Navionics Plotter Sync for Raymarine Chartplotters

Application: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
Function: Marine Charting, GPS, Navigation
Rating:*****
Cost: Boating app is free, Chart through in app purchase

Navionics is one of the leaders in providing GPS locational navigation and charting with mobile apps for the recreational marine environment.  They recently announced some significant new features with their Navionics marine apps. The Plotter Sync functionality has been added for use with Wi-Fi enabled Raymarine multifunction chart plotter displays.

How it works:

The Navionics apps include an innovative ground breaking feature called Plotter Sync that allows boaters to wirelessly connect their mobile device to a Wi-Fi enabled Raymarine chart plotter. This connection allows the chart plotter to automatically update itself with the freshest chart data from the Navionics app on your iPhone or iPad.

This provides a convenient way to update your chart plotter without having to remove it or the card for updating. Updates are done wirelessly through the Navionics apps without the need for a computer.

The Plotter Sync feature works only with Raymarine a, c and e series chart plotters which are equipped with Wi-Fi. Models must have the LightHouse II R10 software software updates.  Your mobile device such as the iPhone or iPad must have the Navionics and Navionics Boating app version 7.1 or newer with Navionics+ chart updates covering similar Navionics+, Platinum+ or HotMaps Platinum charts on your chart plotter's cards.

Features:

• Activate your Navionics+ charts and map regions. 
• Download new coverage areas and updates to your Navionics+ charts.
• Download updates to Navionics+, Platinum+ and HotMaps Platinum cards.
• Enhance the SonarCharts by uploading your sonar logs from your chart plotter to your iPad.
• Upload updated SonarCharts from the Navionics app to your chartplotter.

Setup:

To set up Plotter Synch on your chart plotter make sure you have a Navionics+, Platinum+ or HotMaps Platinum card with maps loaded on your chart plotter. Turn the Wi-Fi network on your Raymarine plotter by going to System Settings/Wireless Connection/Wi-Fi ON.

On your mobile device, go to Settings/Wi-Fi/and select the Raymarine network. Open your Navionics app and it will read the data on your chart plotter's Navionics card. Next connect your mobile device to the Internet and the Navionics app will download the freshest data for your chart plotters card.

Finally reconnect your mobile device to your chart plotter and your updated charts will be automatically uploaded.  Once you have done this the Navionics app will automatically keep your chart plotter chart data up to date with the most recent chart every time you visit your boat.

Some Raymarine chart plotters can also record sonar logs using your depth sounder. Sonar logs are detailed depth readings of areas that you have covered on your travels. Learn how to record your own SonarLogs here.  Navionics created the SonarCharts program to crowd source detailed marine depth charting information. The Navionics app can then upload this sonar log data and contribute it to the Navionics SonarCharts
database. So by participating you can help build more detailed Sonar Chart data for yourself and the Navionic's community.

It is good to see that some of the electronics manufacturers are getting it and embracing the mobile device functionality.  Navionics is there to make it all work seamlessly with the Boating app and SonarCharts.

