Saw in some articles (Cruising World and MSN) about some of the new chartplotter features. I see that some are including Automated Identification of Ship (AIS), connections to smartphones and Augmented Reality (AR). Was actually talking to the Admiral about these and she stated those would be nice features to have on our next chartplotter. Here is one description that was interesting, but I never heard of this brand ONWA as well as how good the K-Chart base map is.
"If you’re seeking an easy-to-use, GPS-enabled chart plotter that also offers AIS capabilities, ONWA’s new KP-39A could be your ticket. The KP-39A ($340) uses a 50-channel GPS receiver plus a 7-inch color LCD display and a Class B AIS transponder. This NMEA 0183-compatable plotter can store up to 1,200 waypoints and 30 routes, and comes preloaded with ONWA’s proprietary K-chart base map and slots for external C-Map Max cartography. The plotter has IPX5 weatherproof protection and various onboard alarms, including audible warnings for cross-track error, AIS and anchor drift. The KP-39A ships with an external GPS antenna and a 13-foot cable."
Any thoughts on the new stuff?
"If you’re seeking an easy-to-use, GPS-enabled chart plotter that also offers AIS capabilities, ONWA’s new KP-39A could be your ticket. The KP-39A ($340) uses a 50-channel GPS receiver plus a 7-inch color LCD display and a Class B AIS transponder. This NMEA 0183-compatable plotter can store up to 1,200 waypoints and 30 routes, and comes preloaded with ONWA’s proprietary K-chart base map and slots for external C-Map Max cartography. The plotter has IPX5 weatherproof protection and various onboard alarms, including audible warnings for cross-track error, AIS and anchor drift. The KP-39A ships with an external GPS antenna and a 13-foot cable."
Any thoughts on the new stuff?