Archive for October 2007

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• 18 October 2007
  BMEA Conference Winners
  

  Congratulations to Energy Solutions and Greenham Regis who both won the major awards at this years BMEA Conference. Paul Holland (right) of Energy Solutions UK Ltd was presented with “Product of the Year” from Peter Nash of Boating Business.

  Richard Acland, MD of Brookes and Gatehouse Ltd presented Keith Ash of Greenham Regis Marine Electronics, with the other award of “Dealer of the Year”.  This company has won this two years in succession, voted for by the manufacturers and UK distributors.

• 18 October 2007
  BMEA Conference Report
  

  Acting Chairman, Tim Christie, addressed the delegates at the start of the 2007 Conference. He welcomed all who had made the effort to attend and thanked the Executive Committee for all the voluntary work they put in during the year.

  Our first speaker was Chris Merrell from Garmin talked about the history of innovation, the background to the company’s development, its huge growth, specifically in the vehicle satnav field.

  Chris was followed by Dr Sally Basker, Trinity House, talking about the GLA’s Radionavigation activity. Sally told us that she is responsible for the research and radio navigation for all three authorities. Explaining the make up of the GLA, the three authorities responsible for maritime navigation facilities, Sally said that the GLA is not a government agency and is paid for by its users. She also emphasised that the buoyage and lighthouses will always be retained. The GLA’s users ranged from the surfboarders to super-tankers. AIS(Automatic Identification System) class B she considered was the most important recent development enabling commercial vessels to see small craft. Talking about GPS, she said there would be 3 civil GPS signals by 2017 and that the time scale for Galileo, the European equivalent of GPS is expected to be 2014 – 2016. EGNOS, the European augmentation system would be linked to both GPS and Galileo but expressed the view that the 300 kHz beacons providing differential position fixing are much better and less prone to interference. For the benefit of pilots boarding commercial vessels, there would be a standard mode of display on bridges so that the pilots would be automatically familiar with the navigational displays. More reliance will be placed on electronic systems. Finally, Sally provided details of the eLORAN system being developed to provide a land-based and alternative to GPS and other satellite systems. With the huge difference in radio power and frequencies involved, eLORAN could take over when the satellite systems failed or suffered interference, either man-made or natural.

  Following a coffee break, Paul James from DHL presented an insight of the WEEE Directive, the legal disposal of electrical and electronic equipment of all types. DHL had been in this business for some 10 years but it now had a new name! The company has around 700 WEEE customers and Paul explained the somewhat complicated systems required to comply with the law. He went though these in great detail and while not an exciting subject, it is one that all manufacturers and retailers must understand and comply with, especially as he expects enforcement to become much more severe in 2008. By 2009, it is expected that there will be a full review of the Directive. Paul finished with a Q/A session including the disposal of non-WEEE products that occur in the marine industry.

  After an excellent buffet lunch, David Lamb from St James’s Place Capital plc gave a very informative and perhaps worrying presentation of how increased life expectancy will affect our wealth or lack of it! He showed a series of fascinating statistics, pointing out that each 30 year period has resulted in an increase in average life span of around 10 years. In addition, one’s life span was very much determined by where one lives with as much as 30 years difference between the shortest and longest life expectancies.

  Following David’s presentation, Peter Bradley from the RNLI talked about today’s communication for SAR in use by the RNLI. Peter showed us some very early pictures of lifeboats, the days of cork lifejackets and pulling lifeboats; then the early SSB radio equipment in use before we had VHF, mobile phones etc. He referred to the RNLI’s “Rapid Response Units” that had been around for several years and that were called in to use during non-maritime incidents such as flooding, including their use abroad when requested to help. Now the RNLI can respond up to 100 miles out and for an incident within 10 miles, they can arrive at the scene within 30 minutes. Today the latest design, the Tamar class uses “SIMS” a Systems and Information Management System. Integrated bridge systems are in use and despite these, Peter pointed out that the traditional method of navigation and the “mark 1″ eyeball were still taught. With their own college, in-house training has made huge financial savings. Hovercraft are also employed when the situation is such that conventional draft cannot be used. Finally he emphasised that communication was king and the key to successful rescue work.

