Archive for February 2009

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• 18 February 2009
  Garmin® Announces New Marine Charts: More Details at a Lower Price
  

  Garmin, is pleased to announce the next generation of its BlueChart® g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision™ technology – giving boaters even more dimension and information to what is already considered the benchmark in marine cartography.

  Laura Tomei, Cartography Manager at Garmin said: “Garmin’s software developers and cartographers have created the most accurate and detailed charts available to provide boaters with greater capabilities on the water.

  The new chart enhancements offer a lower cost chart alternative for marine enthusiasts, yet provide the detailed data content mariners need and expect.”

  From January 2009, Garmin’s traditional BlueChart data will be replaced with a redefined version of BlueChart g2.  Building on the popularity of the BlueChart product family, the revised mapping data will add increased dimension and standardized information to the Garmin marine chart offerings, and will allow the user to define colours to depth contour ranges. Users will also benefit from improved transition between zoom levels and seamless changes across chart boundaries with the redesigned product.

  BlueChart g2 will now provide basic charts, tidal stations, currents, perspective view and fishing charts, while providing a smooth user experience and familiar feel.  Similarly, g2 Vision has been improved to provide increased quality and detail.  In addition to high-resolution satellite imagery, g2 Vision features true “mariner’s eye view” above water or a “fish eye” underwater perspective – both in three dimensions.  The g2 Vision data card also enables auto guidance technology on compatible units, and offers a growing database of aerial reference photos.

  The new BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision data will be available in Spring 2009. 

  Recommended Retail Prices:

  Garmin BlueChart g2  – from £112.99 to £224.99 inc VAT (dependant on region size)
  Garmin BlueChart g2 Vision – from £159.99 to £299.99 inc VAT

  Visit www.garmin.co.uk for more information, including a list of compatible products, pricing (when available) and software download information.

• 18 February 2009
  Garmin® GHC™ 10 Autopilot System Remote Control
  

  Garmin  is pleased to introduce the GHC™ 10 Marine RF Autopilot Remote Control – giving marine enthusiasts more freedom whilst controlling their boats. 

  Nigel Craine, Garmin’s OEM and Marine Product Manager said: “Having received great reviews from industry insiders, the GHP 10 Autopilot system is ready to help boaters navigate with ease and confidence.

   “The RF Autopilot Remote Control takes this convenience to the next level for any situation that may arise.”

  The GHP 10 Marine Autopilot has been critically acclaimed for its unique capabilities and ease of use.  It uses an ingenious Shadow Drive™ technology – a patented capability that automatically disengages the autopilot if the helm is turned, allowing for quick manual manoeuvres without manually disengaging the autopilot.

   Once the helmsman has re-established a new course, the GHP 10 will automatically resume control.  The GHP 10 employs the industry-standard NMEA 2000 interface, and it is designed primarily for boats up to 70 feet using outboard, inboard or stern drives using hydraulic steering.

  For the ultimate in autopilot control, the GHC 10 Remote Control offers wireless operation of the GHC 10 from up to 45 feet away.  This IPX7 waterproof accessory is ideal for mariners who need to steer the boat from a remote location, and it will float if ever dropped in the water.

  The remote allows advanced functionality such as Standby/Engage, Man Overboard (MOB), and Turn Left/Right in stepped increments or as quickly and safely as possible.  The control also features programmable commands including the ability to begin navigation by GPS, as well as pre-programmed trolling patterns.

  Visit www.garmin.co.uk for more information. The GHC 10 is available at an RRP of £269.99.

• 18 February 2009
  Digital Switiching Brings Boat Electrics into the 21st Century
  

  Mastervolt is adding an ‘intelligent’ digital switching module to its MasterBus system. The Digital DC 10×10A module reduces the size, weight and complexity of wiring on board while increasing the degree of control over incandescent, halogen and LED lights and all types of electrical motor-driven appliances to give a completely integrated electrical system. Digital switching even makes it possible to switch on lights, fridge, air conditioning or heating, ready for the owner’s arrival, by simply sending a SMS text message to the boat!

