Electronics Troubleshooting Tips

Save yourself a bundle with these electronics troubleshooting tips

As is the case with most boat gear failures, electronic equipment problems always seem to crop up at the worst possible time. The multi-function display bites the dust when heading out for a day of fishing or the depth sounder blanks out while transiting some remote location during your annual cruise. Tech support is a wonderful thing, but self-reliance and the ability to recognize and fix simple problems are even better. Here are a few basic electronics troubleshooting tips to help bring your ailing electronics back online as quickly as possible.

Knowledge is Power

The first step in troubleshooting the system or piece of electronics gear is something you should have already done before the problem even arose: read the owner’s manual. A basic understanding of how the gear or system functions and is installed before you start troubleshooting is extremely helpful. It will assist you in recognizing and locating common problems. Most manuals will also have a basic troubleshooting section that helps point you in the right direction.

Start with the Basics

When a piece of electronics gear fails to turn on, start by checking the power connection at the unit for looseness or corrosion. If your DC power panel has a voltmeter installed, take a quick look to verify that it shows the correct voltage and that all required breakers are turned on. You wouldn’t be the first to realize a problem was actually caused by a battery switch or circuit breaker being in the “off” position.

For electronics that work intermittently or lose certain functions, check the remaining plugs or wire connections. These could also suffer from corrosion or may have loosened over time due to vibration. As odd as it may sound, sometimes problems can be corrected by simply disconnecting cable plugs and plugging them back in. The same is true for inline cable connections, which can loosen due to excessive movement or vibration if not secured or mounted properly. Trace the cable runs to see if there are any problems (breaks, damage, etc).

Visibility

If a unit powers up but shows nothing on the display, start simple and check the display brightness and contrast settings. These settings often get adjusted on purpose (to preserve night vision, for example) or by accident to the point where the display is no longer visible under different lighting conditions.

Other control features can also generate what I like to call “operator induced anomalies.” If your radar fails to pick up targets, for example, verify you’re on the correct range setting and that the gain/sensitivity features are adjusted correctly.

Voltage Checks

When it comes to hardware problems, if you’ve verified all connections are tight and the problem still exists, it’s time to get all technical and break out the multimeter. Every boat should have one on board. You can buy a multimeter for as little as $6 at Harbor Freight. Stay away from pen lighttype voltage testers. They can tell you if there’s voltage, but not how much—a critical troubleshooting flaw as many electronics fail to operate if the voltage drops below a certain point.

To check the power to a piece of gear, turn the unit off and disconnect the power plug or access the terminal strip where power is connected. Then verify that battery switches and breakers are in the “on” position. Set the multimeter to DC volts and measure the voltage by connecting the meter’s negative probe to the equipment plug’s negative lead and positive probe to the positive lead. If you accidentally reverse the probes, the meter will simply display a negative reading.

A voltage reading of “0” indicates no power is reaching the unit (tripped breaker, blown fuse, loose connection, broken wire, etc). An item of note: if a fuse that blows multiple times when replaced, that should be considered a symptom rather than the problem itself. A low voltage reading indicates low battery voltage or, possibly, additional resistance in the line such as a corroded or faulty connection. Verify that the correct amount of power is leaving the breaker panel and if so, work your way toward the equipment in an effort to identify the problem. If not, then verify battery voltage is correct and proceed from there.

Consistency is King

Another thing to consider is how steady or consistent the voltage is during equipment operation. Some electronics draw more power during certain operations, such as your VHF radio when transmitting versus receiving. While you may have a full 12 volts at the power plug when the radio is disconnected or simply turned on, that voltage can drop well below a usable level when the radio is keyed to transmit. This is often due to a weak battery or possibly a corroded connection. Monitor your DC panel voltmeter (or use your voltmeter) while keying the radio to see if the voltage drops.

