October 29th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
This looks like an excellent two-channel AIS receiver, especially for users who want to plug it into a computer. My only concern is the price: For $699, or just a little more, you might pick up a genuine Class B transceiver. Still, for installations where transmission is not a requirement, especially when you want to connect to a computer via USB, this looks like a fine model.
Here’s the press release:
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – Digital Yacht has launched a new high performance dual channel AIS receiver called the AIS400. AIS receivers pick up signals from any vessel equipped with an AIS Class A or B transponder (mandatory on vessels over 300GRT) and send the vessel’s identity, position, course and speed over VHF frequencies. Hook up an AIS receiver to a compatible plotter and you’ll see an overlay of nearby targets typically up to 20-30NM. It’s like adding radar to your chart plotter with the added bonus of positive identification. The AIS400 has connections for both a regular chart plotter via NMEA and also a USB connection for a PC based plotter system such as Maxsea, Seapro, Maptech and Nobeltec. [Or…you know…Rose Point Coastal Explorer. —Tim]
The AIS400 also incorporates its own GPS receiver which means it can act as a GPS sensor and position information can be combined with the AIS target data onto the USB and NMEA outputs. This allows it to act as a position sensor for navigation systems as well as an AIS receiver.
October 29th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
Time for another Navagear feature at MadMariner. This time, I talk about a product you can’t even get in North America! I was impressed with it, though, so I’m hoping that situation will soon change.
October 23rd, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
Boat Bits has an excellent guest post on electrical auxiliary power by sailor Merrick White of S/V Rising Star. Here’s an excerpt:
My recently installed electric motor would provide the occasional assist required and be quickly re-charged by my large solar panel. […] I turned it on, powered up to 20amps (50 amps is max) and started the Honda 2000i generator. I plugged the generator into our shorepower receptacle and turned on the battery charger. We motored 33 miles into the ICW (intercoastal waterway) and to our first anchorage in Ingram’s Bayou AL.
Since that first day we covered 595 miles before stopping for hurricane season in Fort Myers FL. We sailed 352 miles and powered the rest. […] During this first season our electric motor has performed flawlessly. We have met other cruisers along the way that are unable to say the same for their diesel engines.
October 23rd, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
[It’s another MadMariner features from a few weeks back. —Tim]
Jeppesen Marine recently announced plans to unveil C-MAP 4D – a new electronic charting technology that, according to company officials, "will literally change the way boaters see the world." Oh yeah? Well, lay it on me!
Although I like to poke fun at marketing hyperbole, C-MAP 4D appears to include a lot of cool capabilities. We’ll look at some of that here, but the availability of so much rich data raises an important question: is there such a thing as too much information?
I’m of two minds when it comes to the question of information overload. On the one hand, "data" is always better than "no data." On the other hand, undifferentiated information is, well, noise. Knowledge–not to be confused with information–is created when raw information is filtered intelligently. In other words, knowledge is something that occurs when we restrict or reduce the flow of information to that which is relevant to the task at hand.
Jeppesen is offering more data, and that’s good. It’s up to the chartplotter manufacturers to create the right tools and interface to make it serve the mariner’s needs.
The point of that little epistemological digression is that in a navigational setting, more data is good, but having the right tools and interface to make appropriate use of the data is even more important.
So let’s be clear: Jeppesen is offering "more data," and that’s good. But it’s up to the chartplotter manufacturers to create the right tools and interface to make it really serve the mariner’s needs.
October 21st, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
Earlier this month, FLIR announced its new First Mate product: “The world’s first waterproof, hand held, high-performance maritime thermal night vision camera available for less than $3,000.” Ben wrote about it over at Panbo, and it sounds like the perfect gift for the boater who has everything.
Seriously, though: Unless you’ve served in the military, fire fighting, or law enforcement, this is something you’re probably not familiar with. Thermal imaging is totally distinct from the night vision technology that has been available for years. The Panbo post, including the interesting discussion in the comments, can fill you in on the details. Suffice to say I’m interested!
And if you want to be the first on your block to get your hands on this über-cool gadget, you should plan to see the FLIR at the FLIBS—the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. FLIR will be there, showing it off.
