Panbo

The Marine Electronics Hub

Category: Handheld

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Wireless & Apps / Network & control / Handheld / Electrical & Engines

MIBS 2024: Dockmate DPS

Dynamic positioning systems (DPS) have been around for over a decade. But, until now, DPS has been a feature of joystick control systems tightly coupled with propulsion packages. So, a boater interested in adding DPS to their boat couldn’t unless their existing engine and control package offered it. Typically, that means pods or recent outboards. That propulsion integration means if you own a boat with traditional inboards, shafts, and props, there very likely isn’t a viable DPS option. Until now! Dockmate now offers DPS as an add-on to any twin-engine boat fitted with their remote control.

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Mobile Apps / Wireless & Apps / Navigation / Handheld / Charts

Mobile navigation app roundup

Apps running on tablets and phones have come a long way from the first, relatively primitive charting apps that debuted shortly after the turn of the millennia. Not only have the existing apps gained big functionality, but we’ve also seen many new entries into the category. This entry will attempt to review the currently available apps and their capabilities.

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Press Releases / Wireless & Apps / Handheld / Safety & SAR / Monitoring & Tracking

Stay connected for up to 30 days with the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle from Garmin

Garmin today announced the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle,a satellite communication device with two-way messaging and SOS capabilities bundled with a boat-friendly mount that provides quick-and-easy access in a moment’s notice. Rugged, compact and purpose-built for life off the grid, the inReach Mini 2 comes packed with features that give mariners an added sense of security on the water such as two-way text messaging, location tracking and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium satellite network. In an emergency, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

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Wireless & Apps / Network & control / Handheld / Gadgets

Garmin Quatix 7 SmartWatch, a refined wearable

Garmin recently released the Quatix 7 and I’ve been wearing the Saphire model since just after the release. I’m pleased to report that in my testing it’s proved to be a refined, visually pleasing, and useful accessory. With excellent battery life, a bright, easy-to-read display, and integration with Garmin marine products like the GPSMap MFDs and Fusion stereos there’s plenty of reasons to give the Quatix line a careful look.

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Mobile Apps / Navigation / Handheld / Charts

Aqua Map updated with no-wake zones, live sharing, and more

Two recent Aqua Map upgrades have brought several new features and the ability to share your location with other Aqua Map users. Aqua Map now displays no-wake zones, artificial reefs, and the state of Georgia’s restricted anchoring zones. Although it might not seem like a major feature, I’m most excited about the ability to display no-wake zones.

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Editors' Blog / Handheld / Safety & SAR / The Trade

Garmin buys GEOS, good or bad for SEND distress services?

SEND is not a commonly used acronym, but it’s especially worth understanding because Garmin just acquired GEOS Worldwide, the company that runs “the only global Search and Rescue Coordination Center for Satellite Emergency Notification Devices (S.E.N.D.).” If you own a Garmin inReach this is almost undoubtedly good news, but what about boaters who use other SEND distress, tracking, and messaging systems like Globalstar Spot, Iridium GO, Inmarsat IsatPhone, Zoleo, Skymate Mazu, and others?…

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Press Releases / Fishing & Sonar / Wireless & Apps / Handheld

Turn your phone into a fishfinder with Garmin’s new Striker Cast castable sonar

Garmin today introduced STRIKER Cast— a castable fishfinder that delivers sonar wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. No boat? No problem. STRIKER Cast is a versatile sonar device that anglers can take with them wherever they go. Just cast it out from where the fish are biting that day – the bank, a dock, or even from a kayak – to view fish and structure in crisp detail on the free STRIKER Cast app, compatible with both Apple and Android devices. With STRIKER Cast, anglers can even create their own fishing maps for an even more detailed look at the area they’re fishing.

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Press Releases / Wireless & Apps / Handheld / Gadgets / Monitoring & Tracking

Garmin adds solar charging to its new quatix 6 marine GPS smartwatch series for boaters

Garmin announced today the quatix 6X Solar, the latest addition to its new marine GPS smartwatch series that features a transparent solar charging display that uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life. As the first Garmin marine-centric GPS smartwatch to offer solar charging, the quatix 6X Solar combines all of the best features of Garmin’s fēnix 6X Pro Solar with specialized boating, fishing, cruising and sailing capabilities so users can enjoy more time on the water.

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Wireless & Apps / Handheld / Gadgets

Scanstrut Rokk Active and Edge, wireless charging and secure phone mount

I get to test a lot of amazingly high tech products with long lists of features and mind-blowing capabilities. But, sometimes a design simply solves a need and accomplishes its intended mission so well that I stop and take note. The Scanstrut Rokk line of wireless chargers are a good example. These well-engineered, relatively simple devices keep your phone charged and securely mounted at your helm, and do it without any fuss.