NMEA 2000

While standalone electronics will have their own dedicated power plug or source, newer electronic systems will likely be powered by a NMEA 2000 (N2K) trunk or backbone. If the system is installed correctly and was working previously, and you confirmed that the voltage supply is correct and that all plugs and connections are good, then the problem could be with the backbone itself. There are meters that allow you to test N2K backbones, but they’re pricey ($600 plus) and more than most occasional users are willing to spend. If you think the problem lies with the backbone, it’s likely time to call in a professional.

By Frank Lanier, Southern Boating December 2018

NMEA 2018

2018’s National Marine Electronics Association Conference and Expo: NMEA 2018

The electronics industry continues to grow. As of May 2018, the Federal Reserve indicated that the U.S total economic growth increased by 2.5 percent; the electronics industry was up 4 percent. Technology advances almost daily whether it’s an improvement to an existing system or a whole new way to solve a problem.

At the 2018 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Conference and Expo held at the PGA Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the latest in marine electronics was the name of the game with many garnering the “Product of Excellence” award for their category. Here are a few that made the podium at NMEA 2018.

Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope

Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope was the overall winner at NMEA 2018 and won the Technology Award. The live, real-time sonar produces incredibly detailed images of underwater structures and fish below and around the boat, including your lure. Two modes—forward and down—are included in one transducer that portrays images up to 200 feet, even while stationary. The view automatically updates on a compatible Garmin chartplotter, and the Attitude Heading Reference System keeps the image stable, even in rough conditions. The sonar has a beam width of 20 degrees by 135 degrees. The system is easy to install and includes a compact GLS 10 sonar black box (9.6″ x 5.9″ x 2.6″), the Panoptix LVS32 transducer and a two-meter plug-and-play Garmin Marine Network connector. A trolling motor mount and transom mount are also included.

$1,499.90

garmin.com

Furuno’s DRS4D-NXT 24-inch Solid-State Doppler Radar

On top of the Radar category sits Furuno’s DRS4D-NXT 24-inch Solid-State Doppler Radar with Target Analyzer and Fast Target Tracking for NavNet TZtouch and NavNet TZtouch2 multifunctional displays. The NXT is the first radar to use Furuno’s new and exclusive Target Analyzer function that identifies targets and their relation to your vessel. Green signifies targets that are stationary or are moving away, while red targets are moving in your direction. Targets change color automatically as their positions change, and the Analyzer works independently of your vessel speed and that of the target. Auto Target Acquire identifies approaching targets within three nautical miles automatically and will trigger an alarm. The Rain mode can identify targets within rain echoes (rain is colored blue), and for anglers, the Bird mode identifies flocks of birds that may be gathering around schools of fish. Furuno’s exclusive RezBoost technology enhances resolution for a more detailed image with less clutter to improve situational awareness and increase safety.

MSRP $2,600

furunousa.com

KVH TracVision TV3

As for satellite TV antennas, the KVH TracVision TV3, along with the innovative TV-Hub, took honors as a great choice for both power and sailboats cruising within 100 nautical miles offshore. The compact 14.5-inch antenna features the proprietary RingFire technology that provides a stronger signal for better reception and a wider geographic coverage area. TracVision TV3 with the optional IP-enabled TV-Hub A supports DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Bell TV as well as circular and linear Ku-band (HDTV compatible) regional services worldwide. The integrated, single-wire multi switch (SWM-8) built into the TV-Hub supports up to eight DIRECTV receivers so the kids can watch one show while you watch another. TracVision also has commercial-free, CD-quality music channels. Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi allows smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers to connect and display system information, and a single coaxial cable for power, data and video make installation easy.

MSRP $3,995

kvh.com

Fusion’s Apollo RA770

Stereo systems are right up there when it comes to new technology, and Fusion’s Apollo RA770 is at the top of the list at NMEA 2018. Innovative design and revolutionary technology make it the world’s first touchscreen marine stereo with Apple AirPlay and built-in Wi-Fi. Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing, PartyBus, over-the-air software updates, one-piece glass display, and more source options than before, including advanced SiriusXM satellite radio features (U.S. only), bring a new era of marine audio entertainment on board. Wi-Fi availability allows audio streaming with a higher data transfer rate than Bluetooth. The PartyBus Party mode wirelessly connects multiple Apollo stereos to sync music throughout the vessel. The 4.3-inch LCD color touchscreen display eliminates dials and buttons.
Fusion-Link allows control from partnered multifunction displays, including Garmin watches, and the IPX7-rated front panel protects against water, salt, temperature, vibration, and UV rays. Along with Fusion’s sound quality, audio entertainment on board has reached a new level.

