New Products From Furuno: Advanced FAP-50 Autopilot, And Weatherfax xWith A Twist'

Two new products recently introduced by Furuno include the advanced FAP-50 microprocessor-controlled autopilot, and the awardwinning FAX-208A weatherfax "with a twist." Furuno's FAP-50 microprocessorcontrolled autopilot provides extremely accurate steering in all weather conditions for various vessel types, from yachts to commercial fishing boats. It provides fully automatic route following when interfaced with loran C; extremely complex trawl or search patterns can be automatically carried out while the operator is occupied with other duties; it saves considerable amounts of time and fuel.

The FAP-50 system comes with fluxgate heading sensor, processor unit, rudder feedback unit, hydraulic pump set, and an attractive splashproof control unit that can be installed almost anywhere with the standard bracket, or flush mounted directly in a console.

It interfaces directly with Furuno loran C and video plotters, or any device supporting NMEA 0180 data format. Up to two heading signals are operator selectable from gyrocompass, magnetic compass or fluxgate sensor and both audible and visual alarms are provided to alert arrival at destination or waypoint.

All system inputs are made via sealed touchpads; the large LCD presentation shows data both intuitively in graphic form and by alphanumeric digital readouts. Course is selected with the familiar and easy to understand rotary knob. On installation, system performance features are set for the individual vessel- handling characteristics; the parameters set and mode selected are displayed across the bottom of the LCD screen. A second full function control station and up to two remote control units may also be fitted.

The FAP-50 operates from a universal 10-42 VDC power supply, or 110/220 VAC with optional rectifier unit.

Furuno's award-winning FAX- 208A is one of the most advanced weatherfax receivers ever put on the market, and it is also a fully functional NAVTEX system with an optional built-in receiver/processor.

An optional active antenna coupler is available that covers standard fax as well as the 518-kHz NAVTEX transmissions.

As a fax receiver, the FAX-208A produces exceptionally clear, detailed weather and satellite charts, with four gray-scale levels on 8-inch nonfading thermal recording paper with no unpleasant carbon dust or crinkled wet-paper readouts. The FAX 208A has a built-in synthesized receiver covering all known or upcoming channels, and offers microprocessor- controlled scanning for any station or combination you may desire to program in. Other standard features include keep-alive batteries to protect data in memory and a timer to activate the unit for preprogramed schedules.

In the NAVTEX mode, the FAX- 208A automatically stores all normal incoming traffic for later printout.

For urgent messages, it automatically overrides the fax mode and prints them immediately.

Operation is from a 10-40 VDC universal power supply, drawing just 20 W on standby and 40 W operating.

For more information and free literature on Furuno's FAP-50 microprocessor controlled autopilot, Circle 23 on Reader Service Card For free literature on Furuno's award-winning FAX-508A, Circle 24 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 8, Feb 1988

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.