electronics | by Roger McAfee
the tracking trend Remote vessel monitoring systems gain popularity among boaters.
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Remote monitoring/ tracking systems for boats are more popular than ever. Products from companies like Boatlink+, Global Satellite and Web Boat Watch™ (from top) allow boaters to keep an eye on their boats — even when they’re not around.
ith insurance costs rising and boat thefts a growing concern, boat owners are looking for ways that they can, in real time, monitor their vessel 24/7, no matter where they are in relation to the boat. Let’s face it: The world is moving towards a more ondemand culture, and the marine industry is no exception. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have fostered desire for an immediacy factor. Remote vessel monitoring is another way to satisfy this hunger for more info… now.
Keeping track Until three years ago, there were few devices that could, in real time, tell a skipper where his or her boat was if it wasn’t precisely where he or she last left it. Now, many hardware manufacturers are capable of doing exactly that. Most tracking systems require the ability to uplink to a satellite, and GOST (gostglobal.com) is one of the field leaders. Then there are companies that make use of cell phone networks to let an owner know where his or her boat is; but those systems are operable only where cell service is available. Boatlink+ (boatlinKplus.com) restricts itself to cell phone transmission of data. (L&L Electronics, llelectronics.com, is the North American distributor for Boatlink+.) Most companies in these two categories require the boater to purchase hardware and pay transmission costs. There are, however, other vendors that provide just the tracking service. One such company is Web Boat Watch™ by XPONDR® (WebboatWatch.com). They charge nothing for hardware (except maybe a small deposit that’s returned when the service is cancelled), but require a monthly fee for satellite uplink costs — usually about $1 a day, with a two- or three-month minimum.
touching base Most tracking devices offered today contact a boat owner if his or her vessel has moved. That contact can be via e-mail or text message, or through the internet. However, most tracking devices also communicate additional information about boat systems as well. An owner can be notified if the bilge is filling up with water, if the shore power goes out, if batteries fall below a preset voltage, or if an outside door or hatch is open. Many of these systems are likewise fitted with motion detectors that will notify
Roger McAfee has been boating for more than 60 years. He contributes to many of North America’s boating magazines and judges the industry’s Innovation Awards.
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june 2014
an owner if interior motion is detected. Some devices are even fitted with cameras that will stream interior boat video directly to the owner’s cell phone, tablet or computer. Many tracking/monitoring systems carry their own batteries and do not require onboard power, so they operate even if a thief or intruder shuts down all vessel power. This means you’re never helpless, even when you’re not right there. One of the newest satellite-based trackers on the market has some unusual features worth highlighting. It’s small — 1.77 inches by 1.77 inches by 1.14 inches — barely larger than a golf ball, including battery and built-in charger. It also has a built-in accelerometer and magnetic compass and, according to the manufacturer, can track “assets” going 1,000 miles per hour. The unit, manufactured by Global Satellite (globalsatellite. us) and called the GSat Micro, can detect pitch, roll and yaw, is waterproof, and can be Bluetooth equipped. Using the Iridium satellite system, the tracker can report its position from anywhere in the world. GSat can be programmed to report daily (in the case of hikers, for example), or more frequently if desired. Battery life is approximately three months if it reports every hour. Half-hour reporting time reduces battery life to 45 days, and reporting time is adjustable. Monthly satellite time for the GSat Micro costs about $33.75, depending on the data being reported. One can’t help but wonder how the search for Malaysian Flight 370 would have progressed if GSat had been on board the aircraft…
affordable technology Tracking technology is undergoing rapid changes, with improved hardware and reduced costs being introduced almost monthly. Trucking lines are routinely tracking their trucks. Individual shipping containers now have tracking devices attached. Many military vehicles are outfitted with onboard trackers, and it’s been reported that individual soldiers carry tracking equipment on their person. As these devices become more prevalent, cost will continue to plunge and more suppliers will come to market. The price tag of current tracking/monitoring hardware varies between a few hundred dollars to roughly $1,000 for more sophisticated systems (like the GSat Micro). There also is a small monthly cost for data transmission. Three or four years ago, custom-built tracking and remote monitoring systems cost thousands and didn’t do nearly as good a job as those on the market today. The future is certainly bright — and more visible than ever! LB