Archive for March 2008

• 29 March 2008
  GME’s GPS EQUIPPED EPIRB’s GAIN COSPAS SARSAT APPROVAL
  

  SM Group (Europe) Ltd are pleased to announce GME has just received COSPAS SARSAT approval for its GPS equipped Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, the manually and water activated MT403G and the automatic MT403FG.

  The new models incorporate a 16 Channel GPS receiver that in an emergency will allow transmission of the beacon’s latitude and longitude as well as the identification of the owner. This will result in a much faster emergency response time through the geostationary GEOSAR satellite constellation and most importantly a reduced search and rescue area, typically less than 100 metres compared to around 5 kilometres with conventional 406MHz beacons.

  Kevin Turner of SM Group (Europe) Ltd commented

  “This is terrific news, the approval of the GME MT403G and MT403FG beacons further strengthens the GME brand in the market with the MT410/G PLB’s and MT401/401FF NON GPS EPIRBS already selling well on both feature advantages and price competitiveness.

  Now with a full beacon portfolio including manual, water and automatic activated EPIRBs, PLBs and now GPS beacons, we have a safety solution for all contingencies be it pleasure boating, commercial shipping, general aviation or land based activities.”

  The MT403G and its derivative the auto-release MT403FG, will be available for sale from May this year. The MT403G will retail for around £439.00 including value added tax with the MT403FG retailing for around £629.00 including value added tax.

  For more information contact:
  Kevin Turner
  SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd
  Mercator House, Brest Road, Plymouth International, Devon. PL6 5XP
  Phone:  01752 241002 
  Fax:    01752 241040
  Email:     
  Web:    www.smgeurope.com

• 29 March 2008
  Poly-Planar MRD-70 AM/FM/CD/MP3 Multi-Zone Audio system
  

  SM Group (Europe) Ltd are pleased to announce the launch of the Poly-Planar MRD-70 AM/FM / CD / MP3 Multi-Zone Audio Entertainment system with the RD-44 112mm x 112mm Control head which will fit neatly a row of an instrumentation system.

  Now you can get great audio from bow to stern with a new fully waterproof, AM/FM /CD / MP3 multi-zone component system from Poly-Planar. The system offers independent volume control , infrared remote control and local zone input in up to four zones and two auxiliary inputs on the receiver to let you pipe through the sound from an IPOD, TV or VCR anywhere on board, too.  MRD-70 main features include:

  • AM/FM / CD / MP3 compatible
  • Waterproof design (Front panel IP65)
  • RMS operating power 20W/CH x 4
  • 2 Auxiliary inputs
  • 1 Auxiliary output fixed line output
  • No-skip CD / MP3 with 10 second delay

  RD-44 Remote Head - main features include:

  • Full control of audio functions and sources
  • 32 character back lighted display
  • Self dimming for night use
  • Back lighted keypad
  • Flush panel or gimbal bracket mount options
  • Integral intercom with speaker
  • Infrared remote control
  • DIN cable of MRD-70 or MZ100
  • Flush dimensions 112 x 112 x 17mm

  The MRD-70 is supplied complete with a RD-44 Remote Head at an SSP of £359.95 including value added tax and additional RD-44 Remote Displays are available at an SSP of £82.95 including value added tax.

  For more information contact:
  Kevin Turner
  SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd
  Mercator House, Brest Road, Plymouth International, Devon. PL6 5XP
  Phone:  01752 241002 
  Fax:    01752 241040
  Email:     
  Web:    www.smgeurope.com

• 29 March 2008
  GME’s GX600D – A compact Fixed DSC / VHF Radio
  

  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 an extremely compact, feature full VHF / DSC, the GME GX600D.

  Weighing in at less than 600 grams and measuring a tiny 166(w) x 65(h) x 77(d) mm, the GME GX600D is perfect for flush mounting in areas of limited space, where only a 50 mm panel depth is available.

  Flexibility has been key in the design of the GME GX600D. Such features as its impressive size, IP67 waterproof rating, colour choice, range of mounting and second station options sets the GME GX600D apart from the competition.

  Standard equipment on the GME GX600D is a full function keypad microphone with an extremely simple ‘mobile phone style’ operating system, ensuring operators of every skill level can access the full benefit of the radio’s extensive feature list.

