Fastwave has fitted a Full range of B&G FFD's and sensors as well as Hercules Performance processor.  These output their information to a Pair of Waterproof Tablet computers provided by MarineVision. One tablet is connected to the Hercules RS232 port below decks and has Deckman for Windows installed as the Navigation & Tactical Package. The second Tablet is kept on deck and is networked to the first using a 801.11b/g WIRELESS NETWORK.

This allows for several key things.

• Safety (Even if  the deck machine is lost overboard there remains a fully functional Nav and Tactical Package

• Ability to multitask. (The deck machine has Bluetooth integrated inside which allows for pairing with almost any standard mobile phone) So when new weather Gribs are required the tactician can continue to use deckman whilst the communications/nav person browses various web sites and downloads images, gribs etc

• Redundency (Each machine is a mirror of the other in terms of installed software. So in the unlikely event of one failing the other is still available

• Ability to have different people viewing different applications simultaneously (For example at the start whilst the navigator is entering the coarse and preparing for the race in general, Checking Mark positions etc, the tactician can view specialist tidal information and weather sites to build a bigger picture of what's going to be happening. As hey are on deck they are also in the best place to see what's happening around the boat in real time)

Both Tablet PC's are also fitted with Bluetooth. This is used to connect to a GSM/GRPS/3G phone and allows internet access, so weather gribs and other web sites can be viewed on route, thus further improving the analysis for route planning.

A GSM aerial is fitted to the top of the mast with a repeater at the bottom giving the maximum connectivity when offshore. (to further improve this a Sat phone and GPRS booster is being considered to allow any where any time access)

If you would like to know more  about this and other possible solutions contact Adrian Abbs at MarinVision

Tel 01635 231023
Email aabbs@marinevision.co.uk
Visit their web site www.marineVision.co.uk