We are fitting the Maretron NMEA 2000 system on the FPB 64s. Data display and alarm sequence is extremely flexible. The only drawback we have seen so far is a lack of averaging capability – only raw sensor data is displayed. With speed, heading, and many other items this is not acceptable and we have made this known to Maretron (who tell us they are working on their codes now.
Engine data id derived directly from the diesel’s computer.
The data shown on the nav station screen in these photos is also available at the flying bridge and any other monitors installed (the FPB 64 comes standard with two monitors).
One of the things we like about this system is the improved situational awareness it creates. This becomes a critical element in emergency scenarios.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 29, 2010)
October 30th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Interesting series, Steve. I take it these are pre-programmed display modes that the captain can flip between on the fly, depending on the situation?
A lot of computing capability is being put aboard boats these days. In some cases, I’m really not sure if it’s helpful- on several occasions, I have been nearly run down by motor yachts whose helmsmen were too busy fiddling with the all-in-one 3D chart / radar / fishfinder / CCTV / guidebook machine to notice that there were other boats around them.
What I like to see is that computing power being put towards intelligently cleaning up the information presented to the captain. The electronic systems should be constantly monitoring all systems and sensors, and flagging anything out of the ordinary for the captain to investigate. The Maretron display heads shown here appear to be doing this for ship’s systems, with instantly obvious colour-coded off/normal/trouble states. In other posts on this site, it looks like your Furuno radar is pretty good at separating the wheat from the chaff and highlighting other vessels that the computer thinks could pose a risk in the near future. IMHO, what the captain really needs at the display is simplicity: all the relevant information, none of the irrelevant information, and no flashy visual tricks that reduce the ability to read the thing with a quick glance. The cockpit of a large commercial airliner or military jet would seem to be a much better role model than the command console of a video game.
October 31st, 2010 at 10:10 am
Yes Matt, these are all pre-programmed. They key for us is they enhance situational awareness.