Archive for February 2008

• 23 February 2008
  New Kannad PLB with GPS
  

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics are showing the new Kannad PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) on the Mantsbrite stand at the Fishing 2008 Show at Glasgow SECC 3 to 5 April 2008. 

  

  The New Kannad XS3 PLB is Kannad’s third generation of GPS PLB specifically designed for multi-environment use with safety at sea as the prime objective. KANNAD made the deliberate decision to develop a unique model with integrated GPS because life is too precious when isolated in hostile environment.

  The Kannad 406 XS-3 GPS can be used at sea, on land or in the air. This new multi-environment Kannad 406 XS-3 GPS is the result of Kannad’s constant research and includes the latest technological advances such as the type of GPS used (sensitivity, consumption, fast acquisition and positioning), advanced components (consumption gain, miniaturization), non hazardous batteries and a design in line with its intended use as a hand carried product.

  The Kannad XS3’s oval shape has been designed to fit perfectly in the palm of the hand. Its simple architecture is resumed in one flap for testing, one flap for activation with simple pictogram instructions for quick activation in distress. A sturdy attractive pouch is included and designed for clipping to a survival suit and to protect the PLB against knocks and shocks.

  The Kannad XS3 GPS PLB has an RRP of £399.95 inc VAT. For further information please contact the UK distributor:

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics, 19F Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DY.
  Tel 01621 853003. E mail sales@mantsbrite.com

• 23 February 2008
  Koden Professional Radars with C-Map Chart Overlay
  

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics, the exclusive UK distributor for Koden Electronics, are exhibiting two new ranges of professional high resolution colour radars with C-Map chart overlay on the Mantsbrite stand at the Fishing 2008 Show at Glasgow SECC 3 to 5 April 2008. 

  

  The new Koden MDC-2200 / 2500 series, are the latest 12.1” and 15” high performance radars from Koden with radar overlay onto C-Map Charts. Both radars feature a high resolution 1024 x 768 XGA display with a new antireflective screen that is visible in bright sunlight, radars in this class typically have a screen resolution of only 800 x 600 pixels. Aimed at professional users the radars feature individual control knobs for Gain, Sea and Rain Clutter. Users can also assign their own specific functions to dedicated “F” (function) keys for frequently used functions.

  The open array antennas have also been upgraded and now offer improved sea clutter performance and target sensitivity. The antennas can run at either 24 or 48 RPM making the radars suitable for use on rivers with high traffic density or for use on high-speed craft that require a fast picture update. Power outputs ranging from 4kW to 25kW are available with a choice of 3ft to 9ft open arrays.

  An interesting feature applicable to double-ended vessels such as ferries is the ability to operate two displays from one antenna with the heading line being rotated by 180 degrees, this being dependant upon which display is in use.

  ATA (Automatic Tracking Aid) is fitted as standard and tracks up to 50 targets. Vessels being tracked are easily identified with a number and vector line. Detailed information such as CPA (Closest Point of Approach), speed, course etc is also displayed. If the automatic acquisition zone is set, up to 50 targets entering the zone will be automatically locked and tracked. When connected to a Koden Chartplotter, other vessels being tracked with the ATA can be shown and tracked on the chartplotter display. This is especially useful if a record of another vessels movements is required.

  The radars also feature a true trail function when connected to a heading sensor and GPS. Moving targets will leave a true echo trail whereas stationary targets such as land and buoys leave no echo trail, even when the vessel is moving.

  An optional AIS interface is also available allowing the radar to display information on up to 100 vessels equipped with AIS transmitters.

  The Koden MDC 2200/2500 series radars are available from £4731 ex VAT, for further information please contact the UK distributor:

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics, 19F Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DY.
  Tel 01621 853003. E mail sales@mantsbrite.com

• 23 February 2008
  Navicom RT-650 DSC VHF Radio with AIS and Wireless Remote Handset
  

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics are exhibiting the industry’s first VHF Radio with integrated AIS receiver and Wireless Remote Handset on the their stand at the Fishing 2008 Show at Glasgow SECC 3 to 5 April 2008. 

  

  The new Navicom RT-650 is a DSC VHF radio with an integrated AIS receiver and a wireless 2nd station VHF radio handset!  The cost saving is considerable when compared to purchasing and installing the individual items and only one VHF antenna is required.

  The innovative design includes an AIS receiver with an NMEA output.  When connected to an AIS compatible chart plotter other vessels fitted with AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders, will be overlaid onto the chart plotter display, greatly enhancing safety, especially when crossing busy shipping lanes. With the AIS receiver built-into the RT-650 only one VHF antenna is required.

  A wireless remote handset is also included providing 2nd station capability to make VHF radio calls, operate the DSC or act as an intercom.  The handset features a large easy to read display and operates at a distance of up to 200m.  This is the first VHF radio to provide all of these features.

  The RT-650 is a multifunction device designed for ship to ship or ship to shore calls with an integrated Class D DSC with message register.  By simply pressing the distress key, the DSC system allows a distress call to be transmitted that will be recognised by all DSC VHF equipped ships and shore stations in range, telling them your boats details, time of call and position.

  The Navicom RT-650 has an RRP of £359.95 inc VAT. For further information please contact the UK distributor:

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics, 19F Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DY.
  Tel 01621 853003. E mail sales@mantsbrite.com

• 23 February 2008
  Northstar Announces New Explorer 725VHF DSC Radio with Second Station Wireless Handset
  

  Northstar announced today the latest addition to its popular Explorer Series – the Explorer 725 VHF DSC radio with the new 705 wireless handset option. A full-featured DSC VHF radio with the added mobility and convenience of up to two optional wireless handsets, the new Northstar Explorer 725 VHF radio offers new features that greatly enhance the Northstar VHF product line. Like all Northstar products, the Explorer 725 combines ease-of-use and cutting edge technology, providing boaters with the ultimate in reliability, flexibility and performance.

