KVH Receives Innovation Award for The TracPhone V3

Press Release from KVH Industries

30 November 2011

 

MIDDLETOWN, RI — The TracPhone® V3 from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) created a stir in the maritime communications market when it was introduced in February 2011 due to its small size, fast data rates, and affordable service. Now it's been honored with two prestigious awards for those same features — the product was chosen for the "Spotlight on New Technology" at the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Expedition (LAGCOE) and received the Providence Business News' 2011 Innovation of the Year award at a ceremony in Rhode Island, where KVH's world headquarters is located.

"For years, mariners using satellite communications services at sea have struggled to avoid prohibitively high airtime bills. Several years ago, we saw an opportunity to help resolve this issue with modern technology that would reduce the size and cost of maritime satellite communications equipment, and we built our own spread spectrum satellite network to offer fast, affordable service on a global basis using a 24" antenna. In February of this year, we introduced the next generation of this unique, end-to-end hardware and service solution with the 14.5" TracPhone V3 antenna, bringing reliable satellite communications to a whole new population of mariners," explains Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's chief executive officer. "We're delighted that the benefits of our new product are being recognized with state and national awards."

KVH is known for its innovative approach to technology, especially in the maritime market. The mini-VSAT Broadband network's popularity with commercial mariners, like those who work in the oil and gas industry and attended KVH's Spotlight on Technology presentation at LAGCOE, is based on a long history of reliability and quality in all of KVH's products, from digital compasses to satellite TV systems to its global satellite communications service. That reputation has been good for business worldwide and for the economy in Rhode Island, where KVH got its start and where its world headquarters is located.

"Over the past several years, KVH has remained a bright spot in the Rhode Island economy," said Mark S. Murphy, editor of Providence Business News, as he presented the Innovation of the Year award. "KVH's innovative products mean that we can check e-mail, call home, manage our businesses, and even watch the Red Sox right from our boats."

The TracPhone V3 is licensed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and includes a fully stabilized, 14.5" (37 cm) antenna that weighs just 25 pounds, a powerful ViaSat ArcLight® spread spectrum modem, and a sleek antenna control unit that are all fully integrated and configured for easy installation. ArcLight spread spectrum technology enables very small antennas like KVH's TracPhone V3 to receive satellite transmissions with the speed and reliability of older, 1-meter VSAT antennas that use the TDMA transmission schemes originally designed for terrestrial use. KVH's high-efficiency RingFire™ antenna design and dielectric feed rod technology combine to help the TracPhone V3 offer great performance, even in poor weather, and its rugged, lightweight design is perfect for use on leisure and commercial vessels as small as 30 feet.

With more than 1,500 antenna systems shipped and global coverage, KVH's mini-VSAT BroadbandSM network is the world's largest and fastest growing maritime Ku-band satellite communications network. A managed airtime network solution, it equips vessels with true broadband connections as well as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone lines with optimized service and prioritization of applications.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

KVH Industries, Inc., is the leading provider of in-motion satellite TV and communication systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers around the globe with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their homes and offices. The company is based in Middletown, RI, with facilities in Illinois, Denmark, Norway, and Singapore.

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This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments. KVH, TracPhone, and RingFire are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. "mini-VSAT Broadband" is a service mark of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Lowrance Electronics for the Holidays!

Here's a great video that outlines some of  the capabilities of the Lowrance Endura handheld GPS. You can get yours from our Facebook store. The Endura Outback, Sierra and Safari make great Christmas Gifts! We have them at the best possible prices only on our Facebook fan page.




Order yours today!

Mobile Content and Your Boat

Earlier this year I received an Android phone as a birthday gift. Of course the first thing you do when you get a smart phone is go searching for the best Apps available. There are Apps that do useful things like track your bank accounts, and there are Apps that do useless mind-numbing things like blowing bubbles.

Eventually, once I began to comprehend how my phone works, I started looking for Boating related applications. There are actually more than I thought there would be. There are Navigational applications (my favorite is still from Navionics), tidal information, weather data, and quite a few others.

I’ve even read a couple articles about applications that control various functions of the boat itself. This is where I become a bit leery of the how fast things are advancing. The fact is that paper charts have not been completely replaced , yet people are willing to allow their phone to control things like auto-pilots and power distribution panels.

The National Marine Electronics Association(NMEA)  has made incredible progress in getting a protocol established that enables most marine electronics to interface. While the people at Apple, Google and Microsoft are all very bright – I'm not certain that any thought has been given to whether any of these programmers have even been on a boat, let alone piloted one.

