2010 Marine Electronics Preview

A list of 13 top new innovations to look out for...

December 10, 2009
By Glenn Law (More articles by this author)

| Email this article | Printer friendly version

Sirius About Weather  

A new powerful option for its groundbreaking High-Definition Systems (HDS), the Lowrance LWX-1 Sirius Weather/Audio Module ($349) delivers Ethernet output to multiple HDS displays and stereo output to any onboard sound system. Two U.S. subscription choices are available: Sirius Inland Content Package includes high-resolution weather radar, lightning and other cross-country weather features; the Coastal Content Package includes weather and sea-condition information, including sea-surface temperature, wave and wind speed and direction. An additional monthly fee provides 120-channel crystal-clear radio service with music, news, NASCAR, NFL and college football, to name a few. Fully weatherproof, the 1.6-pound LWX-1 antenna is designed for deck flush-mounting, with pedestal and pole options. To ensure weather-data retention during power interruptions such as refueling, the LWX-1 features internal memory capable of saving received data for up to 30 minutes. www.lowrance.com

Fine-Tuned Humminbirds 

The new Humminbird 800 series fish finder offers a range of screen sizes and includes the most popular high-performance features. The Humminbird 898c SI combo ($1,499.99) is the first 7-inch model to offer side-imaging sonar. Both this and the 858c combo ($999.99) incorporate the new proprietary dual-mode SwitchFire sonar. Max Mode reveals the smallest subsurface objects, including plankton, thermoclines and current, and even tracks lures as they're retrieved. On Clear Mode, the return is filtered to display only fish and structure for a clean image, especially useful for reducing clutter in shallow and rough water. Both models come loaded with ContourXD by Navionics and are compatible with optional Navionics Platinum+, Gold, HotMaps and HotMaps Premium packages. Dual SD card slots allow for upgrading chart libraries, as well as for capture and storage of displayed images. www.humminbird.com

 

Sound-Sensitive VHF

The Icom IC-M36 handheld VHF ($189) adjusts both outgoing and incoming audio to compensate for the ambient noise level. Whether the unit's in a loud environment or a quiet area, this feature assures quality transmission and reception, sent and received as clearly as possible. This is accomplished by the submicrophone on the rear panel, which inverts phase and cancels out ambient noise from the main microphone. As a result, the IC-M36 reduces the effect of background noise (particularly treble noise) from the transmitted signal and makes it easier to hear voice communication. In an engine room or high-noise environment, the submicrophone detects the ambient noise and automatically increases the volume output. The VHF is completely waterproof, and it floats. www.icomamerica.com

 

 

Generic Data Feed

The new Airmar B744V Triducer Multisensor ($450) features embedded microelectronics that process depth, speed and temperature signals for display on any radar, chart plotter or device that accepts NMEA 2000 data. The 235 kHz frequency prevents mutual interference with other echo sounders on the boat. The housing design allows the Multisensor to be fully recessed into its fairing for a streamlined installation. At speeds above 30 knots, the Airmar B744V produces clear images and has solid bottom tracking, an update rate of one second and a maximum depth range of 590 feet. www.airmartechnology.com