Icom-602 Console with Icom on right and original VHF on left.
Center space reserved for SSB.
Electronics
Updated March 2, 2004
Our Icom 602 VHF arrived and has been installed in the refurbished radio console in the pilot house. We matched it to a Shakespeare 5225-XT antenna. This antenna is a Collinear-phased 5/8 wave element with an overall length of 8' with a 6dB Gain. We have applied for and been provided our unique MMSI number from the Coast Guard. The NMEA 0183 listener input is connected to our RayMarine 300 series GPS and the radio also incorporates the new 25-watt hailer and fog horn. We also applied for and received our FCC SA "Ship Recreational or Voluntarily Equipped" marine radio station license. There is a one time fee for this license and it last 10 years. We are WDB7058. This has caused some confusion. West Marine allocated an MMSI number to us and so did the FCC. You CAN NOT use the West Marine MMSI number on any FCC application forms. I will be resetting our Icom 602 to the new MMSI #.
Icom-602
Console with Icom on right and original VHF on left.
Center space reserved for SSB.
A bad note for the Cap'N software - I just called them and they have no plans no implement the DSC NMEA plotter data that is provided from the Icom 602. This is unfortunate, it would provide an icon on the Cap'N chart showing where DSC-enabled calling vessels where located. Especially helpful in emergencies.
The new ST60 Tri-Data display for speed, temperature and depth has been installed and the Sea-Talk network configured between it and the GPS. A new Sea-Talk to NMEA converter from RayMarine is on order so that the Cap'N software can display the Sea-Talk data.
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 The Raytheon RayTech PC to SeaTalk (Model #E85001) enables PC's running to achieve bi-directional communication with Raytheon's SeaTalk bus. The PC to SeaTalk converter also converts SeaTalk into NMEA and NMEA into SeaTalk. |
Updated June 30, 2003
We just took delivery on the Eluminx back-lit keyboard for the onboard computer. This keyboard uses an electroluminescent panel under a clear plastic key overlay etched in black lettering. The color I choose is the black frame with the aquamarine illumination. I was initially concerned that it may impair night vision, but the subtle glow works great in the pilot house.
The keyboard is produced by AuraVision and is of the highest quality.
This project has not been started other than a temporary rig of the new Raymarine GPS for the ICW trip and the Cap'N chart plotting software.
Photos below are not all of the same scale.
ST60 Tri-Data from RayMarine
CourseMaster CM450 Auto Pilot