  The 25 Watt GME GX600D however goes well beyond this basic safety requirement as when interfaced with a GPS receiver, it will be able to transmit crucial vessel information including position and the nature of the distress call whether it be fire, flooding, collision, grounding, capsize, sinking, adrift, abandoning, piracy or man overboard. In an emergency, one push of the “red button” will send an automated digital distress alert containing your position and Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to rescue facilities and other DSC-equipped vessels in the area.

  The GME GX600D DSC radio also provides boat owners with a valuable range of non-emergency capabilities, permitting communication with another boat or group of boats using individual or group MMSI numbers. If interfaced to a suitable GPS / chart plotter the radio can send, receive and display each vessel’s position ??? as well.

  Competing products in this price range often employ a single receiver to monitor both voice and data, the GME GX600D comes complete with a second receiver so both voice and data are monitored independently ensuring the user will never miss a DSC call.

  The GME also offers a unique second station remote option for the GME GX600D, ideal for larger fly-bridge cruisers. The RM600 provides all the features of the main unit whilst also offering the utility of two-way intercom.

  The GME GX600D, with full RTT&E UK approval is designed and manufactured in Australia and complements GME’s expanding range of waterproof marine products.

  GME GX600D - main features include:
  • Exceeds the class D European specification for DSC operation
  • Compact and waterproof
  • Simple user interface, mobile phone style operating system
  • Full function ketpad microphone
  • Chartplotter function for tracking feature
  • 2nd station remote option
  • Multiple mouting options
  • Available in white and black

  Distributed by SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd the GX600D will retail at around £235.00 inc VAT and the RM600D second station £140.00.

  For more information contact:
  Kevin Turner
  SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd
  Mercator House, Brest Road, Plymouth International, Devon. PL6 5XP
  Phone:  01752 241002 
  Fax:    01752 241040
  Email:     
  Web:    www.smgeurope.com

• 29 March 2008
  Free Software Upgrade Offers Navionics Platinum Compatibility and Broadband Sounder-1 Support
  

  Lowrance announced today the availability of its multifunctional performance enhancing software update, version 2.3.0.

  

  Compatible with all Lowrance 2007 and 2008 colour LMS, LCX and GlobalMap® models with 5”, 7”, 8.4” and 10.4” displays, the update provides support for award-winning Navionics Platinum and Platinum HotMaps cartography featuring satellite and high-aerial photo overlays, 3D bathymetric bottom contours detail and panoramic port photography. The update also provides support for the company’s advanced next-generation sonar solution, the Lowrance Broadband Sounder-1. The Broadband Sounder-1 provides best-in-class shallow and deep-water performance and DSP technology with digital filtering for clear target display definition. Available as a free download, the Lowrance 2.3.0 software update provides these, as well as several other, powerful feature enhancements allowing Lowrance customers to get the most out of their sonar and chartplotter electronics.

  In addition to Navionics Platinum and Broadband Sounder-1 support, the Lowrance 2.3.0 software update includes features such as new high-definition (HD) digital radome compatibility for exceptional target detection and resolution; radar/chart overlay that employs Simrad heading sensors; and enhancements to all exiting language support, with the addition of Greek and Polish. The update also provides other features like an innovative screen snapshot mode that allows users to capture and save sonar or GPS screens for future reference; chart redraw speed and sonar digital depth tracking improvements; and a new range of sonar presets.

  “The 2.3.0 upgrade gives our customers access to the most advanced sonar technology and best cartography available,” said James Duynisveld, Product Expert Manager, Navico. “We are thrilled to offer Lowrance owners an update packed full of rich performance upgrades for increased functionality.”

  The Lowrance 2.3.0 update can be downloaded from www.lowrance.com

  More information on the version 2.3.0 update, Lowrance or its entire line of marine electronics is available by contacting:

  Telephone: +44 (0) 1794 510010 (Navico UK)
  Email:  
  Web:  www.lowrance.com

• 25 March 2008
  Icom support Ramsgate Week
  

  Icom will be providing radio communications to the Royal Temple Yacht Club (RTYC) in Ramsgate for their annual regatta. The Ramsgate Week regatta has been a feature of the town’s calendar for 110 years and attracts sailors from all over the world.

  Icom UK (www.icomuk.co.uk) will be loaning the organisers six IC-M31 Marine Handheld VHF Transceivers to help with the communications between land and water. Race management team, race control and committee boats will use the marine handhelds to oversee the event and to ensure any emergencies are dealt with quickly.