The London P&I Club, one of the world’s leading mutual marine liability insurers, published in their StopLoss Bulletin that, “Onboard communication has improved significantly over the last few years, with technological advances enabling crew to use mobile phones and laptops to stay in contact with family and friends ashore. However, the use of such equipment at inappropriate moments may distract crew from the navigation or operation of the ship.

“Another issue is the risk of being exposed to excessive information and simply being unable to process it all. Bridge equipment is increasingly sophisticated and it can provide the crew with access to extensive information regarding the relative positions of other ships. But, unless it is used in a focused manner, it can confuse, rather than clarify, and ultimately prove counter-productive.”

There have been accidents on inland waterways, as well as intra-coastal waterways caused by the distractions of Skype calls, streaming news reports, and Email/Texting. Often, these  activities are being conducted on equipment either adjacent to or on the same screen as chartplotters, AIS displays or RADAR supplies.

There is no doubt that great advances have been made in what is possible to accomplish with technology, particularly within the marine industry. In 2004, the idea of linking different systems together seemed like something from the realm of "Star Trek." Now, in the world of tech, there is an app for everything it seems. The question isn't whether we “can” control a boat from an iPhone, Droid, Blackberry or Windows Phone – rather “should” we take this step. Eventually, sure but this is where the NMEA should monitor closely what the mobile device developers are “attaching” to boats. The most dangerous of the four major smart phone’s to the marine industry is the Droid phones – because anybody can make an application for them. This is great for the general public, but can mean disaster to mariners.

We’ve all had that person checking their Twitter or Facebook account cut us off on the road – boats are not quite as responsive. Already there are apps that are trying to replicate the functionality of AIS systems. What happens when somebody loses reception, or they forgot to plug in their phone the night before when they happen to be in a very busy port? Call me a cynic – but I can see bad things happening.

The bottom line is that there always seems to be a trade off for progress made to quickly.

As always, I appreciate any comments.

Tonnage Numbers Steady at U.S. Ports

 

From Marine link:

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 10:44 AM

U.S. ports continued to post positive tonnage numbers in October. The Seaway’s year-to-date total cargo shipments from March 22 to October 31 were 29 million metric tons, up 2 percent from the same period last year.

“With just two months left in the 2011 navigation season, the Seaway is on track to meet its projected seven percent improvement over last year’s tonnage performance,” says Rebecca Spruill, Director of Trade Development for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. “General cargoes like steel slabs and coils and wind turbine components are posting solid increases, while we’re moving nearly a million tons more of petroleum products than last season.”

In early October, 18,000 metric tons of hot-rolled steel coils produced at ArcelorMittal’s Burns Harbor facility in Indiana were delivered to the Republic of Macedonia. “Northwest Indiana is the richest steel-producing region in the world and being able to access world markets through our port is vital for ArcelorMittal and many other companies,” said Peter Laman, port director of the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

He added, “This is the first substantial steel export from the port since 2008. Year-to-date steel shipments through the port are up more than 20 percent over last year, with 2011 on target for having the highest steel shipments since 2007. Whether it’s bringing in raw materials or shipping out finished products, steel companies can substantially reduce their logistics costs by shipping through our port.”

The Toledo Port Authority was another Great Lakes port registering tonnage increases. “Through the month of October, seaport cargo tonnage remained nearly 4 percent ahead of the same period in 2010 with increases in all major cargo categories (petroleum products, general cargo, and iron ore), with the exception of coal and grain. Through October, the port handled 9.2 million short tons and 13 more vessels than at the same point in 2010. The month finished strong as grain began to pick up due to the fall harvest,” explained Joseph Cappel, director of cargo development at the Port.

Diversification has been a critical component to growing port commerce during difficult economic times. “The Port of Green Bay has historically been a leading indicator of regional fiscal conditions in Wisconsin,” said Dean R. Haen, port manager.  “The fact that the port has seen a 26 percent increase in tonnage from 2010 to 2011 is a positive sign for the port and our regional economy.” One port tenant, US Venture, continues to be the main driver in increased tonnage and ship arrivals in 2011. They teamed with Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation and invested in opening an inactive port terminal last year which, amidst tough economic conditions, is now paying dividends. October tonnage increases for coal for power generation were up 15 percent year-to-date, while the construction industry demand for cement rose 11 percent from the same time last year. The 69 percent year-to-date increase in gypsum handled by the port was for industrial use.

