Compact, Waterproof Design, Next Generation Rmax™ Technology and Plug-N-Play Connectivity Make These AIS Modules An Intelligent Choice For Any Vessel

SI-TEX Marine Electronics has added three new AIS Modules to its growing product line-up for 2012, bringing next-generation AIS technology, easy installation and reliable performance to any vessel looking to enhance safety on the water.

SI-TEX’s new Metadata AIS Module line includes three products to meet the needs of a range of boaters — a Dual Channel AIS Receiver, Class B AIS Transceiver, and AIS Antenna Splitter.   Each one utilizes a compact (5.5”X3.9”X1.9”) module that is IPx7 Waterproof rated, for flexible location and rugged performance in any marine environment.

Si-Tex AIS Dual Channel Receiver (left), Antenna Splitter (right), and Class B Transceiver (center).

The new Metadata Dual Channel AIS Receiver module features the next generation Rmax™ AIS technology, with lightning-fast processing to maximize reception range and ensure that all incoming AIS messages are received and fully decoded in real time.   This overcomes performance issues with yesterday’s first generation AIS systems in real-world marine situations — and the advantages of Rmax technology will become even more important as the number of AIS-equipped vessels increases in the future.  Designed for plug-and-play integration with chartplotters, radars, onboard PCs and other marine electronics, the Metadata Dual Channel AIS Receiver has built-in NMEA0183 and NMEA2000^® interfaces, as well as a USB interface that can be used to power the device.

The new Metadata AIS family also includes a Class B AIS Transceiver featuring an Rmax Class B engine that provides maximum range and efficient real-time AIS message processing for all message types.   Despite its compact size, the Metadata Class B Transceiver features an internal 50-channel GPS smart antenna, eliminating the need for an external GPS antenna in many installations.   It also features NMEA0183, NMEA2000 and USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play installations on recreational or commercial vessels wanting to send and receive AIS data.

Completing this new AIS product family from SI-TEX is the Metadata AIS Zero Loss Antenna Splitter, allowing for the full use of VHF communications and AIS send/receive with a single antenna.   This sophisticated antenna splitter was developed specifically for use with Class B AIS transceivers, providing optimum AIS and VHF radio performance in all situations.  Sophisticated electronics packed into this rugged, waterproof splitter ensure no loss to the received signal, maintaining existing VHF reception range and performance.   Built-in safety features such as Clear Call Routing (CCR) ensure VHF radio emergency call priority — and continued full-performance operation, even if the vessel’s power should fail.

The Metadata AIS Zero Loss Antenna Splitter is designed for easy integration with marine electronics, and can also be utilized for clear FM broadcast reception — providing onboard entertainment on the water or in port.

Metadata Class B AIS Transceiver                   MSRP $699
Metadata Dual Channel AIS Receiver              MSRP $329
Metadata AIS Antenna Splitter                          MSRP $279

For more information on SI-TEX’s new Metadata AIS Modules — or the company’s entire line of professional-grade marine electronics for recreational and commercial vessels — visit an authorized SI-TEX dealer or contact SI-TEX at 25 Enterprise Zone Drive, Suite 2, Riverhead, NY 11901.  Telephone: (631) 996-2690.  Website: www.si-tex.com