  Estelle Deerenberg, Marketing Executive of RTYC said, “The radios will help us to be more responsive to any emergencies and overall to improve the management of the week.

  She went on to say “Icom has been extremely responsive to our request as we made contact in 2007. We were let down by our previous supporter just before Ramsgate Week 2007 and needed help. ICOM is a very well known and successful provider of marine radios and luckily based in Herne Bay which is a mere 20 min. from the yacht club. We are extremely grateful for Icom’s support and look forward to a long and lasting relationship with them as our communications supplier”.

  About Ramsgate Week

  The Royal Temple Yacht Club was founded in 1857 by a group of yachtsmen sailing from the Temple Steps, on the river Thames in the centre of London. The club launched an annual Ramsgate Week regatta in 1898. It changed name a few times along the way. It attracts many sailors from the UK, especially East Coast and international sailors from the Netherlands, Belgium and France.The have had competitors from as far away as Estonia and Japan. Ramsgate town is home to the only Royal Harbour in the country and has a wealth of restaurants, cafes and pubs. For more info visit www.rtyc.com/ramsgateweek.htm

  Icom Marketing:

  Royal Temple Yacht Club

• 25 March 2008
  Icom goes green (and really really fast)
  

  Icom UK (www.icomuk.co.uk) are pleased to be supporting Earthrace, the fastest eco boat on the planet in the attempt to break the round world speed record. Fuelled entirely on 100% bio-diesel and with a zero carbon footprint, Earthrace is the world’s first fully “Green” powerboat.

  This not for profit venture will be the worlds first UIM Powerboat to break the world record using only renewable fuel. Built from carbon and Diab foam, Earthrace is a wave piercing trimaran, with a top speed of 40 knots. Setting off from the start in Valencia on March 29th 2008, the boat will cross the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and travel through the Panama and Suez Canals.

  To help the in the running of the attempt Icom has donated IC-M33 buoyant VHF handhelds to the crew. Skipper, Pete Bethune, welcomed the involvement of Icom to the Earthrace team and said: “The equipment they (Icom) are providing will be crucial to the team. Visibility from inside the cockpit looking towards the stern is difficult when we are docking, especially for those all important refuelling stops. Having the marine hand held IC-M33 VHF radios will mean that the crew can communicate easily with the pilot. We aim to be in and out of each refuelling stops within a window of about four hours, and with the radios on board Earthrace, and two held by the ground crew, we can be sure of safe, quick and efficient stops, keeping us on track towards the world record.”

  Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager said: “Earthrace is a really exciting project and we are delighted to be involved. In this day and age there is a huge need to raise the awareness of bio-fuel, reducing your carbon footprint and generally developing “green practices”. We wish them all the best of luck and hope they smash the record”

  Marketing Dept:

• 25 March 2008
  Prestigious yachts showcase Raymarine’s premier system at Dubai Boat Show
  

  Four of the most prominent yachts at the Dubai International Boat Show were fully equipped with Raymarine’s new G Series premier navigation, information and command system providing an excellent showcase for the company’s latest high-level equipment.

  The Gulf Craft Majesty 101, Palm Marine Islander 420, Maxum 4200SY Sports Yacht from Azure Marine, and Al Shaali AS68 all carried the highly impressive G Series system plus the new HD Digital radar antenna, which has aroused great interest from boat builders and owners since its launch at METS last November.

  The Palm Marine Islander 420, Maxum 4200SY, and Al Shaali AS68 were fitted with multiple G170, G150, and/or G120 high visibility, sunlight viewable, low profile LCD displays, which provide unrivalled detail with high resolution graphics on screens that are clear and easy-to-see. A fourth boat, Gulf Craft’s luxurious Majesty 101, specified the largest G Series 19” displays both on the main helm and fly bridge. 

  With reports that Dubai’s maritime sector will see a 15 per cent increase in boat ownership within the next 12 months, as a result of the increased availability of berthing space and better maritime facilities, Raymarine’s Sales Manager for the area, Peter Wales, was delighted to have such a noticeable company presence at the Show.  Peter said, “The new G Series is going from strength to strength. Combined with HD Digital radar, it’s a real breakthrough in navigation systems for leisure boats.” 