  The addition of the Digital DC 10×10A means that Mastervolt now offers both AC and DC digital switching. Another bonus this system has to offer is that 12V lights can be used on 24V battery sets.

  Compatible with both 12V and 24V, the system allows the operator to control any product from anywhere on board. For example, you can dim the cabin lights from the cockpit or flying bridge, or switch off the generator from the berth in the master cabin. Alternatively, you can control the whole system from a central switch panel – the choice is yours.

  It also provides extra functionality such as the ability to dim the cabin lights without adding a dimming switch or add a toilet fan overrun using the system’s programming. It can automatically switch off loads should the batteries start to become low or sound an alarm should the bilge pump run longer than, say, one hour.

  The MasterBus monitors the boat’s power consumption and balances it with the remaining battery capacity on the DC system. For example, if the air conditioning is switched on (a high consumption load) it will automatically start the generator to ensure the batteries remain charged. It can even automatically switch off loads when leaving the boat.

  It’s a sophisticated system and yet it’s easy to configure. The MasterBus protocol was introduced last year and was designed to allow high-level integration of the onboard electrical system. Mastervolt already has 53 of its own products that can be connected for full control and automation by a single wire. And this number is still growing.  The Mastervolt Modbus interface allows other makes of equipment to be included in the system.

  The Digital DC 10×10A provides 10 load connections of up to 10A each with pre-determined settings such as bilge pump output and lighting output. For greater loads, up to ten channels can be paralleled to control up to 100A.

  All outputs can be named – for example, reading light, bilge pump, navigation light – combined with a user interface in your own language (using a choice of 10 languages).  Operation is very easy.  Power consumption at rest is an ultra low 2mA.

  Installation is made easy with simple snap-in connections on a single-line ‘daisy-chain’ using strain-relieved cables. Troubleshooting is also simplified. The system can indicate whichever was the last module to control it – simple yet crucial help in fault finding for bus systems. There’s an option to restore the original yard settings and a manual on/off override on all outputs. In the event of an item failure, the system is designed to recognise when a part is replaced and will ask whether you wish to restore the same configuration.

  Digital switching – one system, one cable, easy to install and easy to use. What could be simpler?

• 18 February 2009
  Digital Yacht Launch The Digital Pilot GS50
  

  Dgital Yacht is proud to announce their new inboard autopilot system, the Digital Pilot GS50.  This is a four part control system comprising compact control unit, central processor, rudder angle transducer and combination gyro-fluxgate compass sensor.  A wide range of hydraulic, mechanical and linear drive units are also available to suit just about every possible steering situation.

  The Digital Pilot GS50 uses just one design of central processor, which is capable of handling a wide range of different drives with power capabilities of up to 30A (12 and 24v).  Essentially, this means the same pilot system can be used on boats from 5 to 130 tons (or about 6 to 40m) and the system can be user-programmed with the appropriate parameters for the boat. Users can easily set system gain, counter rudder, rudder offset, rudder limits, etc. 

  The use of both solid state gyro heading technology as well as a traditional fluxgate compass greatly improves autopilot performance, especially in high dynamic situations and where vessels are on northerly headings.  In addition, the unit features a high speed NMEA output of heading data which is useful for MARPA and North up stabilisation of radar and plotter systems. There is also a NMEA input for GPS and plotter systems for waypoint to waypoint steering control.

  The control unit measures 110mm x 110mm, so matches the majority of instrument systems available in the marketplace today.  The Digital Pilot GS50 has been tested with a wide variety of different drive units – including many of the older Cetrek and Robertson systems, which may have a functioning drive unit but where the electronics require replacement.  It makes an ideal upgrade for this kind of application.
  The Digital Pilot GS50 control system is priced at £1299 including VAT and drive unit prices start from £199.00 including VAT.

• 18 February 2009
  Whisper 3.5 Masterbus from Mastervolt
  

  If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact generator, an intelligent battery charger and a safe shore power connection that all work seamlessly together, then look no further than the new Whisper 3.5 MasterBus system from Mastervolt.

