Category: Wireless & Apps
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…
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…
The latest Simrad app debuted this week for the marine electronics leader celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The updated app includes a premium offering complete with new mapping features, advanced functionality and mirroring and control of Simrad multi-functional displays from your smartphone or tablet. It is available on both the Apple Store for iOS and Google Play for Android…
Two new 4G/Wi-Fi integrated Internet antennas have reset the bar for near-shore web access. Available exclusively from GA Communications, the Glomex weBBoat 4G Plus EVO and 4G Pro EVO deliver secure and reliable residential-quality connectivity, plus all the benefits the innovative EVO series offers.Two new 4G/Wi-Fi integrated Internet antennas have reset the bar for near-shore web access. Available exclusively from GA Communications, the Glomex weBBoat 4G Plus EVO and 4G Pro EVO deliver secure and reliable residential-quality connectivity, plus all the benefits the innovative EVO series offers…
The headline feature of Icom’s new IC-M510 fixed marine VHF radio has to be its ability to use a smartphone as a wireless mic. It’s never been done before, and it could be quite useful; picture a free extra VHF mic that’s already in your pocket or charging next to your berth. There’s more to like about the new radio design — plus another Icom innovation, possibly controversial — but let’s look at more details about the smartphone support…
Scanstrut announces a new addition to their groundbreaking waterproof ROKK wireless range, ROKK Wireless – Catch, the world’s first 12/24V waterproof wireless charging phone mat. Catch is one of the most convenient ways to store and wirelessly charge your phone onboard indoors or out! Designed to install onto any flat surface, perfect for use on top of boat consoles…
Blue Guard Innovations announces the introduction of its boat monitoring and control system, Smart Skipper. Smart Skipper enables owners, operators, and captains to monitor the security and safety of their unattended vessels.
It’s certainly noteworthy that KVH now offers a smaller, simpler, and less expensive VSAT antenna, but the TracPhone V30 announcement also mentioned new service rates of potential interest to those cruising and working on slimmer budgets. Although the more affordable plans only include small amounts of high-speed data, they also offer unlimited low-speed data. Is it fast enough to make working by satellite a reality at a reasonable cost? Depending on how you use the KVH mini-VSAT broadband service, it just might work for you.
Many of us have been happily beta testing the iOS version of Coastal Explorer for quite a while, but Rose Point Navigation has a long history of not releasing new products until they feel really good about them (and sometimes not at all). So it’s wonderful news that the Coastal Explorer app is now official, with many excellent features free to anyone, and the entire navigation package available to owners of CE for Windows until the $50 annual subscription is instituted…
Boat show season 2020 has turned into virtual event season 2020. Raymarine got in on the action with a press conference to coincide with the start of METSTrade Connect, the virtual networking event organized by METSTrade. Raymarine gave an update on DockSense, their collision avoidance system, and announced YachtSense, the product name for a new family of control and switching products.