  Rob Stevens, BMF ceo talked about his ideas of the future. He showed some predictions for 2017 and expressed the view that we must drive the industry forward. Rob referred to the matter of fuel usage and the fact that the generation of electricity would become mainly nuclear sourced. He quoted Halyard as a company who had made a major contribution to the reduction of noise, one of today’s major pollutants. The superyacht industry was booming and provides a demonstration of wealth. Rob also said there was a great need for more access to water. Following a very interesting talk, he called for questions to which there was a considerable response concerning the London Boat Show at ExCel.

  Finally, Reg Suter and Julian Coleman talked about the BMET certification, its progress and the future. The Advanced level will be split into separate electrical and electronic sections. Julian pointed out that there had been a misunderstanding of the requirements for practical tasks which he clarified. A meeting with NMEA members during the METS exhibition in November is planned. Reg asked the question ‘do we need the BMET qualification?’. He feels it will lead to better installations and thus better reliability and he hopes that dealers will publicise the fact that they employ BMET certificated engineers.

  Following this, Ian Lockyer of Icom (www.icomuk.co.uk) showed the totally re-designed BMEA website that has been his responsibility over the last 6 months. Right up to date and far more comprehensive that previously, he wants to see the BMEA as an authority on marine electrical and electronic matters and requested any relevant information from members for inclusion on the site.

• 16 October 2007
  Latest BMET Examination Dates Announced
  

  The latest exams dates have been anounced by the British Marine Federation.  Examinations will take place at Marine House, Egham from 9:30 – 11:00 on the following dates:

  Wednesday 31st October 2007
  Wednesday 28th November 2007
  Wednesday 12th December 2007
  Wednesday 23rd January 2008
  Wednesday 20th February 2008
  Wednesday 12th March 2008

  If you want to take the examination or require any further information, please contact Liv Whetmore (Training Administrator) at the British Marine Federation

• 16 October 2007
  Tacktick to preview new instrument colours at Mets
  

  Tacktick will be previewing their new ‘silver-grey’ bezel Micronet range at Mets 2007. Not just a colour change, the new look instruments boast a host of new features including improved backlighting and full compatibility with Tacktick’s wireless Remote and Mast Rotation units.  The new grey instruments will come into production for the 2008 season.

  Tacktick are making the switch from their well known white bezels to silver-grey to enable the increasing number of owners specifying Tacktick instruments to have uniform grey coloured electronics packages on board.

  The new colour range will coincide with the launch of a host of new features for Tacktick’s award winning Micronet range. These latest instruments will be fully compatible with Tacktick’s unique wireless Remote Display which can both drive the instruments remotely and display any of the data in a variety of screen options; all in the palm of your hand with no batteries or wires. In addition the new instruments will all be compatible with Tacktick’s wireless mast rotation unit; essential for those who want to have accurate and reliable true wind information. And finally the new range will feature improved instrument backlighting options and greater range for the wind instruments.

  Tacktick remain world leaders in wireless electronics with their extensive range of innovative solar powered electronics covering dinghies, sports boats, cruising and racing yachts through to superyachts. With over 10 years experience and significant numbers of boat owners and boat builders appreciating the freedom and flexibility of no wires as well as proven reliability, the easy choice is Tacktick.

  Micronet displays receive and display data such as speed, depth, wind, SOG and XTE, wirelessly from any Micronet transmitter. Being wireless the displays can be positioned wherever you need them and removed for safe storage when not in use. The displays come in three options, Digital Display with large 38mm easy to read digits, the Dual Digital with two lines of data and the Analogue Display for showing clear wind and course data. Tacktick offer three options of wireless wind transmitter; the standard Micronet Wind Transmitter, a specialist Power Boat Wind Transmitter and an upwash Vertical Wind Transmitter for racing yachts.

  Visit the Tacktick stand at Mets, 03.301 to see the new silver-grey bezel and discuss the new features of the Micronet Range.

• 16 October 2007
  Tacktick’s new Race Master to debut at Mets 2007
  

  Following its extremely successful launch in the UK earlier this year, Tacktick will be debuting their new Race Master at this year’s Mets exhibition.

  The new instrument has already received rave reviews from sports boats fleets in the UK such as the Laser SB3’s where all the top sailors have been delighted with the sophisticated new features and the clarity of the displays of the new Race Master.

  The new Race Master’s two tier display shows heading, distance above and below mean course, lifter/header information as well as countdown timer. A brand new feature is the Start Line feature enabling you to quickly and easily see which is the favoured end of the start line as well as helping you sail the shortest distance to the windward mark. Downwind you can see how far off dead downwind you are and when you should gybe for optimal VMG.