I do not own a Raymarine Chart plotter so I was not able to test all the features. Is anyone using the Navionics app and PlotterSynch?

~~~ Sail On ~~~ /)
Mark

Calypso Instruments Anemotracker Wind App

Application: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Optimized for iPhone 5 and 6
Function: Bluetooth Wind Instrument display for iOS and Android
Rating:*****
Cost: Calypso Cup Anemometer $575. App is Free

I have been searching for a cost effective wind instrument for my small 22 foot sailboat. I really don't want to spend $1000 or $1500 for a full blown Raymarine or Garmin wind instrument system that needs NMEA 2000 cables run all over my boat. I looked at the Raymarine i40 with the Rotovecta sensor but have heard many comments about issues with the accuracy of the sensor. Raymarine bought out Tacktic a few years ago but there systems are $1000 buck also.

I have an iPad and an iPhone 6 and was thinking that there has to be some way to get wind data to those devices. As you know I hate drilling holes in my boat and having an excessive number of wires running everywhere. I was looking for a wireless solution that would work with my mobile devices.  

Many apps have the capability to get your onboard yachts data displayed on them through TCP/UDP over WiFi.  This requires that you already have a wind sensor and a NMEA WiFi device on board. You can even get radar to your mobile device over WiFi these days, why not wind.

After an extensive search of the web I found Calypso Instruments. They are a Spanish company and a spin-off of Prodero Ingenieria, an engineering team dedicated to industrial design.

They have developed an elegant solution to my wind instrument problem. The Calypso Cups 4.0 wind anemometer is self powered with solar technology and it will communicate through Bluetooth with almost any wireless device.  It can be easily mounted to any boat or yacht with one of their quick mount devices.

The Anemotracker app is free and available in both iOS and Android versions. This allows the display of all the pertinent wind data from the device to your phone or tablet.

Features:

• Wireless
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 50 Meter range
• Solar charged power supply
• No need for communication or power cables
• Displays real and apparent wind
• Boat course and speed
• VMG velocity made good
• Boat course compared to wind
• Data logger
• Track sail from home
• Polar Curve for performance
• Satellite map tracking view
• Live Track mode
• Quick mounting options

The Anemotracker app is free from both the GooglePlay store and the AppStore. It is very intuitive to start using with your Calypso Cups device right out of the box. 

The main Basic screen has both analog and digital wind direction and speed indications. Additional screens can be accessed on the bottom of the display with three other soft keys for Settings, Map and TriData displays.

To pair the app with your Calypso Cups device you will need to go to settings on your mobile device and turn on Bluetooth. The first time  you will need to pair it with the device. Go to the setting page and at the top select Scan for BLE sensors. Once the sensor is displayed select it.

Other screens can now be selected and wind speed and direction should be displaying on your app.


Select the Map button at the bottom to access the very high resolution satellite display. I assume this will only work if you have cell or WiFi service.  The screen allows multi-touch gestures so you can pan a zoom around the map.

The analog and digital wind instrument readings are displayed at the top of the page.

The last screen is the TriData display. Digital readings for Apparent and True wind speed and angle are displayed.

The iRegatta app is another app that now supports Bluetooth connectivity with the Calypso Cups wind device. On the entry screen when you start the app you will see two red icons in the lower right of the screen. The top one is for labeled BT LE, select this to connect via Bluetooth to the Calypso Cups wind device. 

The developers have recently decided to make the software open source so other app developers will be able to connet the anemometer with their app. iRegatta was the first to become compatible and I am sure others will follow.

What are you using for wind instruments?

~~~ Sail On ~~~~ /)
Mark

 

 

Marine Apps on the Apple Watch "Pocket Mariner Takes the Lead"

Application: Boat Beacon and Boat Watch for Apple Watch
Function: Marine Internet AIS Tracking, CPA, Collision Avoidance
Rating: *****
Cost:?

The Apple Watch is set to go on sale starting April 24th. Are you going to be in line to buy one? I find it funny that they call it the Watch instead of the iWatch. I guess they have warn out the iThing. The anticipation and hype has been building for months since it was introduced in Apple's keynote.

I think it is safe to say that this device will be a game changer and will impact our lives much in the way the iPod, iPhone and iPad have. The watch acts like an extension of the iPhone in many ways allowing the user to do many of the functions available on the iPhone.

The watch comes with many built in apps much like the other Apple devices. Since this blog is about marine apps, I wanted to share with you some marine apps that are being modified to run on the Apple Watch. Pocket Mariner, the developer of Boat Beacon, Boat Watch and SeaNav are in the forefront and have modified their apps to run on the Apple Watch. I am sure their SeaNav ChartPlotting app is not far behind from being converted for use on the Apple Watch.

