Panbo

The Marine Electronics Hub

Yearly Archive: 2021

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Press Releases / Navigation / Safety & SAR

Furuno DRS2DNXT Delivers Big Radar Features In A Small, Compact Package

Boaters with NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, or TZtouch3 systems and limited space for a Radar antenna will be excited to learn about a new option from Furuno that encompasses all of the Solid-State Doppler features that make their NXT Radars a must-have. The DRS2DNXT, just announced by Furuno, delivers all the features of the larger NXT Radars in a compact 19″ Radome. The DRS2DNXT is the perfect solution for smaller vessels or those desiring a compact backup Radar with the same features and modes their larger Radar provides…

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Wireless & Apps / Electrical & Engines

Balmar MC-618 regulator with SmartLink integration, first look

Last spring Balmar rather quietly introduced the new MC-618 regulator, but I think it’s a pretty big deal and have been pleased to see how well it integrates with their SG200 battery monitoring system. While the scene above is only a bench test, I expect the 618 to work fine on Gizmo because it’s essentially an update of the venerable MC-614 technology that’s been managing the boat’s main alternator since 2011. But configuring, fine tuning, or troubleshooting the new regulator will be a whole lot easier, plus I’ll be able to see how the charging system is performing in real time…

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Press Releases / Electrical & Engines / Green Boating

Flux Marine debuts electric outboard motors at 2021 Newport International Boat Show

Flux Marine, developer of electric outboard motors and battery systems for recreational watercraft, showcased its innovative propulsion systems for the first time at this year’s 2021 Newport International Boat Show (September 16-19, 2021). Flux Marine has redesigned the outboard motor from the ground up to deliver power and reliability while eliminating the pollution that plagues gasoline and diesel-powered engines…

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Press Releases / Network & control / Electrical & Engines / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K

Airmar’s SmartBoat system provides integrated network and device management

Airmar is pleased to introduce their new SmartBoat system, a groundbreaking vessel-management solution for all marine-sensor protocols and network types. The NMEA 2000 certified SmartBoat system offers a highly configurable sensor interface, supports a wide range of sensors and protocols, and provides remote discovery, management, programming, and wireless features.

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How-to / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K

NMEA 2000 network troubleshooting with Digital Yacht, Actisense, and DIY Tools

NMEA 2000 networks are pretty reliable but when there’s trouble it is often unclear where to start. Digital Yacht and Actisense have both brought out new products to help ensure the health of a network and better understand its operation. But, even if you don’t have any specialized tools onboard, you can still do some basic but effective troubleshooting of the health of your network. Let’s explore Digital Yacht’s NAVDoctor, Actisense’s A2K-TER-U smart NMEA 2000 terminator, and the troubleshooting you can do with an NMEA 2000 breakout cable and a multimeter.

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Editors' Blog / Weather / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K

Monitoring dew point temperature at your helm, why and how

Allan Seymour wants to see the current Dew Point and outside Air Temperatures at the helm of Sally W because fog is often about to shut in when the two temps become similar. And there are at least three marine sensors that claim to deliver dew point over NMEA 2000, two of which Allan owns. But actually getting the value to show on his instrument display turned out to be quite a challenge. I helped with the troubleshooting, and came to better appreciate the value of dew point in the process…

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Press Releases / Cabin & deck gear

Garmin announces Surround View, the first 360 bird’s-eye view marine camera system

Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the world’s largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, today announced the Garmin Surround View Camera System, a breakthrough in video guidance for recreational boating and yachting. Utilizing six through-hull mounted cameras that act like multiple sets of eyes, Surround View provides a live 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vessel to help captains quickly view their vessel’s perimeter during low-speed maneuvers, such as docking, from the helm…

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Press Releases / Electrical & Engines

Brunswick Corporation’s Advanced Systems Group Acquires RELiON Battery, LLC and Announces Plans for Electrification Technology Center

METTAWA, Ill. (September 1, 2021) – Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC) continues to execute on its Next Wave strategy, announcing today that it has acquired RELiON Battery, LLC, a global provider of lithium batteries and related products to multiple industry sectors. Additionally,...

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Network & control / How-to / Electrical & Engines / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K / Monitoring & Tracking

Victron’s Venus OS on a Raspberry Pi, install and configuration

The Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal and their Venus OS monitoring software deliver best-in-class access to information about your boat (, RV, or fixed solar) electrical sytem. But, running one of these systems has typically required Victron hardware which starts around $300. Victron has a long history of embracing the open-source community and they’ve continued that effort by supporting Venus OS on a Raspberry Pi. But, many people hear Raspberry Pi and either think dessert or that it’s over their heads and too complex. This guide walks you through the steps required to get Venus OS up and running on a Pi and sending data about your electrical system to VRM.

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Wireless & Apps / AIS

AMEC B600W Class B SOTDMA AIS, data multiplexing included

Class B AIS transceivers only became legal in the USA about 13 years ago, but they’ve certainly become valued equipment on many mid-size and larger recreational vessels. The Class B regulations have also improved — when the higher-power, faster-talking SOTDMA transmission protocol became a choice — and many manufacturers added useful features beyond what’s required by the AIS regulations. The AMEC WideLink B600W that I recently installed on Gizmo Junior pretty well illustrates the state of Class B these days, and also includes a rare data multiplexing ability that can improve PC or tablet navigation…