Archive for September 2009

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• 28 September 2009
  Only a few days left………
  

  There is only a few days to make your vote for your BMEA Waterside Dealer of the Year and BMEA Product of the Year.  Simply go to http://www.bmea.org/bmea-dealer-and-product-of-the-year/ and make your vote.

  The winning companies will be announced at the British Marine Electronics Association Conference on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton

• 28 September 2009
  C A Clase Announces KVH Tracvision M2 Success
  

  C A Clase has announced a successful year so far for the KVH TracVision M2, with the system on course to exceed its 2009 UK sales target. The marine electronics distributor has already delivered 99% of this year’s forecasted sales in the first nine months of 2009. Suitable for boats up to 40 ft, the latest addition to the popular TracVision M series of satellite TV antennas has been specifically designed for use in-harbour or when cruising quiet waters.

  “The launch of the TracVision M2 has brought satellite television to a much broader market. The system has proved itself as a popular and cost-effective solution for boats that have lower satellite TV coverage requirements, for instance when sailing in-harbour or quiet waters. Also compact and lightweight, the TracVision M2 is easier and cheaper to install than larger satellite TV antennas, making it ideally suited to smaller vessels where weight and budget may be critical,” comments Andrew Bush, Managing Director, C A Clase (UK) Ltd. “Our strong sales of the TracVision M2 is testament to the high quality of KVH products, as well as our ability to provide high standards of customer care.”

  Matching the TracVision M3′s ultra-compact and stylish design, the lightweight M2 provides users with a cost effective, in-harbour system. Featuring the same exclusive RingFire technology as the other TracVision M series antennas, the M2 provides market leading coverage and picture quality. In addition, the M2 may be used in conjunction with a Freesat digital box to give users access to over 80 channels of great entertainment without any monthly subscriptions or complicated packages to choose from.

  The TracVision M Series offers an antenna to suit every size and type of boat, catering for both leisure and commercial markets. Complete with UK Freesat decoders the M2 is competitively priced at £2000.00 excluding VAT (UK RRP).

  Based in Hampshire, CA Clase (UK) Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor for KVH satellite television and communication products for both leisure and commercial marine markets. For further information, please visit

  www.caclase.co.uk.

• 12 September 2009
  Less than 3 weeks to vote for your BMEA Waterside Dealer of the Year and BMEA Product of the Year
  

  Its less than 3 weeks to make your vote for your BMEA Waterside Dealer of the Year and BMEA Product of the Year.  Simply go to http://www.bmea.org/bmea-dealer-and-product-of-the-year/ and make your vote.

  The winning companies will be announced at the British Marine Electronics Association Conference on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton

• 12 September 2009
  The New Digital Yacht WL400: High Power Long Range Wi-Fi For Boats
  

  Digital Yacht have launched a new high power long range Wi-Fi access system called the WL400.  It allows boat owners to connect to Wi-Fi hot spots so that their on board PCs or laptop can access the internet.  With internet connectivity on board, you can download the latest weather or chart updates as well as catching up on a few emails when you’re missing work!  Most harbours and ports have either free or subscription based services available and with the extended range that the WL400 offers, it is often possible to tap into hot spots available in local cafes, bars and restaurants. 
   
  The system comprises a rugged 1 metre antenna which connects to a PC via a standard plug and play USB interface.  All the electronics and modem are encapsulated within the antenna for easy installation and there is no need for an external power supply.  The system picks up power from the laptop or onboard PC.
   
  Wi-Fi range depends on many local factors but Digital Yacht have seen ranges of 1 to 2 miles with this low cost system.  In general, using an internal Wi-Fi adaptor typically found on a notebook,  you will be lucky to find the signal at the end of the dock so if you plan to access the internet whilst on board then the WL400 could be the solution for you.
   