MSRP $649.99

fusionentertainment.com

ICOM’s M605

ICOM’s M605 was recognized because it’s more than just a VHF radio. The M605 has plenty of options that give flexibility in the boat’s radio system setup as well as GPS and communication features. Control up to three stations remotely with HM-195 series COMMANDMICs, or add another command head with the same front panel as the transceiver and two command mics, or have two heads with one mic for a total of four talk/receive stations with an intercom function. The large 4.3-inch, LCD color display offers almost a 180-degree viewing angle, which helps when checking AIS vessel traffic and its DSC call information on a screen, especially while operating in the easy-to-see-in-the-dark night mode. A large 10-key pad allows for smooth entry of channel numbers, MMSI numbers with ID names and more. There are also soft keys assigned for the most used functions. The M605 is a Global Navigation Satellite System receiver with NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity.

MSRP $1,530

icomamerica.com

Nobeltec’s TIMEZERO Professional v3

Keeping your charts up to date is essential for safety at sea, and Nobeltec’s TIMEZERO Professional v3 marine navigation software keeps sportfishermen, sailors, commercial boats, and coastal cruisers on the right track. For sportfishermen, the software is designed to connect with Furuno sounder hardware to spot fish, and with the PBG module, the bottom terrain not only provides 2D color and customizable scale bathymetry with clarity but also provides a 3D model of the seafloor’s contour lines and depths depicting ridges and valleys. Route Planning takes into consideration tides and currents to determine optimal departure and arrival times, and the Weather Routing module can adjust to avoid areas of undesired wind speeds and wave heights. The new AIS/ARPA module identifies oncoming boats’ direction and speed with anticollision features in place. TIMEZERO is compatible with official S-57 electronic navigation charts that are updated every week.

MSRP $1,500 (modules optional)

mytimezero.com

FLIR M625CS thermal imaging camera

The ability to see clearly at night as if it’s daytime is an advantage to any captain or owner/operator, and the FLIR M625CS thermal imaging camera does just that. Thermal imaging cameras detect and display images based on tiny differences in heat, not light, so whether the night is pitch black, filled with moonlight or the eyes are blinded by severe midday glare, the M625CS captures emitted or reflected thermal energy. Changes in temperature are converted into infrared images that allow you to see at night and navigate in total darkness. Besides the thermal camera’s 640×512-pixel resolution, the next generation M625CS features a high-resolution color camera with 36x optical zoom for enhanced daylight and low light identification. The 7-inch diameter, 11.2-inch tall package weighs 9 pounds and offers 360-degree continuous pan and a +/-90-degree tilt. The system integrates seamlessly with existing electronics, including select multifunction displays from Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad. There is also a joystick control unit for full control, and because of its active gyro stabilization, the camera always delivers a steady image, even in rough seas.

MSRP $20,995

flir.com

GOST Apparition SM-GPS-XVR

Yacht security is a must these days, and the GOST Apparition SM-GPS-XVR is one powerful, customizable and user-friendly security system. Monitoring, tracking, surveillance, and security are integrated into one system that communicates over cellular or satellite networks for global coverage. Protect against intrusion and theft. Monitor shore power and detect low voltage, smoke, and high-water levels. Take a look at the boat through live mobile streaming, and record video with up to eight HD cameras, and through GOST’s Nav-Tracker, the system has 99.99-percent reliability for global tracking.

