Maretron Announces the Launch of MConnect
Marine Technology Leader Introduces Cutting-Edge Vessel Monitoring Solution for OEMs and Boat Owners
Maretron, a renowned leader in marine technology, is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking new product, MConnect. This state-of-the-art web server connects seamlessly with a boat’s NMEA 2000 network, offering unparalleled access to hundreds of data points for comprehensive monitoring of vessel devices and components. MConnect is now available with an introductory price of $599.
A New Era of Vessel Monitoring and Customization
MConnect sets a new standard in vessel monitoring with its client-server architecture that runs on the WSV100 hardware. It provides real-time data display on multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and personal computers. The built-in software features an intuitive graphics editor, enabling users to create customized interfaces to display data on marine Multifunction Displays (MFDs). MConnect is compatible with leading marine systems, including Garmin OneHelm, Raymarine LH 4, Furuno NavNet, and more.
Empowering OEMs with Brand Integration
MConnect is a game-changer for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The platform allows OEMs to integrate their brand aesthetics into the MConnect interface, creating a cohesive and branded monitoring solution. This unique feature ensures that vessels not only perform exceptionally but also elevates their brand presence on board.
Unmatched Connectivity and Versatility
Designed for vessels of all sizes, MConnect supports simultaneous access by up to four users and features dual Can Bus for dual or redundant NMEA 2000 connections. It provides more NMEA 2000 connections than any other product on the market. Monitoring AC parameters, DC voltages and currents, engine and transmissions, environment conditions, GPS, and much more. MConnect also supports vessel automation, enhancing your boating experience.
Digital Switching
MConnect offers full integration with digital switching systems. It uses standard NMEA 2000 switching PGNs, which allows seamless integration with third-party systems as well as Maretron’s Octoplex and MPower systems. This consolidation of control and monitoring simplifies complex integrations into one platform.
Global Accessibility
Unlike traditional systems, MConnect’s web server allows remote access from any device with a browser, and uses VPN support for enhanced data security. This ensures both versatility and security for onboard and offboard management.
“MConnect is a revolutionary product that brings together cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design to provide unparalleled vessel monitoring and integration. We are thrilled to offer a solution that not only enhances functionality but also allows OEMs to showcase their brand identity seamlessly.”
– Jim Catterall, Business Development Manager, Maretron.
Availability and Pricing
MConnect will be available through local Maretron dealers and distributors starting September 16th, 2024, at a price of $599.
Discover the future of vessel monitoring with MConnect. Visit our website at www.maretron.com or contact [email protected] to speak with a representative.
Update 9/20/2024: MConnect Wins NMEA 2024 Technology Award
Maretron is proud to announce that MConnect has been awarded the prestigious NMEA 2024 Technology Award, recognizing its innovation, advanced integration capabilities, and transformative impact on the marine industry. The NMEA Technology Award is a significant accolade in the marine electronics industry, highlighting products that set new standards in innovation and functionality. MConnect’s win underscores Maretron’s ongoing mission to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of boaters worldwide.
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I could joke here about how long it has taken Maretron to develop MConnect, but I’m just an interested observer and this was a massive project. As I understand it, MConnect is an entirely new Maretron platform that’s notably power- and cost-efficient while built on top of the company’s enormous experience with NMEA 2000 sensoring and sophisticated monitoring. And it’s a significant sign of confidence that MConnect is available to interested owner/operators as well as the engineering teams designing production boat systems, and the marine electronics technicians who will eventually service/modify them.
In fact, I’m hoping to try MConnect on Gizmo, and Ben Stein is also interested. Plus congratulations to Maretron on the NMEA Technology Award handed out last night (and we’ll have more on those Awards soon).
How is this different from the free and opensource Signal K software?
http://www.signalk.org
Signal K has similar capabilities — arguably even more when used with apps like WilhelmSK — but I think it takes a lot of IT experience to set up and maintain a system, plus server hardware that is not free.
By contrast, MConnect is a $600 ready-to-go hardware/software package with “an intuitive Man Machine Interface for all levels of boat owners/operators” (according to an email conversation with Maretron yesterday).
Also, I doubt that Signal K can manage dual NMEA 2000 networks, and I think that setup can make sense on even medium-sized vessels (like my 37 footer).
I’m also doubtful that Signal K implementations can use major brand MFDs for display and control?
Congrats for getting this launched! I’m very interested in testing this, as it will provide a very easy way to interact with your NMEA 2000 network via a webpage. N2Kview has always been great, if you have a dedicated PC and can invest the time in building screens and objects in rather old software. MConnect looks a lot more modern, and the manual makes it seem like it will be easier to setup.
I’m curious over time where MConnect and N2Kview will end up falling. I notice that MConnect doesn’t have alarms or other functions like anchor watch in the initial release, so there’s still a reason for N2Kview. Hopefully that will become clearer after a few months and some additional releases.
I’ve been a heavy Maretron user for a while. The MConnect seems to be a revamped version of N2KView with improved graphics on dedicated hardware with a web server. A nice feature is the ability to have 4 simultaneous displays which under N2KView would require 4 separate licenses. I read the manual and it clearly says that Alerts/Anchor watch will be rolled out in future versions. Not sure why they couldn’t put out improved graphics for N2KView.
The problem with N2KView is that it was written in Flash, which is no longer supported by Adobe. Updating N2KView is difficult and they probably don’t want to invest any more time into something that needs to be rewritten or discontinued. I bet they stop supporting it soon.