St. Lawrence Seaway shipments of petroleum products and salt continued up at 90 percent and 33 percent respectively compared to October 2010. Coal shipments totaled 62,000 metric tons in October, a two percent increase from the same month last year. Year-to-date scrap metal and coke shipments saw double digit increases for October 2011. Other general cargo like wind turbine components, increased 31 percent over last year.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway maritime industry supports 227,000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada, and annually generates $14.1 billion in salary and wages, $33.5 billion in business revenue, and $4.6 billion in federal, state/provincial and local taxes. North American farmers, steel producers, construction firms, food manufacturers, and power generators depend on the 164 million metric tons of essential raw materials and finished products that are moved annually on the system. This vital trade corridor saves companies $3.6 billion per year in transportation costs compared to the next least-costly land-based alternative.

Garmin GPSMAP 78SC

Buy Yours Now!

Today in our product Spotlight, we are featuring the Garmin GPSMAP 78SC. This is one of the most capable handheld GPS units made. If you decide you cant live without one, click on the picture - it will take you to our Facebook Storefront. 

From Garmin:

For boaters and watersports enthusiasts who want to run with the best, the rugged GPSMAP 78sc includes preloaded U.S. coastal charts and features a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, crisp color mapping, a high-sensitivity receiver, new molded rubber side grips, plus a microSD™ card slot for loading additional maps. And it floats!

Explore Coastal Waters

GPSMAP 78sc comes with built-in BlueChart® g2 coastal charts and a worldwide basemap with imagery — perfect for all your outdoor pursuits. Map detail includes shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas and more for the U.S. and Bahamas. And, like the rest of the 78-series, 78sc is IPX7 waterproof and even floats in water.

Get Your Bearings

GPSMAP 78sc has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows your heading even when you’re standing still, without holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you can even use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

Share Wirelessly

With GPSMAP 78sc you can share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible device users. Now you can send the location of your favorite fishing spot to a friend to find. Sharing data is easy. Just press “send” to transfer your information to similar units.

Keep Your Fix

With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix™ satellite prediction, GPSMAP 78sc locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on GPSMAP 78sc to help you find your way when you need it the most.

Add Maps

Adding more maps is easy with Garmin's wide array of detailed marine, topographic and road maps, available on microSD card. Conveniently plug in BlueChart® g2 preloaded cards for a great day on the water or City Navigator NT® map data for turn-by-turn routing on roads (see maps tab for compatible maps). The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet. GPSMAP 78sc also supports BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagery (subscription required), that lets you download satellite images to your device and integrate them with your maps. In addition, the 78sc is compatible with Custom Maps, free software that transforms paper and electronic maps into downloadable maps for your device.

Get Connected

You've been busy exploring and now you want to store and analyze your activities. With a simple connection to your computer and to the Internet, you can get a detailed analysis of your activities and send tracks to your outdoor device using Garmin Connect™. This one-stop site offers an activity table and allows you to view your activities on a map using Google™ Earth. Explore other routes uploaded by millions of Garmin Connect users and share your experiences on Twitter® and Facebook®. Getting started is easy, so get out there, explore, and share.

Find Fun

GPSMAP 78sc supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. By going paperless, you're not only helping the environment but also improving efficiency. GPSMAP 78sc stores and displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs! Simply upload the GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches. Slim and lightweight, 78sc is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.

GPSMAP 78sc: Colorful maps, durable design and buoyant – everything a mariner needs.

Navico Introduces Broadband 4G™ Radar

From a Navico Press Release:
Date: 10/27/2011 

Revolutionary New Dual-Range Radar System Features ‘Beam Sharpening’ For Unprecedented Target Resolution

Tulsa, Okla. — Navico — the world leader in recreational marine electronics and parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G brands — announced today its next-generation, solid-state Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radome, the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G™ Radar models. Offering unparalleled performance, Broadband 4G Radar redefines what is possible in radar-based navigation and collision avoidance.

Joining the award-winning and world’s first recreational marine FMCW Broadband Radar™ line, 4G radar delivers 50-percent greater range and target detection than Broadband 3G Radar. All 4G radar models feature revolutionary Beam Sharpening technology that provides the sharpest-possible radar images. When networked with most display options, the new Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G models also have the unprecedented ability to present dual-range radar returns from a single scanner, combined with the benefits of greater high-speed operation.*

The new Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar models are compatible, respectively, with the award-winning Lowrance HDS®, Simrad NSO Offshore, NSE Expert and NSS Sport, and B&G Zeus™ multifunction displays.