The SM XVR GPS package includes everything from the Apparition package introduced in 2017 with the addition of security and monitoring sensors, the GOST Watch HD SVR surveillance platform and GPS tracking. The core of the system is the Universal Control Unit that provides support for up to 32 wireless sensors, 12 relays, and 32 key fobs as well as supply full battery backup. The Apparition is controlled by new touchscreen keypads that are available in 5- or 7-inch displays, the key fob, or through he app via through an internal 4G/3G GSM communicator. The system can send and receive text or SMS messages to arm or disarm the system as well as provide notifications of the events on board.

MSRP $2,999.99

gostglobal.com

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating December 2018

Check out the picks from NMEA 2017

Check out the picks from NMEA 2016

Check out the picks from NMEA 2015

NMEA 2017

In September, the 2017 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA 2017) conference was held in Bellevue, Washington. The sold-out expo featured around 50 exhibitors showcasing their products to dealers, distributors, installers, and the media. Take a look at some of the interesting new products that we saw at the show.

GOST Apparition
The new GOST Apparition system provides advanced onboard security and monitoring. Highly customizable, it centers around touchscreen displays that can connect to a vast array of wired and wireless sensors. It can also be controlled by Smartphone or tablet. Key fob or card control can limit access to areas of the vessel keeping contractors
isolated to work areas like engine rooms and decks.

Similarly, guests can access accommodation areas but be kept out of sensitive engineering spaces. With capabilities of up to 192 sensors and access control of up to 32 doors, the system is perfect for large yachts. Available features include GPS tracking, cellular and satellite monitoring, live HD camera feeds, video backup systems, and more.

MSRP $3,000 for the basic system (price varies by number of sensors and features); gostglobal.com

Garmin VIRB 360 Camera
The VIRB 360 recently started shipping. The VIRB 360 takes waterproof VIRB cameras to another dimension. This rugged waterproof camera fi lms 360 degrees in either still or video, and four microphones provide quadrophonic sound to match the 360 video. The camera stitches the images from multiple cameras together inside the unit allowing for quick viewing of the video. Simply set the camera up to play and watch. The VIRB mobile app or desktop package helps users share and edit the results. VIRB can record for more than one hour per charge. Internal spherical stabilization keeps the video running smoothly even in adverse conditions. The camera is waterproof to 10 meters allowing 360-degree video above and below the water while fishing, wakeboarding or simply exploring in boats large or small.

Check out 360 videos at garmin.com; MSRP $799.99

INTELLIAN V65
This 65cm VSAT antenna is designed to operate and perform comparably to larger 85cm antennas while saving weight and space. Intellian uses advanced RF components to enhance signal strength and clarity achieving superior gain and isolation as compared with other antennas in this size range. The V65 is also the fi rst 60cm class antenna capable of being converted easily from KU to KA band; a conversion kit is required, but it is an easy onboard change out. This allows vessel owners to run on either frequency depending on where they are traveling, their communication needs and provider preferences.

MSRP $34,000; intelliantech.com

COBHAM SAILOR 600 VSAT KU
High-tech construction and advanced materials like carbon fiber and infused aluminum keep the weight of this KU band VSAT antenna at 77 lbs. Single cable connectivity includes power, transmit and receive combined. Automatic cable and
Azimuth calibration make installation easy. The antenna is self-balancing and has internal dynamic motor brakes eliminating the need for mechanical straps and keeping the antenna balanced when not powered up or during transport. This means the antenna can be moved and installed without having to remove the cover. The Cobham SATCOM 3D catalog App provides specifications and 3D images of their products.

MSRP $35,495; cobham.com

FURUNO DFF3D Multi Beam Sonar
The latest from FURUNO, the DFF3D connects to existing NavNet TZtouch(1 or 2) MFDs or MaxSea Time Zero to provide advanced sonar capabilities. FURUNO combines rapid processing with a new multi-beam transducer to show both structure and fish in a wide swath beneath the boat, even in deep water. The lower frequency 165kHz penetrates far deeper than other 3D systems and combined with image stabilization provides accurate coverage while the boat is rolling. The 120-degree multi-beam consists of 40-3 degree slices that cover up to 650 feet of the sea bottom at once, depending on conditions. Users can see which side of the boat fish are on as well as bottom contours and their direction and proximity to the boat.

