Furuno NavNet TZtouch provides control of FLIR M-Series thermal camera

by FLIR on 30 Oct 2013 FLIR’s M-Series thermal cameras represent the most popular pan/ tilt thermal night vision system in the commercial maritime industry. When combined with the Furuno NavNet TZtouch multifunction display (MFD), the M-Series becomes even more versatile and powerful.

TZtouch simplifies navigation by centralizing all of your key controls onto one Ethernet-connected device. Thermal images, 2D and 3D charts, AIS, Radar, Fish Finder, and Sonar can all be displayed in various full or splitscreen configurations, as needed. And with the TZtouch’s interactive MFD, you can scroll, pan, and zoom in and out using intuitive finger gestures.

The TZtouch is available with a nine or 14.1-inch display, as well as a 'black box' version designed to be connected to larger, external MFDs.

What makes the TZtouch even more revolutionary is the automated tracking capability it adds to the M-Series — a feature normally reserved for more expensive infrared camera systems. Tap an object on a chart — such as an AIS target or buoy — and a menu will appear allowing you to tell the M-Series to lock on to it. A red cone will appear on the chart like a search light emanating from your vessel. This represents the camera’s field of view over the water. The M-Series will use GPS positioning to track both stationary targets, like buoys, and moving targets, such as AIS-enabled vessels.

You can also use your chart plotter or radar to set active waypoints that the M-Series will automatically seek out and track during your voyage.

The M-Series features up to a 640 x 480, military-grade thermal imager and full 360® panning and +/- 90® tilt capabilities. It’s available with an additional lowlight video camera payload, as well. Once the M-Series locks onto a target, it will automatically pan and tilt as necessary, regardless of the position of the boat. While not a gyro-stabilized system, the M-Series emulates one with this feature.

Setting up the M-Series and the TZtouch is easy and straightforward. Input a few camera settings, such as zoom distance and altitude, and the M-Series is ready for action. If you choose to use the M-Series joystick, you can easily switch back to the TZtouch seamlessly.

The TZtouch also has Wi-Fi capability so that you can control it remotely using an iPhone or iPad anywhere on your vessel with Wi-Fi connectivity (Android and Windows-based mobile devices are not supported). The mobile device will mirror exactly what the TZTouch screen shows, including thermal images. So in case you need to check out a problem — or simply relax on deck — you can monitor your thermal video feed and control the TZtouch remotely.

M-Series are a perfect match. The TZtouch’s powerful software enhances the M-Series camera’s accuracy, responsiveness, and tracking capabilities. And given the M-Series’ wide appeal, the NavNet TZtouch is the ideal solution for operators looking to transition to the kind of intuitive control only a multifunction display can provide.

To learn more, visit www.navnet.com and www.flir.com/Maritime.