  At the heart of the system is the award-winning Whisper 3.5 diesel generator, a single-cylinder water-cooled engine that delivers a steady 50hz mains power output at 3,000rpm.  A thick polyester cowling, special mufflers and anti-vibration mountings all mean that the Whisper generator easily lives up to its name, and the one-button operation is simplicity itself.

  The compact 3.5kW generator can fit neatly into any boat where space is at a premium, and supplies ample power to charge the batteries and run items such as air-conditioning, a microwave or a hot plate. All the connectors and service items are located on one side for ease of installation and a single data cable links the generator to the rest of the Mastervolt system. This integrated approach, with minimal wiring, is key to the MasterBus success story. The generator’s performance can even be interrogated by a laptop using MasterAdjust software.

  The brains of the power management is the MasterShunt battery monitor, where a microprocessor measures charge and capacity values for the batteries and passes the data to the system panel (MasterView Easy). This means that the generator supplies only the power that is required, minimising wastage.

  Charging the batteries, and also doubling as an inverter, is the Mastervolt Mass Combi. This remarkable device is designed to optimise the charge using the patent 3-step method, but can switch to becoming a synchronizing inverter if the system suddenly needs extra power for a high demand AC appliance. This ‘power-boost’ function can service a demand of up to 7kw if required.

  Connecting the boat to shore power is the Mass GI isolation transformer, which has been designed for maximum safety and galvanic isolation, especially if your yacht is made from steel, aluminium or has delicate metal parts underwater like a rudder shaft or saildrive. A soft-start function prevents an overload from sudden power spikes.

  The whole system, and any additional units you may want to add later, can be monitored on a MasterView panel.  Apart from carrying the generator start/stop button, the display has numerous options, such as historical data, alarm functions, choice of languages and the required generator service times. The MasterView can be placed anywhere convenient aboard, and connects with just that one data cable.

  The Whisper 3.5 MasterBus system has been designed to be the low maintenance system of the future. Easy to install and connect, the entire installation works as one intelligent unit, supplying power exactly as required, and can be expanded with ease. 

  By using fully compatible components that are long-lived and with extensive functionalities, Mastervolt has achieved the ultimate in a fully integrated AC/DC marine power supply.

• 18 February 2009
  ‘C-FORECAST’ An upgrade to the C-Map PC Planner, which now incorporates free weather data
  

  Marine Electronic Services Ltd have recently upgraded the popular C-Map PC Planner software to incorporate free weather data, now called C-Forecast.  PC Planner had previously allowed C-Map cartridge users to view their cartography on their home PC, manage new or existing routes and waypoints and plan their passages in the comfort of their armchair. 

  The new feature adds weather – detailed global weather data incorporating temperature, swell, visibility, wind and general conditions can be downloaded and viewed on the PC screen with a 4 day forecast available.  Users simply select the area where data is required by outlining the chart with the mouse.  Data can also be saved onto a standard C-Map user card and taken to a compatible plotter so that weather data can be overlaid on to the yacht’s plotter system. 

  The popular range of Standard Horizon CP series chart plotters are amongst the first to support this new feature and all users require is a copy of the C-Map PC Planner and USB cartridge reader kit together with a user cartridge.  The PC Planner kit currently costs £122.95 including VAT and a user card is £33.95 including VAT.  What’s more, downloads from the system are free-of-charge and available on a global basis.  For further details visit www.mesltd.co.uk .

• 18 February 2009
  New High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery From Mastervolt – Small, Lighter and Better Value than Lead Acid
  

  Mastervolt has developed the World’s first practical high capacity Lithium-ion battery that can be used as a direct replacement for big lead-acid battery banks on boats. This innovative new product is smaller, lighter, more efficient and has three times longer life cycle expectancy than its lead-acid equivalent.

  Popular in consumer products such as mobile phones, cameras and laptop computers, the Li-Ion battery has an un-matched energy-to-weight ratio but until now has only been available, in a useable format, in small capacities.

