Archive for October 2007

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• 16 October 2007
  DIGITAL YACHT LAUNCHES THE NEW WL200, AN AFFORDABLE ONBOARD WI-FI SYSTEM
  

  Digital Yacht, the Bristol-based manufacturer of marine PC systems and software has introduced a new Wi-Fi device for boats.  Wi-Fi hot spots have become popular now at most marina locations and the WL200 from Digital Yacht brings increased range and superior access speeds over a traditional laptop or PC Wi-Fi card.  The electronics are housed in a GRP antenna designed to sit on an industry stand at 1” x 14 TPI mount, the same type that is used for a GPS or VHF antenna.  It measures just 45cm long so would quite happily sit on a push pit rail or wheelhouse roof which will vastly improve reception of Internet Wi-Fi signals compared with a laptop that may be at a chart table or down below.

  It will connect to just about any PC or laptop with an industry standard USB-style connection, and the unit will take power directly from the PC or laptop.

  Internet access whilst afloat can be invaluable with regular access to emails but also for up-to-date weather and nav information.  Digital Yacht has produced a range of expensive high-performance wireless access points for many years but the new WL200 brings Wi-Fi access to the masses with a price tag of just £199.00 including VAT.
  - ENDS -

  For further information, please contact:
  Digital Yacht Ltd., Digital House, Unit 10 City Business Park, Easton Road, Bristol BS5 OSP, UK.
  Telephone: 0870 121 3080. 
  Email:
  www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 8 October 2007
  GME Introduces AccuSat™ - The world’s smallest & lightest 406MHz PLBs with breakthrough technology and a price to match.
  

  SM Group (Europe) Ltd., the United Kingdoms exclusive distributor for Australia’s leading marine electronic equipment manufacturer GME, are pleased to announce the launch of full specification, 406 MHz PLBs with breakthrough prices to match.

  In 2004 GME revolutionised the EPIRB world with the introduction of the GME MT400, the first truly affordable 406MHz emergency beacon. Utilising the same ground breaking Australian technology, the MT410 (without GPS) and the MT410G (with integral GPS) AccuSat™ PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) are the latest exciting extension to GME’s growing family of innovative safety products.

  GME’s AccuSat™ PLBs are leading the world with feature innovation and user benefits.

  Not only are the GME AccuSat™ the smallest and lightest PLBs on the market, both models offer a massive 7 year battery replacement life, an “industry first” 7 year warranty, a high intensity LED strobe and a “Non Hazmat” battery pack for simple and cost effective air transportation anywhere in the world, all contributing to the unique AccuSat™ advantage.

  GME’s MT410 AccuSat™ range are waterproof to IP67, they float and the high visibility yellow housing is made from a tough UV stable PVC material ensuring reliable operation in even the harshest environments around the world.

  As most consumers are aware the current 121.5/243 MHz analogue COSPAS SARSAT service will be terminated in February 2009 and only the 406 MHz digital beacon signals will be processed thereafter. Consumers have for some time recognised the major benefits of a 406MHz over a 121.5MHz device in faster, more accurate detection, personal identification of each beacon, reduced search area resulting in a faster more targeted response in a life threatening situation. However the prohibitive cost of 406 MHz beacons has always been an issue.

  Today with cutting edge microprocessor technology, GME’s engineers are able to provide the outdoor adventurer with a 406MHz PLB solution that is not only affordable, but provides enhanced peace of mind for all boaters and outdoor adventurers should they ever require emergency assistance.

  GME has been designing and manufacturing emergency beacons in Australia for over 30 years. In that time literally hundreds of lives have been saved in Australia, Europe and right around the world.

  GME 410 PLB - main features include:

  • GPS Version available (MT410G)

  • 7 year battery life.7 year warranty

  • Typical accuray - MT410G < 45M, MT410 < 5KM

  • High Visibility strobe light

  • Unique patented technology - No warm up period.

  • “Non Hazmat” battery pack for simple and cost effective worldwide transportation.

  • Featherweight, compact and robust construction.

  • Digital 406 Mhz, 5 Watt transmission plus 121.5Mhz homing signal.

  • COSPAS – SARSAT Worldwide operation.

  • National & International approvals

  • Sealed waterproof design (exceeds IP67)

  • Retention strap and fully buoyant design reduces risk of loss

  • Complete with protective carry pouch

   

  The MT410 is supplied with a retention strap and protective carry pouch with belt loops. Measuring a compact 135mm (h) x 71mm (w) x 38mm (d) and weighing approximately 240grams, the MT410 will retail for around £265.00 including value added tax and the MT410G for £350.00

   

  The MT410/G will be distributed by SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd. Sales to the commercial shipping market and technical support will be provided by Sartech Engineering Ltd.For more information contact:

  SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd

  Mercator House, Brest Road, Plymouth International, Devon. PL6 5XP

  Phone: 01752 241002

  Fax: 01752 241040

  Web: www.smgeurope.com

• 7 October 2007
  IC-M801GMDSS MF/HF Marine SSB Transceiver
  

  Icom is pleased to launch the IC-M801GMDSS Class A DSC MF/HF transceiver to meet requirements for professional communications equipment on board large commercial vessels such as cruise liners, tankers, offshore tugs, salvage vessels, deep sea fishing vessels etc. The IC-M801GMDSS provides a complete GMDSS MF/HF communication system as stipulated for Commercial SOLAS regulated vessels voyaging in the A2 sea area. The radio and all its components meet MED 96/98/EC, “wheel mark” requirements for European merchant ships.

