MAX and NavStations and Chartplotters

The new C-Map MAX

C-Map MAX
The new MAX cartography from C-Map has created a lot of attention in the market and contributed to the success of the Simrad NavStation and Chartplotter series. The enhanced level of details and the many new features have pushed chartplotting to a new level.

The data of the C-Map chart system can be used and presented in different ways, depending on the make of the chart plotter. When C-Map present the capacity of the chart system they will of course focus on all the new things which are possible to have on the chart, but this does not necessarily mean that the chart plotters automatically will show the same features or present the data in the exact same manner. Simrad has chosen to utilize the features, which truly contribute to the navigation performance e.g. tidal currents and pictures, and not give too much thought to the ‘wow’ features like perspective view and animated lights.

What, where and how
When demonstrating the new features like tidal currents and pictures, you may for some time have the challenge of finding something to show the customer, as the charts for your area may not have this data at present time. Since C-Map is constantly adding details to the data base it will only be a matter of time before all areas are up to date.

Pictures
Pictures of harbors are attached to the marina information and this means that you must place the cursor on a marina symbol, the red yacht in a circle, press [ENT] and [2] Chart info. A small camera symbol will appear in the top right corner of the info window if a picture is available – press [PLOT] to see the picture. Press any key to remove the picture from the screen.

Tidal currents
The presence of tidal current data is indicated on the chart as small diamond shaped symbols with a C inside. Place the cursor on the symbol and press [ENT] and [2] Chart info. The actual tidal current is indicated by a colored arrow in the lower right corner of the info window.
You can also change the setting to constantly show the tidal arrows on the chart, press the [ADJ] key (or [ENT], [9] for CX33 and CP31), move the cursor down to ‘Tidal currents’ and use the [-] key to change the setting from ICON to ON, confirm with [ENT].

Tidal current predictions
To obtain information on the current at a given date, place the cursor in the area of interest and press [ENT], [8] Tidal current prediction. You can change range with the +/- keys and move the chart with the cursor key. Press the [WIN] key (or [PAGE] for CX33 and CP31) to move the active red frame to date and time. Toggle to the desired time using the +/- keys.

Regards Frank

NavStations and Chartplotters

Work-around for heading offset and new software

Error report
A few users of the CX34/44/54 NavStation have experienced that just after the unit is turned on, the radar in Head Up mode at times could have an unexpected offset. The reason to this anomaly has proved to be:

If the unit was switched off with the radar orientation setting left in Course Up mode with compass heading, then:
When turned back on, the radar orientation mode is automatically default to Head Up mode, but the Course Up mode and compass heading would be ‘hanging’ in the memory and therefore create the false heading offset.

The reason why only a few have experienced this anomaly may be because users often have a favorite orientation mode: HU, NU or CU, which they select immediate after the unit is turned on.
And if the same mode is selected at start-up which was active at turn-down, then there will be no false heading offset.

Work-around
The anomaly is overcome simply by changing the radar orientation immediately after the unit is
turned on:
1. Press [ADJ] to open for adjustment.
2. Use the [+] key to toggle the HU/NU/CU
orientations to select the desired setting.

New software
Although Simrad are planning for a software release with settings for the new scanners later this year, they have decided to release version 3.06, which includes a correction of the heading offset anomaly and a few other minor corrections.

Update
The new software version 3.06 is regarded as a minor bug fix and as such customers who have the problem will have this interim software upgrade performed FOC .

Please contact Patrick Ryan to make arrangements. Warranty terms will apply.

Frank