  Mastervolt’s engineers have developed a much larger capacity battery that can be used to replace engine-starting or deep-cycle domestic supply batteries aboard a boat or in other mobile applications. It features a unique Battery Management System that ensures the battery can be safely and correctly charged. The system includes Bi-directional Active Cell balancing which works during charging and discharging to adjust the energy levels in each cell to remain within safe parameters.

  The battery also has more obvious practical features for easy installation, such as integrated carrying handles, shielded connection posts and ducting within the top cover to neatly stow the connection cabling.

  Commenting on the introduction of the innovative new battery, John de Rijk, Technical Director, Mastervolt International BV commented, “This is a dramatic technological breakthrough. With boats being fitted with more and more electrical items, the size and weight of the required large banks of lead-acid batteries has become more difficult to accommodate. Lithium-Ion offers an alternative that is suitable for so many boats – from racing yachts trying to keep unwanted weight to a minimum, to the emerging market of hybrid boats.”

  The Mastervolt Li-Ion battery also offers excellent value for money. Although three times more expensive than an equivalent lead-acid gel battery, the Li-Ion could have a cycle life three times greater and therefore should work out to be no more expensive in the long run.

  What’s more, Li-Ion is more efficient. It has 15% higher efficiency, which means it doesn’t take as long to charge as its lead-acid cousin – saving fuel and time and maybe even allowing to use a smaller generator!

  To achieve specified cycle life, a lead/acid battery should be designed at a 50% discharge rate, whereas a Li-Ion battery can safely use up to 80% of its capacity before needing recharging. What this means in practice is that Mastervolt’s new 24V/160Ah Lithium-Ion battery, weighing only 40kg, is a suitable replacement for two 12V/200Ah (in series to provide 24V) lead-acid gel batteries weighing 140kg!

  Smaller, lighter, and better value for money – Mastervolt’s Li-Ion is the new battery technology that makes sense.

• 18 February 2009
  Intellect NMEA 0183 & N2K Instruments from Digital Yacht
  

  Digital Yacht have launched a new range of marine instrumentation capable of displaying almost any onboard navigation or engine information.  The series is called Intellect and there are two types of instrument available. 

  The ID100 is dedicated to monitoring traditional depth, speed, heading, GPS and wind information plus also engine data available through a NMEA 2000 (N2K) data network and the ED100 is designed to monitor J1939 engine data such as fuel flow, pressure, temperature, alternator current/voltage, RPM and so on – a format normally utilised by diesel inboard manufacturers.

  Both sunlight viewable, totally waterproof displays utilise the industry standard 110mm x 110mm format and feature a large, backlit LCD screen with a resolution of 160 x 128 pixels.  Pages of data can be displayed in a variety of different formats including single line, jumbo displays, historical trend graphs or multi-line dual and quad screens.  Data can also be displayed in graphical format mimicking a traditional analogue gauge.  Users can quickly and easily instruct an Intellect instrument to display their chosen format and data information through 5 simple buttons (soft keys) on the front panel.

  The ID100 instrument connects to any NMEA 0183 or N2K system.  It also acts as a gateway between these two systems converting data from either format to allow older legacy NMEA 0183 systems to integrate with newer N2K products and vice versa.  In its simplest form, an ID100 instrument could act as a navigation repeater for a plotter or GPS and also convert this data to the newer N2K standard but it’s equally capable of displaying a variety of data from a sophisticated N2K network.  The engine monitoring display, ED100 connects to systems through the J1939 Canbus standard adopted by many inboard diesel manufacturers including Volvo, Caterpillar and Man.

  If you’re creating a system from scratch, a variety of active transducers based on the NMEA data standard are available including wind, compass, GPS, speed and depth.  Systems can also be calibrated through the display and Intellect products can be networked together to form a larger system, sharing the same calibration values to simplify setup.

  The ID100 and EM100 are priced competitively at £279.95 including VAT.  For further details, contact Digital Yacht on 01179 554474 or visit  www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 18 February 2009
  Mastervolt Adds Compact Chargemaster 1 battery Charger
  

  Mastervolt has added four new models to their ChargeMaster range of new generation fully automated battery chargers. Complementing their larger ChargeMaster 2 and 3 Series, the new Series 1 range comprises two 12 Volt and two 24V chargers that are compact, light in weight and also easy and flexible for the installer.

