Last updated: July 9, 2026
ICOM and Furuno enhance onboard electronic capabilities.
Most of us recognize the term black box with regard to aviation, but with marine electronics, the black box is used for various applications. Like aviation, it can refer to a voyage data recorder that collects and stores information about the ship’s journey. A sonar black box contains the electronic components of a fish finder and can process data from a sonar transducer before sending it to a chartplotter or multifunction display where underwater images are shown. When it comes to the electronics system, a boat black box can connect to and control various devices, including transducers, radar, GPS, cameras, and more. It can provide more room for network hubs, which allows for more sensors to be connected as well as save space under the helm dash. ICOM and Furuno incorporate a black box for communication, charting, and, most importantly, safety.
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ICOM’s IC-M510BB
VHF communications have advanced tremendously with computer and satellite technology continuously improving. ICOM’s IC-M510BB (BB for Black Box) was designed not only to meet the safety and communication needs of mariners, but also to provide the most extensive functions in a compact radio. The marine radio is a space-saving multi-station with a CommandMic and an RF unit (the black box), which is installed out of sight and up to 60 feet away with optional cables.
Up to three CommandMic stations can connect with the IC-M510BB, and all functions, including DSC (Digital Selective Calling) and intercom, are accessible from the CommandMics. It also features an integrated AIS receiver (with an alert for collision avoidance), voice-recording function, hailer and foghorn function, and dedicated DSC Remote Control terminal allowing connection to PC console software or external device to centralize emergency communication control. The DSC watch function adds safety and security by continuously monitoring Channel 70, part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. When using the intercom function, the system allows selection of either one-to-all or one-to-one communication. Along with an anchor watch function, the radio also has a unique AquaQuake function that vibrates the speaker cone to clear any water that may have landed on the speaker grill. icomamerica.com
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FURUNO’s TZTBBX Black Box MFD
Furuno’s TZtouch Black Box (TZTBBX) is its solution for the NavNet TZtouch series. It provides scalability, the ability to process a range of capabilities, and connects to any of its multifunction 17-inch, 19-inch, or 24-inch displays. It serves as a processing and data hub for the boat’s navigation system. The TZTBBX is the latest addition to the TZtouchXL lineup and is designed to connect external display to access the features involved with navigation, such as charts, weather, and sonar through the TZtouch interface.
The black box, comprising a processor unit and a switch box, utilizes a fast hexacore processor that can split any display into six different programmable sections. It features increased input/output ports, a power key for turning the system on and off, SDXC card slots for loading charts and software, an LED indicator, and a built-in buzzer for alarm sounds. When connected to a multi-touch display, enhance operation is available, even on larger display sizes. The TZTBBX is compatible with Furuno’s peripheral devices, as well, including X-Class magnetron or NXT Solid-State Doppler radar, high-powered fish finders, AIS, NavPilot autopilots, and the DFF3D Deep Water Multibeam Sonar. It also supports essential features like PIN Code Lock for security and Furuno’s AI Routing and safety features.
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New TZ MAPS cartography provides both the detail and flexibility needed for serious boating and fishing and combines the best of both vector and raster charts with multiple magnification levels and eight customizable colors. FURUNO’s BathyVision offers custom depth color shading and configurable contour lines down to an amazing three-inch resolution for ultra-accurate, brightly colored fishing charts. Users can also take advantage of crowd-sourced community maps that allow them to update chart objects through the Layers menu, creating and modifying custom objects that can be shared with other TZ MAPS users.
Through the TZiBoat iOS app, routes and waypoints can be created before leaving the dock and downloaded to the MFD from the cloud. Similarly, it’s possible to backup all the events from the day and retrieve them at home. furunousa.com
Both the ICOM and Furuno black boxes are a solution to get the most out of helm console spaces and connect multiple devices and functions into a convenient point of distribution.
-by Jeremy Peters
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