Fully customizable modes include traditional down-sounding, tri-beam with three views (left, center and right), cross section, side scan, and graphic 3D imaging. Because the wide beam covers so much ground, finding wrecks and other bottom structures is easier for less time searching and more time fishing. Not only are fish visible in the water column on top of a wreck or a rock, but the multi beam shows when they are off to the side. This allows more accurate species identification and targeting. Because the frequencies don’t interfere, existing sounders can run at the same time as the multibeam sonar or combine it all into a combo transducer that has all elements in one compact unit.

MSRP $2,095 (without transducer), thru-hull multifunction transducer MSRP $1,900; furuno.com

Raymarine Axiom Pro 12
The Axiom Pro series of MFDs uses touchscreen controls (9″, 12″, 16″) as well as a keypad (which some users prefer, particularly in rough conditions). The Pro series uses Raymarine’s new LightHouse3 operating system and a fast, internal quad core processor. The Axiom PRO(S) comes with a single channel 1kW CHIRP sonar.

The PRO (RVX) configuration provides both the CHIRP sonar and RealVision 3D. The 3D mode shows the fish in the same colors as the 2D display making target matching easier. The dual-mode transducer provides deeper water capabilities and the power to penetrate baitfish and thermoclines with all the detail and perspective of 3D. Rewind, pause, and playback controls make it easy to set waypoints and examine fish and bottom structure. Axiom Pro uses a variety of cartography choices from Navionics, C-Map and Lighthouse charts.

MSRP $3,849.99 (12″ CHIRP, 3D, LH charts); raymarine.com

SIMRAD GO12 XSE
The SIMRAD GO12 XSE is the newest and largest of the powerful GO series multi-function displays (MFD). It acts as a stand-alone chartplotter/ fishfinder combo with a built-in GPS and a bright 12″ multi-touch display, or it connects to other devices to display and control many onboard functions. Plug-and-play options like SIMRAD Broadband or Halo pulse compression radar systems make it easy to do more. Wireless connectivity and NMEA 2000 allow interfacing of a broad array of systems including autopilot controls, entertainment systems, engine monitoring, Sirius XM weather, and more.

The sophisticated fish finder uses CHIRP technology to show fish and bottom contours in the water column, or switch to “StructureScan” for HD sidescan imaging all from the same multifunction transducer. With up to four customizable viewing areas, both fish-finding modes can run simultaneously along with other navigation functions.

MSRP $3,999; simrad-yachting.com

ROSE POINT NAVIGATION SYSTEMS NEMO
Rose Point, the creators of Coastal Explorer PC-based navigation and charting software, recently released the NEMO gateway. NEMO allows boaters to connect onboard data systems to multiple devices at the same time.

It also allows users with older devices that use NMEA 0183 to connect at the same time as newer NMEA 2000 devices by translating the signals. NEMO works with Rose Point products and also connects other onboard data systems to provide PCs, tablets, and phones access to your marine electronics. An Ethernet interface allows you to control onboard electronics like an autopilot using multiple devices. Plug NEMO into a common household router and wireless apps and devices will interface with your onboard NMEA-compatible electronics.

MSRP $599; rosepoint.com

SITEX
The SITEX MDA-4 is a new VHF radio with DSC and a built-in dual channel AIS receiver. Built to MilSpec 801G, it is designed to handle rugged, wet conditions on board. It has a host of features including Dual and Tri-watch to monitor multiple channels at once, programmable scanning, a built-in 25- watt hailer with selectable automatic foghorns, and listen back. A large LCD screen displays AIS data including MMSI, call sign, ship’s name, bearing, distance, speed, course over ground, and closest point of approach with alerts.

MSRP $459; si-tex.com

Humminbird Solix MEGA15
This new fish finder from Humminbird has a bright sunlight-readable, color touchscreen, 15.4″ diagonal display, but also has buttons and a toggle/joystick to control it. It is easily customizable, has a GPS built into the unit and can interface with optional radar and autopilot modules. NMEA 2000, 0183 and ethernet ports are standard. Dual card slots allow multiple chart formats to run simultaneously and switching between cartography.