  The WL400 is priced at £299.95 including VAT and comes complete with a deck mounting base. Further details are available at www.digitalyacht.co.uk

• 12 September 2009
  The AC Master From Mastervolt
  

  Mastervolt, the Dutch-based manufacturer of premium electrical products, is proud to announce the launch of the completely redesigned AC Master range of inverters.

  Much slimmer and lighter than the models they are replacing, the new range is for anyone who needs to run 230-volt mains-powered equipment from a 12 or 24-Volt battery system. All four models are at the start of Mastervolt’s impressive portfolio of inverters, and are part of the ‘Best Value for Money’ line of products.  However, unlike most other low-cost inverters on the market, the AC Master range delivers true sine wave technology.

  This is important because some mains appliances, such as sensitive entertainment systems, need perfect AC power to work properly. Many other inverters only offer a modified sine wave, which will work in most cases, but not all. With the AC Master, you know you’ll be getting the very best AC power available, so the stereo won’t buzz, and there won’t be interference lines on your television. When it comes to personal computers, the steady, spike-free supply from the Mastervolt inverter is often more dependable than shore power from the grid.

  As with all Mastervolt marine products, the new AC Master family has been built for the tough boating environment. Measuring just 210mm x 130mm x 60mm (8.4in x 5.2in x 2.4in) and weighing under 1.3kg (2.86Lbs) it can be housed almost anywhere. The robust nylon case has extra-strong mounting holes, and the internal electronics are glass-filled to resist the vibration and bumps of a boat in a seaway.

  The power output has a universal appliance socket, so mains plugs commonly used throughout the world can be connected with ease. The AC Master series runs in complete silence and has an efficiency of over 90%, which is as good as it gets with modern inverter technology. In stand-by mode, when no load is connected, the AC Master uses just 6.5Watt.

  For reliable operation, the new AC Master inverters have short circuit protection, and automatic shut down for overload and high temperature. They can supply surge power of 200% to start up equipment with a high inductive load.

  Commenting on the new inverter, Marc Persoon, Mastervolt’s Marketing Manager, said ‘Because room onboard a boat is always limited, we completely redesigned our AC Master range to fit into the smallest of spaces. We’ve made it inexpensive and very easy to install, with just the basic functions that everyone needs.’

  There are currently four models in the new AC Master range; the 12/300 (300 Watt) and 12/500 (500 Watt) for 12-volt installations, and the 24/300 and 24/500 for 24-volt systems. Each inverter comes with an owner’s manual and a two-year guarantee, with a 5-year system-wide guarantee also available.

  Pricing for the new AC Master ranges from just £179 – £295 + VAT depending upon the model.

• 12 September 2009
  Marine Pod Available from MES Ltd
  

  Marine Electronic Services Ltd have expanded their range of electronic equipment mounting solutions with the addition of a range of free standing housings or “pods”. 

  Aptly named MarinePod, they come in two sizes and are ideal for mounting popular ranges of electronics such as Raymarine’s C and E Series, Furuno NavNet, Standard Horizon, Garmin and Simrad products.  They fix to the deck or cockpit using just four screws through a swivel base which allows easy rotation of the pod to suit a range of viewing angles. 

  All the cables exit the pod through the underside of the mounting plate making for a neat and professional installation.  With all the connectors of the mounted product enclosed within the pod, your electronic equipment has better protection and waterproofing as well as dramatically improving the aesthetic appearance of the installation without a jumble of cables and connectors. 
   
  The MP1P has a useable 42 x 33cm front panel size and costs £319.95 including VAT and the MP2P has a 37 x 29cm facia and costs £289.95 including VAT.  This range compliments the existing range of housings suitable for mounting on binnacle and cockpit steering rails.

• 12 September 2009
  Watchmate WMR750 From MES
  

  Marine Electronic Services Ltd have launched a new AIS anti-collision system called the Watchmate WMR750.  Watchmate is an electronic chart plotter incorporating a dual channel AIS receiver that displays an overlay of AIS targets but without mapping to clutter up the screen.  The display emulates a radar with the vessel in the centre of the screen and the user able to choose from either a head up display when under way or a north up display when at anchor.  Other modes include a list of targets which can be prioritised and filtered identifying the most dangerous as a priority.
   
