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The GPSMAP 3010C and
the GPSMAP 3006C launch
Garmin into the world of Marine networking, with plug-and-play systems that
put GPS, weather, sonar, radar, and other important data at boaters’
fingertips. Both units are waterproof
and feature a sunlight readable, 256-color, 640 x 480-pixel VGA display. The
screen size for the GPSMAP 3010C is 10.4" diagonal. These multifunction
displays (MFDs) are powered by a high-speed processor and graphics
controller for fast redraw of charts and weather graphics. They communicate
with the Garmin Marine Network through a 100-megabit Garmin-proprietary
ethernet-based network. The entire system is waterproof and completely
plug-and-play—the MFDs automatically detect any and all peripherals once
they’re connected. Boaters can connect a GPS antenna and one remote sensor
directly to the MFD. Or, with the addition of the GMS™ 10 Network Port
Expander, users can connect multiple MFDs and sensors to the same network.
Each networked MFD can be configured independently.
A unique feature to the Garmin Marine Network
is the addition of the GDL™
30 weather data receiver. Through a partnership with XM WX Satellite
Weather, mariners can—for the first time—access real-time graphical weather
data for the United States directly on the GPSMAP 3010C or 3006C—without the
need for a separate PC interface. For those wanting more than 120 channels
of XM Satellite Radio along with weather data, Garmin also offers the
GDL 30A—which provides a
unique audio-channel interface on the 3010C and 3006C that allows for
connection to an on-board stereo.
GPSMAP 3000 series products receive sonar
data through the
GSD 20, a proprietary "black box" sounder which offers 4,000 watts of
peak-to-peak power (500 watts RMS) in a dual-frequency transducer. The
Garmin Marine Network will be compatible with Garmin's new marine radar that
is expected for the 2005 marine season. More information on the radar should
be available in late 2004.
The Garmin Marine Network also offers a
unique network upgrade system. The user simply prompts the MFD to read the
current software version of all components within the network, and writes
them onto a Garmin data card. Then the user uploads this data via a PC to
the Garmin website, where the newest software versions are downloaded to the
data card. The entire system is automatically updated once the card is
re-inserted into the MFD. |