  

  The IC-M801GMDSS is ideal for any commercial vessel that demands reliable, easy to use and high performance communications, crucial to the daily running of a commercial operation. The IC-M801GMDSS has an independent DSC receiver, which constantly monitors MF/HF DSC, channels, whilst using another channel. The DSC allows crew to call other ships or coast stations directly as well as all ships in the geographic area.

  The IC-M801GMDSS has been designed to be fitted comfortably on any commercial bridge and blend in with other instrumentation. It features a remote head that can be neatly installed on a bridge whilst the ‘black box’ controller discretely mounts out of the way and out of sight. The controller can be interfaced with other equipment including GPS, computer or e-mail modems to make a complete communication system.

  The IC-M801GMDSS features an easy-to-use keypad, allowing direct frequency entry. The large dot-matrix display offers 10 levels of backlighting intensity to suit operating conditions. Large dials and buttons allow for easy operation in rough seas and low light conditions. Icom have included a headphone socket on the front panel, allowing the operator to operate the radio without disturbing others.

  The IC-M801GMDSS provides 125W of output power, enough to provide reliable long distance communication. The large cooling fan ensures stable internal temperature even during high- duty operation. The IC-M801GMDSS is pre-programmed with 1035 international and domestic channels, plus 160 user-programmable “favourite frequency” channels. The advanced Digital Signal processing virtually eliminates noise and interference.

  Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom (UK) Ltd said, ’ The IC-M801GMDSS is a powerful, feature rich, yet user-friendly transceiver and is priced is extremely competitively compared against competing brands. The IC-M801GMSS will provide powerful HF communications for rig support vessels, tugs that go offshore, tankers, salvage ships, cruise liners, deep sea fishing vessels, oceanography vessels or cable laying craft’.

  Marketing Dept:

• 7 October 2007
  Garmin sponsors Hamble Winter Series for the third year running
  

  Garmin, one of the leading names in marine electronics equipment, has announced that it will be sponsoring the Hamble Winter Series for a third consecutive year.  Poised to commence on Sunday 7th October 2007, the event brings together some of the most enthusiastic and experienced sailors in the United Kingdom. 

  With about 250 boats competing, the racing covers 9 weekends, culminating in the prize-giving on 9th December.  Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each Class, and for ‘Yacht of the series’ and ‘Sportsboat of the series’.  Competition will be high, as the regular leading names compete, names such as Jump and Werewolf, yet amateurs are also welcomed to take part.

  Once again, the Hamble Big Boat Series and Hamble Autumn Championships will also be run; these events are held as separate events to the main Hamble Winter Series.  Run over two weekends, the Hamble Big Boat Series offers Level Racing, IRC and IRM Classes while the Hamble Autumn Championships are run over one weekend and open to One Design Classes.

  Commodore of the Hamble Riverside Sailing Club, Peggy Dorothy commented, “We are delighted that Garmin has again agreed to sponsor the Hamble Winter Series.  It’s a brilliant event, bringing together all kinds of sailors from around the country. Garmin’s support enables us to continue running the Series and making it more successful every year.”

  For further information, go to www.garminhamblewinterseries.co.uk

• 7 October 2007
  Garmin introduces remote controls for the GPSmap 4000 and 5000 series chartplotters
  

  On show on the Garmin Stand, G026, at The 2007 Southampton Boat Show

  Garmin has added a new user-friendly RF Wireless Remote Control and a RF Wireless Mouse to compliment their GPSmap 4000 and GPSmap 5000 series of network plotters.  By using radio frequency rather than infrared, the devices do not have to be in direct sight of the plotters making them easier to use and improving their functionality.

  The GPSmap 4000 and 5000 series network plotters were introduced at the 2007 London International Boat Show. Based on state-of-the-art plotting technology, the units feature a networking facility that allows them to interface and combine a broad range of marine electronic data including radar, echosounder, video, GPS, AIS, sonar and engine sensors – all the information you need in one display.

  Both the 4000 and 5000 series use Garmin BlueChart cartography including the new Bluechart g2 Vision software that incorporates highly-detailed charts with high-resolution satellite imagery, port reference photography and clever Auto Guidance Technology that works out the best course for navigation.

  The RF Wireless Remote Mouse is designed to remotely control, using an optical sensor, the GPSmap 5000 series touch screen plotters, and is particularly useful when the plotter is mounted in the wheelhouse coachroof or behind other instrumentation at the helm.  The RF Wireless Remote Control can be used with both the GPSmap 4000 and 5000 series plotters and provides full functionality in the palm of your hand.

