Archive for March 2009

• 28 March 2009
  Mastervolt’s Revolutionary New GPRS Module Provides Remote Monitoring and Full Control of Your Boat
  

  Using simple SMS text-messaging via a mobile phone, Mastervolt’s exciting new GPRS module not only allows you to remotely control the operation of all the electrical appliances aboard your boat, such as the battery charger, heater or dehumidifier, it also allows you to get a full report of all the essential readings, even down to the level of fuel in your tanks.

  What sets the Mastervolt module apart from the competition is the way it incorporates the GPRS module into its MasterBus system, which connects all the electrical devices into a single network. This gives the new GPRS a huge advantage over its rivals because the MasterBus replaces the need for multiple analogue connections to every piece of gear you want to access. Instead, simple plug and play connections link the MasterBus directly to the GPRS module.  This makes installation remarkably straightforward, and keeps down the costs.

  The operation of the messaging has also been made as simple as possible. For example, if you text a single question mark (‘?’) to the boat, this becomes a general enquiry, so the module will reply with a main systems check. A typical response could be ‘Shore connection: On. Charger: Charging. Battery: 89%. Fuse box: OK. Inverter: Standby. Watertank: 82%. Fueltank: 59%.’

  If you need more detailed information, such as the state of the 12V domestic system, then you would text ‘Battery?’ to the module. A typical text back could read ‘Battery. State of charge: 89%. Voltage: 13.24V. Current. -2.9A. Time remaining: 2 days 2 hours.’ If you spell the enquiry wrong, such as ‘Batery?’ the module is programmed to be fault tolerant, so should know what you mean. If you completely fumble the keys, it will say ‘Message not understood.’

  To speed up interrogations, the owner can set a series of easy-to-remember shortcuts into the phone, such as ‘Cold beer’ to control the fridge, or ‘Turn off’ to close the boat down. Another very useful example of a shortcut is ‘Show up.’ This will trigger all the deck lights, so if you are rowing out to a darkened anchorage after a good night ashore, your boat will show you where you left it.

  Mastervolt’s vastly increased functionality over competing products means an owner is far better equipped to deal with alarms, which contain detailed information, and can solve the most common problems from the keypad. The GPRS can also be programmed to send alarms to other phones, but can be blocked when the owner is aboard. To avoid complete strangers dialling up your boat, the module can be configured to only respond to ‘safe’ numbers, although ‘Boat Show Mode’ will allow boat builders to demonstrate the system to potential clients.

  To make the system widely accessible, the module is equipped with no less than 10 European languages. It has also been programmed to recognise American terminology.

  The remarkable Mastervolt GPRS Module comes as a complete kit, including a GPRS antenna, MasterBus cable, MasterBus terminating device and a comprehensive user’s manual. It carries the usual Mastervolt 2-year worldwide guarantee, which can be extended to 5-years for complete systems.

• 28 March 2009
  ATIS Enabling Your Icom Radio!
  

  Are you sailing through inland waterways in Europe this year? If so, you may need an ATIS capable VHF radio with a valid ATIS code.

  So what is ATIS?

  ATIS, not to be confused with AIS, stands for Automatic Transmitter Identification System. This system is used on inland waterways in various countries in mainland Europe. At the end of every transmission the radio sends out a unique FFSK data signal, which contains the user or ship’s unique ATIS call sign, this identifies you to marine coast stations and inland stations.

  Do I need a new radio to comply or can my current equipment be upgraded?

  Icom’s current range of VHF Handheld and VHF/DSC fixed marine radios are ATIS (Automatic Transmission Identification System) capable, including the models that are sold in the United Kingdom. They can be simply programmed by Icom UK or your local dealer to work on this system. You will not notice a difference in the way you operate your radio and there are no buttons to press to activate it, it is an automatic and passive function once programmed into your radio.

  What do I need to do to comply?

  All you need to do before contacting us is to contact OFCOM at licencingcentre@ofcom.org.uk with your name, vessel name, vessel callsign, MMSI number (which will be sent to the Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT). Ofcom will then check their records and issue you with a Notice of Variation (NOV) to your licence, this may be sent to you electronically. You can then contact us, or your local Icom dealer, with your newly issued ATIS number and have it programmed into your radio.

  Please note:

  1. As part of this process your data will be given to the BIPT.
  2. You must print a copy of the Basel Agreement from http://www.rainwat.bipt.be/rainboat.html and keep it with the NOV and your ships radio licence.
  3. You must familiarise yourself with the Basel Agreement
  4. The UK is NOT acceded to the Basel Agreement.
  5. Whilst overseas you will be under the jurisdiction of the authority in that country.

  RAINWAT is the “Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways” which, through the Basel Agreement, has introduced the Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) for vessels making VHF transmissions whilst on the inland waterways of the signatory countries:

  Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Hungary; Luxemburg; Moldova; The Netherlands; Poland; Romania; Slovakia; Switzerland; Serbia & Montenegro.

  Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk

• 25 March 2009
  Cowes Week 2009 Sails Ahead Without A Title Sponsor
  

  It’s business as usual for the world’s oldest and largest sailing regatta, Cowes Week. The team at Cowes Week Limited, the organisation behind the world famous event, announced today that despite no new title sponsor being signed to date, they are still in ongoing discussions with a number of companies regarding the sponsorship for 2009 and beyond. Whatever the outcome, they want sailors and spectators alike to rest assured the regatta will sail ahead as usual.

   

  “Despite the tough sports marketing climate at the moment, we are in proactive discussions with a number of prospective headline sponsors. Our approach is very flexible, which is imperative given current market conditions.  Any companies interested in the sponsorship of the event still have time to come on board for 2009,” said Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited.  “In the meantime, we will soon be in a position to announce some exciting new additions to our family of supporting sponsors, and whatever happens, even with no title sponsor, the event will go ahead as usual this year.”
   

  Cowes Week Limited looks forward to welcoming regular participants and new competitors, as well as the 100,000 plus spectators who flock to the Isle of Wight to watch the racing annually, and hopes to see even more holidaymakers enjoying Cowes Week from the shore this year. 

   

  Cowes Week, which started over 180 years ago, is an integral part of the British social and sporting calendar, and it is only relatively recently that sponsorship has formed a part of the regatta’s overall commercial model. Every year the event attracts around 1,000 yachts racing in up to 40 classes and 8,500 competitors ranging from weekend sailors through to Olympic medallists and World Champions.  It is estimated that Cowes Week contributes £60 million to the Isle of Wight economy annually.

   

  For more information about Cowes Week please visit www.cowesweek.co.uk

• 17 March 2009
  Icom UK Relaunch www.icomuk.co.uk!
  

  Icom UK has recently redeveloped it’s website (http://www.icomuk.co.uk) to provide customers with a more user-friendly browsing experience. The site has gone through a complete overhaul to improve its speed and functionality.

  

  The site designed by Corporate IT Solution Company, easi360 Ltd utilises a powerful content management system called easiCMS (www.easicms.com)

  Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK said, ‘With all the changes in the radio industry, we need to be able to provide our customers with information as it happens. That is why we have gone for this system. The system is very flexible and allows us to add information to site immediately. It even allows us to send a wide range of email newsletters to our customers, business customers and media.’

  The new site has been completely redeveloped and contains the following new features;

  • Keep informed of the latest Icom news via the brand new RSS news feed
  • View all of Icom’s products and related accessories through the new linking service
  • Find information more efficiently by searching for terms in specific sections such as “products” and “news”
  • Get directions to Icom UK Ltd HQ via Google Maps through the updated “contact us” section

  Ian Lockyer said, “The new site has improved functionality, a sleek design and will allow users to obtain the information they need quickly and easily. I’m confident that our customers across all our markets will approve.”

  He added, “Check out www.icomuk.co.uk for future online initiatives.”

  Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk

• 17 March 2009
  Icom UK – “Official Radio Communications Supplier” to the International Topper Class Association (GBR) (ITCA)
  

  Icom UK are proud to have been selected as the “Official Radio Communications Supplier” to the International Topper Class Association (GBR). Icom UK have supplied the safety fleet and on shore organisers with IC-M33 Buoyant VHF Marine Transceivers.

  The Association, dedicated to one of Britain’s favourite sailboats, has around 700 active members of all ages. The ITCA work closely with the RYA to deliver one of the world’s most extensive under-16 race training programmes, and also hosts the Topper National Series. Many of the ITCA’s sailors progress from the Topper Class into Olympic, International and National Classes, and the Class is well represented in the Olympic Development Squads.

  The radios have already seen action at the Magic Marine Winter Regatta. It was held in February at the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy. 118 sailors entered the 3 race event with Felicity Foulds from the Norfolk Broad Yacht Club winning, 2nd place was taken by Andrew Bridgman of the Blithfield Sailing Club, and 3rd place by Alexander Alcock of the Hunts Sailing Club.

  Bill Brassington, Vice-Chairman of Racing said, “Once you start to use radio communications you realise how essential they are. The Class has a large number of Icom radios which are used heavily throughout the year. We are one of the few classes that operates an on-the-water medic team and radio communication is of paramount important to them to ensure that they can get to a reported casualty as quickly as possible.”

  Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK Ltd commented, “We are delighted to be involved with such a prominent feeder for sailing’s youth programme. It is pleasing to know that the radios will be used to assist the organisers in the management of each event, and help to ensure the safety of the competitors.”

  Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk

• 12 March 2009
  Marine Electronics Installer Course – Marine House, Egham on 7 – 8 April 2009
  

  The Marine Electronics Installer Course is a brand new course on installing marine electronics running at Marine House in Egham on 7 and 8 April 2009.   For more details about this course go to the bottom of the BMET section of this website.

• 12 March 2009
  New ‘T-Series’ Touchscreen Marine LCD Monitors, From Digital Yacht
  

  Digital Yacht, the Bristol based manufacturer of marine PC products have launched two new marine LCD monitors.  The T112 is a 12″ diagonal monitor (screen size measures 24.5 x 19cm) and is designed to be flush mounted into a panel.  It has inputs for VGA and DVI computer style connections as well as a general purpose video input, which is useful for connecting to a DVD player or onboard CCTV camera.  The monitors are powered directly from 10V to 16V DC and whilst not suitable for permanent exterior mounting, they are waterproof to IP65 when flush mounted and feature a higher than normal 400cd brightness type display. 

  Overall size of the T112 is just 34 x 26cm, so easily fits on the smallest of boats.  Most importantly, the displays also feature 3 programmable keys which can be used for features such as remote boot up of the PC or re-set functions.  As an added bonus, the screens also feature a touch screen membrane so that you can emulate the mouse function by touching on the LCD display.

  Also available is the larger T115, which is a 15″ diagonal monitor with an overall size of 40 x 32cm.  It displays the same inputs and features as its smaller T112.

   Priced at £1099 and £1399 respectively including VAT, they represent the lowest cost marine DC powered LCD monitors available today.  For further details, contact Digital Yacht on 01179 554474 or visit  www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 5 March 2009
  BMEA and NMEA work together to deliver first Marine Electronics Installer (MEI) course in UK
  

  The BMEA (British Marine Electronics Association), together with the British Marine Federation (BMF), has forged an historic agreement with the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), which puts the UK at the forefront of setting a worldwide training and installation standard.

  The Marine Electronics Installer Program (MEI), established in 2004, is designed to encourage a high level of professional expertise in entry-level and mid-level technicians and to lead them to seek either BMET or Certified Marine Electronic Technician (CMET) status.

  An MEI certificate is an indication of a working knowledge of NMEA’s Installation Standard, which clarifies and defines competent installation practices. A Marine Electronics Installer has demonstrated this proficiency by passing an examination designed to measure understanding of those principles.

  BMEA, in conjunction with NMEA, is running the Basic Marine Electronics Installer Course on 7 and 8 April at Marine House, Egham.

  This is an introductory course in marine electronics installation which clarifies and defines competent installation practices. Topics include ground systems, electrical systems, equipment installation and data communications. A Marine Electronics Installer has demonstrated this proficiency by passing an examination designed to measure understanding of those principles.

  Benefits

  • The key electronics manufacturers are supportive of this new agreement 
  • Going forward the BMEA will require all member organisations to have at least one qualified member of staff within the team in order to retain membership 
  • This is not just an exam, but a training procedure
  • BMEA has been a key player in making sure that this training is internationally relevant
  • You can market your NMEA training to customers – old and new – as an indication of your professional expertise

  The course is subsidised by BMF and NMEA and therefore costs just £125.00 + VAT for BMF members and £199 + VAT for non members for the 1.5 days. All delegates will receive a copy of the NMEA Installation Standard.

  Please email lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk for further details or to book on the course.

• 5 March 2009
  C A Clase Expands European Distributor Network for MB Quart Nautic Audio Range
  

  C A Clase, the official European distributor for the MB Quart Nautic Audio range has further strengthened its position on the continent with the appointment of regional distributors to represent key markets in Belgium, France, Holland, Luxembourg and Spain.

  “The demand for the MB Quart product line in Europe has consistently grown since our appointment as the exclusive European distributor in 2007. Having established a reputation for high quality, easy-to-use products, MB Quart has been well received, which led us to appoint a distributor for Germany and Austria, Nord West Funk Gmbh just over a year ago. The success of this partnership, has led us to extend our distributor network into other European countries. 

  The appointments enable increased brand presence in key European markets and ultimately allow us to further enhance service to our customers. We are looking forward to working with our new distributors, who were chosen because of their enthusiasm for the MB Quart products as well as having strong dealer networks within their respective countries,” comments Jason MacIntosh, MB Quart Sales Manager, C A Clase (UK) Ltd.

  The new distributor appointments include Marine Trading International as MB Quart distributor for Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Navicom will represent the MB Quart brand in France, with Disvent distributing for Spain.

  Based in Hampshire UK, C A Clase (UK) Ltd distributes a vast selection of quality communication, navigation and entertainment products to both leisure and commercial markets. The company’s large portfolio of well established brands includes MB Nautic Audio/ Visual, KVH and SeaCross.

  Further information can be found at: www.caclase.co.uk.

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