Communications - Ocean Navigator

06 Nov

App uses AI to Improve Trip Planning

Eric ColbyBoat & Gear News, Communications, Marine Apps, Marine Electronics, Navigation

Ditch, an AI-powered navigation app, introduced its Smart ETA feature at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The launch coincides with the app’s one-year anniversary. In addition to Smart ETA, Ditch is launching a new live navigation view that provides real-time updates on route distance, time to arrival and speed over ground. Smart ETA considers factors that are sometimes overlooked by ETA calculators including no-wake zones and a boat’s cruising speed. Ditch says users will experience more accurate ETAs, reducing stress and providing more accurate arrival times. The app also provides live updates on route distance, time to…

30 Oct

New Numbering Format for VHF Marine Radios

Eric ColbyBoat & Gear News, Communications, Marine Electronics, Marine Technology

New marine radios for the VHF-FM band (156 to 162 MHz) are being made with a new channel numbering scheme. The “A” designation for some channels in the U.S. is being replaced with 10. Going forward, channel 22A, which is used by the Coast Guard for all ship’s calls and Urgent Marine Information Broadcasts, will become 1022. There’s no effect on operation. All two-digit assignments, designated uses and frequencies stay the same. Eighteen channels for the U.S. numbering scheme are affected, while four “B” channels in Canada will change to “20” designations. The change was ordered by the International Telecommunications…

07 Feb

Icom’s New Black Box VHF Solutions at the Miami International Boat Show

Ocean NavigatorCommunications

The world’s largest boat and yacht show is back! Discover everything from kayaks to superyachts to the latest aquatic innovations at the Miami International Boat Show, February 14–18, 2024. Show events and attractions will be located on land at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park and on the water at Venetian Marina, Herald Plaza, Museum Park Marina, and Yacht Haven Grande Miami. Attendees can check out Icom’s newest black box VHF radios, the IC-M510BB and IC-M410BB, as well as catch a sneak peek of an exciting upcoming VHF release! Find us and our entire lineup on display at…

03 Oct

Icom’s M510 named Best VHF Radio at NMEA 2023

Ocean NavigatorBoat & Gear News, Communications, Marine Electronics

KIRKLAND, Wash. (September 2023) – At this year’s NMEA 2023 awards banquet, Icom’s popular M510 radio was presented with the Best VHF Radio Product award for the second year in a row, making this the tenth consecutive year that one of Icom’s VHF marine radios have received this award. The M510 perfectly fits today’s sleek and modern glass helms and is a powerhouse tough enough for the commercial market yet refined for the recreational boater. Easily command and control the M510 using front and back CommandMic™ connection ports or wirelessly from your smartphone using the RS-M500 app (iOS®/Android™). With the ability to receive…

14 Sep

Icom’s Black Box Solutions on Board at NMEA 2023

Ocean NavigatorCommunications

KIRKLAND, Wash. (September 2023) – Bring it on with Icom at this year’s NMEA Marine Electronics Conference and Expo, September 18–22, at the Doubletree Universal Hotel in Orlando, FL. Join Icom in the exhibition hall (booth 18) for ﬁve exciting days at North America’s largest event for the marine electronics trade. Here, you can check out our lineup of innovative marine solutions, such as our newest black box VHF radios, the IC-M510BB and IC-M410BB. Say goodbye to cluttered helm space and hello to flexible and seamless operation wherever you need it on board. The M510BB and M410BB are ideal space-saving solutions…

30 Jun

Story and photos by Robin UrquhartCommunications

Now that many of us have learned the joys and perils of working from home (WFH) and the always-connected 24/7 life, you may have decided it is time to get away from it all and sail over the horizon. Sick and tired of receiving urgent text messages at midnight? Mad because there is no longer an excuse not to check in? Longing for the days when the phrase, “Sorry, I didn’t have a connection,” was a legitimate excuse? Thanks to the availability of satellite phones, being anchored in that fabled tropical lagoon in the middle of the Pacific is no…

30 Jun

Harry HungateCommunications, Marine Technology

In the past 20 years satellite communications has grown from a novelty item for voyagers to something more like standard equipment for the voyaging boat. Between fixed terminal satcom options and handheld satphones, there are a variety of choices and combination products. And now companies like SpaceX and OneWeb are launching fleets of thousands of low earth orbit (LEO) spacecraft that will provide Internet connectivity to every point on the globe. While these LEO-based systems are primarily intended for land-based users, there will likely be options for mobile and marine users as well. We asked Dave Brengelmann, an avid sailor…