Jdc Seawatch, Gift For A Fair-haired Fool?
Maybe, like me, you’ve been even lamer than usual about Christmas shopping? And maybe someone on your list is a fair-haired fool who’s lame about proper skin protection, also like me? Well, consider the Seawatch, the first ever with a…
Nauticast B Mod, A “silent” Mode Switch
Most Class B AIS units have an SRM/Silent Mode switch on their casing, but the ACR Nauticast B instead provides a wire to a user-supplied switch. The plus is…
Ais Mandates In The Usa, The Coast Guard Speaketh
Just online this morning is the USCG’s latest proposed rulemaking regarding the use of AIS by commercial vessels…
Online Ais Plotting, Free Sites & Photo Obsessions
So far, the best (free) Web AIS coverage I can find for New York Harbor is provided by Vesseltracker.com. Though you have to register to get even a two hour target delay, the site is helping me understand the scene, VHF chatter included, and also illustrates an important point about AIS today…
Standard Horizon Handhelds, Another Look
I’ve started monitoring New York Harbor VHF traffic on the Standard Horizon HX850S, first tested last September, and its effective tag and scan functions are helping to sleuth out who works which channels…
Albatross, N2k In A Suitcase
Rats! I took some interesting photos of an Albatross demo case similar to this in the lab yesterday, and but somehow they failed to make the trip to NYC with me last night. The company shots will do for now. Albatross Control Systems is a Spanish firm dedicated to all things NMEA 2000…
Introducing Icom’s New Mxa-5000 Dual Channel Ais Receiver
Since AIS (Automatic Identification System) was introduced it has been rapidly taken up as an essential safety aid. Primarily used by commercial shipping for identification and location, the AIS system exchanges information such as MMSI number, position, course, and speed. Today with the introduction of the MXA-5000 dual channel AIS receiver owners of leisure and small craft can benefit from this safety technology.
The MXA-5000 dual channel AIS receiver allows boat owners to receive AIS information (both Class A and Class B AIS signals) on two channels simultaneously and outputs this real-time information on a computer, radar or a chart plotter, thus aiding navigation and collision avoidance.
Icom’s MXA-5000 features:
- AIS data output using the NMEA 0183 format for easy connectivity to most radar’s, chart plotters, and navigation systems.
- Dual receive - both Class A and Class B signals simultaneously.
- A full duplex receiver allowing for easy and efficient handling of the information without missing critical data.
- A built in antenna splitter. If you already have a radio antenna installed, there’s no need for adding additional antennas, or to buy expensive after market splitters. The MXA-5000 splits the input signal for RX and protects itself when the radio transmits.
- The overlay of AIS information on multifunction displays, chart plotters, or radars.
- A GPS data input port for multiplexing GPS and AIS Data.
- AIS tracking to increase your navigational awareness.
Preview products will be shown on the Icom UK stand (N31J) at the London Boat Show 2009. The MXA-5000 should be in the shops by the start of the season with a retail price of £349.95 (inc. VAT). An extended 3 year warranty will be available for this product.
Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager at Icom UK Ltd said,’ This is an effective yet discrete navigational solution that provides all boatowners with the opportunity to receive and monitor AIS transmitting vessels…a real safety aid.’
All press release images are available for download from our image bank at: www.icomuk.co.uk/imagebank
New Icom Ic-m35 With Clear Audio Boost …and, Of Course, It Floats!
Icom is pleased to launch the new IC-M35 buoyant VHF marine handheld transceiver. The IC-M35 is the latest in Icom’s line-up of rugged marine handhelds and comes with a great new feature that all boat users will love - Clear Audio Boost!
So what is Clear Audio Boost? Imagine a radio that’s smart enough to adjust its own volume level to account for the surrounding noise level. The IC-M35 does just that, it measures the ambient sound pressure level so that you will not miss communications during a sudden burst of noise. It’s very common to have an auto-adjusting volume level feature found on radios in today’s new cars, but the IC-M35 automatically adjusts the TRANSMIT level as well! Your conversation is sent and received as clearly as possible no matter how noisy the background is. For manual override, a “LOUD” button can be activated with just one push, giving you immediate full volume level. In addition, the IC-M35 has a real noise-cancelling microphone built in, as well.
The IC-M35 has also been designed to float in the water. Drop the IC-M35 over the side of your boat and it will rise to the surface. Because the IC-M35 is waterproof to IPX-7, it will keep on working after it has been submerged. For users who want ‘hands free use’ a new waterproof speaker microphone is available which when attached will still allow the IC-M35 to float.
The IC-M35 uses a lightweight Lithium-Ion battery giving a full 8 hours of use on a single charge. (Typical usage: 5% transmit/ 5% receive/ 90% standby.) Transmit power is 6 watts which is a full watt higher than other handheld marine VHF radios except Icom’s IC-M71. To extend operating time the power level can be reduced down to 1 watt when required.
The IC-M35 will be available for sale at the London Boat Show 2009 with a retail price of £194.95 (inc. VAT). The IC-M35 comes complete with the Li-ion battery pack, charger, and AC adapter. An extended 3 year warranty will be available for this product.
Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK Ltd said, ‘The IC-M35 is an affordably priced radio that looks, feels, and performs like a high-priced radio. The Clear Audio Boost feature is a fantastic innovation which we know boat users will love.’
All press release images are available for download from our image bank at: www.icomuk.co.uk/imagebank
Furuno Fa-50 Class B Ais, First Impressions
I don’t know why Furuno has been quiet about it, but on Nov. 6 the FCC certified its FA-50 Class B AIS transponder…
Garmin Ap, P47 Worthy; How About You?
My December PMY column on Garmin’s GHP 10/GHC 10 autopilot system is now online, and I want to add a couple of illustrations and links…