  2007 European SB3 Champion, Geoff Carveth was highly complementary about the features of the new Race Master, “Having changed to the new Tacktick Race Master for the Europeans, we were really impressed with the clarity of the displays as well as the accuracy of the information which enabled us to confidently sail by the numbers and come out on top. We were also really pleased to see that the new instrument has much simpler wiring making it hassle free to fit and set up each time.”

  Amongst the host of new design features on the new Race Master are the improved viewing angles, larger digits and Polaroid friendly screens. In addition the instrument comes with the latest, most efficient solar panels resulting in significantly increased charging rates as well as the integral 300 hours autonomy from the accessible lithium batteries. As with all Tacktick products the Race Master is waterproof to 10m and lightweight (445g) as well as being wireless.

  Tacktick’s new Race Master retails at £499.95 and is available from all good chandleries. To see the new Race Master at Mets please visit the Tacktick stand 03.301

• 16 October 2007
  AIS250 Receiver from Raymarine
  

  Raymarine’s AIS250 Receiver was on show at this year’s Southampton Boat Show on stand G088.  AIS technology enables automatic voiceless exchange of vessel and navigational information between vessel or shore station equipped with AIS receivers.  This enables both shore stations and other vessels to identify the vessel name, MMSI number, radio call sign, type of ship and cargo identity, as well as dynamic information such as course, speed, rate of turn and heading.

  For leisure vessels, the ability to see this information on chartplotter and radar screens is a huge benefit, especially in poor visibility and congested waters. Now Raymarine has launched its AIS250 receiver, a compact unit designed to integrate with Raymarine’s SeaTalk® network, bringing this technology to the reach of boat owners using Raymarine’s C and E series. 

  The value of AIS data to leisure vessels was highlighted recently in a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which stated that the common practice of large vessels altering course in a slow manner can lead to doubt and indecision on board other vessels in the vicinity.  Such a method of turning does not provide a clear indication of the vessel’s final intentions, so having an AIS receiver on board which states the rate of turn, course, speed and final destination enables boaters to make informed decisions about whether to change course themselves. 

  The AIS250 is a switched dual channel, multiplexed system, which means a single receiver uses complex software to monitor AIS Class A and Class B transmissions over both standard VHF frequencies.  For ease of fitting, the AIS250 uses a splitter circuit to utilise the existing VHF antenna and cabling, and links to the existing VHF radio on board.

  Raymarine’s E and C Series multifunction displays have been upgraded to show AIS symbols and information directly on to both the chartplotter and radar screens.

  In addition to useful vessel data, AIS has the great advantage of being able to ‘see’ around and over hills and other obstructions thereby eliminating the blind spots that sometimes appear on radar returns where a vessel can be ‘hidden’ behind a headland.   Dynamic information such as speed, rate of turn, course and heading is updated within seconds, dependant on speed, while additional static information, such as vessel name, MMSI number, radio call sign, type of ship and cargo, and even destination is updated within minutes.  

  Raymarine’s AIS250 is quick and easy to install.  The built-in multiplexer alleviates any connectivity issues by allowing the AIS250 to convert AIS information and other NMEA data at multiple baud rates, and the NMEA 0183 makes it compatible with all Raymarine equipment as well as other manufacturers’ products with AIS target display ability.  The AIS250 is compact, rugged and reliable and comes with Raymarine’s standard 2 year parts and labour warranty, and is backed up with the company’s extensive worldwide service and support network. 
  RRP £655.00 ex VAT and £769.62 inc VAT

• 16 October 2007
  Raymarine’s G Series premier navigation system at Monaco Yacht Show
  

  Raymarine’s new premier navigation system, the G Series, will be on show on stand QT35.  Offering more than just navigation, G Series is a complete information, command and entertainment system providing a comprehensive and powerful solution for all onboard requirements. 

  The G Series is a high performance networked system that features a built-in high capacity hard drive, the GPM400 processor module, offering superb PC-like performance.   The system provides a central display for navigational data, instrument information, video and on-board cameras, radar, fishfinders and cartography.  The G Series comes pre-loaded with worldwide cartography from Navionics.  This highly detailed mapping shows navigation charts, 3D topography, aerial photographic views of ports, port data, animated tides and currents.  Charts for entire geographic regions are loaded on the internal hard drive, with CompactFlash used to download data for charts in other areas. 