Both Navionics and Humminbird charts are supported including their LakeMaster series for inland fishing. The Solix MEGA15 uses a sophisticated Airmar CHIRP transducer. The ultrahigh frequency 1.2MHz provides better target resolution and separation than lower frequency transducers do. The drawback is depth; in MEGA mode images are extremely crisp and clear but only to about 100′. (They claim 125′ down and 250′ side to side.) With 455kHz the depth penetration is better: 800′ down, 400′ side to side, but target resolution suffers.

The higher frequency also covers a lot more ground as the cone angle is wider meaning more structure is visible and more information is available about where the fish are in relation to the boat. MSRP $3,499; humminbird.com

By Arnie Hammerman, Southern Boating December 2017

What’s New in Electronics: NMEA 2016

New technologies impress record-setting attendance.

October’s 2016 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA 2016) conference in Naples, Florida, featured more than 50 exhibitors debuting many new products, as well as a fleet of demo boats. Even if you’re not a tech geek, you’ll want to check out these highlights from the conference’s best new picks of NMEA 2016.

Simrad’s GO9 XSE Multi-Function Display
Not everyone owns a boat large enough to squeeze in multiple multi-function displays. For those with compact sport boats, Simrad’s new GO9 is filling the niche. Like larger multi-function displays, the GO9 XSE Series features a touchscreen-based system with GoFree Wi-Fi and built-in 10 Hz GPS receiver, two micro SD card slots, full NMEA 2000 capability, and support for Broadband 3G/4G and Halo radars. For fishermen, the built-in sounder module uses standard CHIRP, Simrad’s ForwardScan, StructureScan imaging, and TotalScan transducers.

Unlike the larger Navico systems, the GO9 has standalone construction and comes standard with a mounting bracket providing a broader range of positioning options, and it can be flush mounted if desired. There are seven GO9 bundles starting at just a bit over $1,000 for a base system, and prices ranging up to $2,700 for a system that includes radar and TotalScan transducers. Simrad’s new multi-function display provides a lot of bang for the buck. simrad-yachting.com

Garmin’s VIRB Ultra 30
It’s hard to believe that so many features are inside the tiny package that is Garmin’s VIRB Ultra 30. Hands-free capability with voice control easily allows the user to start and stop the recording. The voice command list isn’t too expansive, although it does come in handy when you’re trying to land a marlin. The VIRB Ultra 30 also comes with manual buttons if voice control isn’t for you. It’ll shoot Ultra HD 4K/30fps footage, takes photos at 12 megapixels and comes with image stabilization. There’s also mobile and desktop editing software, and the VIRB can live-stream to YouTube via an iOS mobile device or a compatible Garmin multi-function display.

The touchscreen can easily be used in tandem with the VIRB’s waterproof case, and it comes with many forms of control option for both photos and video. It includes noise-reduction capabilities for windy days, built-in high-sensitivity 10 Hz GPS, accelerometer gyroscope, altimeter, and compass with the data usable for image overlays. Video and photos are stored on 64GB SD cards. The VIRB Ultra 30 comes out of the box with a waterproof case (40m depths), USB charging cable, battery (up to 2-hour life), two flexible mounts, and weighs only 3.1 ounces with the battery installed. An optional ship’s power cable allows for extended use. The Garmin VIRB Ultra retails for around $400. garmin.com

Yacht Device’s Voyage Recorder
Yacht Device’s first appearance at an NMEA conference garnered lots of attention, and for good reason. Their new Voyage Recorder is a small cylinder that plugs directly into a typical NMEA 2000 tee. There are two versions available: one plugs into the standard N2K device net tee, and the other works with Raymarine’s NMEA 2000 equivalent (SeatalkHS) network. The other end has a micro SD card slot and a status LED. It’s a plug-and-play device that’s ready to go without any extra setup needed to start recording data.

