User selects optimal mode
The respective functions can be called individually or in combination with others. For this purpose, the screen is then divided into sections. The user chooses the best mode for him. Many prefer a split in which the chart plotter works on one half and the radar image runs in parallel on the other half. Others activate the overlay function. The radar image is placed as a shadow directly over the nautical chart.
Electrical systems and black boxes
Depending on the manufacturer, either their own on-board networks are used or standardized data transmission paths such as the NMEA 2000 network are used. This standardization makes it possible to combine instruments from different manufacturers. Adapters are used in some systems. Thanks to the networking, the pure data collectors can be made small. The sole purpose of these compact black boxes is to determine and send data. The display takes place on external screens, which can also include PCs or laptops.
Laptops are part of everyday life on board these days
Because that is the case, there is more investment in the development of software. With their help, columns of numbers that the info box receives from the weather service are turned into weather maps as you know them from television – with clouds, sun and rain symbols. And after the race, advertising films can be played on mast instruments that still display wind and log data during the regatta.
Knob experiences a revival
The displays themselves are extremely high quality, their colors are bright and their symbols are easy to read even from a distance. With many MFDs, the display is completely jerk-free. There is a choice between keyboard, touchscreen and rotary knob for operation, which is currently experiencing a revival. With it, zoom, panning and navigation can be adjusted particularly sensitively. To call up the respective function, press the button.
Also developed completely new
First and foremost, one has invested in optimization – for the benefit of the customer, who can now put together their on-board network individually. It is all the more gratifying that completely new things could also be developed. For example the revolutionary broadband radar technology. It calculates its echoes using a constant change in audio frequency – instead of microwave pulses.