Lighted Charts, for the man who…
I saw a lot of interest at the MBHH Show, but nothing as novel as these decorative charts with LEDs correctly displaying the characteristics of all lit aids to navigation. Carl Welshman designed a circuit board that he can program with up to 52 light sequences and which he wires to each LED. You can see the detail a little better in this larger shot, but you really have to see one in the flesh to appreciate the excellent craftsmanship. There’s info about upcoming shows, available charts, etc., at Harbour Lights’ site, but not prices, which are understandly significant.
Speaking of light characteristics… when are the slackers who do digital charting software for plotters going to program the characteristics of the lights on these plotter displays?
How about when you come in range… you have to program you “eye height” the lights which are visible display with the characteristics?
Seems like a no brainer… but someone has to do a bit of programming eh?
Jef, The new Garmins are showing light characteristics in 2D and 3D (the latter works great visually). Most plotters that use C-Map Max charts can also show light characteristics.
If these do, I am unaware and pleased that they are doing this. Thanks for the heads up Ben.. Wonder when the other players will take a clue?
Defjef
The BoatCruiser electronic charting software from NavSim has had this capability, i.e., show the light characteristics on the screen, for a while now.
Having used it, I’m not convinced it’s all that useful. Fortunately, the NavSim programmers have included an easy to use option that allows the user to turn the feature off or on.