  The G Series comprises high visibility, sunlight viewable, low profile LCD displays, which are available in 12”, 15”, 17″ and 19” sizes.  These provide unrivalled detail with high resolution graphics on clear and easy to see screens.  New technology used by Raymarine means these low-profile screens are manufactured using glass bonded to the LCD to improve contrast, and optimize direct sunlight visibility even in direct tropical sunlight, minimise reflections and prevent condensation.  A night mode dims the screen to red to maintain night vision.  Each display has nine direct access hot keys on the front enabling users to move quickly and easily between inputs and displays.  
  The G Series keyboard is used to control the GPM400 core processor module.  Users can choose an optional wireless kit if preferred, (available late 2007) and the keyboard is designed to interface with single or multiple G series displays.  The alpha-numeric keypad has intuitive softkeys interfacing and is used to operate and control the autopilot, and data inputs from the modules. 

  As expected from a top of the range system, the G Series introduces new technology into many of the modules linked to the G Series.  The radar, for example, uses Raymarine’s patented HD Digital sonar input in the DSM400 Digital Sounder Module using next generation HD Digital signal processing technology.  This is compatible with Raymarine’s new line of ultra high performance transducers including broadband options and wideband transducer options. 

  The new HD Digital open array radar scanners also use advanced digital signal processing, which delivers double the performance and target recognition of conventional radars.  Other new features include an adjustable beam width to less than one degree, adaptive auto-settings and multi-level colour target display.  In production tests, Raymarine’s 4kW HD Digital radar with a six foot antenna outperformed conventional 25kW radar with a nine foot antenna, while the technology improves target detection by virtually eliminating all noise.

  Users selecting the G Series can choose multiple options based around the core system comprising the G Series marine display and GPM400 processor module, which costs from £3,315 for the G120 12 inch marine display and £3,100 for the GPM400 processor module.  This package will link with all SeaTalk and SeaTalk2/NMEA2000 inputs, as well as Raymarine’s communication and safety products including AIS250 and LifeTag man overboard system.  The G Series is being launched at Southampton Boat Show, Cannes, La Rochelle and Monaco Yacht Shows, and is available through Raymarine’s global network of dealers and distributors.

• 16 October 2007
  Raymarine launches ST70 Multifunction Colour Instrument
  

  Raymarine has launched its new generation ST70 multifunction instrument. The ST70 is a full colour data display unit with a brand new way of visualising instrument information.  With the option to use a single display head for all data, users can choose what data to show and in what type of format, and then add additional ST70 units as required.  Stylishly designed, with high resolution colour screens, the ST70 has been developed by Raymarine to be versatile and easy to use. 

  The ST70 is simple to install and set up, and provides extensive options for users to customize data to suit their own preferences using a variety of digital, analogue, graphic and historical data display options.  The data bus architecture, which ensures highly accurate data is delivered quickly to the display heads, uses Raymarine’s new SeaTalkng and enables simple connection between multiple ST70 instruments. 

  Using the same footprint as Raymarine’s highly successful ST60 instrument series, the new ST70 instruments offer low profile flush mounting or surface mount options.  Waterproof to CFR46 standard, the sunlight viewable TFT colour displays enable easy viewing in any light, so instruments can be mounted inside or outside.  The instrument screen offers a wide viewing angle, with easy to see high clarity displays.  A day or night colour option ensures the same high quality visibility in all light conditions.

  The ST70 offers eight user defined instrument data pages with 16 screen layout options for each data page which can be customised and turned on or off.   Available in multiple language options, Raymarine has introduced a start up wizard to quickly help users set up each display to their boating style, while a carousel menu guides users easily through the available options.

  Offering all the standard instrument data, the ST70 also has some new features and functions including environmental data such as barometric pressure.
   
  Advanced features include the option to upgrade via a CF card reader.  The ST70 will operate using existing transducers, or users can choose to fit Raymarine’s new SeaTalkng transducers (available early 2008).  The benefit of SeaTalkng is that it uses small diameter connectors making installation easier in confined spaces.  SeaTalkng also uses rugged waterproof positive lock connectors which are colour coded for complete ease and speed of installation for the system’s backbone and spurs.  Using SeaTalkng, the entire system is backward compatible with Raymarine’s existing SeaTalk1 and SeaTalk2 products.

