Shipboard Computer Distributed By Magnavox Displays Detailed Charts, Automates Navigation

Geonav, a shipboard computer distributed by Magnavox, displays nautical charts with coastline and other information the navigator requires.

Designed as an integrated navaid, the computer interfaces with Loran and satnav receivers, autopilots, and other marine electronics to capture and process data.

Geonav replaces a screen full of cryptic numbers with easily grasped visual information. Its high-resolution graphics are shown on a highpersistance, anti-glare screen for ready viewing in marine environments.

Through computer image processing, Geonav automatically performs the complete range of navigation operations. These include scanning the chart, reading coordinates from navigation receivers, plotting present position on the chart, laying a course, computing waypoint coordinates, distances, and headings, and steering the ship through a plotted course.

The system is self-explanatory and easy to use with its simplified keyboard and trackball, which operates much like a mouse. The navigator plugs in a solid-state memory cartridge containing linked, adjacent charts. The navigator quickly selects the appropriate map, then uses the system's zoom and pan features to concentrate on areas of particular interest.

Memory cartridges incorporate Geomarine digital cartography that blankets the world's coastlines, including main rivers and lakes, plus navigation landmarks. An enormous amount of information can be displayed on the screen, with a resolution of better than 200 meters. Duplicating this level of detail on printed maps would require a 150-square-foot charting table and a large, bulky chart library.

Total capabilities of Geonav include plotting and calculation of all navigation data—geographic coordinates of way points; leg and total distances; true, magnetic, and compass headings; time en route, even fuel consumption for diesel engines. Using the keyboard and trackball, the navigator can draw lines on the screen to create and compare routes in great detail.

Geonav is supplied with one memory cartridge covering the purchaser's choice of chart groupings, with additional cartridges available as options. A mounting bracket and instructions are included for simple installation. The footprint of the compact system is slightly larger than that of a legal pad. Power requirements are also modest; Geonav draws 20 watts from its 18-40V power supply.

Geonav is manufactured by Navionics S.p.A.

of Viareggio, Italy. Magnavox handles sole distribution for North and South America, as well as most nations in the Far East and Southeast Asia.

Sales and service on Geonav are available through authorized Magnavox marine dealers.

For further information on the Geonav shipboard computer distributed by Magnavox, Circle 91 on Reader Service Card

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