  Recommended Retail Prices:
  Garmin RF Wireless Remote Mouse - £59.99 including VAT
  Garmin RF Wireless Remote Control - £59.99 including VAT
  Garmin GPSmap 4000 series start from £2119.99 including VAT for the GPSmap 4008
  Garmin GPSmap 5000 series start from £2999.99 including VAT for the GPSmap 5008

  For more information please contact:
  Garmin (Europe) Ltd
  Telephone: 0808 238 0000
  Email:
  www.garmin.co.uk

• 7 October 2007
  The launch of the new Garmin GMR 24 Big radar power in a compact dome
  

  On show on the Garmin Stand, G026, at The 2007 Southampton Boat Show

  Following on from the success of the GMR 18, launched ten months ago, Garmin has added a new radar, the GMR 24, to its marine electronics product range.  The new 24” unit features 4kW of transmit power, dual rotation speed for faster near-target updates, plug-and-play reliability on the Garmin Marine Network*, and a size that will fit neatly on mid-large sized boats.

  The GMR 24 features a 3.6-degree horizontal and 25-degree vertical beamwidth, which allow for accurate target acquisition and separation.  The GMR 24 has a maximum effective range of 48 nautical miles, and a minimum range of 20 metres.  For navigating in tight quarters, skippers can switch the GMR 24’s rotation speed from 24 RPM to 30 RPM for rapid target updates.

  Like other Garmin radar (and unlike most competitors), the GMR 24 processes signals within the radome via a digital signal processor to reduce noise and improve sensitivity. This is dynamically presented on a Garmin Marine Network compatible chartplotter/multifunction display (MFD).  Digital processing allows for more precise recognition, enhancement, and filtering of radar echoes, making the finished display easier to read and interpret.

  The unit supports all of the following features when paired with the appropriate Garmin MFD:

  - MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) collision avoidance capability, which allows boaters to track the course, speed and predicted closest approach (by both time and distance) of multiple targets.  This requires an optional heading sensor
  - Chart overlay capability, allowing boaters to reconcile radar signatures with known objects on the chartplotter
  - Split the screen between standard radar presentations and radar overlay

  Ideal for boats of 32ft upwards, the GMR 24 features sensitivity and tuning controls, including gain, sea clutter, and rain clutter, which allows users to spend less time tuning the unit and more time navigating.  The unit also boasts selectable interference rejection, which mitigates the effect of nearby radar transmissions.

  The GMR 24 communicates with the Garmin Marine Network through a waterproof 100-megabit per second plug-and-play proprietary network, which affords users the ability to expand their boat’s system as needed.  A Marine Network cable connector kit is also included for customizing installation. 

  The recommended retail price for the GMR 24 is £1499.99 including VAT, and comes with a full two year warranty.

  For more information please contact:
  Garmin (Europe) Ltd
  Telephone: 0808 238 0000
  Email: sales.europe@g

• 7 October 2007
  Garmin launches the new 2007 range of popular eTrex GPS models
  

  On show on the Garmin Stand, G026, at The 2007 Southampton Boat Show

  Garmin has added high-sensitivity GPS receivers to its new eTrex range, while retaining the distinctive sleek, lightweight and user-friendly design that has made the eTrex devices popular with mariners and outdoors enthusiasts alike.  The five new eTrex models – the eTrex H, Venture HC, Summit HC, Legend HCx and Vista HCx will supersede the existing eTrex range of handhelds.

  On show at Southampton will be the top of the range colour eTrex Vista HCx.  It has a vivid sunlight-readable display, an expandable memory, fast USB connectivity and rugged, waterproof housing.

  The addition of a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, which is present on even the entry-level devices, enables users to acquire a GPS fix more quickly and then enjoy better reception.  Like all Garmin handhelds, it is WAAS/EGNOS enabled, which means it will pinpoint your position to within 3 metres, and it will save up to 500 waypoints and 50 routes.  Another point which makes it a great choice for marine use is that it is ergonomically designed for one handed use.
   
  The high resolution, highly reflective 256-colour TFT display and LED backlight mean mariners can navigate in broad daylight or complete darkness.  In addition, the expandable memory means that users can load a range of mapping onto their unit.  This includes BlueChart® marine cartography specially designed to provide interactive viewing of detailed nautical chart data, providing navigators with innovative object-oriented cartography featuring depth contours, inter-tidal zones, wrecks, and navaids.  Also included within this is ‘Tides and Marine Services’ which supplies information such as available fuel stations and other amenities, along with phone numbers and VHF radio channels. 

  Boaters can rely on the eTrex Vista HCx when they’re navigating the highways and byways as well.  When loaded with the optional MapSource City Navigator NT mapping on micro SD card, there is automatic route calculation to millions of addresses or points of interest, complete with turn-by-turn directions and tone alerts.  The unit is also compatible with Topo Great Britain which provides topographical mapping for off-road excursions.

  The Garmin eTrex range starts from £99.95 (suggested retail price, including VAT), with the Vista HCx at £299.99 (suggested retail price, including VAT).

  For more information please contact:
  Garmin (Europe) Ltd
  Telephone: 0808 238 0000
  Email:
  www.garmin.co.uk

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