Built in Watch Apps:
Messaging - The app will give alert you when you have a message. Simply raise your wrist to read
Phone - Check to see who is calling without pulling out your phone. Use the built in speaker and mic to take your call or transfer it to you iPhone.
Mail - Quickly read your emails and mark them as read, unread or trashed.
Calendar - Access your calendar and see what event are coming up.
Activities - The three rings monitor your activity during the day.
Workout - Monitor calories, time, distance, pace and speed.
Maps - Get turn by turn directions right on your watch.
Passbook - Access boarding passes, loyalty and credit cards.
Siri - Activate apps with a "Hey Siri". Get directions, send an email, play music or make a phone call.
Music - Control Music on your iPhone even if you leave your phone at home. Listen with Bluetooth headphones
Camera Remote - Preview your camera's view and take a picture using the watch or timer
Remote - Control all features of your Apple Remote.
Weather - Check weather for any location in the world.
Stocks - Keep track of all stocks and market indices.
Photos - View all your photos on the Watch. Zoom and swipe.
Alarm - Manage and set multiple alarms.
Stop Watch - Stop watch feature in digital, analog or hybrid.
Timer - Easily time any event.
World Clock - View time zones for any location in the world set from the iPhone
Settings - Set Airplane mode, Bluetooth, mute or ping your iPhone to find it.

Boat Beacon

I reviewed the Boat Beacon app for the iPhone and iPad back in 2013 and it has some impressive GPS and Internet based AIS features.

Boat Beacon is an app for boat owners that allows them to monitor other boat positions along with other vessels in the area. Alerts for potential collisions can be received and your vessels position can be shared via Internet AIS. All of this requires that you have a cell or internet connection.

Boat Beacon for Apple Watch provides a handy wrist view of the user’s boat position and collision alerts. Having apps on the Apple Watch is so convenient. Now you can leave your phone down below in a safe dry place.  The water resistant Apple Watch now becomes your tool for accessing navigational information.

Boat Beacon on Apple Watch has five main screens.  Navigate to the other screens by swiping left or right.

A Map screen will launch when you start the app. It shows your own boat's highlighted position along with those of nearby boats. 

Scroll through a list of boats and tap them to find out more information about their name, speed, heading and MMSI.

Swipe to the left to view a picture of the boat also.

Information for boats that are on a collision course with yours is provided. The closest point of approach information along with speed and time will help with collision avoidance. This is key when transiting busy harbors and shipping channel.


The Navigation screen displays speed and course along with the latitude and longitude position information.  Scroll down to display a convenient “Man Over Board” button. This can be selected in emergencies.

This MOB sends an alarm to the iPhone or iPad that the Watch is paired with and an email alert along with MOB latitude and longitude. 

The MOB position is then automatically tracked on the Watch and the iPhone or iPad.

The Race Timer screen allows the user to control a timer to make sure you get across the start line on time. If you do any racing at all you know a good start is key to winning a race.

Options for count down and count up are displayed.

Speed and course are also displayed on the bottom of the timer to give you an instant view of your performance.

Pocket Mariner has thought of every feature needed and provided it to you on the latest technology.  This should give you a leg up on your competition.

The Compass Screen displays a digital electronic and analog compass to guide you on your travels. Speed over ground and course over ground are displayed too. The selector switch at the top allow switching between course or heading. 

The final screen operates as a useful mini flashlight including day and night modes. The screen illuminates totally white to provide a handy watch light for those time when you don't have a flashlight near by.
 

 Boat Watch

Boat Watch is a must have app to provide vessel tracking information using AIS.  It is kind of a stripped down version of the Boat Beacon app. The user can save favorites and track the movement of vessels anywhere in the world.  The system works off of an Internet based tracking system with land based AIS receivers. 

The tracking feature is useful for people who want to keep tabs on the position of family and friends while they are on the water. The Boat Watch app has been optimized to work on the Apple Watch to display the vessels movements in real time.

The list of boats shows up on the main screen. Simply tap the boat listing to view speed, course and position information about the vessel.  Users can build a list of favorites to monitor.  These favorites can then be tracked and alerts can be received when these vessels arrive or depart a port.

It is great to see that Pocket Mariner is leading the way with development on the Apple Watch.  I have also been informed that development is underway to port their SeaNav app to the Watch also.

I am sure the other big names including Garmin, Navionics, iNavX and SEAiq are busy converting their apps to work on the Watch too. Stop back soon to hear more about marine apps on the Apple Watch.

