Raymarine previews its 'touch of genius'

by Liza Sticpewich on 2 Sep 2009 Touch screen or keypad operation? C-MAP by Jeppesen or Navionics cartography? Now users have a choice of charting software and the flexibility in operating their new multi-function display, thanks to the ingenuity of Raymarine’s new E Series Widescreen which is being previewed in Australia this month.
Raymarine’s E Series Widescreen is the company’s most flexible, technically advanced and easy to use multi-function navigation display to date. It also raises the bar with its bold new styling, offering the maximum ultra-bright image and size for its footprint.

Touch screen operation has the advantage of being quick and easy, but it can be challenging to use in rough weather or when moving at speed. Raymarine now offers the choice of operating options with the introduction of HybridTouch™.

This gives users the flexibility of touch screen control alongside the use of the UniControl™ which integrates cursor and OK key in one rotary wheel plus the traditional hard buttons; a seamless mix of both methods. A completely new user interface means users can easily personalise their home screen, setting up the E Series Widescreen to their specific requirements. A built-in tutorial guides users through the many new functions and features available.

The E Series Widescreen is also the first Raymarine multifunction device to offer users the choice of two cartography systems: C-MAP by Jeppesen and Navionics. The units are shipped with C-MAP by Jeppesen embedded base charts. With many boaters having their own personal favourite, the E Series Widescreen can use upgraded data from either company, such as the new C-MAP 4D Max or C-Map 4D from Jeppesen Marine, or Navionics Gold, Platinum and Platinum+.

Both C-MAP by Jeppesen and Navionics offer full 3D charts, satellite image overlay, port and harbour aerial photography and detailed port information. This flexibility also means the E Series Widescreen meets the varying needs of the user, from racers to cruisers, fishermen to divers, on leisure boats or small commercial and working vessels.

The new E Series Widescreen comes in three sizes – the E90W, E120W and E140W. The touch screen features enable fast chart panning, instant access to chart and navigation data simply by tapping the screen. A full ‘qwerty’ on-screen keyboard is used to edit and name routes and waypoints. Touch-by-touch manual route building is simplicity itself.

The Raymarine E Series Widescreen is also packed with new features and functions. This includes auto-route automated voyage planning. Users simply tap in their start point and destination and the E Series will determine the best route to take. A new anti-collision alarm uses boat dimensions such as draught, height, and beam to safely navigate shallow water and help avoid chart hazards. New Raymarine Radar features configurable by E Series Widescreen include 48rpm high speed scanning and Bird mode – this helps fishermen detect and track fish shoals by tracking sea bird movement through the new HD Digital radar scanner.

With visibility and clarity in all conditions key criteria for all users, the E Series Widescreen has a brilliant sunlight viewable colour display. It uses optically bonded LCD display technology to improve the contrast, and provide maximum readability. With fully customisable screens, users can see at a glance everything from the fish below them, to the ‘hidden’ hazards viewable from the HD radar, through to engine data and fuel levels.

Using its SeaTalkhs connection, the Raymarine E Series Widescreen integrates with all other SeaTalkhs hardware on board, including the new HD Digital radome (see separate press release), and Digital Sounder Modules for the fishfinder. Up to five E Series Widescreens can be networked together via SeaTalkhs.

Connect up to eight SeaTalkhs nodes (a node is an MFD or sensor) on a single network using the SeaTalkhs network switch.

The E Series Wide comes with a multi-language document CD and is being previewed by Raymarine Asia in September running simultaneously with previews at the European Autumn boat shows.

For more information, please call 02 9479 4800 or visit www.raymarine.com.au