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FAQ: MaxSea TimeZero App Compatibility with FURUNO DRS4W Radar and AIS The next version of the MaxSea TimeZero App will be a true game-changer for the marine navigation app market. The App will allow cutting-edge compatibility with the FURUNO 1st Watch Wireless Radar (DRS4W), as well as the ability to display AIS information.
From spring 2015, boaters will have the option to connect their FURUNO 1st Watch Wireless Radar (DRS4W) with the MaxSea TimeZero App, by adding the optional Radar Module. This module will unlock the ability to overlay the radar image from the FURUNO DRS4W across the app's navigational chart in real-time. The optional AIS Module will let boaters access AIS information directly from the MaxSea TimeZero App. These new functions will offer boaters added safety and comfort on board. It will be easier than ever before to check radar and AIS information and in turn to be aware of your boat's surroundings from anywhere on your vessel. Presentation of the radar echo will be done without any limitations using the fast and smooth TimeZero chart engine in 2D or 3D, as in the images below. Learn more about the TimeZero chart engine.
See below for answers to the most frequently-asked questions.
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
How can I connect my iPad and the MaxSea App to the FURUNO DRS4W Radar? The DRS4W Radar creates its own wireless network access point. The iPad must be set up to join the Radar wireless network. All DRS4W Radars create a network with an identifier (SSID) starting with DRS4Wxxxxxxxx. The wireless network is protected using a password (WPA2Personal) which is unique to each DRS.
I already have a wireless access point on my boat. Can I set up the DRS4W to join that network? No, the DRS4W can only create its own wireless network and cannot join any existing wireless networks. Please also note that the SSID and Password used to connect to the DRS4W network are fixed and cannot be changed.
Does the MaxSea TimeZero App require an external heading sensor to display Radar overlay on the chart? While strongly recommended, an external heading sensor is not mandatory to overlay Radar echoes on the chart. The MaxSea TimeZero App can use its internal (or external) GPS Course Over Ground (COG) to align the Radar on the chart. Please note that the COG will only be used when the boat moves over 1Kn. WARNING: COG might result in inaccurate Radar alignment in situations with strong winds and currents. It is always recommended to connect an external heading sensor to the MaxSea App.
Does the MaxSea TimeZero App require an external heading sensor to display AIS targets on the chart? No, heading information is NOT required to display AIS on the chart.
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
How can I connect external sensors (GPS and Heading) to the MaxSea TimeZero App if I want accurate Radar Overlay? A serial to Wi-Fi Bridge can be used to send standard NMEA 0183 sentences on the Wireless network. The regular NMEA 0183 output of the sensor is connected to the Wi-Fi Bridge’s serial interface. The Wi-Fi Bridge then sends the NMEA 0183 sentences over the Wireless Network (using UDP or TCP).
Some AIS Receivers/transponders have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities; can I use them with the MaxSea TimeZero App? Yes. However, if you want to use AIS and Radar at the same time, you need to make sure that the AIS can connect to an existing Wi-Fi network (the DRS4W network).
We will include a list of Wireless Gateways that have been tested with the MaxSea TimeZero App at the time of release.
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
Is the MaxSea TimeZero App compatible with NMEA 2000 PGN? At the beginning, the MaxSea TimeZero App will only be compatible with standard NMEA 0183 sentences such as GGA, VTG, VDM, HDG or HDT (the full sentence compatibility will be available at the time of release). If your sensor’s output is NMEA 2000 only, a NMEA 2000-toNMEA 0183 converter (such as the FURUNO IF-NMEA2K2) can be used:
Can the internal compass of the iPad be used if it is mounted at a fixed location? No, the internal compass of the iPad cannot be used (even if the iPad is mounted to a fixed location). For an accurate Radar overlay presentation, an external compass must be used.
What parameters of the DRS4W Radar can I adjust from the MaxSea TimeZero App? MaxSea TimeZero App will be able to adjust all the Radar user parameters so you don’t have to switch between multiple Apps on your iPad. Note: Only the initial Sector Blank adjustment will need to be done from the standalone FURUNO App.
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
Is MaxSea TimeZero PC-based software compatible with the DRS4W Radar? No, at this time, the DRS4W is only compatible with the MaxSea TimeZero App. MaxSea PCbased software (MaxSea TimeZero Explorer/SportFishing/ECS/PLOT) remain compatible with the FURUNO NavNet DRS (*) and FAR2xx7 series Radar. (*) FURUNO NavNet 3D or NavNet TZtouch MFD required.
Is or will the MaxSea TimeZero App be compatible with FURUNO Ethernet Radars (DRS, FAR2xx7)? No. These Radars must use a physical network connection (Ethernet 100Mb). Only the DRS4W has been optimized to be able to send Radar data over Wi-Fi.
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
When will the Radar Overlay Module with DRS4W and the AIS Module be available? Both of these optional modules will be released in spring 2015. The exact date is to be confirmed.
How much will they cost? The Radar Overlay Module with DRS4W will be available for €44.99, whereas the AIS Module will cost €8.99. They will both be available as in-app purchases.
For full information on the MaxSea TimeZero App, please refer to the dedicated website.
If you have any questions, please contact
[email protected]
www.maxsea.com – March 2015
