Racal-Decca Launches The Integrated Bridge For Small Ships

Racal-Decca Marine made a significant new development in marine electronics which is making big ship integrated bridge systems available for smaller vessels.

The new MIRANS 2000 and 1000 (Modulated Integrated Radar and Navigation System) was shown for the first time at SMM in Hamburg. Any vessel which has a need for sophisticated electronics but lacks the space to accommodate the bigship systems currently available — vessels as diverse as high speed ferries, dredgers, fishing boats, patrol vessels, ocean-going tugs and large pleasure yachts — will reportedtly be able to utilize the new MIRANS bridge.

In addition to their compactness and complete integration, modules from Racal-Decca's new small-ship MIRANS range can also be built into the vessel's own bridge consoles for improved space saving and styling coordination. The MIRANS range is fully supported by Racal- Decca's world-wide service network. The MIRANS 2000 designation is used for bridge systems which feature a ChartMaster electronic chart module. This is supplied with a 20- in., high-resolution screen which has the ability to display vectorized charts and an upgrade path to meet future ECDIS specifications. The ChartMaster module may be linked to one or more of the BridgeMaster rsdsrs The MIRANS 1000 designation is used for Racal-Decca integrated bridge systems which feature a MapMaster module. This differs from the ChartMaster in that, when used in conjunction with a chart digitizing table, it enables the user to draw his or her own electronic maps. Other modules include a Live Situation Report (LSR) display which brings together all the information essential to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Monitoring and control of the ship's machinery and cargo is possible with the inclusion of an ISIS (Integrated Ship Instrumentation System) module, which can provide alarm warnings and control of engines, pumps and auxiliary machinery as well as cargo monitoring.

Launches ARPA Radar For Small Ships A new 12-in. ARPA radar has joined the Racal-Decca BridgeMaster range to offer benefits to smaller vessels. Also introduced at SMM, the new BridgeMaster 250 ARPA offers all the benefits of the BridgeMaster 340, including trial maneuvers, autotrack and geographies facilities, making it attractive for use aboard vessels such as high speed ferries and fast patrol boats.

Launches GPS Receiver And DGPS Beacon Receiver The GRx 200 GPS receiver and the BRx 1 differential GPS beacon receiver were launched at SMM and are fully compatible with the Racal- Decca range of radars and electronic charting systems.

GRx 200 is a six channel GPS receiver capable of storing more than 200 waypoints. It offers users such as fishermen or search and rescue services many practical advantages, while also functioning as a dependable aid to safe navigation.

The BRx 1 offers the capability of receiving all correction messages which are coded according to the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) RTCM SC104 protocol.

The BRx 1 has been chosen by Canada Maritime for use aboard its vessels negotiating the St. Lawrence River in winter.