The recorder is directly attached to the network allowing it to read and store data on the SD card. A 16GB card holds about 100 days’ worth of boat travel information. The data options include engine information, fuel consumption, AIS vessels, waypoints used, depths, tank levels, and whatever else is on the network.

When you’re back at the dock, just plug your SD card into a computer. A free downloadable program allows the loading of data into a spreadsheet-style package to compare any plot trends in the data. For instance, you can compare fuel consumption to RPM, or take your waypoints and tracks and plot them using Google Earth. Waypoint data is stored using the GPX format making it compatible with many chart plotters. The PC software can also convert Voyage Recorder data to OpenSkipper, CanBoat and Signal K formats. The device is simple to use, easy to install and retails for $190. yachtd.com

Furuno’s Solid-State
Doppler Radar
Furuno’s new DRS4D-NXT pulse-compression Doppler dome radar is the winner of NMEA’s prestigious 2016 Technology Award. It uses its Target Analyzer software to sort radar signal returns and color-codes them for easy tracking. Stationary objects and targets moving away from you are green, while approaching vessels become red targets to help quickly identify potential hazards. Furuno’s impressively fast ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) comes standard by default, and up to 100 targets can be automatically tracked if they’re traveling in your direction with a heading vector. Furuno has included RezBoost technology that allows the beam to be sharpened to the equivalent of 2 degrees. This allows targets as small as kayaks to be easily seen, all with reduced screen clutter. The DRS4D-NXT solid-state radar is compatible with Furuno’s TZT and TZT2 multi-function displays, and it only uses 25 watts of power (2.5 amps). The DRS4D-NXT radar retails at $1,900. furuno.com

NeptuLink by MVG
MVG’s newly redesigned and sleek-looking NeptuLink transceiver system is designed for coastal cruisers. It receives and amplifies cellphone LTE, 4G, 3G, and 2G signals up to 20 nautical miles from shore. The system uses a Wi-Fi router on board to enable access for ship computers, smart phones and tablets. Download speeds can be as fast as to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. Simple system programming is available with the use of a smart phone. The SIM card-based NeptuLink makes it easy to change cell carriers as you travel. The system can also utilize Wi-Fi when available in port to save on cellular data costs. MVG’s unique antenna configuration uses several internal antennas to reduce signal reflection from the water, which accommodates the rolling motion of a vessel. The NeptuLink system meets IP66 standards and comes with mounting hardware and LAN interconnection cable. The system retails for $2,800. mvg-world.com

— By Bill Bishop, Southern Boating Magazine December 2016

NMEA 2015: Keep Up With The Tech Revolution.

Cutting edge radar, sonar, apps and more… The 2015 National Marine Electronics Association Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrated the industry’s pioneering products. Here’s a snapshot of this year’s most notable marine technological innovations.

Simrad’s Halo radar sees almost everything.

Simrad’s new Halo radar clearly demonstrates the rapid migration of advanced technology into our world of marine electronics. Its combination of pulse compression, beam-sharping technology, a rare earth gallium nitride microwave amplifier, and sophisticated FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) has created a radar that easily sees a seagull floating in the water 60 feet away from your boat and can separate two distant abutting boats all while using a miserly 25 watts of power. This open array system (3′, 4′, 6′) is capable of true dual range displays and is packaged in a sleek pedestal design that has unique side-mounted blue LED accent lighting controllable from the MFD. A wide variety of easy-to-use operational modes from Bird Finder to Weather make it one of the easiest radars to use and among the most technically advanced recreational boating radar available. The Halo radar received the annual NMEA Technology Award at the conference. simrad-yachting.com

Raymarine Dragonfly 4DV CHIRP down view fish finder

In just a handful of years CHIRP sounders have evolved from expensive technology once only available to oceanographic institutions to fish finders for under $200 that produce nearly photographic images of the bottom surface. The Raymarine 4DV is a perfect example. Use their free Wi-Fish app (iOS 7+ and Android) to record, pause, rewind, and share your sonar images through its Wi-Fi. The 4DV—with transducer good for depths up to 600’—sports large, sealed membrane switches with intuitive menus and has IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof ratings. An included ball mounting system compatible with aftermarket solutions like Ram Mounts makes it easy to mount nearly anywhere from a kayak (with the optional 12V battery pack) to a center console. raymarine.com

