Of the 21 categories of marine electronics that make up our annual Best & Brightest product lineup, Monitoring & Control equipment is the fastest growing. We sort the many products into four subcategories: multifunction, engine/electrical/fuel, safety and survival. This week we describe eight extraordinary pieces of electronics that make up the multifunction group. Next week, we’ll tell you about eight more.
The Best & Brightest lineup is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal. We ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics—from autopilots to radars—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
Last week we rolled out the second and final batch of Best & Brightest wireless devices.
Actisense’s EMU-1 is a specialized analogue to NMEA 2000 device that converts data from analogue engine and fluid level gauges/senders into NMEA 2000 data. The EMU-1 enables the sharing of engine data by digitizing analogue sensors, enabling NMEA 2000 displays throughout a vessel to monitor and indicate engine parameters.
The EMU-1 can monitor vital engine parameters such as temperature, pressure, RPM and fluid levels from one or two engines and now fully supports tilt & trim senders. The free Actisense Toolkit software has a large gauge library of pre-sets that covers the majority of engine sensors in use today. The EMU provides six gauge/parameter inputs, four alarm inputs, two additional auxiliary inputs, two tach inputs and four diagnostic LEDs, all housed in a customized IP65 case.
Track, monitor and control switches on your boat from anywhere with the Garmin OnDeck system, a fully integrated remote connectivity solution. The OnDeck Hub allows you to monitor your boat’s battery status, bilge activity, security sensors, GPS location and more. Set up alarm notifications in the ActiveCaptain app to get updates of any changes that may threaten your boat. When you’re ready for a day on the water, OnDeck allows you to turn on selected switches remotely. The ActiveCaptain app keeps you connected to your vessel as the GTB 10 hub collects and stores data. The system consists of the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub, door sensor, temperature sensor, shore power sensor and relay switch. A subscription is required.
Experience control and monitoring at your fingertips with Maretron’s TSM810C, a multifunction touchscreen display. Powered by the advanced N2KView software suite, this display offers comprehensive real-time data visualization and management for marine applications. Its high-resolution touchscreen interface provides intuitive access to critical vessel information, ensuring optimal performance and safety on the water. From engine diagnostics to navigation data, the TSM810C delivers a great user experience, allowing boaters to stay informed and in control at all times. Elevate your onboard experience with the TSM810C multifunction display from Maretron.
The Böning AHD-CPG (Chart Plotter Gateway) makes it easy to integrate the Böning Monitoring Alarm and Control System with your MFD. The system is professional grade and can monitor all kinds of systems, like engines, generators, bilges, tanks, and nav lights. And with the AHD-CPG, you can see all the information on your chartplotter display. It’s compatible with the most popular brands, like Garmin, Raymarine and Furuno. You can create custom graphics for your vessel with incredible resolution. All graphs, gauges, and buttons are tailor-made for your specific needs. Whether you’re monitoring fuel consumption or just keeping an eye on your battery levels, the Böning AHD-CPG makes it easy and safe.
Streamline your boating experience with the BRNKL mobile app, designed for comprehensive wireless monitoring of your vessel’s vital systems via smartphone, tablet, or computer. When equipped with a BRNKL system, stay informed with real-time alerts on battery levels, bilge pump activity, location, and security sensors. Upgrade to BRNKL Blue for the added ability to stream live video, observe NMEA 2000 sensor data, and examine security incidents with corresponding video recordings. For those on government or enforcement vessels, BRNKL Black offers the highest security with military-grade encryption, allowing users to remotely access sensor information and video feeds, ensuring secure and reliable oversight of critical maritime operations.
CZone Touch 10 Generation 2 is the gateway to your CZone digital switching. The state-of-the-art CZone Touch 10 Generation 2 is a sleek, attractive touchscreen with glass dash styling that will complement the interior of any high-end vessel or recreational vehicle. Touch 10 Generation 2 has a powerful dual-core processer and easy-to-use, intuitive CZone 2.0 user interface with customizable favorites pages, simple controls and easy-to-follow menu structure.
2023 NMEA Technology Award winner Sensar Marine provides 24/7 peace of mind for boat owners. This always-on device monitors the boat and sends SMS alerts for low battery, geofence breach, freezing temperatures, bilge pump operation or water in the bilge. The included cellphone app allows owners to remotely check boat vitals anytime, and know their boat is OK when they are away. Already a best-seller in Europe, the boat monitor is now available in the US for a competitive price and backed by a five-year warranty. Ideal for boats of all sizes, the device is IPx7 waterproof, very low power, and includes an innovative sensor that measures the actual depth of water in the bilge.
