BMEA

As part of a site revamp, YBW.com, one of the UK’s leading marine community webportals, has redeveloped Icom UK’s microsite to include new content, better functionality and a brighter, more contemporary design.

Mastervolt, the Dutch-based pioneer of premium electrical systems, is proud to announce the launch of the MasterBus-NMEA2000 interface. This easy-fit connection will allow NMEA2000 systems to be fully compatible with the Mastervolt MasterBus network, allowing information about power management, navigation, and engine performance to be displayed together on a single screen.

Currently there are a multitude of choices available in marine radio which may baffle even the seasoned boatowner. Marine radio specialists Icom UK are offering to visit organisations to talk about these various issues; from the safety benefits of radio in general, to the operation of a particular DSC unit, ATIS, AIS and licensing issues. Each presentation can be customised, making them as general or as technical as required and all delivered in an informative and entertaining way.

McMurdo Ltd, a company of the Orolia Group announces today that the revolutionary FAST FIND 210 PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) received a top industry award in Finland when it was voted Boating Product of the Year at the Helsinki Boat Show.

Back in 1983, the National Marine Electronics Association in the US developed the NMEA 0183 data standard. It was designed as a method to get onboard electronics to intercommunicate – typically a LORAN or Decca connected to a plotter or a plotter connected to an autopilot for automatic waypoint to waypoint steering. The communication standard was based around a single device transmitting data (a talker) with connections to one (or many) receivers which acted as listeners. Data speeds were limited to 4800 baud which equates to a maximum transmission speed of approximately 12 messages every second.

Audio-visual entertainment systems and their associated storage media are an area of technology that never seem to keep still, whether it be on the high street or at sea. In recent years we have all seen the rise of highly compressed, digital audio and video signals (MP3 & MP4 files for example) allowing a huge selection of media content to be conveniently stored and transported on a single disc or device than has ever been possible before. With products such as the infamous iPod™ now taking residence in the majority of households it is no surprise this technology has taken to the seas.

Leisure and commercial boaters could soon benefit from more accurate depth information, thanks to a research and development project awarded to a European consortium.

The IEC has now finalised the specification for AIS-SART beacons. Originally conceived for use on life rafts/lifeboats the AIS-SART will be available from at least 2 manufacturers during 2010.

The British Marine Federation (BMF) has the answer for you… The Marine Equipment Trade Show METS 2010, Amsterdam 16-18 November 2010.

I sold a new VHF to a local fisherman today, because the one he brought in was not transmitting!