  Jimmy Grewal, Executive Director of Gulf Development Systems, said, “We’re proud of the work we are doing with Raymarine to launch both the new G Series and HD Digital radar in this dynamic market and it’s pleasing to see how this new technology has been received at the Dubai show.”

  Peter Wales added, “At the Dubai International Boat Show 2008, Raymarine was working for the first time with its new distributors Qatar, Alfardan Marine Services; for Saudi Arabia, Alkhorayef Marine and for the Maldives, Marine Equipments. The UAE distributor, Gulf Development Systems, also actively partnered Raymarine at this year’s show and received substantial new orders.”

  Raymarine’s new G Series is fully marinised, designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. The system provides a central display for navigational data, instrument information, video and on-board cameras, radar, fishfinders and cartography. Pre-loaded cartography (complete Navionics Gold worldwide coverage and Navionics Platinum for entire geographic regions) is stored on the GPM400 processor module whose built-in high capacity hard drive provides the G Series with highly detailed mapping showing navigation charts, 3D topography, aerial photographic views of ports, port data, animated tides and currents. The GPM400 has ten times the processing speed of conventional marine electronics, and provides superb PC-like performance.

  As well as providing easy to use and highly visible essential navigational data, the G Series is used to view data from on board cameras, and offers a full entertainment system. Each screen can be easily personalised, enabling users to select the data they wish to see at the touch of a button. 

  Raymarine’s new HD digital open array automatically processes 16,000 levels of data digitally for superb clarity and target acquisition; combined with the screen technology available in the G Series displays, this offers options to use 256 colours on graded target returns. With such an advanced system, leisure boats can now access the type of radar images and detailed accuracy only previously available on commercial vessels.

  The new G Series and HD Digital radar plus the full range of Raymarine equipment is available in the UAE through Gulf Development Systems. 

  Email;   Tel; (+971)4 324 3131 Fax; (+971)4 324 3075

• 14 March 2008
  Mantsbrite Appointed UK Distributor for Cruz Pro PC Fishfinder / Echo Sounder
  

  Mantsbrite Marine Electronics have been appointed UK distributor for the CruzPro PcFF80 black box echo sounder for PC’s. The CruzPro PcFF80 can be seen on the Mantsbrite stand at the Fishing 2008 Show at Glasgow SECC 3 to 5 April 2008. 

  The CruzPro PcFF80 black box echo sounder enables a conventional PC or Laptop computer to function as an echosounder or fishfinder.  The PcFF80 system consists of a high speed Interface Box, a dual frequency 50khz/200kHz depth / temperature transducer and a programme CD.  Communication to the interface box is via the USB or RS-232 port. The PcFF80 system basically works by using the interface box and transducer to act as the transmit / receive section of an echosounder with the PC being used to process and display the data as required. This enables the user to have a fully functioning echo sounder with large display on their PC.

  By taking advantage of a PC’s processing power it is possible to choose between Analogue & Digital Signal Processing.  The 50 / 200kHz dual frequency depth transducer provides the best resolution and definition of features at 200kHz in analogue mode to depths of 500ft.  With DSP (digital signal processing) it is possible reach depths of 1000+ft using 200kHz, which is impossible when using the analogue processing.

  DSP enables the PcFF80 to reach deeper depths without reducing the frequency and without loss of resolution.  It is possible to see smaller objects in deeper water using DSP as the user can continue to use the higher resolution 200Khz frequency before having to switch down to the 50Khz and DSP to achieve maximum deep water performance.

  The user has access to all the conventional echo sounder features and can adjust depth, range, zoom range, pulse width, power, receiver gain, surface clutter filtering, noise filtering and more.  Although maximum depth is specified at 1000ft using 200kHz and 1500ft using 50kHz, in DSP mode it has been possible to reach depths of 2750ft

  Data can also be recorded to the PC’s hard drive and replayed later for further analysis. If a GPS is connected to the PC at the time of recording then Latitude, Longitude and Ground Speed are displayed and recorded in the log files. This is ideal for surveyors, dredgers and operators that require records for the future. 

  All features of the Windows operating system are available, such as multi-tasking, the user can simultaneously run a charting and/or radar program whilst using the PcFF80 . Operating System / Hardware Requirements are WIN98 SE,NT, 2000, XP, 500 Mhz Pentium PC (or better),

  The Cruz Pro PcFF80 is available from £519 ex VAT c/w plastic transducer; a bronze transducer option is also available. For further information please contact the UK distributor:

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

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