New Electronics Guide 2015
If there is a theme in the new crop of electronics available to consumers in 2015, it’s “usability.” Take a close look at the major innovations hitting the market and you’ll see a focus on simpler, intuitive user-interfaces and familiar touchscreen technology. As engineers find new ways to bring advanced technology to recreational fishermen and boaters, designers are focusing on making all this technology easier to use. Unlike on land, where our personal electronics often distract us, your onboard electronics should add to your fishing experience by making it safer and more productive.
Fishfinding/GPS
Lowrance HDS Gen3
This new series from Lowrance features a super-fast processor and touchscreen capability that provides simple and quick access to CHIRP Sonar, DownScan and StructureScan. Software and mapping updates can be downloaded directly to the device through wireless connectivity.
Click here for a Lowrance HDS Gen3 video gallery that includes product demonstrations.
Humminbird Helix5 SI-GPS
The flagship of the Helix line is a compact unit packed with features including Side Imaging, Down Imaging, conventional sonar, GPS and chartplotter at an attractive price point. The widescreen display will be especially popular with anglers who take advantage of Humminbird’s Side Imaging technology.
$499 • humminbird.com
Lowrance Elite-4 CHIRP
The easy-to-use Elite-4 combines CHIRP Sonar, for clearer baitfish and gamefish targets, with Down-Scan Imaging technology, which provides picture-like images of fish-holding structure beneath the boat. And it’s all available in Lowrance’s compact, 4.3-inch high-resolution display.
$299 • lowrance.com
Raymarine CP200 CHIRP Sidevision
Three preset transducer angles allow fishermen to adjust their Sidevision to shallow, mid-range or deepwater areas. The highly detailed returns on the CP200 allow fishermen to clearly see structure and even schools of fish up to 600 feet away from the side of the boat. Connects with aSeries, cSeries, eSeries and gS Series multifunction displays powered by LightHouse II.
$609.99 • raymarine.com
Airmar CHIRP Transducers
Airmar CHIRP transducer technology provides greater detail and resolution to fishfinders, which allows anglers to get a better idea of the bottom below them. The improved resolution also provides better separation between baitfish and gamefish and better bottom tracking at high speeds.
$1595 to $4695 • airmartechnology.com
VHF Communication
ICOM M506 VHF
With an integrated AIS receiver, the IC-M506 can display AIS vessel traffic information. The AIS target call function allows you to easily set up an individual DSC call. Other features include “Last Call” voice recording/rewind function, enhanced audio and active noise canceling plus the unit’s large 132×96 pixels display.
$369.95 • icomamerica.com
Ray70 VHF Marine Radio
As Raymarine’s new flagship VHF, Ray70 streamlines multiple communication tools into a single device. The Ray70’s integral AIS receiver simplifies installation and delivers vessel traffic information to compatible navigation displays. Combine the Ray70 with an optional RayMic remote and boaters can enjoy the flexibility of dual station control and intercom capability. Features audiophile-quality speakers, noise-canceling technology, and a sharp new design.
$649 • raymarine.com
Standard Horizon HX870S
The HX870S floating DSC VHF handheld features a 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver allowing the radio to transmit a DSC distress call with your vessel’s position. The oversized LCD and intuitive Icon/Menu System make DSC calling, position sharing, waypoint and route navigation, and navigation to DSC distress call easy to perform with just a few simple steps. The compass page can also display the position of up to 9 vessels in proximity to you via the new Group Monitoring feature.
$249.99 • standardhorizon.com
Radar
Furuno 1st Watch Wireless Radar
Furono has laid claim to the world’s first wireless radar that can be displayed on iPad and iPhone devices. The compact 4kW radome produces a mobile radar display on up to two devices, allowing boaters to move away from the console without ever having to take their eyes off the radar.
$1695 • furunousa.com
Simrad HD Digital Radar
The new Simrad radars offer unparalleled situational awareness with exceptional detection of small or distant targets with minimal screen-clutter. The new lineup includes a 4-foot 10kW array that is a perfect “bird-finder” for center console boats. A high-speed heading sensor can be added to enable chart overlay on compatible Simrad NS Series multifunction displays.
$6199 (TXL-10S-4) • simrad-yachting.com
Instrument Display
Simrad IS35 Instrument Display
Designed to automatically display real-time data from engines and sensors, the Simrad IS35 provides boaters with at-a-glance access to critical information about their vessel. Pre-programmed pages include engine data display, a dedicated cruising instrument, plus fuel economy with instantaneous fuel flow, fuel used and fuel remaining. Boaters can also view motor steer with real-time navigation information such as waypoint position, time to destination, current speed and RPMs, as well as depth history with current and historic depth readings and water temperature.
$399 • simrad-yachting.com
Deck Cameras
Raymarine Cam 200IP Camera
Raymarine’s CAM200IP is a ruggedized, high-definition, day and night network video camera that instantly transforms any Raymarine Light- House II multifunction display into a powerful video observation system. Use it to record the fishing action on deck, or use it as a backup or side-deck camera for docking and maneuvering. Provides detailed black and white video at night, even in total darkness, thanks to a built-in array of 20 Infrared Illuminated LEDs.
$699 • raymarine.com
Leave a Reply