  

  Rugged and dependable, the Explorer 725 delivers the high quality functionality savvy boaters expect from Northstar. Designed for boats 18’ and larger, the powerful Northstar Explorer 725 offers expandability with an optional full function, second station wireless handset, ideal for fly-bridge, sailboat cockpit or anywhere a second VHF station is useful. Boaters with two wireless handsets can also use them to communicate in walkie-talkie-like fashion when in range of the Explorer 725, which acts as a relay station. Additional features of the Explorer 725 include built-in fish activity and weather prediction capabilities displayed on a super large screen using a detailed digital graph, and the exclusive Track-Your-Buddy capability. Unique to the Navico family, Track-Your-Buddy allows boaters to pinpoint the exact location of other vessels using LL position polling techniques and displays the position on the latest line-up of Northstar GPS chartplotters.

  Commenting on the release, James Duynisveld, Navico Product Expert Manager stated, “The Explorer 725 is a radio truly worthy of the Northstar name. Northstar is dedicated to helping our customers make the most of their time on the water. Our new VHF radio not only provides the peace of mind and safety that consumers expect, but an array of innovative features that make the entire boating experience more enjoyable.”

  Additional features of the Northstar Explorer 725 include a 25W transmitter, 5W extension speaker with listen-back feature and NOAA Tone Weather Alert. The optional full function wireless handset contains a rechargeable 750mA Li-Ion battery, built-in radio controls with intercom compatibility, and comes with a 12Vdc tabletop charger. The Explorer 725 is NMEA 0183 compatible, JIS-7 waterproof, and is protected by a two-year warranty.

  Availability:
  The new Northstar Explorer 725 VHF radio will be available from May 2008 onwards, and can be purchased through regular Navico Distribution channels. The optional wireless second station handset can be purchased separately. For more information on the Explorer 725, or to learn more about Northstar and its entire product line, please contact Navico UK on 01794 510010 or visit www.northstarnav.com

• 1 February 2008
  Simrad GB40 Glass Bridge System combines Powerful Navigation, Safety & Entertainment Functions with Flexible Installation for Mid-Sized Power and Sailing Yachts
  

  Navico has unveiled the latest breakthrough in advanced Glass Bridge navigation systems. The new Simrad GB40 Glass Bridge delivers professional-grade power, functionality and robust reliability in a system specially engineered for vessels in the 35 to 75 foot range.

  At the heart of the GB40 is a compact, yet powerful “below dash” NavComputer, which comes pre-loaded with global C-Map MAX Pro cartography (purchase of a regional chart unlock code is required). The speed and power of the GB40’s dedicated processor literally opens up a world of navigational possibilities, beginning with a variety of sophisticated MAX Pro chart presentations. These include 3D presentations of bathymetric sea floor data, land elevation data and satellite photography that can be combined in a realistic Virtual Earth display. This feature gives navigators an unprecedented view of the environment around, above and below their vessels, greatly improving safety and situational awareness. Other key charting functions include Perspective View (a “bird’s eye” view of the chart display), Dynamic Current Predictions and NavRef aerial photos of harbours and inlets.

  The modular design of the GB40 allows boaters to create the best system for their vessel and requirements, beginning with the addition of a high-power (600W or 1kW) dual-frequency echo sounder. Adding a sounder module and a wide range of available transducers makes the GB40 a powerful tool for serious ocean fishermen. Additionally, no comparable system for vessels of this size can match the GB40’s range of professional Simrad radar options — from 2kW radome units to powerful 25kW open array systems.

  Three different Glass Bridge displays are available, to create the ideal command station for any vessel. The GB40 can be configured with 10.4-inch, 15-inch or 19-inch flat-panel TFT high-resolution colour displays, each designed to maximise active viewing area. All functions of the GB40 are easily accessed and controlled using the system’s OP30 Operation Unit. This compact control pad is can be mounted on the dash or built into the pilot chair armrest, for the ultimate in control. This allows GB40 monitors to be surface mounted or rear flush mounted into the helm station, for an attractive Glass Bridge layout that complements any vessel. Bracket mounting is also an option.

  Each GB40 NavComputer includes two DVI monitor ports, allowing an additional DVI or VGA slave monitor to be connected to the second DVI port. Networked GB40 navigation computers can be added for multi-display operation, further enhancing the flexibility of the system.

  Boaters can add a wide range of important extras to the GB40 to create an all-in-one navigation, information and entertainment centre on the bridge. On-deck, engine room and even underwater cameras let you monitor what’s going on and increase safety on the water. Add an optional CD/DVD drive to enjoy music or watch a movie on one of the GB40’s high-resolution, daylight viewable monitors. The plug-and-play capabilities of Simrad’s NMEA-2000®-based SimNet data sharing network reduces installation time and simplifies initial set up. SimNet enables monitoring of vital engine data on the GB40 and makes it easy to interface with Simrad autopilots and instruments. The award-winning, SimNet-based WR20 RemoteCommander lets boaters wirelessly monitor data from the GB40 and make full 25W VHF calls via compatible Simrad fixed mount VHF radios.

  Navigators can also interface the GB40 with the new Simrad AI50 Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System). This system helps recreational vessels identify other AIS equipped vessels and determine important information such as vessel type, course, speed, heading and rate of turn, time to closest approach and closest point of approach. Having this information overlaid on the GB40’s large and detailed chart displays will enhance awareness and safety when navigating crowded waterways or regions with heavy commercial traffic. The GB40 is also compatible with the Sirius Weather Receiver, providing real-time satellite weather information overlaid onto the chart display (U.S. and Canada only).

  www.simrad-yachting.com

  sales.uk@navico.com

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