  The ST70 colour instrument display costs £440 and the SeaTalkng depth, speed and transducer pods cost £165 each, or users can utilise existing ST60 speed, depth and wind transducers.  All prices are Raymarine list price excluding VAT.

  Raymarine’s new 2007/2008 product range, which includes the new G Series and award winning navigation, communication and safety products, are available through a global network of dealers and distributors.

• 16 October 2007
  Tacktick add new Dual Display to their Maxi racing range
  

  Wireless electronics experts, Tacktick will be launching the new dual-digital display as part of their top-end Maxi racing instrument range at Mets in November 2007.

  The new Maxi range uses Tacktick’s proven wireless technology to give large race boats the most versatile, flexible and light weight racing electronics package on the market.
  Being launched at Mets, the new Dual Maxi Display displays two lines of data in 32cm digits to give excellent wide angle viewing options and offers a choice of backlighting colours for maximum clarity at night.

  The Maxi range offers an impressive array of innovative features including a new start line function that tells racers to speed up or slow down as they approach the start line, a crucial tool for optimising starts. The displays use high contract LCD screens with super-large digits to give maximum clarity. With no wires to run through the boat or up the mast and super-thin, lightweight displays, Tacktick’s instruments offer the most weight efficient package for race boat owners.

  The Maxi range comes with many sophisticated features including the highly responsive Line Bias, Wind Shift and Timer functions, indicators for acceleration and speed trends, plus advanced Set, Drift, Turn, and Course to Steer functions; which provide exceptional advantages in tidal waters. For ease of use the instruments have an ‘Auto Leg’ function which automatically displays the relevant information for each leg of the course.

  As with all Tacktick instruments the displays are capable of receiving and displaying all forms of data wirelessly: from polar data, true wind speed, VMG and compass headings to speed, depth and wind, SOG, COG and navigational data. Both the new Dual Maxi and the Maxi displays can be controlled and configured from anywhere on the boat using Tacktick’s Remote Display.

  For boats not currently racing with Tacktick Wireless systems, the new Tacktick Maxi display can interface with a wide variety of equipment including Raymarine, B & G and Simrad enabling lightweight; easy to fit and easy to use additional displays for data management.

  Tactician John den Engelsman, from DRS.X this year’s X35 world champion, commented, “We were very impressed by the accuracy of the instruments together with their ease of use and ultra clear displays; these instruments are ideal for boats such as X35’s where clear, fast, accurate data in the most lightweight instrument package is the critical factor for owners that want that winning edge.”

  With single displays starting at £599.95 inc VAT, the new Tacktick Maxi range is the most competitive race boat package on the market. For a complete wireless racing package Tacktick also produce a wireless Vertical Wind Transmitter, elevating the wind sensor by 1.35m to enable accurate TWS and TWA readings as well as a wireless mast rotation unit for rotating rigs. Find out more by visiting the Tacktick stand at Mets 03.301.

• 16 October 2007
  MARINE ELECTRONIC SERVICES OPENS A NEW, CHICHESTER OFFICE
  

  Marine Electronic Services Ltd has opened a new sales, service and installation facility at Chichester Marina.  The new operation will look after retail, service and installation for the local berth holders as well as OEM fit-outs for the major brands distributed by the new Opal Marine business – Rodman, Legend and Azimut.

  Heading up the new operation is Andy Banting, who was previously employed by B A Peters, so there will be good continuity for existing customers.  Sales and service agreements are in place for all the leading marine electronic manufacturers including Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Digital Yacht, Standard Horizon and Icom.  These agreements also cover warranty service where appropriate.

  “With over 1200 berths, Chichester is a prime retail environment for us as well as an important source for new boats that are distributed through the recently formed Opal Marine Ltd.  We look forward to bringing our range of products and value added services into this locality,” commented Nick Heyes, Managing Director of Marine Electronic Services Ltd.  “Andy Banting comes with a wealth of knowledge and over 15 years experience with marine electronics – we are delighted to have him and his team on board”.  Marine Electronic Services Ltd is one of Europe’s largest specialist marine electronic resellers and installers, with offices in Bristol, Chichester, Poole and London.  They currently employ around 30 people, with annual revenues of approximately £10 million per annum.

  Details for the new office are: Marine Electronic Services Ltd, Chichester Marina, Chichester, PO20 7EJ.  Tel: 01243 888423.  Email: andy.banting@mesltd.co.uk

  www.mesltd.co.uk

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