Are you in the market for an Apple Watch? Is the Watch going to be useful or just a fad? What do you think?

~~~ Sail On ~~~ /)
Mark

 

WaveTrax Version 1.0.6 Awesome New Features

Application: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, iOS 6.0 or later
Function: Automated GPS based logging app
Rating: *****
Cost: $12.99

I reviewed WaveTrax back in July of 2014 and was impressed at how easy it was to make logs of my adventures. The latest version has added some unique and useful features.

WaveTrax is one of the many logbook apps in the iTunes Store.  I have reviewed most of them over the years including
Salid , Boating Suite and NavPlay.  The unique thing about this logbook app is that it synchronizes your travels with the WaveTrax online website where you can edit, save, print and share your travel logs. You can also manually create a trip log if desired.

Although the app is mainly geared for marine use anyone can use to it make records of their trips no matter where you are.  So if you bike, hike, boat or kayak it has never been easier to start recording your travels. Your device will need to have a GPS on board to provide the position location information.

The recent update to version 1.0.6 has some added features worth talking about.

Features:

• Live Dashboard overview
• Selections to record sailing, motor sailing and motoring time
• Offline use
• Combined log miles and time
• Sync logs to WaveTrax website
• Automated Logbook
• Live GPS tracking
• Poor GPS signal alert
• Crew list
• Certificates list 
• Multiple ship details
• Nautical charts
• Trip details
• Record all your adventures
• Print logs in pdf format and share them online
• Facebook, Twitter and email options
• Compatible with iPhone or iPad’s GPS models
• Records track logs in the background
• Enhance your logs with maps, photos, notes & annotations
• Access and edit your journeys on the Web
• WaveTrax logs can’t get lost, damaged or filled up like a paper logbook.
• Lifetime use of the App
• Upgrades and customer support plus 1 year’s access to WaveTrax.com
• Web access is renewable with an optional in-app purchase

The newest feature is the Dashboard.  This is a real time GPS display of all your navigation and trip data of your adventures.

The Dashboard also has easily available options to switch from sailing mode to motor sailing or motoring modes.  The different modes are displayed on the track in different colors to visually give you indication of how much you sailed and motored during you trip.

The time spent in the different modes is also recorded for each trip log.

You no longer have to leave the real time tracking display to make log entries or add crew and trip information.


At the end of your trip WaveTrax provides a personal log of all you logged data. Data includes Trip Type, Start and Stop times, to and from locations and times in the different sailing or motoring modes.

All of the logs are kept in the History tab and are automatically synced to the WaveTrax website and your account. A selection can be made in Settings to only sync when connected to WiFi if desired.

The History tab also shows a combined Distance, time and night hours traveled. This is handy to be able to keep track of the total logged hours on the water for all your recorded logged trips.

Cumulative history can be kept for several different yacht so if you crew or captain on other vessels you can keep track of them all separately.

GPS alert is another new feature implemented with this release.  The major cause of poor tracking or missing track data is a poor GPS signal. WaveTrax now will alert you if is senses a poor signal. You can then take actions to make sure your device and the app are properly recording your track data. GPS signal strength is shown in the upper middle of the Dashboard.

WaveTrax has made some much needed improvement to an already great app. The functionality and features have been improved to give the user a richer and more immersive trip logging experience.

Logging your travels has never been easier. Whether your boating, driving or hiking be sure to capture them all on this easy to use app. 

Once you have captured them make sure to share your travels with friends on Facebook, Twitter or by email.


~~~ Sail On ~~~~ /)
Mark

British Virgin Islands Sailing January 2015

I have to apologize for the lack of posts lately.  January was a busy month with travel for work and vacations.  I was able to get a week of sailing in the British Virgin Islands.  The BVI are one of the best cruising grounds for charter sailing in the world.  The more than 30 islands offer an array of on the water and on shore attractions and entertainment.

I did take some of my technology along with me to use while sailing. During the trip I utilized my Delorme InReach to record our track and the Delorme Earthmate app to send emails back home via satellite. I used the Boatwatch app to locate and identify yachts in the area. I used the Garmin and Navionics apps for navigation.