For optimal target separation, Broadband 4G Radar is the world’s first dome radar to use Beam Sharpening, which significantly improves azimuth resolution — the effective horizontal beam width of the radar signal. The result is a resolution that is equivalent to a 3.5-foot open array radar. When combined with a Simrad NSE, NSO or B&G Zeus multifunction display, the system’s user-defined, target-separation control allows users to adjust the level of separation to meet specific navigational needs.

The Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radars’ exclusive dual-range functionality — available with Simrad NSE, NSO and B&G Zeus displays — makes them the only recreational radars capable of displaying distances from 200 feet to 36 nautical miles — all from a single dome. The ultimate navigational safety tool, Broadband 4G Radar allows boaters to see a buoy 200 feet away on the multifunction display, while simultaneously monitoring coastal projections up to 36 nautical miles. In addition, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar models can track up to 10 MARPA targets per range — each with independent control, for a total of 20 tracked targets in split-screen mode.

All Broadband 4G Radars provide an unequalled number of working ranges, 18, for premier performance and navigational awareness. Providing intuitive and easy-to-use operation, each model also features smart, pre-defined Offshore and Harbor modes on all ranges without requiring special tuning knowledge.

Broadband 4G Radar not only raises the bar in radome performance by providing far superior resolution at long-range distances, it also delivers the same exceptional close-range capability signature to Broadband Radar. The system marks objects within 6.5 feet (2 meters) of the boat, providing target definition and separation in close quarters where traditional pulse radar is blind.

“Broadband 4G Radar will change the way boaters navigate,” said Louis Chemi, COO for Navico Americas. “With unrivalled close-range visibility and new groundbreaking long-distance capability, this latest addition to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G Broadband Radar lineup provides the sharpest radar images of any radome in the world for best-in-class situational awareness on the water.”

Maintaining high-sensitivity and clarity in all weather conditions, the radar provides easy-to-view detail of targets even in high-sea states. Additional Broadband 4G Radar safety and convenience features include: revolution speeds up to 36 rpm for Lowrance HDS and Simrad NSS, and 48 rpm for Simrad NSE, NSO and B&G Zeus — providing near-instant updates at ranges less than 1 nautical miles; directional sidelobe-clutter suppression to reduce clutter and echoes caused by large targets; accurate chart overlay and MARPA; display networking; extremely low emissions (less than 1/5th the energy of a mobile phone); flexible antenna-placement options for safe and easy installation almost anywhere on a boat; InstantOn™ — allowing the radar to power up immediately from cold start and standby; and incredibly low power consumption.

Broadband 4G Radar’s compact 18-inch radome measures 11.02-inches high x 19.28-inches in diameter (280 mm x 489 mm), weighs 16.3 pounds (7.4 kg), and installs quickly with an easy-to-route 0.5-inch (13.5 mm) diameter scanner cable. Drawing only 20 watts of power during operation (21 watts in dual range mode) and 2.9 watts in standby, Broadband 4G Radar has an operating temperature range of -13 to +131 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 to +55 degrees Celsius) and can operate in winds up to 100 knots. Broadband 4G™ Radar is waterproof to the IPX6 standard and is protected by a two-year parts and labor warranty and the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G Advantage Program.

Price & Availability: Available in November 2011 from authorized dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada, the new Lowrance Broadband 4G Radar has a minimum advertised price of US $1,899, while the Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radars have a suggested retail price of US $2,299. For more information on Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Broadband 4G Radar, or their entire line of performance marine electronics, contact 800-324-1356 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada or visit www.lowrance.com, www.simrad-yachting.com and www.bandg.com, for details on brand-specific models.

*Available with the Simrad NSE and NSO and B&G Zeus multifunction displays.

ACR ResQLink Awarded Five Year US Coast Guard Contract For Up To 5,000 Personal Locator Beacons

Press Release From Cobham Commercial Systems:

October 28, 2011

Buy Yours Now!FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida - Cobham has been awarded a US Coast Guard contract to supply up to 5,000 406 MHz ACR Electronics Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), called ResQLink™. ACR, a business unit of Cobham Commercial Systems, will provide up to 1,000 units per year under this five year contract, with a contract extension possible after the fifth year.