Garmin Panoptix Down sonar

Until the Panoptix system appeared, recreational boat sonar was always a historical product showing what happened in the past—behind your boat. With the Panoptix’s multibeam transducer, fishermen can use three views. See fish swimming around under the boat in real time and at what depth with LiveVü Down. Watch your lure drop and see the fish strike it in real time. The extremely wide-angle 120-degree beam makes it quick and easy to tell if fish are present. Change to RealVü 3D and the system shows you a 3D map of the bottom structure and fish targets. The RealVü 3D Historical shows a rolling graphical model of the bottom structure and fish targets as you move. Record, play back and capture screenshots of both RealVü displays. Panoptix transducers are designed to work with most boats and have all the electronics built into them. They are connected to compatible MFDs with a Garmin network cable and no sounder module is required. garmin.com

The Signal K project taking NMEA to the cloud.

Two presentations by the Signal K project were the most attended at the conference. Signal K is a unique, open source software project whose purpose is to make a boat’s NMEA data easily accessible to app developers. Your boat’s N2K/0183 network data is sent to a NMEA certified gateway, which parses the data into the Signal K format in a human readable format. For example, the “DepthBelowTransducer” data is sent to a computer running the free Signal K software for storage that connects to a Wi-Fi router. This allows your boat to securely connect to apps, other boats, the internet, do sharing, logging, and crowd sourcing of data, use social applications like the new ActiveCaptain “Locations” app that supports Signal K, and more. The first Signal K gateway product, the Digital Yacht “iKommunicate,” was announced at the conference—many more hardware products and apps are in development. Hardware, apps and Signal K software will be available very early in 2016. signalk.org

Flir’s AX8 monitors your engine’s temperatures.

Flir introduced this small AX8 thermal and visual camera as an industrial grade, temperature monitoring camera. Raymarine now supports it in their new Lighthouse 15 software release for engine room use. Despite its small size it has lots of capabilities. Up to six locations in the camera’s view can be selected, defined and monitored for temperatures that range from 14 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, one spot could provide the temperature of an exhaust elbow, and another the transmission or battery bank. Alarm levels can be configured for any of the selected locations, and up to eight cameras can be connected via Ethernet cables. Find potential engine problems before they become big ones. flir.com

Icom 506 AIS VHF does it all.

It’s hard to believe there is some ability that the M506 AIS radio doesn’t already have. It’s NMEA 2000 ready saving the installation time and effort required to do the venerable and much slower NMEA 0183 interfacing. It receives AIS information with the same antenna, has active noise canceling technology, last call playback, foghorn modes, two-way hailing, supports remote command mics, and has an external speaker connection. You can even add a class B AIS transponder to the system. The extensive functions are menu driven with the aid of four soft keys and a five-button function array. Easily read a wide array of data with backlighting. I don’t know what more you could add to this comprehensive unit with a very competitive price and IPX8 waterproofing rating. icomamerica.com

Lumishore’s EOS lights the way.

Lumishore provides the underwater wow factor with its new EOS series of underwater lighting that uses a mix of two-way DMX512 (Digital Multiplexing) and RDM (Remote Device Management) technologies originally developed for professional stage lighting. Add to this plug-and-play system sound to light capabilities, and Wi-Fi interfaces for your mobile devices. This color-changing system uses long-life Phillips high-intensity LEDs with a variety of modes that control strobe effects to attract fish and bait, brightness, sound synchronization with the lighting, lots of preset functions, programmable light scenes, and more. The low profile controller with its color display is easy to use and comes with a sun cover. Set the lighting mood for a cockpit dinner or have a rocking party. lumishore.com

By Bill Bishop, Southern Boating Magazine December 2015