20 November 2008

New ‘Touch’ Chart Plotter From Digital Yacht

Touch is the latest electronic chart plotter product from Digital Yacht.  As its names implies, it uses touchscreen technology for fingertip cursor control and data entry. 

A 12″ and 15″ version are available which connect to a separate black box processor, which is based around embedded PC technology.  It looks and feels just like a normal plotter but features the power and performance of a PC.  The processor incorporates a Class B AIS transponder and also a high power wi-fi access system.  The processor comes pre-loaded with a global database of over 35,000 charts.  These are based on the latest C-Map Max Pro technology, so charts can either be purchased outright or rented for a four month period.  Automatic chart updates are available through the wi-fi link, so the system will download notice to mariner updates whenever you are within wi-fi range or the system is connected to the internet.  Users can also download chart updates at home and install them on to the system using a simple USB-type memory stick.

Touch is also the first chart plotter with voice guidance.  Plug in an optional cockpit speaker and you will get clear, spoken commands of key navigation data such as depth, bearing, course, cross track and boat speed.  The user can choose what information and how often it is repeated.  Providing voice guidance certainly brings a new dimension to navigation.

Thanks to the built in Class B AIS transponder, AIS data from nearby targets is overlaid onto the detailed electronic charts and your vessel data is also transmitted to other AIS users.  The chart plotter also incorporates some sophisticated features such as multiple chart windows, options of either course up or north up chart displays, tidal current and height overlays, plus a user interface that allows you to configure just about any parameter or screen layout you would require.

Touch can also be expanded into a multi-function product with the addition of a range of radar scanners (2/4KW in radome or open array format) and there is even a black box sounder module to add fish finding/depth sounding capabilities to the system.  The system can also be used with a variety of other input devices such as a keypad, mouse, joystick or trackerball.

Touch is also remarkably fast in terms of its screen re-draws - even when re-drawing a detailed image with satellite overlay, which is one of the features built into the C-Map Max cartography.  The reason for this is the use of one of Intel’s latest generation of powerful Atom, low-powered processors, together with some slick software.  Touch sells for just £2895 including VAT (€ 3995 including tax) for a comprehensive 12″ or 15″ system incorporating AIS, wi-fi and GPS.

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