Navigation with a PC for boats and yachts – an update

Back in July 2013, we published an update on using a PC for navigation and the do’s and don’ts.  You can read it HERE.

But… Technology moves on and there’s now an even more compelling reason to add a PC to your boat’s navigation and communication system and that is amazing value – none of us want to burn money but we also want the best in performance so read on to find out how!  There’s no doubt that a dedicated chart plotter is ideal for use at the helm where it needs to be waterproof and compact.  But below decks, a PC can offer big screen performance at a very attractive price compared to a dedicated large screen multi-function display.  It also offers more powerful functionality with the ability to install software  for lots of applications.

 

burning money

Any PC can easily integrate into a marine system using NMEA adaptors like the USB-NMEA product from Digital Yacht which allows connectivity to a GPS, instrument or AIS system – details HERE.  For around $60 you get boat NMEA navigation data into your PC (or MAC) and can choose from a variety of software apps to suit your needs.  But a normal note book or PC has a limited life expectancy on board.  Salty air especially with a fan that sucks air into the unit plus vibration guarantee an early funeral and that’s why Digital Yacht developed Adapt PCs – fanless, rugged and ultra low power consumption marine processors with the latest generation of Intel chips and super fast processing.  Just click on the image below to learn more

Boat_02

While hardware is an important element,the application (software in old speak) makes the system work and SmarterTrack 2015  electronic chart plotting software from Digital Yacht brings a new dimension with:

  • Navionic’s compatability – save your cartridge data onto the PC hard drive for chart sharing between PC and plotter – no extra charting costs.  Navionic’s is used by lots of the big brand of plotters like Lowrance, Raymarine, Simrad and B&G
  • The best AIS displays – colour coded targets and CPA and TCPA alarms
  • Waypoint and route transfer to a plotter
  • Animated weather overlays
  • Autopilot control
  • NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 integration and instruments displays
  • Super fast, easy operation plus lots, lots more

smarter track_opt

To find out more about using SmarterTrack on board, watch the videos below http://www.digitalyacht.tv/pc/

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