Thursday, April 06, 2006

BMW Motorrad Navigator III

"Garmin appears to be getting ready to release the Garmin BMW Motorrad Navigator III, a GPS navigation system designed for BMW motorcycles in the USA. The Garmin BWM Motorrad Navigator III features turn by turn directions, voice prompting, and uses Bluetooth to transmit audio to Bluetooth receivers.
Previously the Navigator II was available in the USA and the Navigator III was available in parts of Europe. We have seen indications the BMW Motorrad Navigator III will soon be available in the USA.

The Navigator III features Bluetooth connectivity that will allow simultaneous connections to both a helmet with integrated Bluetooth audio as well as a cellular phone to offer hands-free communication.
Traffic information can also be obtained through an optional service and FM traffic receiver. There is also an optional remote control which works via IR. No word yet on exactly when the Garmin BMW Motorrad Navigator III might be released in the USA. "

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Furuno's Newest Fish Finders Utilize Digital Technology





In 1948, FURUNO introduced the world’s first commercially available fish finder, revolutionizing how fishermen found their catch. Fast forward to 2006, where FURUNO’s famous fish finder technology now implements the latest in digital filtering for enhanced detail and accuracy, introducing the new FCV-585 and FCV-620 digital, dual-frequency fish finders.
FURUNO’s new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology adapts to your fishing environment by adjusting gain, STC and output power, as well as suppressing main bang (the echoes or clutter just below the transducer). It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher between baitfish and larger target species. The DSP filter optimizes the gain to suit the search range. For example, when searching in deep water, the pulse length is made wider and the reception band is made narrower, allowing for better and clearer detection at the deeper range. This is perfect for finding bottom fish, because the digital filter separates the noise from the actual seabed structure, allowing you to see the target fish close to the seabed.
Shallow water detection is also enhanced with the new DSP technology by suppressing surface clutter mainly caused by the vessels propeller. Together with its exceptionally fast transmission rate of 3,000 times per minute at the range of 5 m, this new technology enables you to identify bait pods and individual fish targets right under the boat.
The FCV-585 sports an incredibly bright and large 8.4' VGA sunlight viewable 256-color LCD that will stand up to the harshest conditions. The FCV-620 employs a 5.6' QVGA display with the same characteristics as the FCV585. Both have a wide viewing angle and can dis"