Furuno’s new

NavNet 3D

system leads

the way with

top imagery

and features

uruno’s new NavNet F3D system sets the

new standard for inte- grated marine electronic navigation systems. The NavNet 3D chartplotter and radar provide a level of capability and performance that is superior to any pre- vious Furuno system and is a challenge to the systems offered by other manufac- turers. Available with inte- grated 8.4-inch or 12.1- inch diagonal color LCD screens or as a black box system that can support up to 10 multifunction dis- plays, NavNet 3D will ful- fill the electronic naviga- tion needs of virtually any size vessel, providing infor- mation from system sen- sors including WAAS, GPS, AIS, radar, sonar, Sirius Marine Weather, Weatherfax, weather sta- tion, sailing instruments, engine instruments and IP video cameras. The system

product images and screen shots courtesy Furuno

Impressive multifunction

integration By Chuck Husick

Left, the NavNet 3D units use track- pads and a rotary knob called a RotoKey to select and con- tol display ele- ments. Lower right, Furuno revamped both the NavNet software and its display hard- ware. The result is a tight inte- grated system.

set of MapMedia’s NOAA raster, vector and bathymetric charts for the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) stored in its inter- nal memory. Charts can be updated at any time by down- loading the latest versions from the Furuno website (www.NavNet.com) onto an SD card for transfer to the plotter’s

U.S. coverage far exceed the sys- tem’s memory capacity, the pic- ture files for a defined planned navigation area, for example the coastline from northern New Jersey to Cape Cod, are down- loaded and transferred to the internal memory. MapMedia, S57-based charts for foreign waters not covered by NOAA, are downloaded in similar fash- ion, however there will likely be a charge for the data since virtu- ally all countries except the U.S. copyright and charge for their charts.

The chart images are created from the NOAA and other offi- cial cartography using GIS (geo- graphic information system) technology. Information in GIS form can be displayed at virtual- ly any desired scale, with the amount of detail information continuously matched to the resolution of the display system. In the NavNet 3D system the maximum range setting will dis- play the entire NOAA hemi- sphere chart. When zoomed all

Furuno’s TimeZero technology, a combination of software, a high-speed processor and a pow- erful graphics engine makes the image flow smoothly, without interruption and without the need for screen re-draw. The scrolling pad makes it easy to move from the vessel’s present position to anywhere in charted U.S. and Bahamian waters and zoom in to examine the smallest detail. Regardless of the distance to the location you have chosen to examine, even thousands of miles from your actual location, a short stroke of the ship/3D key in the center of the scrolling pad will instantly restore the normal vessel-centered chart view. A long stroke of the com- bination ship/3D key in the center of the scrolling pad tog- gles the display between 3D to 2D. In 3D display mode the combination of the range key and scrolling pad provides com- plete display perspective free- dom similar to the image man- agement found in Google Earth.

also interfaces with the autopilot, a new GPS com- pass system and the audio program from the Sirius Satellite receiver.

The display screen and the controls for the most often used functions, the chartplotter and radar, are the heart of any multifunc- tion electronic navigation system. The NavNet 3D system is available in three formats: integrated dis-

play/processor units with 8.4-inch diagonal, VGA (640 x 480 pixel) color LCD screen; a 12.1-inch SVGA (800 x 600 pixel) display; and a black box version that is compatible with virtually any multi- sync display. The black box system will support up to 1280 x 1024 pixel, SXGA resolution. The LCD dis- play units can be flush or trunnion mounted and

provide two SD cards on their front panels.

SD card slots are also provided on the Ethernet- connected control module for the black box system, eliminating the need to access to the remote central processor unit when switching cards.

A chartplotter can be no better than its charts. The NavNet 3D system is delivered with a complete

internal memory. Satellite image files appropriate for the planned navigation area are also obtained from the Furuno Web site. Since the satellite photo files for total

the way in the chart will be seen at a scale of 1/8th nm.

Seamless zooming

In addition to the display of nautical charts, tide and current information, the NavNet 3D system’s Satellite Photo Fusion technology integrates satellite images of terrain and shallow water areas with both raster and vector charts. The satellite pho- tos are precisely geo-referenced to the chart in use. The photo image is presented so that all land areas are completely opaque to provide maximum detail (photo image resolution is

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Furuno Marine GPS System manual Impressive multifunction, Integration By Chuck Husick, Seamless zooming

Marine GPS System specifications

Furuno is a well-respected name in the marine electronics industry, renowned for its cutting-edge GPS systems that are designed to enhance navigation and safety for both commercial and recreational vessels. The Furuno Marine GPS system boasts a variety of features that set it apart from competitors, ensuring that users can confidently traverse seas and oceans worldwide.

One of the standout characteristics of the Furuno Marine GPS system is its exceptional accuracy. Utilizing advanced GPS technologies, such as Differential GPS (DGPS) and Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), Furuno devices offer precise positioning information. This is particularly vital for commercial vessels that require exact coordinates for efficient operations.

The user interface of Furuno GPS systems is another strong point. With intuitive menus and touch-screen capabilities on many models, navigators can quickly access essential information and settings. The systems also boast high-resolution color displays that enhance visibility, even in bright sunlight, making it easier for users to read map data and navigate accurately.

Integration capabilities are a cornerstone of Furuno's design philosophy. Many of their GPS systems can be seamlessly connected with other onboard instruments, such as radar, fish finders, and autopilot systems. This allows for a consolidated view of critical navigation data, providing mariners with a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. The ability to integrate with NMEA 2000 standards ensures that users can easily connect various devices and systems.

Furuno also places a strong emphasis on durability and reliability. Built to withstand the harsh marine environment, their GPS units are often water-resistant and designed to endure extreme temperatures and vibrations. This robust construction makes them suitable for a wide range of vessels, from fishing boats to luxury yachts.

Another important feature is the extensive mapping options provided by Furuno GPS systems. Many models come pre-loaded with detailed nautical charts, offering users access to critical information such as depth contours, navigational aids, and hazard markers. Continuous updates ensure that users have the most current information for safer navigation.

In addition to these features, Furuno GPS systems often come equipped with advanced technologies such as AIS (Automatic Identification System), which enhances situational awareness by allowing vessels to track nearby ships and avoid potential collisions.

Overall, the Furuno Marine GPS system stands out for its exceptional accuracy, user-friendly interface, robust connectivity, durability, and comprehensive mapping capabilities. These characteristics make it a top choice for mariners who require a reliable and efficient navigation solution. Whether navigating coastal waters or venturing into the open sea, Furuno provides the tools needed for safe and effective marine travel.