AS SEEN IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2007 ISSUE

Complete Command Control - a look at tomorrow’s innovative helm solutions, today.

Every so often, a new product or system is unveiled which I am confident will revolutionize the fishing and boating industry. The latest such product is a new navigation solution that is about to unlock a world of possibilities for operators of high-end vessels - a world that puts advanced charting, radar, three-dimensional bottom imaging, video security and entertainment right before their eyes on up to 12 glass monitors, all with complete control no more than a fingertip away. My intention for sharing this information is to provide readers who appreciate such sophisticated equipment, with a sneak peak into the exciting future of fully-integrated PC-based helm solutions.

The system that I am so fired up about, and the one that is causing such a stir in the industry, was developed by Simrad engineers for the sole purpose of providing captains of large motor-yachts and ocean-going trawlers with a total overview of their surroundings - complete situational awareness. Although, you can rest assured that with continueing advances in technology, this same sort of next-generation equipment will become a reality in the not-so-distant future for small to mid-size vessels.

The cutting-edge helm solution, dubbed the Glass Bridge, consists of a powerful dual-processor (black box) and a series of ultra-thin monitors - each of which can be configured for six pre-set views. Based on the navigating situation and/or operator preference, users can view any combination of vector charts, raster charts, radar, navigation information, three-dimensional depth contours or video on a choice of three different sizes of high-resolution command screens. At less than three inches thick, the breakthrough in screen technology optimizes display area, making the glass monitors up to 25% “smaller” than comparable equipment. The ability to install larger screens in the same amount of space provides navigators with the biggest, clearest display of their surroundings along with all the benefits of truly useful split-screen data.

The space-age system will, in the very near future, provide helmsman with the most advanced navigation data available today with unmatched flexibility. The helmsman will have instant access to vector charts and satellite/aerial photos side-by-side, over/under or mixed together with an exclusive, and very exciting feature, called Photo Blending. Photo Blending allows the user to set the mixing grade between the electronic charts and the aerial photo for an amazing effect.

Dynamic, three-dimensionalal bottom imaging can also be overlaid on a vector chart. Called Chart Draping, the feature brings the underwater landscape to life and delivers the most realistic depiction of bottom features and contour. The operator can choose from several onscreen three-dimensional vessel models and configure the appearance of the sky, water and surrounding terrain to match the existing conditions.

Easily connected to a global positioning system and autopilot, the Glass Bridge will provide the helmsman with an advanced route planning feature which includes estimated fuel use, best departure time, transit time and speed required for an individual leg or an entire island hopping journey.

Each black box has the capabilities to simultaneously control two individual radar systems engineered specifically for the Glass Bridge - providing dual antenna functionality with virtually unlimited target tracking. Boaters are able to acquire and track other vessels right on the chart while viewing not only radar targets, but also depth soundings, channel boundaries, markers, obstacles, bridges - all the critical data requiered to navigate safely in challenging conditions and/or unfamiliar waterways. The large, high-resolution glass monitors present all of this information clearly, regardless of how you have the display configured. Connected to the black box via Ethernet, all radar and system functions are controlled from a keyboard or from the comfort of a seated position. A dedicated armrest operating unit.features specific buttons for quick control and instant access to important features.

There is no question in my mind that we’ll all be seeing an increase in this sort of next-generation equipment released to the public in the not so distant future. The demand for smaller, thinner and more powerful navigation, fish-finding and communication equipment, will continue to fuel this technologically-advanced fire. And while all of us may not be quite ready to dish out over $25,000 for a fully-inegrated PC-based helm solution, one day we will all be enjoying the benefits of such technology. When we do, regardless of how user-friendly the complete helm solution, I’d recommend leaving the installation process solely up to the professionals.

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