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2011 Electronics Round-Up

By Ben2

Updated: January 12, 2011

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Two new multifunction displays from Furuno give fresh meaning to “daylight readable.” Available in both 15- and 19-inch models, the MU-150HD and 190HD monitors feature extremely bright color LCDs with a special anti-reflective glass filter to cut down on glare. Bright colors, enhanced contrast and wide viewing angles work well in tropical sunlight or low-light conditions. The LCDs and the glass are bonded to ensure fog-free operation on open or flybridge installations. Monitors are suitable for main or remote displays for black-box radar, sounder and NavNet series. They can also be used as displays for security camera feeds, DVD players or computers. Trim, low-profile styling allows the 19-inch screen to fit in the same console cutout required for a traditional 17-inch MFD. www.furunousa.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

New from Si-Tex, the SVS-650 digital echo sounder offers dual-frequency (50 kHz and 200 kHz) 600-watt output on a 612-inch high-definition color LCD screen. Portrait orientation provides maximum resolution in the most critical dimension: between the boat and the bottom. Digital technology controls noise, and 24 depth ranges can be automatically or manually set, allowing independent adjustment of each frequency. Both auto and manual shift control, or an advanced auto mode, adapt to changing conditions to provide fully hands-free operation. The Snap Shot feature captures and stores up to 10 sounder screens in memory, providing a useful library of wrecks, reefs and bottom captures for future reference. $749. www.si-tex.com.

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Airmar’s new high-definition digital broadband transducers were designed for flush-mounting in the keel of larger sport-fishing boats. The CM270W is a 1 kW transducer that operates at 50 kHz and 200 kHz, with a 25-degree beamwidth. The CM260, also a 1 kW model, sports a 19-degree and a 6-degree beamwidth at 50 kHz and 200 kHz, respectively. $795 and $995. www.airmar.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Icom’s compact** IC-M412** has submersible protection and the AquaQuake feature, which automatically clears the speaker of water, making this VHF a standout for installation in exposed locations like an open bridge or helm. With Class D DSC, a large LCD, a favorite-channel feature and common GPS and NAV interface, this straightforward VHF provides NMEA 0183 networking in a simple unit that is also compatible with Icom’s AIS transponder. Pending FCC approval. $199. www.icomamerica.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

When you absolutely must be heard over distance, over the wind or over the sound of engines, the Style HS-40 loudhailer from Shakespeare, in conjunction with the on-board VHF, offers the ideal solution in traditional form. With up to 40 watts of power at 400 Hz, this 8-ohm hailer supports a loudhailer listen-back function. It is made of high-impact white plastic and includes a tilt-mount bracket. The unit measures 7 inches wide by l3 inches deep. $115.95. www.shakespeare-marine.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Johnson Outdoors‘ new Geonav MFDs come with a simple interface called BlueLogic and use colorful graphics and animation to make the nav networks intuitive and simple to operate. Geonav’s exclusive DualFuel Cartography feature offers the flexibility to employ both Navionics and C-Map platforms. So far it is the only system compatible with C-Map 4D cartography. The GIS 12 and GIS 10 are fully integrated MFDs that seamlessly link to multiple displays to share charts, radar, sonar and video. Data is delivered via Ethernet, and instrument data such as heading, speed, fuel and engine monitoring can be displayed using the built-in NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 serial data formats. GIS 12, $4,699; GIS 10, $3,699. www.geonavmarine.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Jeppesen has introduced its C-Map 4D cartography on Geonav multifunction-display navigation systems, with other installations expected to follow. The set includes all the features of popular C-Map MAX cartography, such as detailed harbor charts, C-Marina port databases, Explorer Charts for the Bahamas and more. Additional 4D content includes digital raster charts for skippers who prefer the look of traditional paper charts; high-resolution satellite photo overlays; and a complete height and depth cartography database that can bring any of the 2D mapping to life with shaded relief or full 3D rendering. Navigational features include Guardian Alarm, which allows the selection of a minimum safe depth and then looks ahead on the charts to alert the skipper to sandbars, reefs and shallow spots on the selected course; and Easy Routing, which works out the shortest route and checks for and displays hazards for each leg of the journey. $299. www.c-map.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

The Spot HUG is a satellite-based boat and asset monitoring and messaging system that offers theft protection over the proven Spot Asset Monitoring Center network. When your boat moves beyond a preset range, the system alerts the monitoring center and you, then tracks the boat wherever it goes. The system includes a tracker module that mounts in the boat, a control keypad and two remote fobs and incorporates the standard Spot Messenger functions. The hardware costs $449, and an annual subscription is required: Basic is $149.99 a year; tracking feature is $49.99; and other add-ons are available. www.findmespot.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

FLIR’s acquisition of Raymarine has formed a natural pairing of the two product lines in Raymarine’s T300 and T400 series thermal navigation cameras coupled to E-Series widescreen and G-Series navigation systems. HybridTouch user interface of E-Series widescreen multifunction displays provides touch-screen operation with the option for remote keyboard or joystick control, independent of the multifunction display. This seamless integration allows anglers easy access to imagery from the thermal camera alongside their chart-plotter, fish-finder and radar navigation displays. Available in four camera configurations. Starting at $8,995. www.raymarine.com.

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Simrad has broken new ground with significant sounder technology in the BSM-2 broadband sounder, featuring frequency-sweeping pulse-compression technology – also known as CHIRP – to produce higher resolution and reach deeper depths with less noise. Simrad claims the new sonar delivers as much as five times greater target resolution over conventional sounders, along with bottom readings beyond 10,000 feet. Basic to the technology is a new family of transducers that allow both sliding adjustment of frequencies and modulation of each sonar pulse, creating a sonic signature for each return and extremely accurate and detailed data. The low-frequency transceiver operates at 25 kHz to 45 kHz and 40 kHz to 60 kHz; the high-frequency transceiver supports 40 kHz to 60 kHz and 130 kHz to 210 kHz. $2,495. www.simrad-yachting.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Garmin targets small boats with limited space or special applications with its new Echo series fish finders. Two grayscale models in 4- and 5-inch configurations and three color models, one 31/2- and two 5-inch screens, come with a dual-frequency 77 and 200 kHz transducer. The 150 claims a 1,300-foot range; the 200 and 300 are rated to 1,500 feet; and the 500 and 550 models max out at 1,900 feet. The single-beam Echo 100 is configured solely for 200 kHz, with a range of 600 feet. All six models are fitted with quick-release tilt-swivel mounts and feature bright, daylight-readable screens befitting their open-boat focus. $79 to $499. www.garmin.com

2011 Electronics Round-Up

Standard Horizon’s new Explorer GX1600 has an ultrathin 312-inch rear case that’s half the depth of comparable VHF radios on the market, offering more flexibility when flush-mounted the radio in a tight area or bracket-mounted it on the dash. The GX1600 is designed to meet new Class D DSC regulations, with a dedicated channel 70 receiver that continuously watches for DSC calls and has the ability to accept a RAM3 remote-access microphone for full control of radio and DSC functions from a second station. The three-year warranty includes water damage; after warranty, a $65 flat rate covers repairs. $169.99. www.standardhorizon.com