Comminication

A Breakdown of Protocol: how boats’ systems converse.

By Tim Bartlett | Posted February 2012

Know how the components of your helm—and the rest of the boat—communicate.

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Satellite communications in 2012

By Tim Bartlett | Posted February 2012

Satellite communication is no longer restricted to the very rich or to ocean voyagers.

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Whole-Boat Electronics

By PMY Staff | Posted February 2012

Think about each component of your boat’s electronics to create a powerful system that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

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Iridium Extreme

By Tim Bartlett | Posted December 2011

At 8.7 ounces, nearly an ounce lighter than the popular Iridium 9555, the Iridium Extreme...

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Amped Wireless UA600EX

By Capt. Bill Pike | Posted November 2011

PMY Tested: Amped Wireless UA600EX Pro USB Adapter. Improve your marina's Wi-Fi signal with this powerful directional booster...

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Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro

By PMY Staff | Posted July 2011

Inmarsat began offering text messaging and data transfer through its IsatPhone Pro—that blue phone with the foldout antenna...

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Comar AIS-2-2000

By Tim Bartlett | Posted July 2011

Comar Systems’ affordable AIS receivers. Comar AIS: This receive-only black box helps you stay safe in high-traffic areas.

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Spot Connect

By Tim Bartlett | Posted July 2011

The latest addition to the growing line-up of Spot’s pocket satcoms is called Spot Connect

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Rescue 21

By Tim Bartlett | Posted July 2011

It’s been a long time coming, but the U.S. Coast Guard’s new communication system is up and running.

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An Alternative to the iphone

By Jason Y. Wood | Posted June 2011

Apple AlternativeThe halo effect of the iPod aside, not every smartphone shopper winds up with another iconic device from the bushel in Cupertino. There’s another technology...

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Comar AIS CSA 300

By Tim Bartlett | Posted June 2011

Comar CSA-300: A more affordable yet still full-feature AIS.Comar AIS CSA 300Comar Systems has two new affordable AIS transponders and receivers.The CSA300 is Comar’s new flagship...

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How to pick the perfect VHF antenna for your boat

By Kevin Koenig | Posted June 2011

Antenna UpHow to pick the perfect VHF antenna for your boat, and your price point.As any boat owner knows, there is a wealth of options when choosing a new VHF antenna. And...

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Icom MA-500TR

By Tim Bartlett | Posted May 2011

Icom MA-500TRClass B AIS TransceiverIcom’s MA-500TR—the company’s first (and only) Class B AIS transceiver—broadcasts position, track, and speed data derived from its own internal...

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Watchmate 850

By Tim Bartlett | Posted March 2011

Vesper Marine is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in easy-to-use AIS equipment for recreational and light commercial craft. Recently granted FCC approval, the third...

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Geopro Messenger: Two-way texting for twenty cents—worldwide

By PMY Staff | Posted February 2011

Geopro Messenger Two-way text messaging through the Iridium satellite system $699.   Reception Connection Two-way texting for twenty cents—worldwide Spot can...

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Spot satellite tracking-and-messaging device

By PMY Staff | Posted February 2011

Get Found Spot is a pint-size tracker SPOT MESSENGER Base model of a range of one-way satellite messengers is $169.99 Globalstar has introduced a second generation of...

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Inmarsat phone

By Tim Bartlett | Posted August 2010

Inmarsat, the granddaddy of satellite communication services, has launched a truly portable satellite phone. The company says that the new phone is "targeted primarily at...

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My Anchor Watch

By Tim Bartlett | Posted August 2010

Anchor Watch. There are more than 150,000 apps for the iPhone, ranging from the puerile and pointless (such as iBeer, that turns your $300 phone into a virtual beer glass) to the...

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Wireless On The Water?

By Tim Bartlett | Posted August 2010

Wireless On The Water?We have wireless networks in our homes and offices. Why not on our boats, too?I can’t remember the last time I used a phone that had a wire attaching its...

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Controlling Power

By Tim Bartlett | Posted May 2010

Twenty-first-century technology has changed the way your electronics communicate.It’s more than ten years now, since we learned to spell “millennium,” stocked up on canned food,...

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Ultrascan PC90

By Tim Bartlett | Posted March 2010

One of the drawbacks of forward-looking sonar has always been that sound travels much more slowly through water than radar waves travel through air. At a sluggish 5,000 feet per...

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KVH Tracphone FB150

By | Posted November 2009

KVH has joined the growing list of suppliers that are offering phone and Internet services through Inmarsat's new Fleet Broadband 150. With a dome that is just 13.5" in diameter...

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Iridium Openport

By Tim Bartlett | Posted July 2009

After conducting extensive beta-testing that included sending five terminals around the world in boats competing in the Vendee Globe single-handed sailboat race, Iridium has...

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ICOM IC-M36

By Capt. Grant Rafter | Posted June 2009

The latest addition to Icom’s lineup of handheld VHFs is the IC-M36, a waterproof, floating radio with a couple of extra features specifically intended to minimize the effect of...

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Garmin VHFs

By Tim Bartlett | Posted May 2009

Long known for its navigational electronics, Garmin is now about to enter the VHF market with two fixed-mount radios. Pre-release information describes the VHF100 as an entry-...

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Radio Days

By Bruce Pelkey | Posted April 2009

Everyone understands the importance of a VHF radio. A fixed-mount unit provides a key communications link to other boaters, the Coast Guard, and local police. If you travel...

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