The Lagoon 38 we were on had a 12 inch Raymarine Chartplotter on board too so it was easy to navigate.

I utilized my GoPro4 camera and app extensively during the trip and was able to get some great under water shots while snorkeling and hiking around the BVI. See the YouTube Videos below.

I was invited by chance to go on the trip by some of friends who just happen to have an extra spot on their boat.  My wife was not able to go because of work commitments so my daughter volunteered to do.

Lauren is a accomplished sailor herself and has crewed on many a sailboat race with me in our local regattas.

 

 

 

 

 

The Woody Lake Poinsett 1973

The friends who invited us sailing are actually old family friends that I met some 40 years ago.

My father, Lloyd, worked with a guy name Earl Holm.  Earl and his wife just happen to have a cabin on Lake Poinsett. We ended up spending quite a few summer days up at Poinsett water skiing behind our lovingly restored 1952 Century inboard. We all became very proficient at water skiing and tubing, back when it was an actual tractor inner tube.

Jody Nancy Earl 1974

My dad even built a surf board and we boarded behind our “Woody” before anyone knew it was cool.

Earl Holm was a tall good looking guy who was always sporting his Ray-Bans while at the lake.  His wife Jody was a bubbly little gal who was always the life of the party.

Earl mentioned that he had a sailboat and insisted that we all learn to sail.  This was in about 1973. I was about 14 at the time and was game for anything.  We all piled on the Johnson C scow sailboat and set out across Lake Poinsett. I am not sure we even had life jackets on board. 

Rick Brad Todd Mark and Dee 1973

Earl began to regale us with how the rigging and sails all worked together. He explained the names of the many cables and lines attached to the boat. I was intrigued and instantly wanted to learn how to make it go faster.  Earl sheeted in the big main sail and we took off.  I was hooked and have been sailing ever since. 

Later that day Earl’s son, Rick showed up with some friends from USD. I remember he was a big “college guy”. 

Rick brought a few other friends including a couple cute girls. They all hopped on board and my older brother Brad went out with them.  They sailed off into the setting sun, playing guitars and singing.  All I could think of was, how cool is that! I have to get a sailboat now, they are “chick magnets”!

We spent the next few summers sailing with the Holms on Lake Poinsett. If it was not for Earl, Jody and Rick I never would have learned to sail and developed such a passion for boating and the water.

Well, it was not long after that that my brother and I bought our first sailboat. He was in college at Concordia and found an old D scow. He called me up and said he found a real deal for “us”. The problem was that it had a hole in the side of it.  It was an old wooden boat (notice the pattern here) but he thought he could get it for about $500 hundred bucks. The other problem was he did not have any money.  So I became a sailboat boat owner at age 16.  We later sold the D Scow, Sundance to Earl Holm and moved onto a bigger boats which we kept in Yankton. My older brother Brad and I have since owned boats, chartered and sailed together throughout the Caribbean all the way from the Florida to Grenada.

Parker and Lauren

I went to college and graduated from SDSU ”GO Jacks” in 1983 and took an engineering job with the Department of Energy in Watertown, SD. I bought a little cabin on a local lake and we have been fortunate enough to live there for the last 32 years.  My kids were raised on the lake and are now only realizing how good they had it.  I can’t tell you the number of kids we taught to knee board, ski, wake board and sail.  The endless summers of entertaining and pulling the kids and their friends around the lake has been priceless.

Lloyd and  Earl racing 1974

So back to the BVI trip. Some 40 years later, Rick Holm, who's father taught me to sail asks me to go sailing with a group of his friends to the Caribbean. How cool it that.

One of the Cosmic Laws of the Universe is that, the people you meet every day are there for a reason.  The fun part is finding out how each of them will enrich your life.  All I can say is, thank God for the Holm family and Lake Poinsett because they both changed my life forever.

 

Mark and Rick 2015

It is only fitting that 40 years later Rick and I should get back together and do some sailing.  I think our Dads would be proud!

~~~ Sail On ~~~ /)
Mark