Electronics+Navigations

Safety in a Small Package

by Adam Cort, Posted November 15, 2011

The ResQLink 406 MHz personal locator beacon (PLB) is less than 4in long and weighs a mere 4.6 oz.

The NSS Sport line of chartplotters can be operated via a proprietary “Touch Sensible” touch-screen or by using a keypad and rotary control knob, so that navigators can remain in complete control no matter what the conditions. The plotters are available with screens measuring 6.4, 8 or 12 inches diagonally and have backlit LED screens to maximize visibility and minimize power consumption. All NSS

New Multifunction Display, New Look

by Adam Cort, Posted September 27, 2011

The new e7 line of multifunction displays is packed with features and signals a new, sleeker look for longtime navigation equipment manufacturer Raymarine. The e7 can be networked with up to six displays and includes Raymarine’s proprietary HybridTouch technology, which allows users to choose between touchscreen or keypad control.In addition to networking with everything from your radar to

On-Demand Weather Data

by Adam Cort, Posted September 27, 2011

The Garmin GDL 40 Cellular Weather Receiver allows you to display weather radar and detailed real-time weather data on a compatible NMEA 2000 Garmin chartplotter at a reasonable cost. The system uses cellular technology to download weather data from Garmin subsidiary Digital Cyclone, which provides coverage for Canada, the United States and Europe. Users can subscribe to the network annually, or

Turn Your iPhone into a Chartplotter

by Adam Cort, Posted September 27, 2011

The iAIS from Digital Yacht is a dual-channel Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver that not only wirelessly transmits AIS data to an iPhone, iPad or iTouch, but can also transmit any other NMEA data available on board, including things like depth, speed and wind information. When coupled with the iNAVx iPhone navigation app INAVx, the result is a portable device that can serve as a

Night Vision for the Masses

by Adam Cort, Posted September 12, 2011

FLIR Systems’ new First Mate MS has the potential to put thermal night vision capabilities into the hands of every sailor, thanks to its compact size and low price. The First Mate MS uses the same technology as FLIR’s other products, like the M-Series, but weighs just 12oz and measures less than a 7in long.Two versions are available, which provide higher and lower resolutions. Both

Up-close

by Adam Cort, Posted August 23, 2011

Broadband 3G radar employs a marine Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radome to provide greater transmit power and better range and target clarity. This enables operators to make out smaller contacts at a greater distance without compromising close-range performance. The 19in radome weighs 16lb, and the system can mark objects within 6ft of the boat. Other 3G features include advanced

A VHF for a Man Overboard

by Adam Cort, Posted August 23, 2011

The featherweight Icom M-24 VHF is an affordable, no-frills non-DSC handheld radio with a nifty “float and flash” feature that causes a red LED to start flashing as soon as it hits the water—even when it’s turned off. In addition to making the radio easier to recover, this can help draw attention to a person who has fallen overboard. In fact, the unit’s light weight and small size make it a

Nav Station to Go

by Ralph Naranjo, Posted June 14, 2011

Perhaps you like to plan your passages when you’re away from your boat. Maybe you spend a lot of time sailing on other people’s boats. Maybe you just like to take your nav gear home at the end of the day, or you like having a backup in a bag. Whatever the reason, there’s a lot to be said for being able to tote along your own tried and proven gear.My own experiences on any number of

Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone

by Sail Staff, Posted May 6, 2011

The Iridium system has gotten more robust and now has 66 low-earth-orbit satellites arrayed in a constellation that delivers Arctic-to-Antarctic coverage. One big advantage of this system is that the company has recently decided to transition to a 2015 upgrade called “IridumNEXT” that will be backward compatible. The new satellites and software will allow current sat-phones to remain fully

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