For Immediate Release

 

 

New High Definition NMEA 2000 Compatible VGA Display Panel and Digital Instrumentation Hub for vessel monitoring applications

 

Brookings, Oregon — November 15, 2010

 

Just in time for off-season maintenance projects, Chetco Digital Instruments has expanded its line of NMEA 2000 compatible displays with a 5.7” VGA color touch screen display with daylight LED backlight.

 

SeaGauge G12HD™ features a 640 x 480 resolution and 800 NIT LED backlight suitable for sunlight viewing. The new color touch screen display can access data directly off the NMEA 2000 instrumentation bus or through the company’s SeaGauge Remote Instrumentation Hub.

 

This instrumentation and display system offers a wide selection of user configurable gauges, switches and indicators. Incorporating vivid high resolution color graphics, the SeaGauge G12HD™ allows users to create and view 16 critical engine instrumentation functions including fluid levels, EGT, boost pressures, oil temperature and pressures, voltages, current, tachometers, and more - warning of harmful operating conditions before engine damage occurs. The program also provides for sensor calibration thereby allowing the system to fit into virtually any application. When combined with the company’s optional NMEA 2000 compatible converter module, the system allows expanded viewing of most NMEA 2000 PGN’s as well as directly connected analog data inputs. “This system allows for a one box solution providing USB, RS232 Serial, and NMEA 2000 interfaces” says Steve James the company President. Optional Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters expand the possible connections. “All gauges and switches can be viewed and operated on any PC/ Laptop, SeaGauge color display or NMEA 2000 compatible display” he continued. Real-time engine data can be displayed and logged on any PC for easy viewing at a later date using the company’s vDash instrumentation display software.

 

SeaGauge G12HD™ has multiple data ports that can switch between dual SeaGauge-Remote sensor units to further increase instrumentation to over 32 functions or more on a single display. Optional SeaSwitch™ module provides 12 sealed relays for touch screen switching 15 amp circuits using the same SeaGauge G12HD  display and all accessible over the NMEA 2000 network if desired.

 

This large 5.7” color VGA touch panel has room to show all instrumentation required for dual engines on one screen. New High Definition graphics provide a standard instrument panel with a traditional dial theme. Optionally, an “Open Source” Theme library allows users to custom design their own panels. Users can also select from a growing library of display graphics themes available on the company web site. Up to 16 user defined gauge arrangements and 12 switches or indicators can be accessed using touch sensitive commands. Additional gauges and switches can be added through digital expansion ports. All sensor inputs have High-Low alarm settings with a manual override feature.

 

The Company’s new NMEA 2000 interface adapter allows the SeaGauge G12HD™  to directly display a growing list of PGNs including Engine Data (PGN 127488, 127489) Fluid Levels (PGN 127505), Battery Status (PGN 127508), Switch Status (PGN 127501), Weather Data (PGN 130323, PGN 130311, PGN 130306), Vessel Data (PGN 127250, PGN 127257) and more. The SeaGauge G12HD  display can also generate NMEA 2000 Switch commands (PGN 127502) to allow remote control of user defined switches via the weather-resistant touch panel.

 

With concerns over high fuel prices, smart engine monitoring systems are becoming a popular way  to increase performance while lower operating costs. The SeaGauge system allows for simple retro-fitting of older diesel engines by replacing inoperative mechanical gauges with digital display panels using existing wires and senders. Migrating to digital instrumentation on older diesel systems can improve reliability while providing digital accuracy. Some mechanical oil pressure gauges for example, still perform measurements by piping oil and hydraulic fluid long distances from the engines to the helm station where breaks and leaks in the line are common. Single mode digital gauges have an electrical sender at the engine to eliminate the fluid run but still need a bundle of wires to the helm. The SeaGauge G12HD™  instrument panel improves on this by installing a 16 function remote sensor interface at the engine which converts all the engine data into a single network CAT5 or NMEA 2000 cable which can be run to multiple display panels up to 300 feet away. The company also offers a wireless NMEA 2000 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module that can eliminate rewiring completely. This wireless option allows engine data, weather station data, switching status, alarm status or any other data available on the NMEA 2000 network for viewing on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled PC/Laptops.

 

According to Joe Burke CTO for the company, “This bright (800 NIT) high-resolution color screen not only allows for dual engine instrumentation commonly found in larger vessels, the touch features make a perfect platform for remote switching as well”. By adding a separate 12 function sealed relay module to the remote sensor unit, user defined switches can be monitored and activated using color touch screen buttons. “The VGA display panel allows customers to create a truly virtual dashboard with gauges and switches”, Burke added. He continued “one client with a 110 ft luxury yacht uses a gauge/switch combination to monitor and control 48 different engine parameters, including 12 fuel tanks and views the data on several networked G12HD  displays as well as the onboard computer system”.

 

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The SeaGauge G12HD  includes an SD memory card slot to allow for field upgrade of unit graphics and firmware. A limitless number of display themes and gauge graphic styles can be downloaded from the internet and copied to the system memory.

 

SeaGauge G12HD  is available in a rugged weather-resist flush-mount aluminum case or ABS plastic for use in marine environments. For automotive/RV users, the 5.7” color display module can be used to replace an entire dashboard while still providing all stock instrumentation and switching functions.

 

The SeaGauge G12HD™ comes bundled with the company’s vDash software program. This allows users to customize the unit by selecting from an assortment of graphic display options. Using the vDash software on a Windows platform via the USB interface, users can compose summary instrumentation screens with additional more detailed formats as desired. When interfacing to the NMEA 2000 network, the G12HD with vDash allows users to pick from hundreds vessel parameters for real-time display.

 

Pricing starts at $995 for the SeaGauge G12HD™ display and $195 for NMEA 2000 interface kit. Other configurations and network options are also available. 4”, 4.7” 8.4” and 12.1” displays are also available.

 

For more information on SeaGauge G12HD™ and other Chetco Digital Instruments products, and where to buy, see our web site at www.seagauge.com.

For sales info contact sales@chetcodigital.com or call 541 469-4783

Live demonstrations are available for viewing at Lauderdale Speedometer 300 W. State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL on the “Marina Mile”.

 

Contact

Joe Burke

Phone: 541/469-4783

E-Mail: joe@chetcodigital.com

Web: http://www.chetcodigital.com/press

Box 5359 Brookings, OR 97415

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High Definition NMEA 2000 compatible color display panel allows customized gauges for multiple engines in one location. 5.7” Diagonal VGA Sunlight viewable LCD with weather-resist touch screen provides color graphic display of instrumentation for diesel and gasoline engines along with remote controlled switching up to 15 amps. Wireless networking options enable multiple units to view and share vessel data.