The ResQLink™ is small and light enough to hold comfortably in one hand yet powerful enough to guide rescuers to within 100 meters or less of the user's position in a life-threatening emergency. Many of the GPS-enabled ResQLink™ PLBs are to be used by the US Coast Guard's small and medium response boat crews.

"ACR Electronics has over many years equipped the US Coast Guard and other branches of the military with satellite detectible beacons and a variety of rescue lights and strobes," said Michael Wilkerson, ACR's General Manager. "It's a relationship built on quality, performance and trust."

The ResQLink™ offers great capability in the smallest and lightest package available today. It combines ease of use and ACR technology to give pilots, boaters, and outdoors enthusiasts a powerful and accurate safety companion, ready for action at the simple push of a button.

The ResQLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where the sender is, but who they are.  The onboard 66 channel GPS can quickly fix the sender's position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay the distress call to orbiting satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to the sender's exact position.

About Cobham

Cobham specializes in meeting the insatiable demand for data, connectivity and bandwidth in defence, security and commercial environments. Offering a technically diverse and innovative range of technologies and services, the Group protects the lives and livelihoods, responding to customer needs with agility that differentiates it.  The most important thing we build is trust. Employing more than 11,000 people on five continents, the Group has customers and partners in over 100 countries, with annual revenue of £1.9bn/US$3 billion.

About Cobham Commercial Systems

Cobham Commercial Systems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems, emergency locator systems and radar and missile electronics for military and civil customers.  Cobham's avionics systems can be offered individually or integrated to provide an entire cockpit.  Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionised safety in low-level flight operations and is now approved on more than 700 aircraft and helicopter models. 

Cobham's new Helicopter Stability Augmentation System (HeliSAS) adds to its extensive range of fixed wing auto-pilot solutions and brings added safety within the reach of a host of operators for whom such systems were previously too expensive and heavy. Cobham Commercial Systems is also an acknowledged expert in Emergency Locator Transmitter and Personal Locator Beacon technologies, from personal units to Original Equipment Manufacturer mounted systems on airliners and helicopters.  Its radar and missile RF front end electronics are part of many radars, missiles, and space and commercial radar systems as well as leading edge Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) solutions.

About ACR Electronics

ACR designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SART, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories.  The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2008 Series Standards.  Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and employs 147 at its manufacturing facility.

METS tp Feature NMEA 2000 ConnectFest Demonstration

From Professional Mariner:

(11/7/2011)

Marine electronics from different manufacturers communicate seamlessly on the network The NMEA 2000® open industry networking standard will be demonstrated live at a free ConnectFest event on November 16, 2011, at the Marine Electronics Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam. Dates for METS are Tuesday, November 15, through Thursday, November 17. An open plug-and-play system, NMEA 2000® allows devices to be added to or subtracted from a network with no down time. The METS ConnectFest in Room D201 will be an all-day event, from 10.00 to 15.30 hours. A number of diverse manufacturers will be interacting and demonstrating the interoperability of various products in a network environment. The demonstration provides an opportunity to have direct conversations with manufacturers who have adopted and developed products using the NMEA 2000® protocol. New developments in power distribution and alarms will be demonstrated. The NMEA 2000® marine open network standard was developed by companies both within the industry and outside it. More than 40 marine organizations invested time and resources to create NMEA 2000®, which is based on CAN (Controller Area Network). Other experts, including Kvaser AB, Oklahoma State University, Sun Microsystems, and the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center, contributed their expertise under the guidance of NMEA. Today, NMEA 2000® is maintained by the industry's global NMEA 2000® Technical Standards Committee, with more than 100 companies worldwide participating. In addition to demonstrations, the NMEA ConnectFest will provide answers to questions related to costs, installation, configurability, and scalability. Among matters discussed will be the need for all products on the NMEA 2000® network to be NMEA 2000®-certified. The NMEA 2000® protocol requires that its products and messages have certain priorities built in for ensuring safety on the sea. Only products certified for NMEA 2000® use can communicate with each other. ConnectFest will also provide hands-on experience with the NMEA 2000® cable and connector system, designed to save weight and installation time and ensuring future connectivity for products on a vessel. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has adopted NMEA 2000® as a network standard for the use on SOLAS class vessels with its standard 61162-3. Lloyd's register has accepted the NMEA 2000® cable and connectors. A 30-minute presentation on the history, structure, and benefits of NMEA 2000® is scheduled for 10.00, 13.00, and 15.00 hours on the day of ConnectFest.