  It incorporates a high performance, dual channel receiver which saves all the complex wiring up of a separate black box AIS receiver and chart plotter.  Dual channel receivers constantly monitor the two AIS frequencies to ensure the best performance.  Targets can also be prioritised so that non-converging targets can be filtered to reduce clutter. 
   
  The Watchmate WMR750 features a clear 10cm x 7.5cm LCD screen.  It’s waterproof so can be cockpit mounted and consumes a minimal amount of power plus it also acts as a GPS repeater. 
   
  Targets can also be tagged (allowing easy identification on screen) which is great for tracking friends or other racing colleagues.  The WMR750 receiver de-codes transmissions from both Class A and Class B transponders and also has an output for chart plotters and PCs so that the target data can be relayed to other systems.
   
  Priced at £479.95 including VAT it is available from Marine Electronic Services Ltd.

• 12 September 2009
  Maretron NMEA200 Viewing Softward from MES
  

  Marine Electronic Services Ltd have introduced new Maretron NMEA 2000 (N2K) Viewing Software for PCs. NMEA interface standards have evolved from the traditional NMEA 0183 to the new NMEA 2000 system and more and more products, sensors and boat builders are implementing equipment equipped with this interfacing standard.
   
  N2K Viewing Software allows users to connect a PC to an onboard NMEA 2000 network via a simple USB interface.  Users can customise the display screens to show data in digital or analogue format and the new system can also incorporate CCTV or video information via an Ethernet connection.  Essentially any data available on the NMEA 2000 network could be displayed from tank levels to battery voltage, engine RPM to wind speed and direction.  The list of parameters is enormous and it’s this flexibility of the N2K Viewing Software that makes it so attractive.
   
  Two versions of the software are available – one is a simple viewing package and the other more advanced product allows control via the software.  This allows users to set up switch functions on their PC to activate switches or controllers via the NMEA 2000 network.  In practice, a single screen (or even Touch screen) could display and control a complete vessel’s systems similar to the fly by wire technology used in aviation.
   
  Basic N2K Viewing Software is priced at £499.00 including VAT and is available from Marine Electronic Services Ltd

• 12 September 2009
  Upgrade for Standard Horizon Plotters
  

  Standard Horizon has announced a free software upgrade for owners of the CP180, CP300 and CP500 range of chart plotters, along with the latest combined plotter/fish-finder, the CPF180i and CPF300i.

  The existing software is already packed with user-friendly functions, however, the new upgrade supplies even more functionality, and some extra safety features. There are no less than 17 main enhancements, including language selection, GPS set-up, text customisation, route checking and a simulation package.

  Probably one of the most obvious improvements is the ability to display two independent zoom levels on a chart when the plotter is in dual-chart mode. This enables you to not only observe the wide area surrounding your vessel but also to view close in chart detail on the other chart window. These windows refresh themselves by seamless scrolling, rather than by quickly redrawing a static screen. This gives a far more fluid feel to the navigation.

  To add extra safety to your pilotage, a route check function will ensure that your course hasn’t overlooked any dangers. These include spoil areas, diffusers, shallow wrecks, isolated rocks, or even areas where no navigation data is available.  If a problem is found, the software will highlight the danger area of your route in a different colour, and also indicate the problem on the list of hazards (in order to take advantage of this function, you will need to use up to date cartography).

  To ensure Standard Horizon plotters appeal to a truly global market, the new translation package can supply on-screen information in 15 languages, including most European languages and even two versions of Chinese (one simplified). 

  Making the most of the sunlight-viewable screens is a new satellite function, which allows the placing of a satellite image as a base map beneath your chart so you can appreciate the geographical relief of landmasses. The time-offset menu now includes place names, so rather than trying to identify a time zone by its longitude, a relevant city or country will help instead. Another new function automatically allows for time differences where daylight saving is used.