  The chargers are suitable for all types of batteries including deep cycle or starter wet batteries, absorbed glass mat (AGM), gel, spiral and Li-Ion. What’s more, they are compatible with 120V or 230V AC supplies so can work anywhere in the World! Simply plug in and charge.

  Each Series 1 model has three full outputs for simultaneous charging of up to three separate batteries. Total output varies, depending on the model, from 20 Amps to 50 Amps. All four have clear, easy to understand displays showing battery content – switchable between batteries – and charging phase – bulk, absorption or float. Mastervolt’s 3-step+ charging characteristic allows the battery to be charged safely and quickly in three phases.  A temperature sensor allows fast and safe charging in any environment.  The memory function avoids overcharging, should the charger be frequently switched on and off. Three-phase charging ensures the battery is fully charged and increases the battery life.

  As with other models in the ChargeMaster range, the new Series 1 is compatible with Mastervolt’s MasterView Easy, allowing the battery charger to be controlled and monitored remotely.
   
  The ChargeMaster series uses intelligent switch mode technology with autoranging capability that automatically compensates for 50 or 60Hz supply frequency and operates with excessive or greatly reduced supply voltages.  “In many marinas,” John de Rijk, Technical Director, Mastervolt International BV explains, “the power supply is often significantly reduced by the time it reaches the end of a long chain of pontoon berths. The ChargeMaster functions even at reduced input and provides full power to the batteries.”

  ChargeMaster Series 1 battery chargers can also be used with any type of generator. Using sophisticated cos-phi technology, the Series 1 chargers compensate for the generator’s out-of-phase current and voltage to produce full charging current.

  The new battery chargers are easy to install to bulkheads, or can stand on the floor or even in a corner without their efficiency being impaired.  All ChargeMasters have robust cable connections that prevent corrosion or excessive heating of the contact surfaces.

• 18 February 2009
  First floating handheld VHF with functional hands-free Bluetooth® headset
  

  Standard Horizon is adding a handheld with Bluetooth® capability to its remarkable floating handheld VHF range. The HX760E, an upgraded version of the HX750E, includes the new Standard Horizon BH-2 Bluetooth® hands-free headset.

  The Bluetooth® capability and new BH-2 Bluetooth® headset gives true hands-free operation since it’s capable of VOX (voice operated transmit) operation where simply speaking will switch the set to transmit. Stop speaking and the set returns to receive mode. The microphone gain has three levels of sensitivity that can be easily adjusted to prevent background noise from triggering the transmitter. For those who prefer manual operation, the set can be manually switched by pressing the PTT (press to talk) button on the top of the earpiece or, indeed, the PTT button on the handheld itself.

  Using Bluetooth® connectivity, the BH-2 headset has a range of up to 10 metres (30ft) from the handheld allowing the user freedom of movement around the boat. A LED indicator on the headset indicates when in or out of range and when battery power is low. Powered by its own rechargeable battery, the BH-2 is supplied with the CD-40 charger cradle and NC-85U AC charger.

  The ergonomically-shaped HX760E handheld has four power outputs of 1/2/5 and 6W and is powered by 1150mAH rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Audio power is a loud 700mW.

  Programmed with full International channels for the European market, the set has a dedicated preset button for fast channel selection of 10 user-selectable channels. A simple-to-use keypad lock prevents accidental changing of settings.

  An additional safety feature to prevent prolonged accidental transmission, is the ‘Transmit Time – Out Timer’ (TOT) function that automatically limits transmissions to a maximum five minutes in length. So there’s no danger of blocking a channel for more than five minutes by accidentally leaning on the PTT button.

  The HX760E’s backlit LCD includes on-screen volume, squelch and Bluetooth® connection indicators. Like its HX750E stable mate, the HX760E has advanced features such as a water temperature sensor, SOS strobe light, speaker/microphone jack, battery charge indicator, dual- and tri-watch facility, programmable and priority scan functions and single button access to Channel 16.

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