Category: Navigation

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Digital Yacht launch GPS160F for legacy Furuno products

Digital Yacht have introduced a new version of the GPS160 which is a simple replacement for older Furuno plotter and GPS systems.  Devices like the Furuno GP32, Navnet and GPS310/320 utilise a specific format for GPS data and this new sensor emulates that for essential compatibility.  Some of these older GPS sensors have suffered from technical issues with the GPS system roll over changes which can render a chart plotter becoming useless without a working GPS input.  The GPS160F provides an economical and reliable solution to these problems…

26

Simrad NSX, an impressive debut of Navico’s next-generation platform

The Simrad NSX may be a value-oriented chart plotter in Simrad’s lineup but “value model” doesn’t tell the story of how important NSX is to Simrad’s, and Navico’s, future. NSX is the first MFD running on Navico’s Neon operating system. I’ve been using an NSX in Panbo(at) for the last several months and I’m pleased to report NSX is an upgrade from the Simrad Go it replaced in nearly every dimension. If this is Navico’s future, the future is bright.

5

Garmin bolsters award-winning Reactor marine autopilot series with new GHC 50

Garmin International, Inc. today announced the GHC 50, a bright 5-inch touchscreen autopilot display designed for easier control and readability of its award-winning GHP Reactor autopilots. With a premium industrial design and edge-to-edge glass display, the GHC 50 seamlessly integrates with Garmin multifunction displays (MFDs) to create a sleek and stunning look for any helm…

20

Chart wars? Post acquisitions, what’s the status of charts?

It’s been four and a half years since Garmin bought Navionics and just under four years since Navico and C-Map’s corporate parents merged them. In both cases, there were statements made promising continued availability of the data on competing brands. But, would it? I’ve read comments from and talked to many boaters who are understandably nervous about access to their chart provider of choice on their navigation equipment brand of choice.

7

Raymarine Announces LightHouse 4 for Boaters

) – Raymarine announces the next generation of the LightHouse Operating System for all boaters. New LightHouse 4 delivers even easier operation, exciting personalization options, and several new features. As with all Raymarine software upgrades, LightHouse 4 is available to all Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL owners completely free as a downloadable update. 

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Airmar DST810 Multisensor, really smart

Airmar trail blazed the NMEA 2000 “smart” sensor about fifteen years ago, building a microprocessor right into a transducer so that a single rugged N2K cable can both power the sensor and deliver Depth, Speed, and Water Temperature to almost any display, regardless of brand. And while the company deservedly dominates the world of water-related smart sensors today, they were a tad slow to adopt the now-common technique of including a Bluetooth app for the detailed calibration that many of the display manufacturers fail to provide. But after initial testing, I think that the relatively new DST810 Smart Multisensor is a thoroughly modern N2K device…

18

Omnisense Ulysses Micro meets the FLIR M232, thermal cameras compared

When you think of a thermal night vision camera you might not think of Omnisense, but you probably do think of FLIR. Omnisense hopes to change that with their Ulysses line of thermal cameras. With a strong feature set, broad MFD support, and competitive features, it looks like an interesting comparison. I’ve been testing both the Omnisense Ulysses Micro and the FLIR M232. It’s been fun comparing the two and I see strengths and weaknesses to both but read on to see if there’s a clear winner.

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Garmin MFDs get Navionics cartography and an updated UI

For the last several years there’s been an unusual situation with Garmin MFDs. They haven’t used Navionics chart presentation or auto-routing. Considering Garmin owns Navionics and has since 2017, that’s left many scratching their heads. Well, scratch no more. Current Garmin MFDs can now use Navionics’ charts, auto-routing, and daily updates. Plus, the ability to display the new Navionics charts is part of an upgrade to Garmin MFDs that includes an updated user interface.

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Next Generation of Boating Electronics Unveiled with the New Simrad NSX

Simrad Yachting’s newest multifunction display (MFD) – Simrad NSX – was publicly unveiled this week during a global livestream event, offering the latest evolution in chartplotters and fishfinders for powerboaters as a new mid-range product in the Simrad line. The Simrad NSX is available in 7”, 9” and 12” display sizes and is based on a new Operating System built from the ground up to redefine boating experiences…