  The new enhancements also give the operator a much higher degree of customisation, especially with the way information is displayed. You can alter the thickness of the line of the route drawn on the plotter, and the font-size of place names on MAX charts can be changed between standard, medium or large.  A dedicated FIND key allows the searching of an optional C-MAP NT+ or C-MAP MAX card for additional port information and hazard warnings.  To increase visibility, the highway page now has a water-themed background behind the black and yellow rolling road. User icons have also improved, and are now in full colour.

  Other enhancements include the display of a clear AIS list when in AIS-compatible mode (an AIS receiver is required), and when using tide functions, a cross hair in the tide graph shows the current tide height for the vessel’s position. The GPS module inside the antenna unit can also be customised with the type of differential correction required (WAAS-EGNOS or none) along with a setting for the navigation speed.

  Responding to the demands of sailboat racers, the Olympic Route feature means that the starting point of a race can also be entered as the final destination, avoiding any possible confusion of the plotter being told to sail from ‘A’ to ‘A’, rather than ‘A’ to ‘B’, so you can now literally sail around in circles.

  To get to grips with using a chart plotter, a clever simulation package has also been added, so operators can get in some useful practice whilst still safely tied up.

  Obtaining the exciting new upgrades couldn’t be easier. Simply complete the online form at www.standardhorizon.co.uk and either fax or email it back to them; a £75 credit card deposit will be required, then the upgrade C-CARD will be sent to you completely free of charge. To download the enhancements, remove the old card, and reboot the plotter with the new one in place. The upgrade will be automatic. Only if the card is not returned within 30 days will a charge be made to your credit card.

• 7 September 2009
  McMurdo Introduces new Vantage Vue Weather Station
  

  McMurdo, the UK’s exclusive distributor of weather stations from Davis Instruments, are pleased to present the new Vantage Vue  weather station.

  Vantage Vue is the most affordable and easy to install weather station from Davis to date.  It uses frequency-hopping radio spectrum technology to wirelessly send data up to 1000 feet (300m) and provides weather updates from the outdoor integrated sensor suite to the indoor console every 2.5 seconds.

  The Vantage Vue is reliable, accurate and rugged and is the result of three years of development.  It offers many of the features of Davis’s professionally-orientated Vantage Pro 2 but in a small package which takes just minutes to set up.

  With Vantage Vue’s new Weather Centre feature and the comparative weather data the station provides, users can instantly become neighbourhood meteorologists.  The user is armed with detailed information that is specific to their own back garden microclimate. 

  The Vantage Vue weather station has two components: the sleekly designed integrated sensor suite (ISS) and the data receiving console.  The ISS collects weather data such as outdoor temperature, rainfall, rain rate, wind speed and direction, and wireless transmits its data to the console, which displays the data.

  Davis Instruments’ weather stations are known for their durability.  To ensure product longevity, the ISS is cyclic corrosion tested to simulate harsh environments such as heat, humidity and seaside conditions.  In addition, the outdoor sensor electronics are sealed for added protection from the elements.   The ISS is energised by a solar panel and stores energy at night, making it ideal for the green consumer.

  The Vantage Vue console has an easy to read 7.6cm x 8.5cm (3” x 4 3/8”) screen and a glow-in-the-dark keypad for night viewing.  A data collecting device in its own right, the console collects data for indoor temperature, humidity and barometric pressure.

  With the console’s Weather Centre feature, Vantage Vue provides extensive additional information for each weather variable.  These include daily highs and lows, temperature changes by the hour, barometric changes and astronomical data such as meteor showers.  Consumers may also purchase additional consoles besides the main console that comes with the station, to place in another room.

  Vantage Vue works with Davis Instruments’ WeatherLink weather software, allowing users to transfer their weather data to a PC for additional analysis, graphing and web publication.

  The suggested retail price for the complete Vantage Vue package is £285 ex VAT.

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