I can’t make it to FLIBS, but since FLIR is located in my home town of Portland, Oregon, I might see if I can stop be the next time I’m down visiting the ol’ stompin’ ground.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — With three levels of integrated signal technology—GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHZ signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capacity—the GlobalFix PRO quickly and accurately relays a distressed boaters position to a worldwide network of Search and Rescue satellites (COSPAS-SARSAT), reducing search time and increasing chances of survival in an emergency at sea.
Using the same reliable signalling technology that has saved more than 26,800 lives worldwide since 1982, the GlobalFix PRO is a small and rugged lifesaver with over 53 years of ACR ingenuity and engineering built-in as standard features.
Special features include:
Internal GPS allows for the fastest notification to SAR in as little as 3 minutes, and a reduced search radius to .05 nm (100 m, 110 yds)
High sensitivity GPS engine allows faster location recognition than standard GPS and non-GPS models (GPS updates position every 20 minutes)
High intensity LED strobe consumes less energy than traditional strobes without sacrificing intensity
EPIRB self-check tests the circuitry, battery voltage and GPS acquisition test
Patented proprietary electronics package means PRO transmits the most stable 406 frequency transmission in the industry
Available in Category I and Category II brackets
The GlobalFix PRO is loaded with high efficiency electronics that offer reliable performance, responsiveness and accuracy. It carries Class II non-Hazmat batteries, which will allow the beacon to transmit for a minimum of 48 hours at -20ºC (-4ºF). The EPIRB measures 6.97 x 4.2 x 3.58² (17.7 x 10.67 x 9.09 cm) and weighs 20.5 oz (581g).
An EPIRB is a satellite-signalling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the situation is deemed to be grave and imminent, and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov following purchase. There are no monthly service fees for 406 MHz beacons.
MSRP for the Category I GlobalFix PRO is $1,360 and $1,160 for the Category II.
October 16th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
I posted the press release about the new ACR AquaLink PLBs last month. I don’t own a PLB yet, but this one has just about tipped the balance for me. I’m not likely to carry an EPIRB on my little boat, but I can imagine packing one of these along while voyaging, and also while exploring ashore.
I just got a link to this video about it, which is pretty helpful, especially if you’re not really sure what a PLB is and how they work.
Sure, there are less expensive PLBs on the market, but ACR has been building all kinds of marine safety gear for a LONG time, and enjoys an enviable reputation for quality, service, and reliability.
For those of you who will attend the big Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, you can see the AquaLink PLB, along with the newly released GlobalFix PRO EPIRB, at Booth #441-442 during the course of the show.
October 14th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
Time for another Navagear feature at MadMariner! This time, I go over some of the features that make Picquic multi-bit screwdrivers my absolute favorites.
October 14th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
[It’s a press release, of course. I keep warm in my little boat with a Wallas stove/heater, or just a plain old electric heater when I’m plugged into shore power. I wonder how this might work, though. Would the exhaust be a problem? —Tim]
As the temperature outside continues to drop, it’s important to stay warm. Perfect for winter activities, such as ice fishing and camping, the lightweight HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure offers an efficient, safe source of heat that doubles as a stove when the lid is removed.
Whether on a boat, RV or at home, the versatile HeatMate provides extra warmth where needed with 5,200 BTU of heat. When transformed into a cooktop, it has the capability to boil a quart of water in less than nine minutes.
The reliable HeatMate’s canister system employs a nonflammable wick material that absorbs approximately 1-1/4 quarts of environmentally-friendly alcohol. Even if it’s turned completely upside down, the unique design prevents fuel from leaking. Providing clean heating and cooking, alcohol fuel is easily extinguishable with water. The pressure-free canister system also eliminates pumping, priming, hoses and valves.
The compact HeatMate measures just 11-3/4" H x 11-1/2" in diameter and weighs only 5 lbs. 3 oz. Constructed of aluminum, it features a convenient carrying strap.
The innovative HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure International has a suggested retail price of just $169.95.
October 13th, 2009 · by Tim Flanagan, Managing Editor
Our friend Captain Richard Rodriguez has some screenshots on a new AIS app for the iPhone called Ship Finder. Of course, please note the predictable caveat:
Can I use Ship Finder for navigational purposes?
Definitely NOT. Like all AIS internet feeds Ship Finder must not be used for navigational purposes.
